Really? There can’t be 21 Halloween-related songs that are better than “Thriller.”

Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” continues to prove its timeless grip on pop culture, earning the #22 spot on Billboard’s list of the Biggest Halloween Songs of All Time on the Hot 100. Decades later, the song still defines the spooky season — from its chilling Vincent Price narration to that unforgettable dance sequence that every generation seems to know by heart.

For many of us (myself included), “Thriller” isn’t just a song — it’s the soundtrack to every haunted house, costume party, and horror movie marathon. It’s the gold standard for “scary movie music,” blending pop perfection with eerie theatrics in a way only Michael Jackson could pull off.

At the top of Billboard’s list sits Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers’ classic “Monster Mash” at #1, followed by Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” at #2, The Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein” at #3, Eminem and Rihanna’s “The Monster” at #4, and Bobby Brown’s “On Our Own” (From Ghostbusters II) rounding out the top five.

Still, even at #22, “Thriller” remains the Halloween anthem — the one track that continues to unite generations, ignite dance floors, and bring a little spooky fun wherever it plays. When that bass line drops and the werewolf howls, you already know what time it is — time to press play on the King of Pop’s masterpiece.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.