There's nothing that generates quite the same amount of joy as a costume party. The opportunity to become someone you're not – someone you've always wanted to be – just for one night is undeniably desirable. Thankfully, Halloween comes around every year to curb our 'dress-up' appetite; but with so many potential costume contenders to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start.
To save you time, we've decided to do the heavy lifting for you, searching through the archives of Halloweens gone by to collate the best Halloween costumes of all time – regardless of budgets and time restrictions (we all know someone who leaves it to the last minute).
From pop-culture icons, to your favourite artists of the 21st century, and of course, a touch of spooky-chic to keep you on trend, here's our list of the best, most timeless Halloween costumes that are sure to win you best dressed every year.
1. The Skims Merkin
Thanks, Kim Kardashian for the original idea, and thanks TikTok for the costume inspiration. The Skims founder declared the bush is back this year, so why not take things one step further, and turn yourself into a life-size Merkin?
2. 070 Shake and Lily Rose Depp
Did somebody say power couple? Why not conjure TikTok's favourite meme, and summon your bestie to be the 070 Shake to your Lily Rose Depp. Don't forget your trench coat buttoned to the TOP.
3. The Louvre heist
Stealing is wrong, but this costume is so right. You can experiment with the base layers (though we love what these TikTokers have done with theirs), as long as you make sure you're dripping with jewels.
4. Justin Bieber standing on business
Sometimes, simple is best. All you need for this costume is a blue hoodie, tracksuit pants (worn very low), and to constnatly ask your friends if it's clocking to them yet.
5. Bob Ferguson from One Battle After Another
One of our favourite movies of this year also happens to have what we'd consider one of the best Halloween costume ideas. To disguise yourself as the one and only Bob Ferguson from One Battle After Another, all you'll need is a robe, sunglasses, a beanie, and a fairly frantic attitude. Sounds easy enough?
6. Sabrina Carpenter and Colman Domingo in the Tears music video
You've got your finger on the pulse, and need a niche couples costume? Sabrina Carpenter's latest music video for her new single Tears just dropped with some of the most iconic looks we've seen in years. Think Rocky Horror meets Michael Jackson's Thriller. Just make sure you add the song to the playlist too.
7. Coldplay jumbotron blunder
We all remember where we were when this played out. Throw on a blue polo or a black tank top and choose your fighter.
8. An Etsy witch
No matter your stance, these guys received a lot of attention this year. Exactly how you choose to emulate them, you'll want to differentiate yourself from the regular witch – perhaps by carrying a laptop, or pinning a print-out of your chosen Etsy witches shop-front to yourself.
9. Labubu (or Lafufu)
2025 will go down in history as the year Labubu-mania reached a fever pitch. For those more concerned with looking cute on Halloween, go the Labubu route. If you don't mind letting your hair down, a Lafufu might be the way to go.
10. The Lorax
Need we say more? We can thank TikTok's Ashby Florence for our renewed obsession with this classic character.
11. Enid and Agnes from Wednesday
Season two of Wednesday already has its own viral dance moment — this time a playful duet made for you and your bestie to master together. Perfect for Halloween, all you need are some wigs, glittery eyeshadow, and the poufiest dresses you can find to nail the look. And of course, don’t forget to blast Lady Gaga’s The Dead Dance on repeat while you practice.
12. The Summer I Turned Pretty cast
No TV show has dominated pop culture quite the way TSITP has these last few weeks. Of course, there are plenty of looks you can channel from the series. But bonus points if you recreate this wedding ensemble.
13. KATSEYE
The breakout stars of 2025, KATSEYE are the perfect costumes for you and your five nearest and dearest gal pals. Honestly, there are so many iconic looks to channel (who could forget their Lolla looks?), but their recent GAP denim campaign also drew plenty of attention. Learn the choreo, and you're sorted.
14. Elphaba and Glinda
Channel the iconic good and wicked witches from Wicked – and just before Part II drops later this year.
15. Severance characters
Grab your best red wig, name tag, corporate ID lanyard and neutral suiting. Obviously this one's all in the performance you give switching from your Innie to your Outie while going through doorways.
16. Mary from Sinners
Hailee Steinfeld's Mary was a standout character. Her mauve silk dress, matching shoes and a bit of fake blood will take you far.
