Halloween will be here before you know it — and when it arrives, you’ll want to be prepared with the most inventive costume of the night. So, it’s only right that you take the time now to sort through some of the best pop culture Halloween costume ideas for 2024.
For anyone who wants to find a costume that's a bit more creative than your average black cat or witch getup, we've rounded up inspiration from the year's best pop culture references, including popular shows, like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Abbot Elementary, and hot movie releases, like Inside Out 2. Plus, we couldn’t forget about our favorite celebrity moments like Usher’s epic Super Bowl performance and the release of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter.
Basically, if you need a cute couples costume, a funny last-minute costume or you want to pull together the best group costume of all time, we’ve got a clever idea for you on this list.
Need more ideas? Check out our list of the best Halloween costumes ever.
DunKings
For a fun costume that will guarantee laughs dress up as your favorite coffee shop's Super Bowl commercial.
You basically get to lounge around in sweats and eat donuts all night so it's a win, win.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
*Cue Thunderstruck.* The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have always been a household name, as the Cowboys are America's team, but with the latest Netflix documentary the team is getting a new spotlight.
To pull off this iconic look you'll need cowboy boots white shorts and a top with those classic Cowboys colors. Don't forget to start practicing your jump splits now.
David and Victoria Beckham
After last year's hit Netflix documentary on David Beckham and the streamer's recent announcement of an upcoming documentary on Victoria Beckham, there's no denying that the pair are the "IT" couple.
The best part about this costume? You can easily pull it off by wearing all black and old soccer gear. Bonus points if you enlist a friend to be your personal paparazzi for the night.
Stanley Cup
They're practically everywhere and someone you know, if not you, is completely obsessed and has drastically increased their water intake.
Get inspired to create your own version of the Stanley Cup with some of this DIY idea. Just be sure to print out the Stanley logo on transfer paper to really get the look across.
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark is making her mark in the basketball world and looks pretty cool while doing it.
Bring your A-game with this inspired look that you can probably achieve with just a few items from your closet.
Usher and Alicia Keys from Super Bowl LVIII
Usher did not disappoint in his highly anticipated Super Bowl performance this year. He brought out one celeb after the next, with Alicia Keys stealing the show as they performed the hit "My Boo."
Recreate their looks for the perfect couples costume.
Top and Sparkly Pants
Sparkly Tank Top
Cotton Linen Pants
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
A fresh take inspired by the 2005 movie, this Amazon Prime series had viewers glued to their screens this year. Two strangers navigating espionage and marriage? Now that's must-watch TV.
Grab your honey and try out these outfits.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
For the ultimate couples' costume, look to the couple no one saw coming, a.k.a. Traylor.
You can keep it casual in one of the duo's game-day looks or something a little more dressy from their date nights. For more ideas, check out our guide to all the best Traylor-inspired costumes.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé has officially ushered us all into our cowboy era with the drop of her latest album, Cowboy Carter.
So break out your cowboy boots and Stetson hat, because now's the time to get in formation.
Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix's February release of the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender had fans on the edge of their seats as they followed the adventures of Aang and his crew.
If you're hoping to pull off this look, Amazon has everything you need. You can also have a few friends dress as Katara and Sokka for a fun group costume.
Linen Henley Shirt
Anxiety and Embarrassment from Inside Out 2
The sequel to Inside Out introduced some new emotions. Now that Riley is a teen, she's dealing with Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy and Ennui.
You can always get your family to dress as all four of the new emotions — these looks are super easy to recreate.
Beetlejuice
The juice is loose! With the highly anticipated sequel coming out in September, there's no question that Beetlejuice costumes will be trending this Halloween.
You can sport his black-and-white suit, along with a green wig and full face makeup to really pull off this look!
Beetlejuice Cosplay Costume
Beetlejuice Makeup Kit
Amy and Danny from Beef
Netflix's series featuring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun is hilarious and so relatable, especially if you've ever had a bad case of road rage. It's no wonder it won big at this year's Golden Globes.
To dress like Amy and Danny, you can probably pull a few things already in your wardrobe.
Bob Wig
Fake Blood
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
Move over Barbie, another lady in pink will be taking over Halloween this year. Elle Woods, from the iconic 2001 film Legally Blonde, is sure to be trending on Halloween night following the announcement of the new prequel series dubbed Elle.
While you wait for more details about the series, don all the pink you own for a fun Elle inspired getup.
Zendaya From the Challengers Press Tour
Aside from that scene, all anyone could talk about prior to the release of the film Challengers was Zendaya's themed looks from the press tour.
Because pickleball and tennis outfits are already having a moment, serving up her most inspired look will be a breeze.
