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Quizzes > Music

Halloween music trivia: can you name that spooky song?

Quick, free Halloween music quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Larii AvilaUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut ghost skeleton pumpkin music notes vinyl records create spooky trivia quiz header on dark blue background

This Halloween music trivia quiz helps you guess the song and artist from lyrics, clues, and classic hooks. Play in quick rounds, see your score right away, and keep the chills going with halloween trivia questions, 90s music trivia, or a Michael Myers quiz today.

Which artist released the album and title track 'Thriller' in 1982?
Madonna
David Bowie
Prince
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson released the album Thriller in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time and featured a horror-themed title track that revolutionized music videos. The song 'Thriller' includes iconic spoken-word segments and cinematic production by Quincy Jones, contributing to its enduring popularity. Its music video is still celebrated for its choreography and Vincent Price's eerie narration.
Who performed the theme song for the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters'?
Lionel Richie
Ray Parker Jr.
Nile Rodgers
Huey Lewis
Ray Parker Jr. wrote and performed the catchy 'Ghostbusters' theme for the 1984 film, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural phenomenon. The song's memorable chorus 'Who you gonna call?' is instantly recognizable and synonymous with Halloween playlists. Legal disputes later arose over its resemblance to other hits, but it remains iconic.
Which Halloween-themed song, released in 1962, was performed by Bobby Pickett and celebrates a dance craze?
Thriller
Night of the Living Dead
Spooky Scary Skeletons
Monster Mash
Bobby "Boris" Pickett released 'Monster Mash' in 1962 as a novelty song celebrating a fictitious dance, the 'Monster Mash'. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a Halloween staple for its playful lyrics and catchy beat. The song's zombie and monster voices helped cement its place in pop culture.
Which song by Michael Jackson features a spoken-word segment by Vincent Price?
Beat It
Thriller
Smooth Criminal
Bad
The song 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson features an iconic spoken-word segment by actor Vincent Price near the end, complete with maniacal laughter. This addition added cinematic flair and helped make the music video a groundbreaking short film. Price's distinctive voice became one of the song's most memorable elements.
'Somebody's Watching Me' was a 1984 hit by which artist, featuring Michael Jackson on backing vocals?
Lionel Richie
Billy Idol
Phil Collins
Rockwell
'Somebody's Watching Me' was released by Rockwell in 1984, with Michael Jackson providing uncredited backing vocals on the chorus. The paranoid lyrics and Michael's harmonies helped the song reach the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a classic for its eerie theme of being watched.
Which rock musician is known for the werewolf-themed song 'Bark at the Moon'?
Alice Cooper
Elton John
Bruce Springsteen
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne released 'Bark at the Moon' in 1983, featuring lyrics about a werewolf creature. The song's spooky vibe and Osbourne's signature vocals cemented it as a heavy metal Halloween favorite. The music video even shows Ozzy transforming into a wolf-like monster.
Which theme song starts with the lyric 'They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky'?
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Ghostbusters
Dark Shadows
The Addams Family Theme
The opening lyric 'They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky' belongs to 'The Addams Family Theme', written by Vic Mizzy for the 1964 television series. Its harpsichord-driven melody and finger snaps have made it a timeless Halloween tune. The theme has been used in multiple film and TV adaptations.
Which singer-songwriter released 'Werewolves of London' in 1978?
Tom Petty
Bob Dylan
Warren Zevon
Bruce Springsteen
Warren Zevon released 'Werewolves of London' in 1978, co-written with LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel. The song's rolling piano riff and humorous lyrics about moonlit prowlers have made it a rock classic often featured around Halloween. Zevon's dry wit and distinctive vocal style shine throughout.
What instrument opens with a siren-like sound in the intro of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'?
Drum Machine
Synthesizer
Piano
Electric Guitar
The intro of 'Thriller' features a haunting synthesizer that mimics a siren-like wail, setting an eerie mood. Producer Quincy Jones and programmer Greg Phillinganes layered the synth tones to create that signature horror ambiance. It remains one of the most recognizable intros in pop music history.
In what year was 'Monster Mash' first released?
1965
1962
1970
1959
'Monster Mash' was released in August 1962 by Bobby Pickett and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 later that year. The song's novelty dance craze theme captured public imagination and became an annual Halloween favorite. It has since been re-released and remixed multiple times.
Who composed the classical tone poem 'Danse Macabre'?
Hector Berlioz
Igor Stravinsky
Camille Saint-Saëns
Maurice Ravel
Camille Saint-Saëns composed 'Danse Macabre' in 1874 as a symphonic poem for violin, orchestra, and harp, drawing on Gothic legends of Death leading skeletons to dance at midnight. The piece's xylophone mimics rattling bones, making it a popular Halloween concert selection. It remains one of Saint-Saëns' most famous works.
Which band had a hit with 'Highway to Hell', often featured in Halloween playlists?
Guns N' Roses
Metallica
Black Sabbath
AC/DC
AC/DC released 'Highway to Hell' in 1979 as the title track of their album, which became one of their signature songs. Its driving riffs and rebellious lyrics have made it a staple on rock and Halloween-themed playlists. The album was the last to feature singer Bon Scott before his untimely death.
Which song from Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' begins with 'Boys and girls of every age'?
