The Setlist's 2026 Halloween Playlist
Written by: The Setlist Eboard
Edited by: Amanda Kurz
Halloween is quickly approaching, and to celebrate, our Eboard wanted to compile a list of songs that reminded us of the spooky season. Enjoy!!!
Dana Mautone, President
“Under My Skin” by Jukebox the Ghost
This is the first song that comes to mind when I think of Halloween. I discovered it during my freshman year of high school, and even as a junior in college, I find myself listening to it on loop while going on walks, enjoying the autumn breeze and watching the leaves fall. The grand piano has always seemed “Halloweeny” to me (the old-timey sound reminds me of ghosts and haunted houses), and the lyrics feature spooky imagery like people fitting under your skin, bleeding hearts, and England. Even though it’s not a traditional “Halloween song,” it never fails to get me in the mood for the season.
“Zombieboy” by Lady Gaga
“Zombieboy” is the perfect Halloween party song. Mayhem itself is very Halloween coded, maintaining a gothic aesthetic and general dark-pop sound. “Zombieboy” is no exception, with its playful lyrics about zombie bites and staying up all night. It also has everything you could want in a dance song: catchy guitar riffs, a groovy bass line, and a finale complete with dramatic synths that make you feel like you’ve been transported into a haunted 80s house party. I guarantee you’ll be shimmying your shoulders by the end of this song.
Bridget Gallagher, Head Editor
“Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
This is one of my favorite fall songs because it might just be the most beautifully written ghost story ever. Bush sings from the perspective of Cathy’s ghost returning after her death to call out to Heathcliff, which makes the song feel less like a traditional love song and more like the desperate call of a spirit trying to reach someone in the world of the living. Her strange, haunting vocals make Cathy sound almost otherworldly, while the lyrics capture the loneliness and longing of a ghost who simply cannot let go of the person she loves. What makes it especially perfect for fall is that it feels so gothic and atmospheric, almost like standing outside an old house on a cold, windy October night. While it is spooky, there’s also something beautifully tragic about the story, which makes it feel like so much more than a Halloween song.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
While some might call it the most basic, I think “Thriller” is actually the most iconic Halloween song ever made. The premise is almost comically obvious—monsters, zombies, and Vincent Price—but Quincy Jones’s production and Rod Temperton’s songwriting makes it feel a lot less gimmicky. It’s creepy, insanely catchy, and incredibly well made, which is why it has stayed so popular for so long. And, of course, the music video takes “Thriller” to a whole new level. It is so over-the-top and theatrical that the song has basically become synonymous with Halloween, and I think that’s what makes it so great.
Ryan Freeze, Head Reporter
“Mr. Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne. The Prince of Darkness. There are many songs in his catalogue that qualify for my favorite Halloween song. I would like to give a nod to “Bark at the Moon,” as that is not only a favorite of mine, but is probably the most explicitly a “Halloween” song. Mr. Crowley is simply an awesome track. The opening synthesizer is insanely cool and elicits the feeling of arriving at Dracula’s—or Mr. Crowley’s—massive, gothic castle. Also, shoutout to Randy Rhoads for laying down two amazing guitar solos that are just so iconic in the world of 80s hard rock.
“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
I know, the tonal whiplash from “Mr. Crowley” to “Werewolves of London” is quite jarring, but it’s also pretty funny, so oh well. The reason this song is so great is because Warren Zevon evokes this sort-of tongue-in-cheek, ironic nature to narrate the circumstances depicted within the song. It’s just so ridiculous. While it’s not so much of a classic Halloween song, I would say the subject matter of a werewolf walking around London is certainly Halloweeny by nature. It also is somewhat of a reference to “An American Werewolf in London,” which is just like, come on, quintessential Halloween. So, while not quite Halloween, it’s just enough Halloween to count. And also, that piano riff is catchy as hell.
Cameron Green, Local Outreach
“Harvest Moon” by Bedlam
While I don’t listen to many songs for the sake of Halloween, “Harvest Moon” is a reflective piece perfect for autumn. It appears on the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack, which I like to play on CD in my truck when the weather starts to get a little colder. “Harvest Moon” reminds me of taking a long drive down a winding road when the leaves on the trees are turning from green to their reds and yellows for the fall season.
“Laid” by James
This is another song that reminds me of fall. The lyrics chronicle a very toxic relationship, which involves knife fights in the kitchen, broken fingers, and breaking and entering. Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty spooky to me! This song was on a CD my mom used to keep in her car, and it would always freak me out a little when I was younger, with all the violence and wailing from the lead singer. That being said, it’s still a pretty good song and definitely a non-skip for me.
Soph Shull, Treasurer
“Zombie Girl” by Misfits
From the newer era of Misfits, “Zombie Girl” delivers a campy and enjoyable sound to set the mood for Halloween. The guitar intro is an absolute blast, and the story this song tells is everything to me. I’m in love with the cemetery vibes set by the ominous bells tolling in the distance. You could dance all night to this frightful tune!
“Halloween” by Mastodon
To wrap up our list, I figured I’d end with an obvious choice! “Halloween” is an absolute classic for the scary season. Eerie guitar riffs and fun lyrics really set the tone for an awesome October. Not to mention the crazily incredible guitar solo featured at the very end. You definitely shouldn’t skip tuning into this song!
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