Spooky Songs Perfect For Every Halloween Playlist

By: Brianna Rose Hewitt
October 27, 2023

Turn up these wicked tunes…

Happy, Happy Halloween! Whether you are someone who starts celebrating in September or just goes all out for Halloweekend, there is one indisputable fact: you need a killer playlist! Here at Loop, we’ve gathered a list of that pulls Halloween hits from all genres and decades. From eerie ’80s bops to some monstrous modern hits, all these songs will get you in the spooky spirit.

“Callin’ All The Monsters” by China Anne McClain (2011)

Did Disney Channel know that when they had China Anne McClain record this song, they were creating the official Gen Z Halloween bop? “Calling All The Monsters” has yet to be dethroned as the ultimate Halloween song for those who grew up with the show “A.N.T. farm.” As someone part of this demographic, I can clearly remember the music video of China Anne McClain walking into a haunted house alone after her friends were too scared and dancing with all the creatures she found.

McClain knows this 2011 song is her legacy and even re-recorded the song on the 10 year anniversary in 2021 with her sisters, also known as the band Thriii. However, there is no doubt the original is unmatched.

Standout Lyrics:
Tonight all the monsters gonna dance
We’re comin’ to get ya
If you’re only dreaming
Why I hear you screaming?

“Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers (1962)

We cannot forget this Halloween classic! Hearing this song for the first time each year is the official mark of spooky season, and it’s impossible not to hear it! “Monster Mash” is everywhere from movie and TV soundtracks to social media (including viral TikTok sounds) to even just walking around in a department store. Bobby “Boris” Pickett forever changed Halloween with this song as the holiday and the medley are officially tied together for the rest of time.

Standout Lyrics:
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the Monster Mash

“Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo (2023)

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” might have been the song of the Summer, but its nature easily transitions it to Halloween. While the vampire she’s referring to is no Edward Cullen, the song brings to light that there are always people that belong in nightmares around us. Be sure to look out for fangs and the red flags.

Standout Lyrics:
But you made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin’ me dry, like a goddamn vampire

“Monster” by Kanye West Ft. Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross & Jay-Z (2010)

One of the most iconic collabs, “Monster” by Kanye West serves 2010s nostalgia. Everyone brought their own style, but somehow everything melds perfectly. Each “Monster” listener has a favorite verse, but we believe Miss Nicki Minaj took the crown. She killed her verse so much that West even considered removing her from the track because he thought she outperformed him! Thank goodness he didn’t because this Halloween (and year round) worthy track just wouldn’t be the same without getting to scream, “Pull up in the monster, automobile gangsta with a bad bitch that came from Sri Lanka.”

Standout Lyrics:
Okay, first things first I’ll eat your brains
Then I’ma start rockin’ gold teeth and fangs
‘Cause that’s what a motherfuckin’ monster do

“Disturbia” by Rihanna (2008)

Is Rihanna scaring you tonight? There are a lot of things that can make one scared at Halloween: ghosts, random bats, scary clowns or maybe even one’s thoughts. One might say they are in “Disturbia.” Rihanna’s 2008 hit gives all the eerie vibes to fit Halloween and shows sometimes the biggest thing to fear is ourselves.

Standout Lyrics:
We’re in the city of wonder
Ain’t gonna play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must falter be wise

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1982)

Possibly one of the most iconic songs of all time, it would be a crime to not include Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The lyrics narrate a scary story! The music video is practically a mini horror movie itself! What more could one want in a Halloween song because this is Thriller and no one’s going to save you from the urge to do the iconic dance tonight.

Standout Lyrics:
It’s close to midnight
And something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You’re paralyzed
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night

“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Junior (1984)

For all your Halloween party needs, call Loop Magazine. But if there’s “something strange and it don’t look good,” call Ghostbusters! The iconic Halloween franchise has just as iconic a theme song thanks to Ray Parker Junior. Don’t be afraid to party or be afraid of any ghosts this season!

Standout Lyrics:
If there’s something strange
In your neighborhood
Who you gonna call?
(Ghostbusters)

“Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots (2016)

We’re slowing it down a little here. This Twenty One Pilots song might not be the best dance anthem. However, it’s perfect for sipping on some Halloween cocktails or adding to your pre-party playlist as you put on that costume that you’ve been planning for months. Written for the Suicide Squad movie, the beat and lyrics tell the the tale of exercising caution of all the characters you might witness this Halloween season.

Standout Lyrics:
We don’t deal with outsiders very well
They say newcomers have a certain smell
You have trust issues, not to mention
They say they can smell your intentions

“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell (1984)

Another Halloween classic, we are adding Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.” 1984 was definitely the year of Halloween anthems and this one capitalizes on something anyone can relate to: paranoia. From a creepy stalker to an evil entity, there’s always someone or something that can be watching, even if you are “an average man with an average life.”

Standout Lyrics:
It’s close to midnight
Something evil lurking in the dark, woh
Somebody’s watching me
Somebody’s watching me

“Freaks Come Out at Night” by Whodini (1984)

This song was specifically written about Santa Monica Boulevard, the Sunset Strip and every other party block in Los Angeles. Well…maybe not, but it sure does feel like it, and with all the Halloween costumes LA is about to witness, Whodini is as true as ever. However, all “the freaks” are about to have the most fun dancing the night away, and this unofficial anthem deserves to be played.

Standout Lyrics:
Discos don’t open ’till after dark
And it ain’t ’till twelve ’till the party really starts
And I always had to be home by ten
Right before the fun was about to begin
Crowds of people lined up inside and out
Just one reason, to rock the house
But in the day time the streets was clear
You couldn’t find a good freak anywhere, ’cause
The freaks come out at night

“This is Halloween” by Marilyn Manson (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? It’s a debate that rials its fanbase up, but there is no argument when it comes to this song. Marilyn Manson’s version of “This is Halloween” is a great song and it definitely belongs in the spooky season category, even Jack Skeleton would agree.