Sally's Song
This is Halloween
Making Christmas
Jack's Lament
'This is Halloween' opens with the line 'Boys and girls of every age' and serves as the film's introductory track, sung by the residents of Halloween Town. Composed by Danny Elfman, it sets a darkly festive tone for the movie. The song has become a favorite for Halloween events and covers.
In Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition', what follows the lyric 'When you believe in things you don't understand'?
Then you lose your way
Then you lose your soul
Then you suffer
Then you lose your mind
The lyric in Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' goes 'When you believe in things you don't understand, then you suffer'. The groove-driven track warns against blind faith in superstitions. It was released in 1972 and became one of Wonder's signature hits.
Which Michael Jackson song begins with the lyric 'Darkness falls across the land'?
Bad
Thriller
Beat It
Smooth Criminal
The opening line 'Darkness falls across the land' is from Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. It immediately establishes a spooky atmosphere before the drums and Vincent Price's narration kick in. The track became a Halloween anthem due to its horror-movie style production.
Which horror-punk band released the song 'Where Eagles Dare'?
Sex Pistols
The Misfits
The Cure
Ramones
The Misfits released 'Where Eagles Dare' in 1979 on their single 'Night of the Living Dead'. The song blends punk energy with horror-themed lyrics, making it a staple of the horror-punk genre. The Misfits' influence persists in Halloween and alternative music circles.
The track 'Time Warp' is from which musical, often played during Halloween parties?
Hamilton
Cats
Les Misérables
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
'Time Warp' is performed in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a cult classic musical film from 1975. Its interactive midnight screenings and audience participation have made it a Halloween institution. The song invites viewers to dance along with its catchy instructions.
Which artist originally performed 'Dead Man's Party' in 1985?
The Cure
Oingo Boingo
Duran Duran
Depeche Mode
'Dead Man's Party' was released by Oingo Boingo in 1985, led by frontman Danny Elfman. The upbeat track with its macabre lyrics became one of the band's signature songs. It has been featured in several films and continues to be a Halloween favorite.
Who is the lead singer of Oingo Boingo, known for the hit 'Dead Man's Party'?
Thom Yorke
Bono
David Byrne
Danny Elfman
Danny Elfman was the frontman and primary songwriter for Oingo Boingo, famous for tunes like 'Dead Man's Party'. He later gained fame as a film composer for Tim Burton and others. Elfman's theatrical style helped define the band's horror-tinged image.
'Cry Little Sister' is the theme song for which 1987 vampire film directed by Joel Schumacher?
The Lost Boys
Interview with the Vampire
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Near Dark
'Cry Little Sister' was recorded by Gerard McMahon and used as the theme for Joel Schumacher's 1987 film The Lost Boys. Its haunting chorus and gothic atmosphere perfectly complement the film's teenage vampire storyline. The song has been remixed and re-released over the years.
Which choreographer helped Michael Jackson create the zombie dance for the 'Thriller' music video?
Bob Fosse
Debbie Allen
Michael Peters
Jerome Robbins
Michael Peters co-choreographed the iconic zombie dance moves in Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video alongside Jackson himself. Peters had worked on music videos for other major artists and brought theatrical flair to the routine. Their collaboration created one of the most famous dance sequences in music history.
Which punk rock band recorded 'Pet Sematary' for the 1989 film adaptation of Stephen King's novel?
Sex Pistols
The Ramones
The Clash
The Misfits
The Ramones recorded 'Pet Sematary' for the 1989 film based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The song was written by Dee Dee Ramone and Daniel Rey, becoming one of the band's later hits. Its dark lyrics and catchy chorus suit the horror theme perfectly.
Which music video director helmed Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'?
Martin Scorsese
John Landis
Steven Spielberg
George Lucas
John Landis, known for films like An American Werewolf in London, directed Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video. He brought cinematic storytelling and special effects to the project, making the 14-minute clip a groundbreaking blend of film and music. Landis's direction is credited with elevating music videos to an art form.
Who wrote the song 'Season of the Witch' that has become a Halloween rock staple?
Bob Dylan
Mick Jagger
John Lennon
Donovan
Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan wrote and recorded 'Season of the Witch' in 1966, featuring a psychedelic rock sound that has been covered by many artists. The song's mysterious lyrics and dark aura have made it a favorite for Halloween-themed compilations. Its enduring influence is evident in countless film and television soundtracks.
What key is the instrumental opening theme of John Carpenter's 1978 film 'Halloween' composed in?
A minor
C major
E flat minor
B minor
John Carpenter composed the minimalist opening theme for the film 'Halloween' in A minor, using simple piano and synthesizer motifs to evoke suspense. The repetitive minor-key melody has become an iconic symbol of horror cinema. Carpenter's score is celebrated for its effectiveness despite its austere arrangement.
Which mixing engineer is credited on the original recording of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'?
Phil Spector
Quincy Jones
Bruce Swedien
Bob Clearmountain
Bruce Swedien engineered and mixed Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album, collaborating closely with producer Quincy Jones. Swedien's techniques, including multi-track recording and spatial effects, played a significant role in the album's polished sound. His work on Thriller earned him critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Classic and Modern Halloween Songs -

