Spook-tacular Disney Classics: The Ultimate Halloween Playlist

Posted by: Laura September 6, 2024 Reading time: 11 minutes

Left side: A person and a child in matching Halloween-themed shirts smiling and interacting with a costumed character in a festive setting. Right side: A cart decorated with Halloween-themed items, including a Mickey Mouse pumpkin and autumn foliage.

Credit: Disney

As October unfolds and the Halloween season begins, Disney enthusiasts and Halloween lovers alike are gearing up for some frightful fun. If you’re planning a Disney-themed Halloween bash, the right music can elevate your celebration from spooky to spectacular.

While some Disney tunes are obvious choices for a Halloween playlist, there are also hidden gems that might surprise you. Here’s a curated list of 18 Disney songs that will bring just the right amount of magic and mayhem to your Halloween festivities.

An animated figure of the Headless Horseman sits atop a rearing black horse in a dark, eerie forest. The figure holds a glowing jack-o'-lantern in one hand and a sword in the other. A vibrant red cape flows behind the rider.

Credit: Disney

18. “Headless Horseman”

Film: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Performed by: Bing Crosby

This classic tune is a must-have for any Disney Halloween playlist. Featured in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, the song recounts the eerie tale of the Headless Horseman. Its haunting melody and Bing Crosby’s chilling delivery make it a perfect addition to your Halloween soundtrack.

Even though it might be lesser-known among modern Disney fans, it’s a timeless piece that captures the essence of Halloween.

Four pink elephants are playing trumpets in a cartoonish and stylized manner against a dark background. The elephants are glowing with neon highlights and are uniformly arranged side by side. The image gives off a whimsical and surreal vibe.

Credit: Disney

17. “Pink Elephants on Parade”

Film: Dumbo (1941)

Don’t let the whimsical name fool you—this track from Dumbo has a spooky edge that fits right into the Disney Halloween spirit. The psychedelic imagery and surreal lyrics of “Pink Elephants on Parade” create an unsettling atmosphere that aligns perfectly with Halloween.

The song’s bizarre visuals and haunting melody make it a unique and essential track for your playlist.

A colorful scene featuring various animated characters in bright, vibrant hues. The characters include a mix of animals like elephants and insects, some of which are dressed in costumes and holding balloons. The background is filled with dynamic patterns and cheerful colors.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

16. “Heffalumps and Woozles”

Film: Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), and Winnie the Pooh (2011)

In this eerie tune from Winnie the Pooh, Heffalumps and Woozles are the stuff of Pooh’s nightmares. Written by the Sherman Brothers, the song’s creepy-crawly lyrics and dreamlike quality are perfect for a Halloween gathering. It’s a catchy yet unsettling song that adds a fun twist to your spooky playlist.

A dark, menacing figure with glowing yellow eyes and large, bat-like wings raises its arms menacingly against a shadowy, blue background. The scene is eerie and foreboding, suggesting an ominous presence.

Credit: Disney

15. “Night on Bald Mountain”

Film: Fantasia (1940)

Originally composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1867, “Night on Bald Mountain” gained its modern spookiness from Disney’s Fantasia. The piece’s dramatic and eerie orchestration, coupled with its depiction of a demonic ritual, makes it a hauntingly beautiful addition to your Halloween music mix. It’s a classic that resonates with those who appreciate a touch of classical horror.

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14. “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” (Theme Park Music)

Location: Disney Parks

If you’ve ever experienced the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, you know the chilling atmosphere created by its theme music. This iconic track captures the essence of eerie suspense, making it a fitting choice for a Halloween playlist. Look for an extended version or the one included in the Walt Disney World Official Album for a truly immersive experience.

An animated character with white hair, blue eyelids, and bright red lips is grinning and looking up. She is holding two eel-like creatures, one in each hand, which are also smiling menacingly. The background is dark and shadowy.

Credit: Disney

13. “Poor Unfortunate Souls”

Film: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Performed by: Ursula

Ursula’s sinister serenade from The Little Mermaid is a quintessential Disney villain song. With its dark themes and Ursula’s captivating performance, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” fits perfectly into a Halloween playlist. The song’s smooth rhythm and memorable lyrics about witchcraft and cunning are sure to add a touch of mischief to your party.

An angry mob of animated characters, predominantly men, brandishing various farm tools and torches. Their facial expressions are intense and determined, and they are gathered in a dimly lit environment, suggesting a nighttime scene.

Credit: Disney

12. “Savages”

Film: Pocahontas (1995)

While not overtly Halloween-themed, “Savages” from Pocahontas delves into intense themes of hatred and violence that can contribute to a darker Halloween atmosphere. The song’s harsh lyrics and intense tone make it a compelling choice for those looking to add a bit of edge to their Halloween soundtrack.

Credit: Disney

11. “Snuff Out The Light”

Film: The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Performed by: Eartha Kitt

Though it was cut from the final version of The Emperor’s New Groove, “Snuff Out The Light” remains a haunting piece. Performed by Eartha Kitt, this song’s smooth yet sinister lyrics about magic and darkness fit right into the Halloween theme. It’s a hidden gem that adds a touch of classic Disney villainy to your playlist.

A dark-maned lion with a smirk, looking upward with a raised eyebrow and a scheming expression, stands in a shadowy area with green-tinted lighting. His left paw is lifted towards his chin in a contemplative manner.

