The spookiest time of the year is (almost) upon us, Hawks. Halloween is in a few short days, and even though we’re too old to go trick-or-treating, we’ll never be too old to celebrate one of the best holidays. Whether you’re planning on staying in and watching “Hocus Pocus” for the thousandth time or going out with your roommates in your best group costume, you’re going to need a playlist to get the night started.
1.“Science Fiction Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
This eerie opening to the 1975 cult classic film references several b-movie horror films from the 1950s, from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” to “Flash Gordon.” It’s the perfect way to kick off a Halloween extravaganza: paying homage to some of the most memorable movie monsters and heroes, while putting you in the frame of mind that only “Rocky Horror” can.
2.“Monster Mash” by Boris Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers
Yes, this song is cheesy, but you can’t deny that as soon as you hear it, you think Halloween. Believe it or not, this 1962 novelty song hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the year it was released, and ever since, it has been a Halloween favorite.
3.“I Put a Spell on You” from “Hocus Pocus”
Bette Midler covering any song is bound to be incredible. But Bette Midler as Sarah Sanderson, singing a song that bewitches an entire town of adults? Classic. This song is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, whether you’re going out for a night on bewitching the town or watching some classic holiday DCOMs like “Halloweentown” or “Twitches.”
4. “Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
It’s just a jump to the left, and a step to the right… into Dr. Frank N. Furter’s castle of eccentricities. Dance along with Brad, Janet, and Rocky to this catchy song before you hit the streets to strut your stuff in what is sure to be a killer costume.
5.“This is Halloween” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Even 23 years after its release, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a classic, and the soundtrack is a nostalgia-filled trip through Halloween Town and Christmas Town that you’ll never forget. This eerie opening tune is the perfect way to get into the mindset of All Hallow’s Eve, so turn up the music and everybody scream in this town of Halloween.
6.“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
It’s not a Halloween playlist without this 1982 Michael Jackson classic. The song stayed in the top 10 of the Billboard charts for several weeks, and is still considered today to be one of Jackson’s best songs. Plus, with a 14-minute short film music video directed by John Landis (of “The Blues Brothers” fame) that depicts Jackson dancing around with a bunch of zombies, this song absolutely has to make it onto your Halloween playlist.
