When the weather starts to get chilly and December is in full swing, Christmas music takes over radio stations, grocery store aisles, and family gatherings. And don’t get us wrong – music is part of what makes Christmas feel so magical. However, sometimes it feels like Halloween gets left out of the conversation.
Whether you’re looking for something a little spookier, a little weirder, or trying to find a soundtrack for your next costume party, we’ve compiled this list of songs that will help you tap into the eerie, playful, and haunting vibes that make Halloween so special. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, throw on your favorite cozy sweater, and check out these picks.
1: “Zombie” by The Cranberries
“Zombie” by The Cranberries is a classic grunge song that fits right into those spooky season vibes. The haunting melodies, dark and distorted guitar, and lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s chilling vocals create a ghostly and powerful, almost eerie sound. “Zombie”, repeated in lyrics throughout the whole song, echoes and haunts the listener, almost like a chant. While the song was originally written as a protest against violence and war, its tone and intensity give it a haunting depth that feels right at home in the Halloween atmosphere. The way O’Riordan’s voice wails and cracks adds an otherworldly quality, as if the song itself is rising from the grave to tell its story. “Zombie” captures both emotional and sonic eeriness making it not just a political anthem, but a moody, spine-tingling addition to any spooky season playlist.
2: “Dracula” by Tame Impala
“Dracula”, from Tame Impala’s newest album “Deadbeat”, is the freshest song on this list having only been released on September 26, 2025. Featuring Kevin Parker’s long-standing musical tradition of heavy production and trippy guitar rifts, the atmosphere of “Dracula” is haunting and hypnotic, like Dracula himself. The layered sounds and swirling effects create a sense of otherworldliness, making listeners feel as though they’ve stepped into a shadowy, late-night world where anything could happen. Kevin Parker’s vocals drift between dreamy and intense, adding to the song’s eerie, almost supernatural energy.
Unlike traditional Halloween tracks that rely on obvious scares or spooky samples, “Dracula” evokes a more subtle, psychological kind of creepiness, the kind that lingers long after the song ends. Its hypnotic beat and moody instrumentation make it perfect for nighttime drives, dimly lit parties, or quiet moments of contemplation during the spooky season. By blending psychedelic rock with dark, gothic undertones, Tame Impala has crafted a track that feels both modern and timeless, proving that Halloween music doesn’t have to be overtly scary to capture the essence of the season. “Dracula” is haunting, hypnotic, and unmistakably Tame Impala.
3: “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
“Ghostbusters” is one of those songs that just screams Halloween. Recognizable from pretty much the moment it starts, the funky-yet-spooky song is the pop-anthem of halloween. The call and response aspect (“Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!”) makes this a hit for halloween parties or costume contests, and it’s the epicenter anthem of family-fun Halloween activities. While it was written for a comedy, the song’s ghostly sound effects, catchy hook, and upbeat groove give it the kind of timeless camp that defines the holiday. It captures everything fun about the spooky season: haunted houses, friendly ghosts, neon slime, and that mix of fear and laughter that keeps people dancing instead of screaming. “Ghostbusters” isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a celebration of the supernatural with a wink. It’s proof that Halloween doesn’t have to be all chills and shadows; sometimes, it’s about laughing in the dark with your friends.
4: “Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps
“Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps is gothic rock at its finest. It’s a perfect blend of camp, creep, cool, and creative. The 1981 track oozes with a sense of punk attitude and features twangy guitars and a powerful bassline.The lyrics tell the story of a monster who prowls the streets at night, transforming into something wild and unrestrained under the moonlight—a theme that fits Halloween to a tee. It’s playful but eerie, like a B-movie soundtrack brought to life.
Recently revived by Wednesday on Netflix, the song has found a new generation of fans who love its retro spookiness and unhinged swagger. “Goo Goo Muck” is the sound of eyeliner smudging at midnight, of leather jackets and flickering jack-o’-lanterns, of dancing like nobody’s watching in a haunted house. It gives the vibe of getting ready with friends for a costume party. It’s not just a Halloween song—it is the Halloween aesthetic.