Standout Lyrics:
This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat ’til the neighbors gonna die of fright
It’s our town, everybody scream
In this town of Halloween

“Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga (2011)

At all your Halloween parties, get ready to dance dance dance with your hands hands hands above your head head head. This Lady Gaga song became popularized by a TikTok edit of the hit Netflix series “Wednesday,” and both the show and song are perfect for the season. The “Poker Face” singer has frequently referred to herself as a monster and different types of creatures, so it’s only appropriate that she gets a song on a Halloween playlist.

Standout Lyrics:
I won’t cry for you
See, when you’re gone, I’ll still be Bloody Mary

“Mother’s Daughter” by Miley Cyrus (2019)

An underrated Miley Cyrus song, and one that is so definitely Halloween-coded. The opening beat alone makes the listener feel like they are in a thriller sci-fi movie. The whole song sends the message to not mess with Miley or her independence, especially because she’s her mother’s daughter. Multiple times in the song, she refers to herself as a “freak” and a “witch,” definitely playing on the already established Halloween vibes.

Standout Lyrics:
Hallelujah, I’m a witch, I’m a witch, hallelujah
Swish, swish, I’m a three-point shooter, I blow through ya

“Maneater” by Nelly Furtado (2006)

Zombies are not the only things that can eat humans. Beware of Maneaters, but they’ll feast on your emotions rather than your flesh. As Nelly Furtado sings, they’ll “make you work hard, make you spend hard.” Sometimes witches and ghosts aren’t the biggest thing men have to fear.

Standout Lyrics:
She’s a maneater, make you buy cars
Make you cut cards, make you fall real hard in love

“Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max (2019)

Everyone has something that makes them a little bit psycho: love, a hobby obsession, maybe even the Halloween season. However, we can still be sweet like trick or treat candy. Ava Max’s 2019 hit helps everyone bring out their crazy, and if there is any time to do it, it is October! Just don’t get too crazy or people will say “run, don’t walk away.”

Standout Lyrics:
“Grab a cop gun” kinda crazy
She’s poison but tasty
Yeah, people say, “Run, don’t walk away”
‘Cause she’s sweet but a psycho
A little bit psycho

“Voodoo Doll” by 5 Seconds of Summer (2014)

There’s something in the air during Halloween that can make the energy feel a little uneasy. Some people might be practicing magic or voodoo. 5 Seconds of Summer knows all about these weird feelings in their song “Voodoo Doll,” as the band struggles with random feelings they start having for a girl. Halloween is the season of spirits and feelings that are uncontrollable. We wonder how many people are relating to being “trapped under your spell” this time of year.

Standout Lyrics:
Tell me where you’re hiding your voodoo doll ’cause I can’t control myself
I don’t wanna stay, wanna run away but I’m trapped under your spell.

“Psycho” by Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla Sign (2018)

Halloween is the best excuse one can have to go a little psycho, so of course there needs to be a song to encourage the spooky season antics. Post Malone’s “Psycho” narrates the ultimate party setting and can definitely be the perfect song for some Halloweekend pre-gaming.

Standout Lyrics:
Come with the Tony Romo for clowns and all the bozos
My AP goin’ psycho, lil’ mama bad like Michael
Can’t really trust nobody with all this jewelry on you

“Say Amen (Saturday Night)” by Panic! at the Disco (2018)

Halloween season, especially Halloweekend, can get a little wicked. Anyone’s thoughts can linger towards the events and parties that will happen, creating hopes for a good time and also hopes that things don’t get too out of hand. Panic! At the Disco’s “Say Amen” perfectly summarizes these feelings, and they apply even more on Halloweekend when one might “pray for the wicked.”

Standout Lyrics:
And I can’t change into a person I don’t wanna be, so
Oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah
I pray for the wicked on the weekend
Mama, can I get another amen?

“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush (1985)

“Running Up That Hill” would not be a Halloween song, if it wasn’t for Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” The 1985 Kate Bush tune serves as Max’s favorite song and helps her escape this latest season’s villain, Vecna. Now, the song is associated with the red-headed character running from Vecna as he tries to kill her under hypnosis, a horror-movie worthy scene resulting in now a Halloween-associated song.

Standout Lyrics:
And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get Him to swap our places
Be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill

“Toxic” by Britney Spears (2003)

Britney Spears has too many hits to count, and “Toxic” is definitely one of them. In the season of poisons and spells, curses of love are definitely something to be sung about. Having a toxic relationship is a universal experience, loving Halloween is a universal experience and this song perfectly fits the two together.

Standout Lyrics:
With a taste of your lips, I’m on a ride
You’re toxic, I’m slippin’ under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I’m addicted to you
Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

“Pink Venom” by BLACKPINK (2022)

Beware of poisons, spells, toxins and venoms this Halloween…no matter what color they are. K-pop group BLACKPINK definitely has some Pink Venom to serve this Halloween, but proceed with caution. This pop dance tune will for sure get you moving that you might question if you did actually ingest some venom.

Standout Lyrics:
Taste that pink venom, taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom (get ’em, get ’em, get ’em)
Straight to ya dome like whoa-whoa-whoa

“I Put a Spell on You” by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kathy Najimy (2014)

Every playlist deserves a musical piece and we would be fools to not choose Hocus Pocus. The witches in this story all have won our hearts and our ears with their song “I Put A Spell On You.” Some say they are crazy or evil or quirky or misunderstood, but there is no denying they are talented when they create Halloween anthems like this.

Standout Lyrics:
Your wretched little lives
Have all been cursed
‘Cause of all the witches working
I’m the worst
I put a spell on you
And now you’re mine

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