Christmas music gets a ton of hype. I get it, nothing hits like walking into Winners and they’re playing Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped in Red”. But what about this time of year? Halloween music? Amazing.  

The world under-appreciates Halloween music and honestly, it is not fair. I will give you ten songs I hope are on your Halloween playlist (even if the ten songs are your whole playlist, I won’t judge you).

Monster Mash– Bobby “Boris” Pickett, The Crypt-Kickers 

You hear that door creak open and you are instantly in a spooky mood. I have a question though, what even is the Monster Mash? A jam? Absolutely. But the Mash caught on in a flash and honestly, I don’t know what really it is. A dance? A song? What did ever happen to the Transylvania Twist? Regardless, nothing says Halloween the same way the Monster Mash does.  

The Purple People Eater- Sheb Wooley 

This could have been one of the monsters doing the Monster Mash. I love this song and I think it is less known than the rest of the Halloween jams. You want to dance to this, don’t lie to yourself. Singing the purple people eater’s lines are incredible. His horn solo wraps the song up perfectly. 

This is Halloween – The Citizens of Halloween 

Say what you want about ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, who knows if it is a Christmas or Halloween movie. Doesn’t matter if you ask me because This is Halloween.  

I Want Candy- Aaron Carter 

Sure, this song isn’t actually about Halloween at all. It is about Candy, a girl… but Aaron Carter singing this in a Christmas episode of Lizzie McGuire is iconic. I want candy on Halloween and no more questions regarding this song choice. 

Spooky, Scary Skeletons- Undead Tombstone Remix- Andrew Gold  

Something about the remix gets you bouncing. The original is a little too slow for the vibes I want to put out on a playlist. I can see the spooky, scary skeletons dancing to this. 

Time Warp- Little Nell, Patricia Quinn, Richard O’Brien 

It is not Halloween without Rocky Horror. That is all. 

Say My Name- Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice Original Broadway Cast Recording) 

If you were on TikTok when Broadway songs were the only popular, you’ll know this song. Maybe you won’t recognize it at first, but let it get to the one-minute mark. Soon you’ll be saying “Beetlejuice. Yeeeeesss. Beetlejuice. Yeeeeeesssss. Beeeeeeeecause!” 

Thriller- Michael Jackson 

There is nothing quite like doing the zombie dance moves and pretending like you know the actual dance. Another tune that starts with a creaking door and some howling, then you know it is about to get down and creepy. 

Werewolves of London- Warren Zevon 

See how many of your friends think this is Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” and get confused on the first line. Werewolves are an important part of Halloween, especially if you’re Team Jacob. 

Ghostbusters– Ray Parker Jr.  

Can’t be afraid of no ghosts with this bop playing in the background. Even if you don’t know anything except when to say “Ghostbusters!” You’re still having a great time. 

Honourable Mentions