"It's close to midnight, something evil's lurking in the dark. Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart..."
Is there any opening lyric more iconic in the Halloween world than this? “Monster Mash” and “This is Halloween” might come close, but absolutely no song gives me the Halloween feels the way “Thriller” by Michael Jackson does.
About two years ago, I found myself wondering how many versions of “Monster Mash” existed (spoiler alert: A LOT) so I rounded up more than 50 of them into a blog post, and it’s high time we do the same for “Thriller”.
Here are 13 covers of “Thriller” you need to listen to before October 31st, plus which three are my top picks for your Halloween playlist this year. (And every year!)
13 Covers of “Thriller” You Need to Hear
The Original Version
Before we jump into the covers, you need to listen to the classic. Just in case you’ve never seen the full music video, watch it now:
1. Mashup Version by Glee Cast
I wasn’t a regular viewer of “Glee” when the show was on, but I was OB. SESSED. with this version of “Thriller” when I first heard it. (Ask anyone who attended Halloween Roast 2011 where we danced to it on repeat in the living room for a solid 30 minutes…) I loved the mashups of songs they did on the show, and this one remains one of my Halloween playlist staples to this day.
2. Contemporary Classical Version by Vitamin String Quartet
If you haven’t run across one of Vitamin String Quartet’s many covers of contemporary songs, you might be living under a rock. I love their gorgeous take on every single one. Even with strings, this cover of “Thriller” still has the energy I love about the original.
3. FAVE PICK: 30s Jazz Version by Postmodern Jukebox, featuring Wayne Brady
This is, by far, my favorite cover I’ve ever heard…and I only discovered it last Halloween season thanks to Dead Air. The incomparable Wayne Brady sings lead on this jazzy cover by Postmodern Jukebox. (If you’ve never heard of them, explore their YouTube channel after listening to this cover because they are incredible.) I especially love the tap dancing, which is included in the audio recording on Spotify.
4. FAVE PICK: Metal Version by Leo Moracchioli and C.J. Pierce
You guys, this one slays me. I listen to a bit of everything in the music world, but I don’t spend a lot of time in metal land. The things that always sucks me in, however, are gruff vocals and heavy guitars, and I cannot get enough of the cover by Leo Moracchioli and C.J. Pierce. Discovering there was a music video for it too was the icing on the cake.
5. Dub Version by Richie Phoe
You might be familiar with dubstep, but did you know dub music is a genre that’s been around since the 1960s? It grew out of the reggae genre and is usually an instrumental remix of a familiar song, like this version of “Thriller” by Richie Phoe. I love it as a short and sweet nod to a Halloween classic.
6. FAVE PICK: Bluegrass Version by Honeywagon
And now to go in the completely opposite direction…how about a bluegrass take on “Thriller”? As a Texas gal, a touch of country is always necessary for my Halloween playlist, and this simplified version by Honeywagon is lovely. (The banjo in the chorus is perfection.) I especially love that they filmed their video for it in a Civil War cemetery.
7. Funk Version by Speak Low
The blend of funk guitar and horns makes this cover a really unique – and fun – version of “Thriller” to throw onto a Halloween playlist. It’d be perfect for a Halloween brunch party.
8. Synthwave Version by Scandroid
This cover of “Thriller” sounds like it belongs in “Stranger Things” – and rightfully so. Synthwave is a popular sound for 1980s movies and video games. If you’re looking for a cover more on the electronic side of the musical spectrum, this is the one for you.
9. Three String Version by Simply Three
Want an even more simple – and equally beautiful – string version of “Thriller” than the Vitamin String Quartet cover? Take a listen to this version by Simply Three with, can you guess, just three stringed instruments.
10. Acoustic Version by Luca Stricognoli
Bust out of coffee and cozy up for this acoustic cover of “Thriller”. I’m a sucker for anything acoustic (#emokidforever), and this dual acoustic guitar performance by Luca Stricognoli is a ton of fun to watch!
11. Acapella Version by Hyannis Sound
If you love Pentatonix, you will love this cover of “Thriller” by Hyannis Sound, which is completely acapella. I’m forever amazed by singers who can recreate an entire song with only their voices.
12. Marching Band Version by No BS! Brass Band
My days of living out “Friday Night Lights” called and want their October marching band halftime show back. 😂 Okay, but in all seriousness, this take on a Halloween classic is yet another unique must-have for any Halloween party playlist.
13. Reggae Version by Easy Star All-Stars
And finally, if your “Thriller” needs a little bit of groove, I present this reggae-inspired cover by Easy Star All-Stars for your listening pleasure.
The Ultimate “Thriller” Playlist
List to the full playlist on Spotify:
And just in case you’re old school and prefer a tracklist, I’ve got you covered:

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SO…WHICH VERSION IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Share it in the comments!
Forever awaiting Thriller night,




Chelsea
Definitely loved the Postmodern Jukebox one best (outside of the original, of course). Completely up my alley!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
That one is SO much fun, and you have to love Wayne Brady’s take on it.