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Each Halloween brings trendy costumes ripped from the headlines and getups inspired by pop culture’s biggest
moments, but pop culture costumes don’t just have to be whatever is trending — there are a lot of getups that work just as well this year as they will next.
But sometimes, it’s fun to commemorate the year that was with a Halloween costume — be it an outfit inspired by one of pop culture’s wacky side characters or a costume from a trending TV show or movie.
That’s why our roundup of the best pop culture costumes runs the gamut. There are the trendy getups from the year that was and the outfits that will make just as much sense in 2026 as they will in 2027. Best of all, many of these options utilize regular clothes and everyday items that you can repurpose once the 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.
Wilke-Rodriguez Modern Fit Microsuede Sport Coat
A burgundy blazer like this is a good option for recreating the character’s outfit on the poster.
Bolo Tie
A prop bolo tie helps complete the look.
Ace Hardware Shovel
No Digger costume is complete without a shovel. Spray paint it gold for bonus points.
Austin Abrams in Resident Evil
Resident Evil stars Austin Abrams as an unlikely action hero — a regular 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.
Austin Abrams Bryan Hat
There are a number of beanies inspired by the one worn by Abrams in the film, including this one.
Resident Evil Bryan Cosplay First Aid Bag
The official popcorn bucket inspired by the film sold out online, but you can pick up a fan-made one from Etsy.
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.
Danvato Nikki Costume Halter Cami Top Cargo Shorts
There are plenty of easy Nikki costumes available online, including this affordable number.
Generic Obsession Bear Bailey Sweater
This sweater is a spot-on replica of the one worn by Michael Johnston’s Bear in the film.
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.
Agamemnon Helmet
Want to go all out? This Agamemnon helmet is pricey but strikingly realistic.
The Odyssey Penelope Cosplay
There are a large number of (unofficial) costumes available online.
Backrooms
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.
Async Hazmat Suit Costume
Spirit Halloween has officially licensed Backrooms costumes, including this hazmat suit.
Pirate hat
The official Captain Clark costume from Spirit Halloween sold out, but this hat is a good place to start.
NeeDoh
NeeDohs are one of 2026’s biggest viral crazes, so why not show the world you’re up to date on pop culture this Halloween? 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.
Super NeeDoh Box Costume
Sure, you can make a NeeDoh costume from scratch, but if you’re a little less crafty and prefer to have someone else do the work for you, we suggest ordering from this Etsy seller instead.
Noah Wyle in The Pitt
If you’re looking for a last-minute Halloween costume, Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby in The Pitt is an easy one to pull off. The doctor typically sports a blue zippered sweatshirt, black scrubs, and a stethoscope. A weary expression helps, too.
Russell Athletic Men's Dri-Power Fleece Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirts
A basic zippered hoodie, like this one from Russell, will help complete the look.
Deluxe Costume Stethoscope
A stethoscope is an easy, affordable prop to add, along with gloves.
Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game”
Dressing up as an athlete is easy enough since every athlete has a uniform. 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.” Jordan led the Bulls to a game 5 victory against the Utah Jazz while stricken with a stomach bug.
Michael Jordan Mitchell & Ness Jersey
A Jordan jersey is pricey, but it’s the kind of thing that can be worn more than once (not just on Halloween).
Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil
According to The Last Dance, Jordan’s “flu” was more likely severe food poisoning, so Dayquil wouldn’t have been much help. But don’t let pedantry ruin a good costume.
John Lennon
A costume that’s easy to pull off is John Lennon, thanks to the rock and roll icon’s signature round eyewear and long hair that he sported late in the Beatles’ career and after their breakup. You can keep it out of Harry Potter territory by adding Lennon’s famous “New York City” t-shirt.
Vintage Round Metal Sunglasses
A pair of round glasses is key to the look.
Light Brown Wig Long
A long-hair wig is the best way to get Lennon’s 70’s look.
New York Men's Ringer Tee
John Lennon sported a sleeveless version of a very similar t-shirt in one of his most iconic photos.
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.
Baseball Uniform Full Set
This costume includes a cap and belt and comes in a range of sizes.
Oversize Square Glitter Sunglasses
A pair of oversized sunglasses helps finish the look.
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 little easier. A gray jumpsuit is key to the look, 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.
Klossus Long Sleeve Coverall
This coverall features similar angled zips found on Ripley’s uniform. For those with a smaller frame, Dickies makes a similar style for women.
USCSS Nostromo Iron On Patches Set
This set of patches includes the USCSS Nostromo logo featured on Ripley’s uniform.
Aurora Ginger Cat
This ginger cat is a similar color to Jones, the other sole survivor of the USCSS Nostromo.
Thelma & Louise
Looking for an easy pop culture couples’ costume? Thelma & Louise is not only iconic and recognizable, but the individual components 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.
Levi's Ribcage Jeans
A pair of vintage jeans will look best, or you can buy new, such as these light-wash high-waisted jeans from Levi’s. Add a western belt and a bandana to complete the look.
Free People New Frontier Western Bootie
A pair of white cowboy boots, a white tank top, and a bandana complete the Louise look, while Thelma wears a sleeveless black band t-shirt and large square sunglasses.
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.
Kenneth Cole Peacoat
A gray peacoat similar to this one is what Edward wears through much of the first Twilight movie.
Unicorn Snot Face & Body Glitter Gel
“This is the skin of a killer, Bella!”
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 bob wig are all you need. Bonus points for the bloody nose.
OneDor Costume Bob Wig
A jet-black bob wig is an essential component of the look.
Quince Relaxed Oxford Shirt Shirt
A roomy white button-down, like this one from Quince, completes the look and can be worn for plenty of other occasions.
Kyle MacLachlan as Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks
The ’90s supernatural drama remains an enduring icon (and The Return is criminally underrated). Kyle MacLachlan’s Dale Cooper is a relatively easy costume to pull off that’s sure to be a hit with TV fans. A trench coat, white shirt, and black tie are the basics, but every good costume is about accessorizing. Add Cooper’s tape recorder and a cup of coffee (preferably a damn fine one).
Quince Long Trench Coat
Quince makes an affordable take on a trench coat that’s similar to the one from the show.
Twin Peaks Sheriff's Department Mug
This Twin Peaks mug comes from Paramount’s gift shop, which has tons of great Twin Peaks merch.
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 on-stage outfit is iconic despite how simple it is. 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.
Calvin Klein White Tank Top (4-Pack)
Calvin Klein’s white tanks are available in a pack of three.
Good Fella Black Moustache
Designed for a gangster costume, this mustache would also work well for a Freddie Mercury costume.
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