Here’s 9 Songs From Movies and TV Shows To Add To Your Halloween Party Playlist

As the spookiest day of the year fastly approaches, crafting the perfect Halloween party playlist becomes an art form in itself. What better way to set the eerie, thrilling, and sometimes whimsical mood of your gathering than by adding iconic Halloween songs to the mix?

These tracks not only transport your guests to the chilling worlds of classic horror films, but also infuse your party with a dose of nostalgia and lively spirit. From the haunting to the quirky, these cinematic gems are the ideal soundtrack to your Halloween soirée, making it a bewitching experience your guests won't forget.

“This Is Halloween" by Danny Elfman

Gather around the Pumpkin King with the opening sequence in Tim Burton’s Halloween and Christmas crossover film.

"This Is Halloween" is a perfect addition to any Halloween party playlist because it encapsulates the eerie and playful atmosphere of the holiday. The song, originally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, combines spooky melodies, lively lyrics, and a catchy rhythm that's both fun and chilling. Its theatrical elements make it a fantastic choice to set the Halloween mood and its memorable chorus is ideal for getting partygoers in the spirit of the season.

Whether you're hosting a costume party or a haunted house gathering, "This Is Halloween" will undoubtedly enhance the festive ambiance and have everyone singing along to its iconic verses.


"Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.

The catchy theme song from the 1984 film Ghostbusters is not only a Halloween favorite, but a pop culture classic. Your guests will automatically know what song is playing after the first note. "Who you gonna call?" has become synonymous with the movie and is sure to get anyone in the Halloween mood.

The song's association with the popular '80s film franchise adds a sense of nostalgia, making it a conversation starter among party guests. Its inclusion in your playlist will ensure that people of all ages can enjoy the track, making it a versatile choice for a diverse crowd.

Hunt down some ghosts at your party with the iconic Ghostbusters theme song or the film on Sling TV and Peacock.


“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult, featured in 1978’s Halloween, effortlessly blends a haunting and melodic atmosphere. The song's eerie guitar riffs and evocative lyrics create a sense of mystery and intrigue, which perfectly suits the Halloween vibe. Fans know the song plays while Laurie, in the car with Annie, is clueless that the “reaper” aka Michael Myers is stalking her. The song's inclusion in this scene is perfect with its steady rhythm and soothing yet slightly eerie vocals that give it an otherworldly quality.

Moreover, the song's timeless appeal ensures it will resonate with both classic rock enthusiasts and newer generations, making it a compelling addition that adds a touch of the macabre to your Halloween celebration.


“I Put a Spell on You” by Bette Midler

Featured in the film Hocus Pocus, this song is particularly well-suited for a Halloween playlist. Bette Midler's rendition infuses the song with theatricality and a captivating sense of enchantment. Her powerful and charismatic performance in the movie adds an extra layer of witchy charm.

Who could ever forget the iconic Sanderson Sisters performance? Even those partygoers danced all night! The song's addition in Hocus Pocus has cemented it as a beloved and iconic Halloween tune and its use in the film brings back fond memories for many, making it a delightful addition to your spooky playlist.


“Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers

Did you really think we wouldn’t include this classic Halloween track?

“Monster Mash” finds its way into every party playlist during the spooky season. Bobby Pickett’s catchy tune makes it a perfect choice for any gathering. The lyrics pay homage to classic movie monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and Wolfman as they dance their feet off at an energetic party. This hit song was featured in movies like Monster Mash: The Movie, Goosebumps 2: Haunted House, and song credits for Hubie Halloween. Its memorable chorus will invite your guests to move and groove around.

Dance along with your ghoulish friends to the “Monster Mash” and have a graveyard smash.


“Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps

I bet when you hear this song there’s one word that will come to your mind… that’s right, Wednesday!

“Goo Goo Muck” gained more popularity after Jenna Ortega went viral for dancing to this song as Wednesday Addams in her usual peculiar yet intriguing attitude. The song has an upbeat rock n roll feel with rebellious undertones that makes it enjoyable for Wednesday lovers to die-hard rock n roll fans. Its retro vibe makes it ideal for setting a mischievous and edgy tone at a Halloween party.

Dance to the “Goo Goo Muck” with your guests this Halloween and refresh your memory of the dance with Wednesday on Netflix.


“Calling All The Monsters” by China Anne McClain

If you’re anything like me, you might joke around and say China Anne McClain invented Halloween with her hit song “Calling All The Monsters.”

But seriously, at 13 years old, she managed to create one of the biggest Disney Halloween songs that had everyone on their feet. China performs this song during the first season of Disney Channel’s A.N.T Farm at her character’s Halloween dance. This song is heavily associated with the spooky szn and rightfully so!

The song encourages a lively atmosphere and is particularly appealing to a younger crowd (or the now adults who grew up watching A.N.T Farm!), making it perfect for Halloween celebrations that include children or teenagers. "Calling All The Monsters" perfectly captures the fun and imaginative side of Halloween, inviting everyone to the dance floor while embracing the playful spirit of the season.

Sing along to this fun tune and invite the monsters to celebrate with you at the next Halloween gathering.


“Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Off with your head! “Heads Will Roll,” sung from the POV of the Queen of Hearts from Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, is an ideal addition, thanks to its edgy and intense energy. The song’s infectious beat and Karen O’s captivating vocals create a dynamic and eerie atmosphere that’s perfect for setting a thrilling and high-energy mood at your event.

Featured in Chucky, American Horror Stories, Fresh, and You, this tune’s sense of urgency perfectly aligns with not only these shows and movies, but your partygoers urge to get on the dancefloor to scream these lyrics that might even make your head roll!

Pump up your party with this exhilarating beat this Halloween!


“Time Warp” by Little Nell, Patricia Quinn, and Richard O’Brien

“The Time Warp," a classic song from the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, is an absolute must-have for its iconic party scene showcased. The film is a campy, outlandish, and quirky musical that has become synonymous with Halloween celebrations. "The Time Warp" provides the perfect soundtrack for the film's outlandish dance sequence, inviting partygoers to join in the revelry and reenact the iconic moves from the movie. I mean, if there’s already a dance to it, it should be perfect for all your guests to rush to the dancefloor and have a main character moment that we all strive for.

The scene within the movie takes place in Dr. Frank-N-Furter's castle, where a group of eccentric characters, including Brad and Janet, find themselves at the mercy of a bizarre and sensual gathering. While singing and dancing to “The Time Warp," the scene emphasizes the celebration of non-conformity and self-expression. This is a common sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of Halloween, where people can temporarily shed their inhibitions and embrace a world of weirdness and fun.

Be free and be you with this classic song on Halloween night.

Paola Cardenas

Paola Cardenas is a senior Journalism major and Rhetoric and Public Advocacy minor at Hofstra University. She contributes pieces to the Long Island Advocate as a student journalist. She is also a research assistant working on the effect of crime news on teenagers’ mental health. She enjoys writing poetry, binge watching TV shows and sustainability.

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