15 Halloween-Themed Songs for a Rockin' October

And no, "Thriller" isn't one of them.

1. "Halloween" and "Halloween II" by The Misfits

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1981 - Horror punk

This is technically two songs, but for the purposes of this list, we'll count it as one. The Latin phrases in the second part translate to:

Ancient formulas of exorcisms and excommunications
That witches and those made wolves believe
I maim now the demon clothed in wolfskin
Having to hide in the hollow of a tree
I say werewolves can change shapes

2. "Halloween" by Helloween

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1987 - Power metal

The full album version is over 13 minutes long and delves more into the topics of heaven and hell, as opposed to just being about Halloween.

3. "On All Hallows' Eve" by Killing Joke

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2012 - Industrial rock

Lead singer, Jaz Coleman, stated that this particular song "is about [his] belief in ancestor worship, backed up by quantum theories that there is no death."

4. "Halloween" by Siouxsie and the Banshees

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1981 - Post-punk/gothic rock

Unlike the others, this song has a noticeably melancholic and dark tone.

Trick or treat...trick or treat...the bitter and the sweet...

5. "No Costume, No Candy" by Swingin' Neckbreakers

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1998 - Rock 'n' roll

This rock 'n' roll ditty is about some good ol' Halloween mischief.

6. "Halloween" by King Diamond

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1986 - Heavy metal

Halloween, you are my pride.... Halloween, not just a dream....

7. "All Hallows' Eve" by Type O Negative

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1999 - Doom metal/gothic metal

This song's another slow and somber gothic piece.

Sing macabre songs and we'll dance 'til dawn...

8. "Halloween (She Get So Mean)" by Rob Zombie (feat. The Ghastly Ones)

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1998 - Psychobilly/rock 'n' roll

The storyline of this song's a bit chaotic and confusing, but it's a fun Halloween song nonetheless.

9. "Keepin' Halloween Alive" by Alice Cooper

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2009 - Hard rock

This upbeat number is darkly humorous and fun.

Trick or trick or treat, gimme something to eat
She put razors in my apples, and they tasted so sweet

10. "This Is Halloween" by Marilyn Manson

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2006 - Industrial metal

This cover of the Danny Elfman classic is a worthy addition to your Halloween playlist.

11. "Samhain" by Inkubus Sukkubus

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1993 - Pagan rock/gothic rock

Samhain is a Gaelic festival that marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. The festival, along with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, were significant in helping to shape Halloween as we know it today.

12. "The Halloween Dance" by Reverend Horton Heat

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1998 - Psychobilly

Come on, everybody! Let's shake our booties like there's ants in our pants and do The Halloween Dance!

13. "Trick or Treat" by Fastway

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1986 - Heavy metal/glam metal

Fastway wrote and composed the original soundtrack for the 1986 heavy metal horror film Trick or Treat. The film features guest cameos by Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne.

14. "I Drink Blood" by Rocket from the Crypt

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1998 - Punk rock/rock 'n' roll

The lyrics on this one are a bit repetitive, but after a few listens, you'll be singing about how you drink blood on Halloween.

15. "Halloween" by Dead Kennedys

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1982 - Hardcore punk

Why don't you take your social regulations and shove 'em up your ass?