    Recognize tunes from classic monster melodies to contemporary eerie anthems by listening to key notes.

  2. Recall Iconic Spooky Hits -

    Retrieve key facts and trivia about famous Halloween songs that have shaped the holiday's musical landscape.

  3. Analyze Musical Elements -

    Break down distinctive features such as tempo, instrumentation, and lyrics that create a Halloween atmosphere.

  4. Apply Halloween Music Trivia in a Kahoot-Style Challenge -

    Use your trivia knowledge to guess songs in a timed kahoot-style quiz and boost your spooky score.

  5. Compare Song Styles Across Eras -

    Differentiate between Halloween music trends over decades, from vintage horror themes to modern pop remixes.

  6. Assess and Improve Your Performance -

    Evaluate your results on the free scored quiz to pinpoint strengths and areas for deeper Halloween music trivia mastery.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Classic Halloween Hits Origins -

    Review the cultural milestones of "Monster Mash" (1962) and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1982) to understand why they endure on Halloween playlists. A simple mnemonic "M-T" helps recall these landmark decades. This context comes from musicology surveys at reputable university archives.

  2. Spooky Scale Secrets -

    Most eerie tunes rely on the minor scale and the tritone interval - nicknamed the "devil's interval" in music theory texts. Practice identifying the tritone (Augmented Fourth) by singing "La - Ti-flat" to cement its unsettling sound. Industry journals like Journal of Music Theory confirm its staple role in Halloween anthems.

  3. Iconic Instruments & Effects -

    Recognize signature spooky textures: the theremin's wavering pitch and reverb-drenched synths. Try a quick ear training exercise where you match a theremin riff to a modern eerie track. Conservatory research shows these timbres instantly signal "spook" to listeners.

  4. Intro Motif Identification -

    Memorize key song intros by focusing on shorthand motifs - for example, the three-note bassline in "Ghostbusters." Create flashcards with spectrogram snippets from sources like digital audio research labs to sharpen your recall. This technique mirrors university auditory skill drills.

  5. Quiz Tactics & Elimination -

    Use process-of-elimination strategies common to Kahoot® quizzes: first discard options that don't feature minor-key signatures or Halloween-themed lyrics. Time yourself on sample rounds created from official music trivia repositories to build speed and accuracy. Educational studies on game-based learning back this method for boosting recall under pressure.

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