Music plays an essential role in creating the atmosphere for Halloween. From classic horror movie soundtracks to novelty songs that have become seasonal traditions, Halloween music helps set the mood for the spookiest night of the year. Here is our guide to the most memorable Halloween music.

Classic Halloween Songs

These songs have become essential parts of Halloween celebrations around the world.

Monster Mash (1962)

Bobby “Boris” Pickett created this novelty song that has become synonymous with Halloween. Inspired by the voice of Boris Karloff, the song tells the story of a monster party and has remained on the charts every October since its release. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics make it perfect for Halloween parties.

Thriller (1982)

Michael Jackson’s iconic song and its legendary music video directed by John Landis transformed how we think about Halloween music. The song’s combination of funk, rock, and Vincent Price’s spoken word section created a masterpiece. The zombie dance sequence from the video has been recreated countless times and remains one of the most recognized music videos in history.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Ray Parker Jr.’s theme song for the comedy film became an instant hit. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it a Halloween party favorite. The song captures the playful spirit of Halloween and continues to get people dancing every October.

Somebody’s Watching Me (1984)

Rockwell’s paranoid anthem, featuring Michael Jackson on backing vocals, captures the feeling of being watched. The song’s chorus has become iconic and perfectly suits the Halloween atmosphere of suspicion and unease.

This Is Halloween (1993)

Danny Elfman’s opening song from The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a modern Halloween classic. The song introduces the characters of Halloween Town and celebrates everything spooky and strange about the holiday. Its theatrical style and memorable melody have made it a favorite for Halloween celebrations.

Horror Movie Soundtracks

The music from horror films often becomes just as memorable as the movies themselves.

Halloween Theme (1978)

John Carpenter composed this minimalist piano melody that has become one of the most recognizable pieces of horror music. The simple yet effective theme creates an atmosphere of dread and tension that perfectly complements the film. Carpenter proved that horror music does not need to be complex to be terrifying.

Psycho - The Murder Scene (1960)

Bernard Herrmann’s shrieking violin strings during the famous shower scene changed film music forever. The stabbing notes perfectly matched the violence on screen and created a template for horror scoring. This piece has been referenced and parodied countless times in popular culture.

The Exorcist Theme - Tubular Bells (1973)

Mike Oldfield’s progressive rock composition was used in The Exorcist and has since become associated with supernatural horror. The haunting melody immediately brings to mind images of demonic possession and has been used in countless Halloween contexts.

Jaws Theme (1975)

John Williams’ two-note motif representing the shark in Jaws is perhaps the most famous piece of suspense music ever written. The simple pattern builds tension and creates a sense of approaching danger that audiences immediately recognize.

A Nightmare on Elm Street Theme (1984)

Charles Bernstein’s score for the film captures the dreamlike quality of the story. The main theme has an ethereal quality that suggests both childhood innocence and lurking danger, perfectly matching the film’s premise of nightmares becoming reality.

Gothic and Dark Music

For those who prefer a more atmospheric approach to Halloween music, these artists create sounds that embrace the darker side of the season.

Bauhaus

This English band helped define the gothic rock genre. Their song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” (1979) is considered the founding song of gothic rock and remains a Halloween favorite. The nearly ten-minute track creates an atmosphere of vampire cinema and dark romance.

The Sisters of Mercy

Another influential gothic rock band, known for their deep vocals and atmospheric synthesizers. Songs like “This Corrosion” and “Temple of Love” provide the perfect soundtrack for dark Halloween parties.

Type O Negative

This American band combined gothic metal with dark humor. Their cover of “Black Sabbath” and original songs like “Black No. 1” have become Halloween staples for rock fans.

Classical Music for Halloween

Many classical compositions evoke the supernatural and work perfectly for Halloween atmospheres.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor - Johann Sebastian Bach

Often associated with haunted houses and vampires, this organ piece has become iconic in horror contexts. Its dramatic opening and complex structure create an atmosphere of gothic grandeur.

Danse Macabre - Camille Saint-Saens

This symphonic poem depicts Death playing the violin at midnight while skeletons rise from their graves to dance. The piece perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween with its playful yet eerie melody.

Night on Bald Mountain - Modest Mussorgsky

This orchestral work depicts a witches’ gathering on a mountain during the night of the summer solstice. The dramatic and powerful music was famously used in Disney’s Fantasia and remains associated with dark supernatural forces.

In the Hall of the Mountain King - Edvard Grieg

Originally written for the play Peer Gynt, this piece builds in intensity as it progresses. The growing tension and dramatic climax make it perfect for building suspense during Halloween events.

Creating Your Halloween Playlist

When building the perfect Halloween playlist, consider the mood you want to create. Here are some suggestions:

For a Children’s Party

Focus on fun, upbeat songs like “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters,” and “This Is Halloween.” These songs are energetic and playful without being too frightening.

For a Haunted House

Use atmospheric soundtracks like the Halloween theme, Tubular Bells, and ambient sounds of wind, thunder, and creaking doors. The music should build tension and unease without distracting from the experience.

For an Adult Costume Party

Mix classic songs with modern dance tracks and gothic rock. Include songs like “Thriller,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” and selections from bands like The Cure or Depeche Mode that have dark but danceable sounds.

For a Quiet Evening

Classical pieces like Danse Macabre and atmospheric scores create a sophisticated Halloween atmosphere. Combine these with softer gothic music for an evening of elegant spookiness.

The Power of Halloween Music

Music has the unique ability to transform spaces and moods. The right Halloween playlist can turn an ordinary room into a haunted mansion or a monster’s lair. Whether you prefer classic horror scores, novelty songs, or dark rock music, there is Halloween music for every taste and occasion.

The best Halloween music reminds us why we love this holiday. It celebrates the mysterious, the supernatural, and the thrill of being just a little bit scared. So turn up the volume, dim the lights, and let the music transport you into the spirit of Halloween.