[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Collection [Monsters & Zombies]
I bet a lot of people feel like listening to horror songs when summer rolls around.
In recent years, Halloween culture has really taken root, and along with it, a wide variety of tracks have been released.
So in this article, I’ll be introducing lots of songs featuring ghosts, yokai, monsters, zombies, and more.
The lineup ranges from truly scary to super cute.
They’re great not only for your own listening, but also as BGM for parties!
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- Songs that amp up Halloween: a roundup of perfect tracks for party BGM!
- A spine-chilling scary song: masterful tracks that evoke fear and eerie recommended songs
[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Special [Monsters & Zombies] (11–20)
SO BADKing Gnu
Released in September 2025, this track was specially written as the official theme song for “Zombie de Dance,” an attraction within Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights.
As Daiki Tsuneta describes it, it’s “a vicious, alternative tune for the first time in a while,” pushing King Gnu’s signature mixture sound even further toward a ferocious, hedonistic edge.
A choreography video has also been released, making it a perfect dance number to fire up any Halloween party.
Together with its toxic-looking artwork, it’s the worst and best song—perfect for Halloween.
If you throw yourself into the zombie role and dance, kids and adults alike are sure to get hyped.
Song of the Piggyback GhostMaekawa Yōko
The theme song of the anime Onbu Obake, which aired in 1972.
The lyrics were written by Ryuichi Yokoyama, the manga artist famous for Fuku-chan and also the original creator of the anime.
Its powerful vocals make a striking contrast to the heartwarming, folktale-like story of Onbu Obake and the villagers.
ghostAnjī
A song by Angie, a rock band active in the 1980s.
It was included on their 1988 album Overflowing People.
The lyrics were written by the bandleader, Kanosuke Mito.
Although the lyrics dwell on the eeriness of ghosts, the rock style probably keeps it from feeling too scary.
Gluttonous GhostArai Sohei
A ghost-themed song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” first released in 2001.
Lyrics by Sachiko Murata and music by Wakako Fukuda.
It’s a fun song that is still aired today with updated video versions whenever the big sister or big brother hosts change.
ThrillerMichael Jackson
A hit number by the one and only Michael Jackson.
Released in 1983, its music video caught the eyes of people around the world.
The zombie dance centered around Michael is nothing short of spectacular.
Its popularity hasn’t waned, with parody videos still being made to this day.
Hone Hone RockShimon Masato
This song is famous across a wide range of generations because it was performed on the children’s TV show “Hirake! Ponkikki.” Sung by Masato Shimon, the singer also known for the massive hit “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun,” the track garnered attention again in 2019 when the four-piece rock band OKAMOTO’S released a cover.
While it rides on a poppy, electric guitar-driven sound, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a surprisingly strong horror vibe.
It’s a piece that not only children but also adults—who can fully grasp the meaning of the lyrics—should listen to.
[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Special [Monsters & Zombies] (21–30)
Haw, the Lost GhostRyoko Tsunoda · Akihiro Sugita
“The Lost Little Ghost, Hoh” depicts a ghost named Hoh who gets lost.
Hoh tends to dash off anywhere, so he never really knows where he is.
He’s supposed to be a scary ghost, but his playful side will make you chuckle.
Hoh’s ghost mom desperately searches for him.
Will the two of them manage to find each other? Listen to the end to find out! Even if you’re not a fan of scary ghost songs, you might find yourself smiling and enjoying this one.
