Halloween means many things: Horror movies are streaming from every imaginable device 24/7, candy flows freely in homes and offices across the land, and cosplay goes from a thing only dedicated fans do at conventions to a national mandate.
For many, that last item can be majorly anxiety-inducing. Wear something lame and your friends and coworkers will make fun of you for the next 11 months. But, if you manage to pull off a memorable look, you could soon be winning all the costume competitions and racking up hearts on Instagram.
I may be biased because of the field we’re in at Tongal, but zeitgeisty costumes based on the buzziest movies and TV shows are the most fun to pull off. You’ll score major cool points for being in-the-know while paying homage to your favorite characters.
With that in mind, here are our top 10 TV and movie-inspired costumes that are sure to impress this Halloween. Got any other great ideas? Leave 'em in the comments!
Stranger Things
Unless you’ve been spending all your time in the Upside Down, you already know that Stranger Things is bound to be a hot property this Halloween. From tropical Hopper looks to those fantastic Scoops Ahoy uniforms, there’s a lot to choose from. But, if you really want to scare people with your dedication, you’ll need to go all-out with a DIY Demogorgon costume.
Toy Story 4
The Internet commentariat lost its collective mind over Forky when he made his debut this summer in Toy Story 4, but who’s getting the last laugh now? YOU, that’s who! Because you’re gonna fork up the competition when you turn yourself into a lifesize spork.
Joker
Critics and audiences are raving over Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Joker, so why not dye your hair Slimer green, slap on some creepy facepaint, and hit up your local used clothing shop and prove that Joaquin ain’t got nothing on your ability to play insane.
The Good Place
The fourth and final season of The Good Place is airing right now, so if you forking love Eleanor, Chidi, Michael, and the rest of the gang, this is the year to make it Halloween-official. We think a Michael / Janet combo would make for an excellent friend or couples costume, but if you’ve got enough besties you could pull off the entire main cast of characters.
Mr. Rogers
Between 2018’s tearjerker of a doc Won't You Be My Neighbor? and the Tom Hanks vehicle A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood coming to theaters this November, Mr. Rogers is still very much in people’s hearts and minds. Take inspiration from his classic red sweater-chinos combo, pick up the most threadbare puppet from your childhood, and bring some tissues because everyone is sure to start sobbing when you lock eyes across the punch bowl.
(Credit: Getty Images)
Midsommar
If being creepy and cute is more your jam, you can’t do much better than the cult-y, summery outfits in this Swedish-set thriller. All it takes is a flowy white dress and a flower crown to pull off the look. Bonus: This costume becomes even more unsettling if you get a group together, but if you like a little humor, have a friend dress up like a maypole instead.
Fleabag
Fresh off an Emmys sweep, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag continues to win over new fans on the daily. Between the titular Fleabag and her second season crush, Hot Priest, you’ve got a very sexy couple's costume on your hands. While Hot Priest can be done as minimally or as maximally as you please (black suit and a clerical collar OR full flamboyant Church Vestments), go with Fleabag’s classic black and white striped top under a black jumper to seal the deal.
(Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
Black Mirror’s Ashley O
“Oh honey, I'll do anything for you.
Oh honey, just tell me what you want me to.”
Oh honey, get yourself a lavender wig, a toy robot, and a crop top and you’re ready to cosplay as Miley Cyrus’ stand-out character from the latest installment of Black Mirror.
Between Two Ferns
With Zach Galifianakis’ uber-popular mockumentary digital series getting the feature film treatment on Netflix recently, now’s a great time to channel your inner awkward comedy hero. All you need is a couple of ferns, a beard, and a tweed jacket - plus a great sense of humor.
(Credit: GameOn GNT)
The Tethered from Us
Jodan Peele’s hotly-anticipated follow-up to 2017’s breakout horror film Get Out introduced audiences to some seriously spooky characters called the Tethered in Us. If you want to freak out your friends, follow along with the below tutorial and DIY your own doppelganger for Halloween.
