The most iconic Halloween costumes usually have to do with pop culture in one way or another. That usually means dressing as a hilarious meme or major celebrity moment from the past year (looking at you, Kendall Jenner cutting a cucumber). But considering how much time we spend in front of the big and small screens, if you really want to blow people away, opt for one of these amazing TV and movie character Halloween costumes.
Similar to storybook characters, the archetypes — superheroes, princesses, villains, Mother Figures and so on — you can play into are endless. Plus, they span every genre so you can keep things scary or cool come October 31. And even though the wardrobe design on television and film is so impressive, many of the looks can be easily recreated for a last-minute DIY costume. But even if you have all the time in the world for a costume, the characters here still hold up as some of the best getups for women and definitely some of the easiest ideas for men.
So now, all you have to do is decide if you want to do a solo outfit — dressing as Barbie is a no-brainer this year, or go for a group costume — because Ted Lasso is sadly over.
1
Dr. Strange
Channel all of Dr. Strange's magical powers easily thanks to our DIY version which uses clothes you already own (jeans and a hoodie), plus cheap accessories (cleaning gloves and cape) to complete the look.
2
Wednesday Addams
There are so many iterations of Wednesday you can pull off, but we prefer her classic school-uniform style that requires very little shopping.
3
Joel from The Last of Us
The only hard thing about becoming Joel will be nailing own his impenetrable personality. Otherwise, a good backpack and a plaid shirt will do.
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4
Sari from Cocaine Bear
Everyone's going to love this look, which requires a good pink jumpsuit and a stuffed bear (just so everyone knows who you're dressed up as).
5
Emily in Paris
Say "bonjour!" to your favorite Halloween costume ever. Dress up your chicest outfit with some props, like a beret and passport, and you'll be all set.
6
Ariel from the Little Mermaid
Sure you can buy a full-on Ariel costume, but it's more fun (and affordable!) to DIY your own version with a green skirt and a pink top.
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7
Tanya from White Lotus
RIP Tanya and her four hands. At least you can honor her impact on the show (and her iconic lines) this Halloween.
8
Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders
We're still not over the series ending, but as long as Tommy Shelby is alive, we're okay. Turning into the leader of the Peaky Blinders will lie in your attitude and great accessories.
9
Mantis from 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'
She's your favorite empath, and we might not ever see her again after her sad departure after the latest film. So honor all she's done for the team by wearing leather pants, a black top and, of course, her antennae. You can DIY the antennae or buy it.
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10
Miles Morales
Channel your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man by donning this black and red costume. Throw on a matching hoodie and Nikes, and you'll be ready to save Brooklyn and the world.
11
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If there's one animation that never gets old, it's the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With this year's release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, you and your squad will be ultimate goals when you dress up as Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.
12
Carmy from 'The Bear'
With the second season of The Bear here, there's no doubt that Carmy will be a popular costume this October. All you need is an apron and to walk around saying "yes, chef."
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13
Frank Blade From 'Blade'
Mahershala Ali and Jennifer Lawrence are starring in the latest Blade film that's set to come out in 2025. But you don't have to wait two years to dress up as the superhero. With the right accessories, including a cool lather vest, you'll be ahead of the trend.
14
Carl Nargle from 'Paint'
Paint was released earlier this year as a comedic spin on the life of fictional artist Carl Nargle, who has eerie similarities to Bob Ross. Channel the painter's iconic style with a curly wig and paint palette.
15
Otto Mann from 'The Simpsons'
Sure, he's not the most popular character from the show, but he's definitely the one with the easiest outfit to recreate that still feels like a costume.
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16
Jeremy from 'White Men Can't Jump'
Rapper Jack Harlow made his acting debut in this 2023 remake. You can dress up as his character Jeremy by layering short and long sleeve shirts, sporting yoga pants and holding a basketball.
17
Mavis from 'Hotel Transylvania'
When you can bring a cartoon character to life like this, it's always impressive. What we love is that you probably already have everything you need in your closet - sans vampire teeth.
18
Dre from 'Swarm'
Fandom and obsession take a murderous turn in this new horror series from Amazon Prime. Dress up as Ni'Jah superfan, Dre, with the help of an "H-Town" crewneck and tie-dye shorts.
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19
Walter White from 'Breaking Bad'
Will we ever get over Breaking Bad? Probably not. If you can pull-off the scowl was good as this cosplayer, all you'll need is a hat, glasses and goatee.
20
Kiki from 'Kiki's Delivery Service'
If you're trying to find your way in the world like Kiki, this anime-inspired costume is for you. A purple or blue dress, a broom and a giant red bow.
