The Best Celebrity and Pop-Culture Halloween Costumes, From Trendy to Timeless

Whether inspired by the iconic movies, music, and moments of 2026 or years past, we've rounded up killer pop-culture and celebrity costumes for this Oct. 31

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Each Halloween brings a fun opportunity to commemorate the year that was with a costume — be it one ripped from the headlines, inspired by one of pop culture’s wacky side characters, or pulled from Hollywood’s most recent hits.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be all about current events. Some famous figures and madcap moments stand the test of time. That’s why our roundup of the best pop-culture costumes runs the gamut. There are the trend-based getups from the year that was and outfits that will make just as much sense in 2030 as they will in 2026. Best of all, many of these options utilize regular clothes and everyday items that you can repurpose once the decorative gourds are put away.

Tom Cruise in Digger

Digger was one of the most divisive movies of 2026; those who loved it really loved it, and those who hated it really hated it. At the very least, dressing up as the titular Digger Rockwell is a guaranteed conversation starter.

Austin Abrams in Resident Evil

Resident Evil stars Austin Abrams as an unlikely action hero — a medical courier who’s just trying to make it through the night as a zombie breakout begins. That means his costume is easy to pull together: a green medical bag as his mysterious cargo, and a winter beanie to complete the look.

Bear and Nikki From Obsession

Obsession was one of the biggest movies of the year, and while we wouldn’t exactly call this a cute couples costume, it’s one that’s pretty easy to pull off.

Any Character From The Odyssey

The Odyssey may be tougher to pull off well, given that you might not have the same costume budget as a $250 million fantasy epic. But there are some solid costume options out there.

Backrooms Vibes

Backrooms is one of the most visually memorable movies of the year, from the distinctive yellow rooms to the film’s various characters. You can go for a premade costume, such as this official Async hazmat suit, or get creative and make your own Captain Clark costume.

NeeDoh

NeeDohs are one of 2026’s biggest viral crazes. The quirky little toys, loved by kids and adults alike, are known for their signature jelly filling, stress-relieving properties (allegedly), and even their iconic branded boxes, all of which you can recreate for your own costume.

Noah Wyle in The Pitt

If you’re looking for a last-minute costume, Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby in The Pitt is a no-brainer. The ER doc typically sports a blue zippered sweatshirt, black scrubs, and a stethoscope. A weary expression helps, too.

Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game”

Dressing up as an athlete is so easy — since every athlete has a uniform — it’s almost lazy. But if you want to make the costume a little less basic, you can recreate a specific sports moment, like Michael Jordan’s famous “flu game.” In 1997, Jordan legendarily led the Chicago Bulls to a Game 5 victory over the Utah Jazz while stricken with a stomach bug.

John Lennon

All you need is love — plus the rock & roll icon’s signature round eyewear and post-Beatles-breakup long hair. Keep things out of Harry Potter territory by adding Lennon’s famous “New York City” T-shirt.

Elton John

Elton John has sported many looks over the years, but few are as iconic and instantly recognizable as his sequined Dodgers uniform. You can buy a ready-made version online, and cap it off with a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Alien

If you have unlimited time and resources, you could dress up as a Xenomorph from the Alien franchise, but Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley might be a more attainable look. A gray jumpsuit is key, as is a head of curly hair. If you don’t want to carry a prop gun, you can bring Jonesy the cat along instead.

Thelma & Louise

Looking for an easy costume for a pair? The hell-raisers from Thelma & Louise are not only iconic and recognizable, but the individual components of each outfit work outside of Halloween — anyone can pull off a pair of light blue Levi’s, not just Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon on the lam.

Robert Pattinson as Edward in Twilight

Despite the film’s lack of narrative subtlety, the costumes from Twilight are fairly subdued. After all, these vampires don’t wear giant black cloaks. You can pull off Edward’s look with a gray peacoat, glitter makeup, and artfully tousled hair. A red apple makes for a cheap, convenient prop.

Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction

Dressing up as Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction is as easy as it is timeless, and the same could be said for most of the characters in the film. An oversized white dress shirt, black pants, and a dark bob wig are all you need. Bonus points for the bloody nose.

Kyle MacLachlan as Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks

The Nineties supernatural drama remains an enduring icon (and The Return is criminally underrated). Kyle MacLachlan’s Dale Cooper is sure to be a hit with TV fans. A trench coat, white shirt, and black tie are the foundation, but every good costume is about accessorizing. Add Cooper’s tape recorder and a cup of coffee (preferably a damn fine one).

Freddie Mercury at Live Aid 1985

Queen at Live Aid in 1985 remains one of the band’s most enduring performances, and Freddie Mercury’s onstage outfit is iconic. You may already have most of what you need to pull it off — the core components are simply a white tank and light-wash jeans. Studded accessories and a mustache (real or fake) complete the look.