17. Hailee Marie Matthews from Overcompensating
Capture the internet’s favourite new fictional troublemaker with exaggerated accessories (those pompom nails are IT) and chaotic energy.
18. Ellen from Nosferatu
For the chicest girls on Halloween. Ellen's Victorain gowns, dead-eyed stare and convulsions are perfect for a Gothic evening.
19. Elizabeth from Frankenstein
The film might not be out until Halloween this year, but Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a costume haven. Mia Goth's Elizabeth is the perfect excuse to dress up in feathers and a fan, while Jacob Elordi's monster is an excuse to whip out the body paint for a night.
20. Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games
Us Hunger Games fans are really being fed in 2025. And with a new film on the way (and Elle Fanning set to take on a young Trinket), what better time to put on your most chaotic garb and a glass of champagne?
21. Sue from The Substance
Halloween is meant to be scary, and The Substance is up there with the creepiest movies we've seen this year — or ever. So we'd hazard a guess that there'll be a few iterations of Elisabeth and Sue trick or treating this spooky season. For the demure amongst us, we're obsessed with this colour-blocked coat look. Or, if you prefer to show a little more skin, why not don your favourite lycra leotard? Decaying limbs and vial of The Substance optional.
22. Chappell Roan
Chappel has had another whirlwind year and some great costume-able moments. While her Giver single promo shoot has plenty of options – from hardhats to American Pscyho–inspired suiting – we honestly still think someone out there needs to recreate her Grammy's outfit. Pointy white 'Me as a Baby' hat included.
23. Charli XCX (and her full Coachella 2025 crew)
Honestly, Charli XCX has truly dominated this year's soundtrack once again – and her Coachella set was no exception. Better yet, make this a group costume by phoning some friends to dress as fellow pop stars and Coachella guests of her set: Troye Sivan, Lorde and Billie.
24. Carmy and Syd from The Bear
Channel Carmy from The Bear this Halloween with his signature white tee, tattooed arms, and that messy, stressed-out chef vibe. Just don't forget the apron and an intense need for perfection – you're cooking up more than just a look.
25. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The internet has become obsessed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – in particular, trying to recreate their iconic Thunderstruck routine online. But if you're game (and flexible), we'd suggest donning their signature uniform, a high pony, and attempt some of those kicks.
26. The Matildas
Also in the sporting world are the iconic Matildas, who are still repping the green-and-gold kits abroad. Whether donning a Sam Kerr low-ponytail or a signature hair ribbon like Hayley Raso, you won't be fielding any questions about who you're dressed up as.
27. Addison Rae
You can go as simple or as elaborate as you like with this one. Bedazzle a bra and undies and throw on some black patent heels for low effort, high impact, or really lean in with a cone bra and tutu skirt.
28. KPop Demon Hunters
The movie the world went crazy for this year. All you need to decide? Will you be Rumi, Mira and Zoey...
29. Challengers
Okay, it didn't come out this year, but we're still obsessed. Whether you'll be donning the J.W. Anderson 'I TOLD YA SO' tee, or grabbing two friends to recreate this iconic bedroom scene, this is a perfect trio costume for your ENM friends.
30. Saltburn
I know it came out yonks ago, but Saltburn is still a costumer's dream. Antlers? Angel wings? Embroidered coats? Toting around copies of Harry Potter? All yeses!
31. The White Lotus guests
Being a guest of The White Lotus is more of a state of mind. Just doll yourself in your best rich-person-on-holday garb and make sure you've got the insufferable attitude to carry it.
32. Oasis
Just in time for the reunion tour we never thought we'd see? Bucket hats are firmly ON.
33. Katy Perry's space trip
Was there a cultural moment more polarising, more absurd, than Katy Perry floating in front of a livestream in space, holding a daisy? It's a must.
34. Something F1-inspired
Whether you opt for Brad Pitt's fictional driver, or for one of the real F1 teams currently racing, there's nothing easier and more comfortable for a night of partying than a zip-up jumpsuit and headset. Maybe even grab your X-box controller to cart around too.
35. Cher and Dionne from Clueless
For a Halloween outfit you can pull together without a second thought, you can't look past the 90s duo that is Cher and Dionne from Clueless.
36. Elvira from Scarface
There are few silver screen characters more iconic than Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Scarface. And all you need is a long blue dress and a blonde bob wig – et voila!
37. Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's
A black dress, tiara and croissant in hand – Holly Golightly from Audrey Hepburn's iconic film, Breakfast at Tiffany's is exactly who we want to be for Halloween this year.
38. Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette
Do you take Halloween pretty seriously? Here's your time to shine, with an elaborate Marie Antoinette costume that could see you take Kirsten Dunst's place in Sofia Copolla's 2006 film.
39. Catwoman
An all black outfit, cat ears and a strong red lip are all you need to recreate Catwoman's signature outfit this Halloween.
40. Gogo Yubari from Kill Bill: Vol 1
Make like Megan Fox and MGK and take the punny root with your Halloween costume this year.
41. Elvis and Priscilla Presley
Take a leaf out of Jacob Elordi and Kaia Gerber's book and dress up as the royal couple of rock'n'roll themselves. If Austin Butler and Olivia de Jonge's portrayal in Baz Luhrmann film wasn't enough, Sofia Coppola's newly released Priscilla should provide apt inspiration.
42. Moonrise Kingdom
Another beloved Wes Anderson character and go-to Halloween costume for anyone with an affinity for 1960s style.
39. Cher in Mermaids
Listen. You can never go wrong with dressing up as Cher.
43. Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries
Lean into the Y2K craze by recreating the iconic Princess Diaries movie poster as Mia Thermopolis.
44. Britney Spears
Sure, her ...Baby One More Time school-girl look is iconic. But this year, we're channeling this red lycra one-piece from Oops!… I did it again.
45. Pearl
For the scary-movie dressers, Mia Goth's Pearl is our scream queen icon for 2023.
46. Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet
There might never be a more ethereal presence on-screen like Clare Danes' Juliet in this Baz Luhrmann adaptation. And if you're lucky enough to have a Leo-impersonator by your side, even better.
47. Fleabag and Hot Priest
Probably the coolest couple costume we can think of, make like Daisy and Paul and channel our favourite on-screen star-crossed lovers from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's beloved TV series Fleabag.
48. The Shining twins
When in doubt on Halloween, nothing really trumps referencing a horror genre classic like The Shining, à la Emma Chamberlain and then-boyfriend Role Model. Just make sure you have a friend to join you for this one.
49. Knives from Scott Pilgram
There's something a little more fun about dressing up as a side-character. Move over Ramona Flowers, its the year of Envy Adams – just make sure Black Sheep is on the party playlist for 2023.
50. Kim Possible and Shego
The ultimate cartoon frenemies. Shego and Kim are for the Instagram baddies. Baggy cargos, midriff-exposing crops, skin-tight neon green suits. Change your phone ringtone if you really want those IYKYK status.
51. Fantastic Four
Someone's going to have to draw the short stick and go as The Thing, but otherwise this is a great costume for quads.
52. Corpse Bride
If you have the commitment to paint yourself blue, going as Emily and Victor is a real power move. Of course, if you can find yourself a Victoria too, you've nailed it.
53. Joel and Ellie from The Last Of Us
Our favourite father-daughter (but not really) duo of late. Maybe rope your actual dad into it. Maybe find someone committed enough to dress as a clicker.
54. Babygirl
Heat things up a little bit and dress as Romy and Samuel in your best corporate attire. Glasses of milk optional (read: mandatory) for this one.
52. Mia from Talk to Me
Mia's yellow bathrobe and swollen contact lenses are an easy option for those who just want to do the work to seem possessed. Perhaps you want to hit up you local craft store for a wooden hand to carry around too?
55. Annie from Anora
Jealousy is a disease and you'll be immune wearing Annie's cut-out clothes and hair tinsel. Obviously, you can rope in your own Russian billionaire or balding henchman too.
56. Dune characters
Stillsuits aren't the easiest to come by, but who remembers the details of them anyway? Grab a camel-back water container, some black clothes and a matching scarf and gloves to keep the dust from entering your eyes.
57. Shōgun cast
Obviously, let's approach this one with some cultural sensitivity, but the costumes and characters of Shōgun's feudal Japan are insanely good. And if you're lucky enough to be a part of that culture, we'd be channelling Lady Mariko.
Want more Halloween costume ideas? Check out the best Halloween costume for your Zodiac sign, or get inspiration from some of our favourite celebrity Halloween costumes. If dressing up isn't your thing, why not peruse a list of our favourite spooky films to honour the holiday?
