Will We Get Our First Seasonal Halloween No. 1 of the Century This Year? ‘Thriller,’ ‘Dracula’ & The Spookiest Hot 100 Race Ever
The article says Halloween songs could make an unusually strong challenge for the Billboard Hot 100’s No. 1 spot in 2026. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is in contention after reaching No. 10 last year, while a newer song, “Dracula”, is also mentioned as a possible contender.
Seasonal songs have returned to the Hot 100 for years, but until recently they had not come close to the top during their annual reappearances. The article points to growing interest in older catalogue music and a record nine catalogue songs returning after the 4 July holiday in 2026, with Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” reaching No. 11. “Monster Mash” and “Ghostbusters” previously topped the chart during their original runs.
In short
- “Thriller” reached No. 10 last Halloween.
- “Dracula” could also contend for the 2026 top spot.
- Catalogue songs are gaining chart traction.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A Halloween song reaching No. 1 would reflect listeners’ choices and the growing place of seasonal music in how people celebrate and share culture. The strong chart returns of older songs suggest audiences value familiar catalogue tracks, and a seasonal hit at the top could be a welcome recognition of that enthusiasm.
The case against
The Hot 100 is often treated as a snapshot of what is popular now, so a seasonal track’s brief annual surge could make the No. 1 position less representative of broader, sustained listening. Some may also see heavy reliance on recurring catalogue songs as crowding out newer releases, even when the chart rules accurately capture current streams and sales.
Explained simply
The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the United States each week, drawing on measures including listening and sales. Older songs can return to the chart when listeners rediscover them, and seasonal tracks often reappear around the holiday they are associated with.
“Thriller” is Michael Jackson’s 1982 song, while “Dracula” is a newer track also mentioned in the race. Halloween songs have returned to the chart before, but a seasonal song has not reached No. 1 in the 21st century; “Monster Mash” and “Ghostbusters” topped the chart during their original runs.
The renewed attention to older music has brought more catalogue songs back onto the chart in recent years. That could make seasonal releases more prominent in the weekly rankings, which are closely followed by artists, record labels and music fans.
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