Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the clock counting down to Halloween. While there are still a couple of weeks before the spookiest day of the year, Halloween costumes are selling fast so you might want to get started on your search. Unless you already have a concept in mind, it can be hard to narrow down your options, which is why we did some of the hard work for you. Below, find a list of 26 Halloween costume ideas for TV lovers and movie buffs. For more Halloween content, be sure to read our roundup of the best superhero costumes, and where to get a “Squid Game” costume before they’re gone for good.
Halloween Costumes for TV Lovers:
Colin Hutton / Apple TV+
“Ted Lasso” Halloween Costume
Ted Lasso is an easy costume to pull off, making him a great choice to emulate for Halloween. When it comes to finding a costume based on a popular character, it’s good to have a lot of options to choose from, such as this DIY look consisting of a Pasok’s Men’s Casual Tracksuit, Adidas visor, a whistle, aviator sunglasses and a fake mustache. For something more authentic, this AFC Richmond windbreaker looks exactly like the one worn on the series but it’s a bit pricier than the track suit. Related Ruth Carter on Designing the Costumes of ‘Wakanda Forever’ in the Face of Deep Waters and Deeper Grief What IndieWire Watches on Halloween, from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ to ‘Tales from the Crypt’ Related The 13 Best Slasher Movies Ever Made, from ‘Candyman’ to ‘Psycho’ 17 HBO and HBO Max Original Series to Get Excited About in 2023
HBO
“The White Lotus” Halloween Costume
“The White Lotus” (now streaming on HBO Max) became one of the year’s breakout hit series. If you’ve seen the show, then you’re already familiar with hotel manager Armond. No matter how crazy things get at the swanky hotel, he’s always impeccably dressed. To recreate his chic look for Halloween, try out this khaki linen suit and a floral button-up shirt.
Sophie Giraud/Hulu
“The Handmaid’s Tale” Halloween Costume
Blessed be the fruit. If you love “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and want to dress as one of the characters from this dystopian reality, a cloak and bonnet is all you need for a seamless transformation. This “Handmaid’s Tale” Costume from Fun Costumes includes a red hooded 100% polyester cloak with the signature white bonnet for just $40.
Everett Collection
“Peaky Blinders” Halloween Costume
Turn the clock back to the 1920s and transform into Thomas Shelby from “Peaky Blinders.” This 1920s Peaky Blinders Costume Accessories Kit is outfitted with the essentials for a pre-prohibition look: Boston scally cap, elastic suspenders, a pre-tied bowtie, pocket watch (without battery), and a pipe. If you have more room in the costume budget, check out the Alligator Warehouse Peaky Blinders Thomas Shelby Costume which comes with a suit, overcoat, and hat.
Jace Downs/AMC
“The Walking Dead” Halloween Costume
“The Walking Dead” is in its final season so if you’ve been meaning to pay homage to the series, here’s a way to do so for Halloween. Like other shows on the list, “The Walking Dead” features several different characters to dress up as, including Negan whose costume only requires a black leather jacket, and a replica of Negan’s bat, Lucille. If you’re interested in being Darly Dixon for Halloween, you’ll want to buy this Cosplay.fm Leather Wings Angel Vest and grab pair of jeans from your closet to complete the costume. And of course, you can always be a zombie from the show.
Courtesy of Netflix
“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Halloween Costume
Feeling witchy? Just about any character from the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” would make a perfect costume because the show fits the theme. If you’ve been looking for a Sabrina Spellman costume, this polyester costume dress from Rubie’s pulls off the teenage witch’s look without too much effort (literally all you have to do is put on the dress and a pair of black tights and shoes). The polyester dress is hand washable and available in sizes ranging from XS to large.
AMC
“Breaking Bad” Halloween Costume
There’s no doubt about it, Walter White is one of the most iconic TV characters ever. And this “Breaking Bad” Halloween Costume couldn’t be easier to slip into. It comes with a Hazmat suit, with a mask, gloves, and goatee beard.
Stephanie Branchu/Netflix
“Emily in Paris” Halloween Costume
Capture the vibe of “Emily in Paris” without stepping foot on an airplane. Fashion is a major part of the Netflix series, which gives you some flexibility when choosing a costume idea. To recreate the look pictured above all you really need is an oversized plaid flannel shirt and an iPhone camera cover. Another good idea: This Parisian-inspired accessories set that comes with a beret, gloves, and a scarf. You can also pair the accessories with this black and white checkered blazer that looks similar to the one worn on the series.
LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
“Bridgerton” Couples Halloween Costume
Whether you’re planning to attend the real-life Bridgerton Ball or simply enjoy regency-era clothing, Halloween gives you a chance to channel Daphne Bridgerton, Simon Bassett, or any of the characters on the show. For a couples look, this Colonial Lady’s Corset Dress with white gloves captures the “Bridgerton” aesthetic, as does this dapper Victorian frock coat.
Phil Bray / Netflix
“The Queen’s Gambit”Halloween Costume
“The Queen’s Gambit” debuted over the pandemic last year and became required programming for chess fanatics and binge watchers alike. Channel Beth Harmon for Halloween by stepping into this ’60s vintage style dress, and you’ll need an auburn wig to round out the costume. If you really want to get into character, add a chess set to the ensemble.
CBS
Star Trek Halloween Costume
The “Star Trek” franchise presents a ton of Halloween ideas, one being a Star Trek: Discovery Command Uniform. Fans of the earlier series might want to try out the Star Trek: Next Generation Adult Costume, or this red dress inspired by “Star Trek: The Original Series.”
Disney+
The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Halloween Costume
You can’t really go wrong with being a bounty hunter from “The Mandalorian.” It’s a pretty affordable and simple costume idea that will certainly turn a few heads. To turn into a bounty hunter from the Disney+ series, you’ll need this black printed jumpsuit, which comes complete with a cape, gloves, half mask, and shoe covers. Find additional costume ideas in our roundup of best gifts for “Star Wars” fans.
