Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're scrambling for inspiration, you've come to the right place. Whether you're hunting for a last-minute costume that you can purchase online or planning something elaborate months in advance, the best Halloween costumes of all time draw from a rich tapestry of creativity, humor, and cultural moments that define our collective imagination.
From iconic characters from pop culture that instantly transport us to beloved movies and TV shows, to cleverly punny outfits that make everyone groan and laugh simultaneously, the perfect costume strikes a balance between recognition and originality. We've curated the ultimate collection featuring the best costume ideas for women who want to make a statement, easy looks for men that require minimal effort but maximum impact, and totally epic ideas for families that will have neighbors talking long after the candy runs out.
The beauty of a truly great Halloween costume lies not just in its execution, but in its ability to capture a moment, reference, or emotion that resonates with others. Whether you're channeling a viral meme, embodying a classic movie villain, or putting your own spin on a timeless character, the best costumes tell a story and invite connection. Get ready to discover looks that range from effortlessly cool to delightfully absurd—because the most memorable Halloween nights come from costumes that perfectly capture your personality while giving others something to smile about.
2025
Superman
Inspiration: Superman (Movie)
When you think of a superhero, Superman is always the answer for most people. It's without a doubt the most well-known superhero ever. And with the new reboot of Superman movie directed by James Gunn — it will be the most popular Halloween costumes for 2025.
Steve
Inspiration: A Minecraft Movie (Movie)
Elphaba
Inspiration: Wicked: For Good (Movie)
Celebrate the sequel to this year's Wicked movie, where Cynthia Erivo returns as the green-skinned protagonist once again.
Glinda
Inspiration: Wicked: For Good (Movie)
2024
Donald Trump
Inspiration: Donald J. Trump / US Election 2024 (Political Figure / Presidential Election Event)
Beetlejuice
Inspiration: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Movie)
Read More: Best Halloween Costumes for Men
Lydia Deetz
Inspiration: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Movie)
Read More: Best Halloween Costumes for Women
Raygun
Inspiration: Rachael Gunn / Paris 2024 Olympics (Athlete / Break Dancer / Sports Event)
Deadpool
Inspiration: Deadpool & Wolverine (Movie)
The long-awaited Deadpool & Wolverine movie has brought us back to the funniest fourth wall-breaker, Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds.
We didn't doubt that last year, this Marvel Comics character will be popular again on Halloween night after the 2016 and 2018 Halloweens.
Wolverine
Inspiration: Deadpool & Wolverine (Movie)
Most of us already knew that Wolverine (spoiler alert) died in 2017's Logan movie. Last year, Marvel Studios brought back, or more accurately showed us, that there are other Wolverines from other universes, too.
Once more, Hugh Jackman got to wear the Wolverine costume and teamed up with Deadpool to save their universes, whether they liked each other or not.
Furiosa
Inspiration: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Movie)
Who doesn't love the fierce female protagonist character in movie history (Imperator Furiosa, once played by Charlize Theron), right? Last year, George Miller made and produced the origin story about Furiosa's very challenging childhood life before meeting and teaming up with Mad Max.
Young Furiosa, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, will attract the attention of many young women who want to wear and feel the aura of the renegade warrior this Halloween.
Godzilla
Inspiration: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Movie)
Gundam
Inspiration: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (Movie)
2023
Loki
Inspiration: Loki (TV Show)
Taylor Swift
Inspiration: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Documentary)
Valak
Inspiration: The Nun II (Movie)
The demonic nun Valak from The Nun II (2023), The Nun (2018) and the highly-praised The Conjuring 2 (2016) movie has become one of the creepiest characters in recent horror films.
Dress up as the terrifying nun in a full black habit, white coif, and creepy makeup to frighten and delight fellow Halloween partygoers. This costume is equal parts scary and recognizable.
