[2026] Perfect for Halloween Parties! A Collection of BGM for Halloween and Horror Movies

Halloween ThemeJohn Carpenter

Halloween Theme (Main Title) by John Carpenter – Original 1978 Motion Picture Soundtrack

Despite being an independent production, the horror film Halloween, released in 1978, became a massive hit, grossing over $70 million worldwide.

Director John Carpenter also handled the music, composing the memorable theme song “Halloween Theme.” Even those who haven’t seen the film are likely to feel a sense of eeriness when they hear it.

It’s a remarkable film score that encapsulates the movie’s world and instills fear in its listeners.

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Hamada Takuya

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This Is HalloweenDanny Elfman

The Citizens of Halloween – This Is Halloween (From Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”)

The theme song of Tim Burton’s 1993 film The Nightmare Before Christmas is This Is Halloween.

The composer is Danny Elfman, who has created much of the music for Burton’s films.

This Is Halloween is sung at the beginning of the story and introduces the Halloween characters who appear.

Its distinctly Halloween-esque, eerie sound really heightens the film’s atmosphere.

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Hamada Takuya

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One Way or AnotherBette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kathy Najimy

Hocus Pocus 2 | One Way Or Another (Full Version)

If you want to create an outrageously cheerful Halloween atmosphere, this song is an unmissable choice.

Performed by the legendary witch trio—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—it’s a powerful and comical number.

It brilliantly transforms the thrilling theme of hunting down a target with mischievous, witchy playfulness and charming appeal.

The track appears in the 2022 film Hocus Pocus 2, the long-awaited sequel that arrived nearly 30 years after the original, and is included on the album Hocus Pocus 2 (Original Soundtrack).

It’s actually a cover of a Blondie song with altered lyrics, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants a lively, fun party rather than a scary soundtrack—so by all means, channel your inner witch and sing and dance along!

Main TitlesDanny Elfman

Main Titles

This is the opening theme from Tim Burton’s gothic horror film Sleepy Hollow.

Its weighty orchestration intertwines with eerie choral voices, drawing you into a dark, fantastical world of fog-shrouded forests haunted by the Headless Horseman.

Composed by the master of film music, Danny Elfman, the piece appears on the soundtrack of the 1999 film of the same name.

Its exceptional musicality earned high praise, including the Saturn Award for Best Music.

If you want to create an authentically horror-tinged Halloween party, you couldn’t choose better.

Put this track on, and your space is sure to transform into a creepy old mansion.

Rest in PeaceDarren Criss

Darren Criss – Rest in Peace (From “Muppets Haunted Mansion”)

A song performed by Darren Criss, who is active as both an actor and a singer, with an irresistible blend of playful and gothic vibes.

It’s uniquely charming how he belts out a comedic gospel-style melody as the caretaker desperately calls out to the graveyard ghosts to “rest in peace.” The track was featured in the Disney+ special “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” released in October 2021, and is included on the soundtrack EP “Muppets Haunted Mansion (Original Soundtrack).” In the show, Darren Criss himself sings in the role of the caretaker.

Toward the end of the piece, a familiar phrase from the attraction makes an appearance, a delightful touch for fans.

It’s a perfect pick for Halloween party BGM when you want to emphasize fun over fright!

Main Titles (Trick ‘r Treat)Douglas Pipes

Main Titles (Trick ‘r Treat)

With a gothic, majestic orchestral resonance, it casts a bewitching glow over Halloween night.

This piece is by composer Douglas Pipes, who commands a distinctive presence in horror film music.

It’s featured on the soundtrack Trick ‘r Treat, released in September 2009, and opens the film of the same name.

The way the melody, reminiscent of an innocent children’s play song, gradually twists into grand terror is superb.

The sound woven by a 65-piece orchestra and children’s choir blends beauty with eeriness, evocative of 1970s–80s horror films.

Capturing the essence of Halloween—where playfulness mingles with genuine fear—this work is perfect for anyone looking to set a party in a richly atmospheric, authentic horror world.

Ave SataniJerry Goldsmith

Ave Satani (from “The Omen”) (Official Audio)

The moment the majestic chorus resounds, this work envelops you in a spine-chilling fear.

Composed by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the leading figures in film music, it is the signature theme of the 1976 horror film The Omen.

The Latin chant, which seems to deliberately invert Gregorian chant, evokes a forbidden ritual where sanctity and blasphemy coexist.

For this score, Goldsmith won the Best Original Score at the 49th Academy Awards.

It is included on the soundtrack album The Omen.

The chorus and orchestra, which explode through the silence, can transform the atmosphere of a party into genuine terror in an instant.

It’s the perfect track for those who find ordinary background music insufficient and want to stage a truly frightening Halloween!