5: “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo might not be the most straightforward Halloween song on this list, but its eerie vibe, haunting lyrics, and emotional bite make it perfect for the Halloween season. This song turns a gut-wrenching heartbreak into a metaphor about a vampire: blood-sucking, teeth-sinking, and absolutely heartless. Rodrigo’s powerhouse vocals build from quiet vulnerability to explosive anger, mirroring the transformation from victim to vengeful survivor. The dramatic piano and swelling production give the song an eerie theatrical flair, like the climax of a haunting love story. It captures the emotional intensity that defines Halloween: not just about monsters and ghosts, but the feelings that haunt us. “Vampire” channels the pain of betrayal through a supernatural lens, making it the ideal soundtrack for moody fall nights, crying under string lights, or walking home under a full moon. It’s heartbreak horror, and it’s beautifully chilling.
6. “I Put A Spell On You” By Jay Hawkins
There’s something special about “I Put a Spell on You.” The original version by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins from 1956 is pure emotion, dark, passionate, and a little bit unhinged in the best way. With its raspy vocals and moody, bluesy sound, it feels like stepping into an old jazz bar where love and magic blur together. It’s haunting, dramatic, and unforgettable, the kind of song that sticks with you long after it ends.
Most people now think of the Hocus Pocus version, where Bette Midler completely owns the stage. That performance turned the song into a Halloween classic, fun, theatrical, and a little over the top (in the best way). The scene with the lights, the dancing crowd, and her playful “spell” on everyone captures exactly what makes this song iconic. Whether you love the original or the Disney version, it’s proof that Halloween isn’t just about being scared, it’s about a little magic, a little drama, and a lot of fun.
7. “Monster Mash” By Bobby Boris
If Halloween had a national anthem, it would be “Monster Mash.” Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s 1962 hit has come back from the grave every October for over sixty years, and it never gets old. It’s goofy, catchy, and totally iconic, painting the perfect picture of a monster dance party with Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein all grooving together. It’s the kind of song that instantly makes you smile the second you hear that opening line.
What makes “Monster Mash” so great is how it leans into the fun side of Halloween. It’s spooky without being scary, playful without trying too hard. Whether you’re at a costume party, handing out candy, or just driving with the windows down on a crisp fall night, this song fits. The old-school sound and Pickett’s deep, spooky voice make it impossible not to sing along, it’s the kind of classic that reminds you Halloween is supposed to be fun.
8. “The Addams Family”
The moment those finger snaps start, everyone knows what’s coming. “The Addams Family Theme” isn’t just a song, it’s a piece of spooky pop culture history. Written by Vic Mizzy for the 1964 TV show, it’s the perfect mix of eerie and funny, with lyrics that celebrate the Addams family’s strange charm. It’s one of those rare Halloween songs that feels spooky but still wholesome, capturing that playful kind of weird we all secretly love.
Over the years, the song has kept its magic. From movie remakes to TikTok remixes, every generation finds a way to bring it back. Its bouncy rhythm and simple snaps make it impossible not to join in, whether you’re at a costume party or just feeling nostalgic. It’s proof that spooky doesn’t have to be scary, sometimes, it’s just about embracing the strange and having fun with it.
9. “Calling all the Monster” By: China Anne Mclain
When “Calling All the Monsters” dropped in 2011, China Anne McClain gave a new generation its own Halloween anthem. The track mixes upbeat pop with a spooky edge, perfect for dance parties, school events, or just getting into the October mood. With its pulsing beat and confident lyrics, it’s a celebration of embracing your inner “monster” and having fun with it.
More than a decade later, it still hits. The song’s blend of nostalgia and energy makes it a go-to every fall, especially for those who grew up watching Disney Channel’s Halloween marathons. It’s youthful, fearless, and just the right amount of eerie, the perfect way to bridge classic Halloween charm with modern pop magic.