Sister Irene
Inspiration: The Nun II (Movie)
For another spin on the scary nun costume, go for Sister Irene from The Nun II (2023) and The Nun (2018) movie. She's the young nun who tries to defeat evil Valak. Dress in a full nun uniform and veil, cross necklace, and a terrified expression. Pair with a friend dressed as Valak for a dynamic duo costume!
Western Barbie
Inspiration: Barbie (Movie)
Thanks to the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, anything Barbie-related is trending for last year's Halloween, especially this Barbie Cowgirl Costume.
To put it in more detail, this Cowgirl Barbie costume oozed Western vibes in the hot pink cow print and leather. It's fun and flirty and totally captures Barbie's sassy cowgirl attitude in the 1-year-old movie.
Skating Ken
Inspiration: Barbie (Movie)
Western Ken
Inspiration: Barbie (Movie)
Flash
Inspiration: The Flash (Movie)
Batfleck
Inspiration: The Flash (Movie)
Wonder Woman
Inspiration: The Flash (Movie)
2022
'Top Gun' Aviator
Inspiration: Top Gun: Maverick (Movie)
Batman
Inspiration: The Batman (Movie)
2021
Spider-Man
Inspiration: Spider-Man: No Way Home (Movie)
2020
SpongeBob
Inspiration: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (Movie)
Sandy Cheeks
Inspiration: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (Movie)
2019
Stormtrooper
Inspiration: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Movie)
If you would like to look as close as the real Stormtrooper character in the Star Wars franchise, then you should look at our suggestions below.
Rey
Inspiration: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Movie)
Princess Leia
Inspiration: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Movie)
Poison Ivy
Inspiration: Harley Quinn (TV Show)
Maleficent
Inspiration: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Movie)
2018
The Grinch
Inspiration: The Grinch (Movie)
Dr. Seuss' classic Grinch character got a stylish makeover thanks to Illumination's 2018 animated movie The Grinch.
This Halloween, channel your inner The Grinch persona in long green pants and a Santa jacket as the top, funky red pointed socks with small pompoms, and, of course, green makeup and a Grinch hand mask.
Robin Hood
Inspiration: Robin Hood (Movie)
2016
Harley Quinn
Inspiration: Suicide Squad (Movie)
2015
Ben Grimm
Inspiration: Fantastic Four (Movie)
Snow White
Inspiration: Descendants (Movie)
Read More: Best Halloween Costumes for Kids
2013
Iron Man
Inspiration: Iron Man 3 (Movie)
2010
Mad Hatter
Inspiration: Alice in Wonderland (Movie)
Inspired by the zany character from Alice in Wonderland, a Mad Hatter costume is always a popular choice for Halloween. Top it off with a men's top hat decorated with cards, teacups, ribbons and other "mad" elements. Pair it with a suit in a bold color, patterned pants or skirt, and don't forget eccentric makeup to complete the crazy Hatter look.
2008
Joker
Inspiration: The Dark Knight (Movie)
2003
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Inspiration: Girl with a Pearl Earring (Movie / Painting)
Johannes Vermeer's famous painting Girl with a Pearl Earring has inspired a simple yet beautiful Halloween costume. Recreate the classic look with a blue and gold turban headband, large pearl earring, and collared blouse. Feel free to customize the outfit with your own touches while keeping the focal pearl earring.
1994
The Mask
Inspiration: The Mask (Movie)
1992
Vampire
Inspiration: Dracula (Pop Culture)
Vampires never die, and neither does this classic Halloween costume choice. Dress as the OG bloodsucker vampire, a.k.a. Dracula, in a black cape with a high vampire collar. Slick your hair back and get some fake fangs to take your favorite vampire character to the next level. Feel free to make yours modern with trendy black clothes underneath.
Classic Harley Quinn
Inspiration: Batman: The Animated Series (TV Show)
Harley Quinn's signature jester style makes for an iconic and easy Halloween costume. Pair harlequin diamond leggings with a red and black corset top. Top with makeup, blonde pigtails, and a baseball bat for a Harley look that can't be beaten. Super comfortable but instantly recognizable.