Credit: Disney

10. “Be Prepared”

Film: The Lion King (1994)
Performed by: Scar

Scar’s chilling number from The Lion King is a standout in Disney villain songs. “Be Prepared” combines a sinister beat with menacing lyrics, making it a great addition to a Halloween playlist. Its powerful and dark tone captures the essence of villainy in a way that’s perfect for setting a spooky mood.

An animated older man with a stern expression, wearing a black and red robe, stands between two lines of red-hooded figures. His hands are raised, as if making a dramatic gesture. The background is dark and shadowy.

Credit: Disney

9. “Hellfire”

Film: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

“Hellfire” is a dramatic and darkly atmospheric song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. With its haunting Gregorian chant-inspired intro and fiery, obsessive lyrics, it’s a song that adds a touch of gothic horror to your Halloween festivities. Its intense emotional depth makes it a standout track on this list.

Credit: Disney

8. “Once Upon A Dream” (Lana Del Rey Version)

Film: Maleficent (2014)

While “Once Upon A Dream” originally appeared in Sleeping Beauty (1959), the Lana Del Rey version from Maleficent brings a hauntingly modern twist to this classic. Its ethereal and eerie quality makes it a great fit for a Halloween playlist, offering a blend of nostalgia and new-age spookiness.

An animated boy wearing a red loincloth is entangled in the coils of a large snake hanging from a tree branch. The snake's head is near the boy, and leafy greenery can be seen in the background.

Credit: Disney

7. “Trust in Me”

Film: The Jungle Book (1967) and The Jungle Book (2016)
Performed by: Kaa

Kaa’s hypnotic song “Trust in Me” from The Jungle Book is both slithery and sinister. The 2016 version, performed by Scarlett Johansson, adds an extra layer of creepiness. This song’s smooth, seductive tone makes it an ideal choice for a Halloween playlist, perfect for setting a sly and sinister mood.

Promotional image for Disney's "Z-O-M-B-I-E-S" featuring a group of teens standing in front of green and pink lockers. On the left, two teens with zombie makeup and attire. On the right, three teens in cheerleader outfits with one blond girl in a pink jacket in the center.

Credit: Disney

6. “BAMM”

Film: Z-O-M-B-I-E-S (2018)

Disney Channel’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S features the upbeat yet spooky “BAMM,” performed during a zany underground zombie celebration. The lively and catchy nature of the song makes it a fun addition to any Halloween playlist, especially if you want to include some modern Disney hits in your mix.

Credit: Disney

5. “Rotten to the Core”

Film: Descendants (2015)

“Rotten to the Core” from Descendants is a high-energy track that perfectly fits the Halloween vibe with its themes of villainous offspring and mischief. This song, with its catchy beat and wicked lyrics, is a standout in Disney’s musical repertoire and a must-have for your Halloween party.

Promotional image for Disney's Descendants 2 features a group of young characters in colorful, elaborate costumes standing on rocky terrain by the sea. A pirate ship and ominous island with a castle are visible in the background, with the movie title on the left.

Credit: Disney

4. “Ways To Be Wicked”

Film: Descendants 2 (2017)

The sequel to Descendants brings “Ways To Be Wicked,” another energetic and villainous track that pairs perfectly with “Rotten to the Core.” This song continues the theme of mischief and mayhem, making it a great addition to your Halloween playlist.

Credit: Disney

3. “This Is Halloween”

Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A quintessential Halloween classic, “This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas is a no-brainer for your playlist. The song’s playful yet creepy depiction of Halloween town captures the essence of the holiday and is a must-play for any Disney-themed Halloween celebration.

Three women dressed as witches stand menacingly in a dimly lit room, reminiscent of a scene from Hocus Pocus. The woman in the center has red hair and wears a green dress with intricate designs. The two women on her sides have long hair and wear medieval-style dresses, all with intense expressions.

Credit: Disney

2. “I Put A Spell on You”

Film: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Performed by: Bette Midler

Bette Midler’s rendition of “I Put A Spell on You” in Hocus Pocus is an iconic Halloween song. This tune, performed by the Sanderson Sisters, has become synonymous with Halloween festivities. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential track for any Halloween playlist.

A large, ominous gothic-style mansion with eerie lighting, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by trees. The building features turrets, arched windows, and intricate architectural details, resembling a haunted relic from a magic kingdom. Blue and red lights cast an eerie glow, creating a spooky atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

1. “Grim Grinning Ghosts”

Location: The Haunted Mansion Attractions

No Disney Halloween playlist is complete without “Grim Grinning Ghosts” from the Haunted Mansion attraction. This song perfectly captures the spooky, whimsical atmosphere of Disney’s iconic ride. Whether you choose the version from the Walt Disney World Official Album or Disneyland Records, this track is crucial for setting a ghostly tone.

Bonus Tracks

To round out your playlist, consider exploring additional Disney Halloween albums such as Walt Disney Records Halloween Songs & Sounds and Mickey’s Spooky Halloween Collection. These compilations offer a treasure trove of Disney’s spookiest hits and are perfect for enhancing your Halloween celebration.

With this curated list of Disney’s most delightfully creepy tunes, your Halloween party is sure to be a hit. So, get your playlist ready, and prepare for a spook-tacular Disney-themed celebration!

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Spook-tacular Disney Classics: The Ultimate Halloween Playlist

18. “Headless Horseman”

17. “Pink Elephants on Parade”

16. “Heffalumps and Woozles”

15. “Night on Bald Mountain”