From Thriller to Disturbia: A DJ Entertainer’s Must-Play Halloween Playlist for 2025

There’s no better time to bring out the beats, the costumes, and the fog machines than Halloween—the one night where spooky meets spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house bash, a corporate costume event, or a school dance, music sets the tone for the night. The right playlist can turn a regular get-together into an unforgettable experience where everyone’s on the dance floor in their costumes.

For professional DJ Entertainers, we know what it takes to keep the energy high and the crowd moving. This year, we’ve rounded up a list of must-play songs for your 2025 Halloween party that blend nostalgia, high-energy beats, and just the right amount of spooky fun.

So grab your broomsticks and glow sticks—let’s dive in.

Album cover of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a classic Halloween song for DJ hire playlists.

1. Thriller – Michael Jackson

No Halloween playlist is complete without “Thriller.” This song is an absolute classic that’s stood the test of time, bringing chills and moves to every generation. Between the iconic Vincent Price monologue and that unforgettable dance routine, your guests won’t just hear the song—they’ll perform it.

Pro DJ Entertainer Tip: Add a fog effect or dim lighting during the intro, then blast the strobe when the beat drops. It creates that cinematic “monster movie” moment every party needs.


Album cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” A-Trak Remix, a top DJ hire dance floor hit.

2. Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

If your goal is to keep the energy up, this track is your secret weapon. The A-Trak Remix gives “Heads Will Roll” an EDM twist that hits perfectly on the dance floor. It’s dark, punchy, and impossible not to move to.

A DJ Entertainer favorite! This track works beautifully in the middle of your set to reignite the crowd after a slower number.

Pro DJ Entertainer Tip: Sync this song with a light show—red and purple strobes work best to match its eerie vibe.


Album cover of Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me,” an iconic Halloween track for DJ hire events.

3. Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell

This 80s hit perfectly captures the paranoia and playfulness of Halloween. With its catchy chorus and cameo from Michael Jackson on background vocals, “Somebody’s Watching Me” is the ultimate retro jam to keep things fun and eerie.

It’s a great track for transitions between high-energy sets—nostalgic enough for the adults, funky enough for everyone else.

Pro DJ Entertainer Tip: Mix it into your playlist right before or after “Thriller” for a smooth, thematic flow.


Album cover of Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters,” a fun crowd-pleasing Halloween favorite for DJ hire parties.

4. Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.

Who ya gonna call? This one’s a must for all ages. Whether you’re throwing a kids’ event, a corporate costume party, or an adults-only bash, “Ghostbusters” delivers the right balance of humor and nostalgia.

A seasoned DJ Entertainer knows this track is pure crowd engagement gold—perfect for sing-alongs, photo booth cues, or lighthearted transitions.


5. Disturbia – Rihanna

End your night with some pop-meets-dark energy. Rihanna’s “Disturbia” brings a modern, edgy vibe that’s perfect for the climax of your playlist. The beat is hypnotic, the lyrics fit the Halloween theme, and it’s guaranteed to keep everyone dancing until the lights come up.

Pro DJ Entertainer Tip: Close the night with this track while adding bursts of cold sparks or CO₂ jets for a high-production finale moment.

Want to make sure your Halloween party hits every beat?

Don’t leave it to chance—schedule a consultation with our team at Fog City Entertainment. We’ll help design a playlist, lighting scheme, and entertainment flow that keeps your crowd thrilled from start to finish.


Additional Tips from a Professional DJ Entertainer

1. Mix Old School with New School
The best Halloween playlists balance nostalgia and trendiness. Think “Monster Mash” mixed with Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” It keeps the vibe familiar yet fresh for every generation.

2. Use Lighting to Match the Music
A DJ Entertainer knows lighting makes or breaks a mood. Sync lights with the bass drops or transitions—purple, red, and orange hues work best for spooky vibes. At Fog City Entertainment, we provide dynamic lighting together with our DJ booth set-up to provide the complete party vibes that fit every season!

3. Avoid Long Gaps or Awkward Transitions
Keep your crowd on the dance floor. Smooth transitions between songs like “Thriller” and “Heads Will Roll” ensure the energy never dips.

4. Add Visual and Interactive Elements
Consider integrating photo booth backdrops, projection visuals, or fog effects. These not only enhance the atmosphere but also create photo-worthy moments guests will share online—helping your event (and brand) go viral.

5. Read the Room
A great DJ Entertainer doesn’t just play music—they feel the crowd. Watch for moments when guests need a tempo shift or a breather, then drop a fun throwback or slow jam before ramping back up.

Create a Party That’s Frightfully Fun

Your 2025 Halloween party deserves more than just a basic playlist—it deserves the magic touch of a professional DJ Entertainer who knows how to read the crowd, mix the right beats, and create a visually immersive experience. From classics like “Thriller” to bangers like “Disturbia,” these tracks will ensure your guests leave talking about your event for months to come.

Ready to make this Halloween one to remember?

Lock-in Your Halloween DJ