When you think of Halloween, the things that probably come to mind are pumpkins, costumes, candy, and trick or treating. But, there’s one essential part of the holiday that’s often overlooked: the Halloween song! Sure, Halloween songs are definitely silly, but no Hallow’s Eve is complete without them. Whether you’re hosting a party or you’re just looking to get in the spooktacular spirit, these hits are worth a listen.

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson

The younger generations might not know it as well as you do, but who are we kidding? You never forgot the dance. Put this on at a Halloween party and watch as the dance floor descends into a chaos of spins, kicks, and stiff-arm swinging. It doesn’t hurt that Jackson’s hit is not only a great Halloween song, but also a great pop song in its own right, great for any time of the year.

“Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett

It’s innocent, it’s cheesy, and it’s just a lot of fun. Who can’t help but love “Monster Mash”? Recorded in 1962, just a few decades after Halloween trick or treating became well-established, this song is a throwback to simpler times. While you might enjoy this song simply for its nostalgia, there’s no doubt that it has a timeless aspect to it, making it good fun for the kids of today.

“Halloween” by John Carpenter

The title track to John Carpenter’s creepy cult classic film, “Halloween,” might not be a danceable pop hit like many of the other songs on this list, but it might just be the spookiest. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you probably know this piano melody, and when you put it on, it’s hard not to feel shivers down your spine. Watch out for strange men in hockey masks!

“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

Who ya gonna call? Ray Parker Jr.’s theme to “Ghostbusters” never really went away, but the the reboot’s recent release has brought the song back to the cultural forefront, making it a solid choice for a party pick. If you really want to liven up the night, check out the Run-D.M.C. remix recorded for the film’s 1989 sequel, or any of the number of fan-made mashups.

“I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins “I Put a Spell on You” is inextricably linked to Halloween, and the sound of the tune is very appropriate for the holiday. That’s why it’s surprising to learn that the song was never meant to be a bone-chilling serenade. Originally, Hawkins envisioned the tune as a quieter love ballad, but during the recording sessions, the band had too many drinks and put on this unforgettable performance. Talk about a happy mistake!

“Time Warp” by the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast

Nobody can deny a great dance song, and “Time Warp” is one of the best. It’s a jump to the left, a slide to the right, and a great way to get a crowd moving. The hit song from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is appropriate for all ages (as you don’t read too much into it), but you’ll probably want to keep the film–which is for grown-ups only–away from the little ones until they’re a bit older.