As Halloween approaches, the quest for the perfect soundtrack to accompany your costume intensifies. While growingly popular KPop Demon Hunters and Wicked offer their own flair, the true essence of the season lies in timeless classics that have stood the test of time.
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Released in 1982, Thriller remains one of the most iconic Halloween songs. As of October 2025, it has surpassed 773 million streams on Spotify, making it one of Michael Jackson’s most streamed tracks. Thriller is not only the ultimate Halloween song, but also the ultimate Halloween costume inspiration thanks to the iconic red leather jacket and zombie dance ensemble from the legendary music video that defined spooky pop style.
👻What you need: Red leather jacket, white socks, black brogue shoes.
Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) – Mike Oldfield
The haunting instrumental piece, known for its association with The Exorcist, has garnered over 19 million streams on Spotify — proof sometimes you just don’t need to mess with the classics. Channel the chilling energy of The Exorcist with a costume inspired by Regan’s infamous possessed look as Tubular Bells sets the perfect eerie tone for head spins, levitation vibes, and vintage horror flair.
👻What you need: Old night dress, crucifix, white makeup.
Halloween (Theme) – John Carpenter
Its haunting melody has been reinterpreted by numerous electronic and hip-hop artists, sampled in The Notorious B.I.G’s I’m With Whateva (feat. Lil’ Wayne, Jim Jones & Juelz Santana) and Snoop Dogg’s One Life To Live. John Carpenter’s chilling Halloween Theme instantly conjures images of Michael Myers’ blank white mask and mechanic’s jumpsuit—making it a go-to costume for horror purists looking to embody the unstoppable force behind one of cinema’s most iconic slashers. Or for the more obscure, go for one of the artists who sampled the iconic theme tune.
👻What you need: Navy jumpsuit, Michael Myers’ mask, fake knife.
Ghostbusters (Theme) – Ray Parker Jr.
Maybe no other film theme tune is as iconic as instantly recognizable— from its funky beat to the unforgettable “Who you gonna call?” hook, it’s become a pop culture anthem every Halloween. Just like the song, the Ghostbusters’ uniforms—complete with khaki jumpsuits, name patches, and proton packs—are symbolic of the season, making them one of the most beloved and nostalgic group costume choices out there. Not to mention, their simplicity make it a perfect option for last minute costumes.
👻What you need: Khaki jumpsuit, name patch, utility belt.
Experience these anthems at a Halloween concert in a hangar with vintage war planes
For many, these songs, the films they come from, and the memories they stir, are the essence of Halloween. This year, you can experience these spooky classics alongside a curated setlist of the season’s most iconic tracks at Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. Under the spooky glow of Candlelight at the Lone Star Flight Museum, a string quartet will perform these anthems alongside:
- Funeral March of a Marionette – Charles Gounod
- String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto – Dmitri Shostakovich
- Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E
- Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman
- The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy
- Psycho (Prelude) – Bernard Herrmann
- Danse Macabre – Camille Saint-Saëns
- Night on Bald Mountain – Modest Mussorgsky
- Der Erlkönig – Franz Schubert
- Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman
- In the Hall of the Mountain King – Edvard Grieg
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics is lighting up Houston for one night only on October 30th. Don’t miss your chance to experience the eerie magic of Halloween’s most iconic soundtracks — get your tickets now before they vanish.