[2026] A roundup of popular and recommended Halloween songs for YouTube Shorts

SO BADKing Gnu

SO BAD

Osaka Expo × USJ Halloween — Myakumyaku’s movements are kinda funny. #HorrorNight #expo

This is a track by King Gnu, whose savage, hedonistic sound turns common sense on its head.

It might be themed around the liberating feeling of smashing boring everyday life and luring you into a nightmare-like nocturnal frenzy.

The band’s signature mixture sound is pushed even further with an alternative arrangement that’s the very definition of “the worst and the best.” Released as a digital single in September 2025, it was written as the official theme song for “Zombie de Dance” at Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Whether you want to dance till dawn at a Halloween party or use it as BGM for a high-impact cosplay video, it’s guaranteed to boost the mood!

The Dead DanceLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – The Dead Dance (Official Music Video)

The Dead Dance 🖤 Wednesday 2 | Lady Gaga

When it comes to works that fuse a gothic worldview with a pop dance sound, many people might think of Lady Gaga.

In this track, a heart once killed by the end of a romance is revived by the power of music, telling a story of rebirth as it keeps dancing until life itself runs out.

Its sound—a blend of ’80s-style synth-pop and disco—is eerie yet irresistibly danceable.

Released in September 2025, the piece is actually part of the soundtrack for season 2 of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday.

The collaboration came about after an older song went viral on TikTok thanks to the series.

If you want to create a dramatic, danceable Halloween vibe, be sure to check it out!

SingAdo

"Spell" by Ado

[USJ Horror Night] The wildly exciting Japanese Doll Zombies’ Zombie de Dance [Ado - Singing] #USJ #USJHalloween #USJFan #USJHorrorNight #HorrorNight #Horanai

This track sent crowds into a frenzy as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights.

Featuring an exotic EDM beat reminiscent of Bollywood, it packs a powerful punch.

Vocals are by Ado, an artist celebrated at home and abroad for her overwhelming expressiveness.

Riding the song’s rapidly shifting sections, her powerful voice conveys the liberating thrill of shedding the everyday and surrendering to pure instinct.

Released in September 2023, the song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s also known for lighting up USJ’s “Zombie de Dance.” Use it for short videos of Halloween cosplay to instantly create a glamorous, mysterious vibe—and it’s a killer tune perfect for party scenes where everyone wants to dance and get hyped.

Spooky Scary Skeletons (Remix)Andrew Gold

Spooky Scary Skeletons (Remix) – Extended Mix

3 types of Dance Energy 👻 #ShortsIRL #SpookyScarySkeletons

When it comes to Halloween dance videos, many people probably think of this song.

Its catchy, slightly spooky, and comically clattering skeleton vibe is irresistible.

The track appears on singer-songwriter Andrew Gold’s August 1996 album “Halloween Howls: Fun & Scary Music.” Various remixes later went viral online, and on TikTok it was used in over 2.5 million videos around 2019.

It’s also known for being featured in Disney’s Halloween project “Disney’s Sing-Along Songs: Happy Haunting: Party at Disneyland!” Use this as your BGM, and your Halloween is sure to be even more fun.

Monster MashBobby Boris Pickett

Bobby “Boris” Pickett, The Crypt-Kickers – Monster Mash (Lyric Video)

Happy Halloween 🎃time to get it cleaned up now! #thep00lguy #halloween

It feels like you’ve wandered into an old horror movie! This track is by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, known for his impressions of horror movie stars.

Released in August 1962, it’s included on the album The Original Monster Mash.

The song unfolds like a story: a mad scientist gathers monsters in his lab and throws a dance party, conjuring lively, comical scenes in your mind as you listen.

Since topping the U.S.

charts in October 1962, it has remained a beloved classic across generations.

In 1995, it even inspired a feature film.

Emphasizing humor over fear, it’s the perfect tune for a lively Halloween party.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

Otokonoke Dance in Halloween costumes! #Uraja #Dandadan #AnimeDance #Otokonoke #HalloweenGacha

An addictive track that brilliantly fuses hip-hop with the supernatural.

Created by the duo Creepy Nuts—DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei—it was released in October 2024.

Written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime “Dandadan,” it sparked a huge reaction, even reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

The piece expresses the idea of music possessing people through the concept of a “sound apparition.” The lyrics are peppered with words that hint at characters from horror films and playful references to various works, making it incredibly satisfying to listen to.

Its driving beat and relentless rap bathe Halloween night in a cool, mysterious vibe.

This Is HalloweenDanny Elfman

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

This is Halloween Disneyland Paris #halloween #dlp #nightmarebeforechristmas #jackandsally

It’s the quintessential Halloween anthem, a classic among classics.

The moment this song starts, you can’t help but feel like a resident of a spooky yet delightful Halloween Town.

Composed by film-music maestro Danny Elfman, it’s the iconic opener to the film The Nightmare Before Christmas, released in October 1993.

The festive flair with which it proudly sings about the town’s charms—monsters under the bed, pumpkins screaming at midnight—is something special.

Its popularity hasn’t faded a bit, charting as high as No.

14 on the UK singles chart in November 2023.

If you’re going to enjoy Halloween, it’s no exaggeration to say you have to start with this song.