The Best Halloween Songs: 20 Spooky Songs for Kids and Adults

Every great Halloween party needs the right soundtrack. The candy is easy. The costumes take effort. The music is what makes people dance, howl and sing along.

We've put together a playlist that works for the whole night. The first set is for the little ghouls, with silly, singable songs that are all fun and no fright. The second set is for the grown-ups, with moody classics and a few creepy-crawly dance floor favourites.

Press play, dim the lights and enjoy.

Part One: Kids' Halloween Songs

Start the party early with these. They're playful, easy to sing and perfect for costume parades, craft tables and sugar-fuelled dancing.

1. "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers

The one that started it all. This 1962 novelty hit topped the US charts and gave Halloween parties their unofficial anthem.

The spooky voice and graveyard dance moves are pure fun.

2. "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.

Everyone knows the question and everyone shouts the answer.

The theme from the 1984 movie went to number one and still gets the whole room chanting.

3. "This Is Halloween" from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Danny Elfman's big, theatrical opener is dramatic and delightfully creepy without being too scary. Kids love the chanting, and parents love that it works for both Halloween and December.

4. "Spooky, Scary Skeletons" by Andrew Gold

This 1996 song found a whole new generation of fans online.

It's quick, catchy and made for a skeleton-dance break.

5. "The Addams Family Theme" by Vic Mizzy

Two finger snaps and the whole room is in. This theme from the 1960s TV series is short, simple and impossible to resist.

6. "Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley

A one-eyed, one-horned, flying monster who wants to join a rock band? Of course. This 1958 chart-topper is as silly as it sounds, and the little ones will love it.

7. "The Witch Doctor" by David Seville

Before the Chipmunks became household names, David Seville had a chart-topping hit with this sped-up, nonsense-syllable chant. Get ready for a room full of kids shouting "ooh-eee-ooh-ah-ah."

8. "I Put a Spell on You" from Hocus Pocus

Bette Midler's showstopping performance as Winifred Sanderson is a Halloween movie staple. The 1993 film has become a family tradition, and this number is its musical highlight.

Part Two: Halloween Songs for Adults

Once the little trick-or-treaters are tucked in, it's time to turn up the volume. These songs lean spooky, moody and mischievous.

9. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson

The ultimate Halloween dance track. Vincent Price's chilling spoken-word section is part of its legend, and the zombie dance is still the best party trick around.

10. "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell

Paranoia has never sounded so catchy. This 1984 hit features Michael Jackson singing the chorus, and it still makes you glance at the window.

11. "Dead Man's Party" by Oingo Boingo

Fronted by Danny Elfman, the same genius behind The Nightmare Before Christmas, this 1985 new wave favourite is a high-energy classic for costume contests and midnight dancing.

12. "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon

Piano, a swaggering groove and an unforgettable howl. Zevon's 1978 hit is wry, wild and made for singing along to at full volume.

13. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult

Haunting guitar lines and eerie harmonies make this 1976 classic a Halloween essential. A famous Saturday Night Live sketch also turned it into the home of "more cowbell."

14. "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

An upbeat tune with a gloomy forecast. This 1969 rocker is perfect for a party, and if you've ever misheard the lyrics, you're not alone.

15. "Season of the Witch" by Donovan

Moody, hypnotic and a little bit eerie, this 1966 track sets the mood for a candlelit gathering.

16. "Witchy Woman" by Eagles

Smooth, mysterious and a little bewitching. This early Eagles hit from their 1972 debut album adds a touch of laid-back magic to the playlist.

17. "Black Magic Woman" by Santana

Santana turned this bluesy tune, first recorded by Fleetwood Mac, into a smoky, Latin-flavoured classic in 1970. It's a slow-burn standout for the late hours.

18. "Love Potion No. 9" by The Searchers

A cheeky tale of a bubbling brew and a very strong spell. The Clovers recorded the original, but The Searchers' 1964 version made it a hit.

19. "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran

Sleek, fast and a little bit feral.

This 1982 favourite has the beat to keep a dance floor moving all night.

20. "The Time Warp" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Jump to the left, step to the right.

This cult classic has built-in dance instructions, which makes it a great way to close the night with everyone moving together.

Tips for a Smooth Halloween Playlist

A little planning goes a long way:

• Start playful. Kick off with the kids' set while the little ones are most energetic.
• Switch at the right moment. When it's time for the grown-up set, start with "Thriller" to get everyone on their feet.
• Mix in sound effects. Creaky doors and thunder add atmosphere between songs.
• Keep volume in check. Spooky doesn't have to mean loud, especially with younger guests around.

Your Turn

Did we miss your favourite Halloween song? Tell us which spooky tune belongs on the playlist.

Want more music to keep the party going? Listen live to Kool FM for the hits you love all night long.