Whether you’re hosting a costume party, carving pumpkins, or just leaning into spooky season, every great Halloween soundtrack needs a mix of eerie classics and dark bangers. Here are ten essential tracks to summon the right mood, from the timelessly creepy to the unexpectedly cool.

1. Michael Jackson – Thriller
You can’t start anywhere else. The zombie choreography, Vincent Price’s sinister laugh, it’s the definitive Halloween anthem.

2. Ray Parker Jr. – Ghostbusters
Campy, catchy, and instantly recognisable. There’s no shame in blasting this one at full volume when the chorus hits & the recent version from Walk The Moon is quite good too.

3. The Cranberries – Zombie
A haunting 90s classic that brings a more serious edge to your Halloween mix. A powerful, emotional, and unforgettable track that's probably best for the end of your party when everyone's ready to bawl out the lyrics

4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll
Electrifying indie sleaze with a macabre twist. Karen O’s warning “Off with your head!” sounds even better when the lights go out.

5. Talking Heads – Psycho Killer
Art-pop paranoia wrapped in funk basslines. It’s weird, witty, and just unnerving enough for your Halloween party playlist. Plus David Byrne is coming to play in Luxembourg soon so why not?

6. Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me
That eerie feeling of being followed, with a helping hand from Michael Jackson on the chorus. It’s peak 80s paranoia in pop form.

7. Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London
A howling good time. Equal parts funny and spooky, this piano-driven rock classic is pure Halloween gold, just watch out for those little old ladies late at night.

8. The Specials – Ghost Town
A gloomy ska masterpiece that sounds like an abandoned city at night. Still chilling, decades on though you may have any Irish attendees at your party standing to attention for some reason.

9. AC/DC – Highway to Hell
Turn up the guitars and bring some swagger to the supernatural. It’s not spooky but it works and is always a good floorfiller..

10. Danny Elfman – This Is Halloween (from The Nightmare Before Christmas)
A theatrical finale for your night of mischief. Equal parts playful and unsettling, exactly what Halloween should be.

So what did we miss? Let us know and help us build the ultimate Halloween Party Playlist!