Halloween Costumes for Movie Buffs:
“Scream” Halloween Costume
There’s probably no better representation of ’90s horror movies than “Scream.” Ghostface returns for a new installment to the slasher film franchise next month, making it a great time to dress up as the masked killer. This Adult Scream Costume from Fun World, consists of a black polyester robe (with a belt tie) and a mask. And don’t forget to purchase a toy knife.
Warner Bros./Youtube
Pennywise Halloween Costume
Pennywise might be one of the scariest costumes around — but he’s also one of the most popular Halloween costumes for the last few years. If you’ve always wanted to be a creepy clown, this “It: Chapter Two” Tattered Pennywise Halloween Costume from Party City comes with a clown suit, mask, and collar. This particular costume is only available in extra small and “standard” sizes, but there’s also a plus size option.
Warner Bros.
“Annabelle” Halloween Costume
From creepy clowns to possessed dolls. You’re sure to terrify someone this Halloween in Party City’s Annabelle Comes Home Halloween Costume. It comes with a creepy, white dress with a red-trimmed sweetheart neckline and belt like the doll in the movie, and a braided blonde wig. The costume doesn’t include makeup but you can always purchase this Halloween makeup kit to further transform into the evil doll.
Everett Collection
Willy Wonka Halloween Costume
If you haven’t already heard, Willy Wonka is on his way back to the big screen. 2021 also marks the 50th anniversary of the original Willy Wonka film, so what more reason do you need to dress as the neurotic “Candy Man”? The Willy Wonka Deluxe Costume includes a purple jacket with an attached vest front, gold bow tie, white collar, and a brown top hat.
Laurie Sparham/Disney
Cruella DeVil Halloween Costume
It doesn’t take much to feel like Disney’s resident dog-napping villain — all you really need is the right attitude and a black-and-white wig. As for the outfit, Cruella costumes are all about variety. If you’re going for something form fitting, this Cruella DeVil one-piece costume is a safe choice (it comes with a bodysuit, cape, and cigarette holder). To mirror the image above, try an evening gown costume dress, or this Cruella DeVil Costume Set from Lilycos (wig included).
Sony/Everett Collection
Venom Halloween Costume
Sometimes its fun playing the bad guy. Bring the mayhem this Halloween as Spider-Man’s symbiotic foe in this Venom Halloween Costume for Men which includes a black-and-white printed polyester jumpsuit with muscle padding and a printed plastic mask (gloves and shoes are not included).
Warner Bros.
“Mortal Kombat” Halloween Costume
In a year packed with fan-favorite reboots, “Mortal Kombat” could easily get lost in the fray. Luckily, the costumes have long been a popular choice for Halloween and this year’s movie gives you all the more reason to become Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Raiden, or another character from the franchise. Another benefit to dressing up as a Mortal Kombat character during a global pandemic: You probably won’t have to worry about finding a mask to match your costume.
Focus Features
“Promising Young Woman” Halloween Costume
The typical nurse costume gets an upgrade in “Promising Young Woman.” One of the final scenes in the dark comedy depicts protagonist Cassie (Carey Mulligan) disguised as a stripper dressed up as a nurse. Want to recreate the look? All you’ll need is a nurse’s uniform, and this colorful wig from Noonan. The costume includes a dress, stocking, wig, and a “Cassie” necklace.
Warner Bros.
“Space Jam” Halloween Costume
Tune Squad or Goon Squad? Dress up as a player from “Space Jam: A New Legacy” with any one of these adorable basketball uniforms for men, women, and children. There’s also a Lola Bunny costume for fans of the character.
Disney
“Raya and the Last Dragon” Halloween Costume
Who wouldn’t want to portray the lone warrior from the mythical fantasy world? This Raya Halloween Cosplay Costume comes in a few different sizing and design options including the Raya Full Set (with cloak, leather vest, yellow shirt, pants, belt and wrist guard), and the Raya Suit (which doesn’t include a cloak). If you happen to order one of these costumes, be sure to choose the fast delivery option so that it arrives by Halloween.
“Coco” Halloween Costume
Traveling to the land of the Land of the Dead? You’ll need the right gear first. These costumes of Miguel and Hector are just a couple of the many choices for Halloween costumes inspired by the animated film. They’re also a solid choice for couples costumes and family costumes.
Amblin Entertainment/Universal Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
“Back to the Future” Halloween Costume
Travel back to the future (or in this case, back to the past since the film takes place in 2015) for Halloween in a Marty McFly costume similar to the image above. The DeLorean isn’t included, but this Marty McFly costume features a black and white button-up shirt, a denim jacket, and red vest, a Save the Clock Tower flyer, and a holographic card. To make this a couples costume, throw in a Jennifer Parker costume or a Doc Brown costume.
Gramercy Pictures
“The Big Lebowski” Halloween Costume
Everybody loves “The Dude.” He’s one of those instantly recognizable characters that couldn’t be easier to mimic for Halloween. You can choose between a cozy sweater, or a bathrobe to complete this Halloween look. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Everett Collection
Edward Scissorhands Halloween Costume
Any of Tim Burton’s characters would make a good choice for Halloween, but there’s something so legendary about Edward Scissorhands. (Fun fact: The ’90s fantasy film was actually inspired by Burton’s childhood in Burbank, California.) Although this costume makes a fun DIY project, you can usually find an affordable all-in-one design such as this Edward Scissorhands Adult Costume which comes with a jacket, scissor gloves, and a black synesthetic wig. There’s also an option to expedite the delivery date (pricing starts at $4.99) to ensure that your costume arrives well before Hallow’s Eve. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
