Hey fellow Halloween fanatics! 
If you’ve been lurking on r/HalloweenMusic lately, you know the energy’s unreal—we’re all deep in debates over “Is ‘Thriller’ overrated?”, sharing obscure tracks that make our hairs stand up, and panicking about crafting a playlist that’s equal parts fun and frightening. As someone who’s spent 3 nights scrolling Reddit threads (no shame—spooky season waits for no one!), let’s break down the top Halloween music trends taking over our feeds. Plus, I’ll share how I used these to turn my pumpkin-carving night into a viral-worthy vibe. Let’s dive in!
1. The “Retro Horror Bangers” War: 80s/90s Classics vs. “New Nostalgia”
Reddit’s biggest debate right now? Which era has the best Halloween jams. The two sides are ferocious:
- Team 80s/90s: They’re defending classics like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (duh), “Ghostbusters” Theme, and even “I Put a Spell on You” from Hocus Pocus (Bette Midler’s version, obviously—no covers allowed
). One user posted a throwback video of their 1995 Halloween party with “Monster Mash” playing, and it got 10k upvotes—“This is the only Halloween anthem you need,” they declared. - Team “New Nostalgia”: These are the folks repping 2010s tracks that feel like old friends, like “Spooky Scary Skeletons” (the remix, not the original—fight me), “Somebody’s Watching Me” (Rockwell’s 80s hit, but with a 2020s electronic twist), and even “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals (apparently, it’s “spooky if you play it slow”).
My take? I’m team “both.” I mixed “Thriller” with the “Spooky Scary Skeletons” remix for my pumpkin night—my roommate’s cat ran and hid, but the neighbor kids yelled “THIS SLAPS!” from the sidewalk. Win-win.
2. The “Underrated Gems” Threads: No More Basic Playlists
Reddit’s secret weapon? The “Underrated Halloween Tracks” threads—these are where you find songs that make your playlist feel unique (no more “Thriller” on repeat… okay, maybe some repeat). Here are the top picks I stole (with credit!):
- “Haunted House” by Two Door Cinema Club: A upbeat, indie bop that’s spooky but not scary—perfect for decorating or trick-or-treating with kids
. - “Stranger Things” Main Title (Lo-Fi Remix): r/HalloweenMusic went crazy for this—creepy enough for carving pumpkins, but mellow so you don’t jump when your knife hits a seed.
- “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo (Acoustic Version): Hear me out! One Reddit user slowed it down and added subtle organ sounds—suddenly, it’s a “sad vampire anthem” that’s perfect for late-night Halloween vibes.
I tested “Haunted House” last weekend while hanging up fake cobwebs—my friend texted me mid-song: “Send that track NOW. My playlist is basic AF.” Mission accomplished.
3. The “Halloween Party Mix” Chaos: Danceable vs. Creepy
If you’re hosting a party, Reddit’s split on whether your playlist should make people dance or hide under the couch. The solution? A “spooky dance middle ground” (thanks, u/SpookyDJ123 for the tip!). Here’s what works:
- Danceable Creepers: “I Want Candy” (The Strangeloves), “Monster” by Lady Gaga, and “Ghost Town” by The Specials—these get people moving without killing the Halloween vibe.
- Creepy Bops: “Disturbia” by Rihanna (slowed down 10%), “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (yes, it’s spooky if you squint), and “Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance (emo Halloween forever!).
Pro tip from Reddit: End the night with “Thriller”—everyone knows the dance, and it’s the only way to get your aunt to stop talking about her cat and start doing the zombie shuffle 
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4. The “Background Vibe” Hack: Lo-Fi & Soundtracks for Low-Key Nights
Not all Halloween nights are parties! If you’re staying in to watch horror movies or make costumes, Reddit’s obsessed with “atmosphere music” that doesn’t distract:
- Lo-Fi Halloween Beats: There’s a 2-hour playlist on Spotify called “Lo-Fi Halloween Study Beats” that’s blowing up—think rain sounds, distant creaks, and soft piano. Perfect for sewing a witch’s cape.
- Horror Movie Soundtracks (Non-Jumpy Ones): Skip the Psycho shower scene music—go for The Nightmare Before Christmas score or Coraline soundtrack. They’re spooky but cozy, like a warm blanket with a spider on it
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Final Tip: Steal Reddit’s Hacks (No Shame!)
The best part about r/HalloweenMusic? It’s a community—everyone’s sharing, arguing, and helping each other level up their spooky vibes. My playlist now has 42 tracks, half of which came from Reddit, and it’s already been requested by 3 friends for their parties.
Now it’s your turn! What’s your go-to Halloween song this year? Did you find a banger in r/HalloweenMusic? Drop it in the comments—let’s build the ultimate community playlist together. And if you need help narrowing down picks? Just ask—I’ve got a spreadsheet of Reddit’s top 50 spooky tracks (yes, really).
Happy haunting (and headbanging)! 