These Iconic Halloween Costumes Will Make You the Star of the Party (2024)

It's time to start planning your Halloween costume! After all, it takes a lot of time and creativity to come up with the perfect ensemble for the spookiest night of the year—especially if you're wanting to step into the shoes of your favorite TV and movie characters.

While we still get a scream out of classic costumes like witches and vampires, there are just so many pop culture moments worth recreating for the big day. So, to make sure the spotlight is on you come October 31, we've curated 15 pop culture Halloween costumes that encapsulate all of the latest trends (as well as some timeless classics, too). From your favorite '80s flicks like Back to the Future to recent blockbusters like The Little Mermaid and Barbie, you're sure to find both Halloween costumes for women and costumes for men to give you plenty of ensemble inspo. Bonus: All of these ideas will work as Halloween costumes for kids and teens as well.

If you're more of a television fanatic, you'll be psyched to know that we've also included ideas from several hit shows. We're talking Yellowstone costumes, Stranger Things costumes, and costumes inspired by the 2000s! Check out the shoppable items we've found or pull things from your closet. Whether you're headed to a Halloween party or spending the night trick-or-treating, get ready to be the star of your street!

Oppenheimer Costume

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer has been the pinnacle of current media conversation for the last few months. Carry that trend to Halloween by grabbing a few classic dress pieces that will have you looking just like the "father of the atomic bomb." Menswear items like a blazer and pants are made even more dapper with accessories like a fedora, fake pipe, and belt buckle. We've even found a pin that looks just like his security badge!

Evelyn Quan Costume

Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the best films of recent times. Actually, it might be one of the best sci-fi films ever. Though you may not be able to make like the movie and harness the power of the multiverse, you can make a costume that resembles one of the most memorable characters! Evelyn Quan's outfit is easily recreated with a floral button-down blouse and a red quilted vest. To make her immediately identifiable, add fake blood and a giant googly eye.

Taylor Swift Costume

Enter your popstar era this October when you step into the bedazzled boots of music icon Taylor Swift. While there are so many Taylor Swift costumes to choose from, we love all the glitz and glamour that comes with her Midnights tour look. To replicate it, start with a sequin dress then layer a fabulous faux-fur coat on top. As for the shoes, we've found rhinestone-covered boots so similar to the ones Taylor wears on stage. Talk about being bejeweled!

Barbie Costume

Barbiecore has taken the world by storm thanks to the record-breaking new Barbie movie and all of those fabulous outfits seen in the film—and it's sure to stick around through the next few seasons, too. So, get all dolled up (pun intended!) for the holiday by replicating a look or two. This vintage-inspired ensemble is sure to be a fan favorite, but all you really have to do is grab a variety of pieces that make you look pretty in pink.

Ariel Costume

If after watching Disney's dreamy reimagining of The Little Mermaid, you found yourself wanting to be apart of that world, now's your chance! Transform into the beloved mermaid princess with a few costume items like a shell top and mermaid tail skirt. You can even add a few of Ariel's accessories like starfish clips and a dinglehopper in the form of a bracelet. And don't forget to bring along her best friend, Flounder!

Maverick Costume

Ready to take your Halloween to new heights? Suit up as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell from Top Gun and you can do just that! Since the sequel was the blockbuster event of 2022, you can bet that it'll be a popular choice this year as well. Along with the famous flight jacket, find a few wardrobe basics like jeans, a white tee, and boots. Needed accessories include aviators and a cap. Now, adventure awaits!

Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler Costume

With the final season of Yellowstone premiering in November, the hit show will be on everyone's minds on October 31—which means there's no better time to make like the Duttons and pull out all that ranch gear for a Beth Dutton Halloween costume! Make it a couples costume by taking on Beth and her beau Rip Wheeler. Their unconventional wedding look will definitely turn heads! While Beth's costume is complete with a gold dress and leopard print coat, Rip only needs a few Western accessories.

Wednesday Addams Costume

For those of you who want to walk on the dark side this October... Enter: Wednesday Addams! We all know and love her creepy and kooky family, but thanks to Wednesday on Netflix, it's the mysterious and macabre Nevermore student's time to shine. Her signature braids are easy enough to pull off, so you just need all-black everything including a dress, socks, and shoes. You'll really nail the "little death trap" character if you bring along her trusty sidekick, Thing.

Eddie Munson Costume

Stranger Things lends itself to so many amazing costumes, but we're especially here for those who want to play the part of Hawkins High's resident metalhead and fearless Hellfire Club leader. Not only did he win the respect of fellow club members Mike and Dustin, but he also won the hearts of viewers everywhere. With a few '80s-inspired punk clothing items and his raglan shirt, you'll be ready to rock.

Mario and Luigi Costume

It's a me, Mario... and Luigi! Looking for fun best friend Halloween costumes? Look no further than these timeless characters. Just grab basic overalls and long sleeve shirts in both red and green. You can also find nifty accessory packs that include their iconic hats, gloves, buttons, and mustaches! Yep, you'll definitely be ready for a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Queen Charlotte Costume

Fans of Bridgerton recently traveled back to England for a prequel series which follows the rise of the beloved Queen Charlotte. Along with her epic love story, we were also treated to an abundance of opulent gowns and gorgeous hairstyles that the show has become known for. And now, we just have to wear them for ourselves! To take on the royal role of Queen Charlotte, you'll need a huge ball gown and a crown. Other accessories like gloves and jewelry will also help you to exude elegance.

Ted Lasso Costume

If you're still not over the heartfelt ending of Ted Lasso, show everyone you still believe by dressing up as Ted himself! The AFC Richmond coach has a casual style that should be simple to replicate. Think: Tracksuits, a visor, a whistle, classic aviator sunglasses, and of course, his distinguishing mustache. Bonus points if you carry Army men to hand out throughout the night!

Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko Costume

Grease is always the word—especially for Ree Drummond who considers the flick one of her favorite movies of all time! There's so many different Grease Halloween costumes (including Pink Ladies or T-Birds group costumes), but we especially love the idea of donning cool all-black outfits and going as high school sweethearts Danny and Sandy.

Dolly Parton Costume

Who wouldn't want to take on the dazzling persona of the queen of country for a night? Whether it's sparkly, leather, denim, satin, pastel or neon, she'll wear it! Seriously y'all, with so many iconic Dolly Parton looks over the years, you have plenty to choose from when picking your outfit. Stick to her basics by donning some western flair in the form of fringe, sequins, and the cutest cowboy hat and cowboy boots. We promise you won't have to work "9 to 5" to put this one together.

Marty McFly Costume

Hello, McFly! Easily take yourself Back to the Future with this '80s costume idea. If you've got jeans and a plaid shirt in your closet, you're already halfway there! To make yourself instantly recognizable, you'll also want to grab a denim jacket and red puffer vest then finish off the look with aviators and some classic kicks.