Olivia Rodrigo
Fans of the angsty pop princess have been flocking to her Guts World Tour this year.
You can pull off one of Olivia's iconic tour looks with just a few key pieces.
Star Rhinestone Pantyhose
Just A Girl Tank Top
Deadpool and Wolverine
Marvel's Deadpool & Wolverine is set to be the summer's biggest blockbuster. Channel the beloved X-Men characters by dressing up as the duo for Halloween.
Deadpool Costume
Wolverine Costume
Paul Atreides From Dune: Part Two
It's a classic costume for both men and women, but it's all the more relevant this year thanks to the release of Dune: Part Two.
You can buy the full getup online, or just pick up the accessories you need to wear.
Dune Nose Piece
Alan Cumming From The Traitors
If you are a fan of the popular reality show The Traitors, this a costume for you! On October 31, dress up as host Alan Cumming and set out to find the "traitors" amongst your group friends.
Poncho Shawl
Organza Flower Brooch
Retro Horn Rim Glasses
Wednesday Addams from Wednesday
Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix show Wednesday, was arguably the biggest show of 2022. And with season 2 in the works, everyone will want to dress up in her creepy getups this Halloween.
Yes, recreating her classic pigtails and sporting a permanent frown will get you half way there, but to really commit to the look, you'll need Wednesday's trusty sidekick, Thing.
Luffy from One Piece
A pirate's life for me! Spend this Halloween as Luffy — the One Piece character will thrill any anime-lover you come across this holiday.
Pair a red vest with your favorite worn denim shorts for a laid-back look. Rock a pair of sandals and a yellow straw hat, and you'll be dapper pirate.
FITORY Black Sandals
Harley Quinn From Joker: Folie à Deux
Harley Quinn and the Joker are perennially popular Halloween costumes, but with this year's release of Joker: Folie à Deux starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, get ready to see more of these characters this Halloween.
You can easily channel Harley with a few pieces you likely already have in your closet, and some creepy makeup.
Stretch Faux Leather Skirt
Janine from Abbott Elementary
Second to Janine's can-do attitude is her style. Add that to the fact that Abbott Elementary is one of the biggest shows on television right now, and you've got yourself a grade A costume.
To channel your inner Janine, opt for flowy dresses, lots of patterns and, of course, your ID badge.
Turtleneck
Maxi Skirt
Evelyn from Everything Everywhere All at Once
The wildly entertaining movie is one of the best in recent years, largely due to Michelle Yeoh, who plays Evelyn Wang. The character is funny, smart and totally badass.
You can go glamorous, sophisticated ... or a little gorey!
Women's Button Down Floral Shirt
Stage Blood
Googly Eyes
Tanya from White Lotus
We don't have to say goodbye to Jennifer Coolidge's character just because she died. Just make sure you go bold!
Bridget and her “Ludicrously Capacious” bag from Succession
Cousin Greg's date Bridget made quite a scene when she showed up with her monstrous tartan Burberry tote. You can obviously wrap yourself head-to-toe in similar fabric to become the bag itself, but an easier option is just to dress as Bridget.
Mario and Luigi from The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Super Mario fans were thrilled to see their favorite duo hit the big screen with the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. So, we are sure that this costume will still be on the rise this Halloween, even for adults.
Dickies Denim Overalls
Sabrina Carpenter
Get her easy-to-DIY VMAs performance look. All you need is a white bodysuit, tights and a blonde wig.
OYOANGLE Satin Bodysuit
Maddy from Euphoria
Euphoria is full teen drama! With so many trendy and iconic looks from the show, there are endless options for Halloween. One that we all remember is Maddy’s New Year’s Eve dress moment in season 2.
In addition to wearing her cutout black dress, you can complete the look by creating a dramatic eye with black eyeliner, plus a dark lip.
Elphaba from Wicked
Channel your inner Elphaba with a costumes fit for the Wicked Witch of the West.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
With this outfit, you can dress as the princess whether she is on land or in the sea.
Mabel Mora from Only Murders in the Building
Go as Mabel Mora from the hit Hulu show Only Murders in the Building. With season 4 of the comedy-mystery show coming out in August, this is an on-trend costume idea.
To dress up as Selena Gomez's character Mabel, you can wear a faux fur coat, red headphones and other shades of yellow to complete her outfit.
John Dutton from Yellowstone
If you have been following each season of Yellowstone, this year might be the one to go as John Dutton, especially since we know season 5 is the last for the western drama.
If you already have rancher gear, you are pretty much all set to pull off this costume! The main accessory to pull off John Dutton's look, of course, is the cowboy hat.
Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt
Oppenheimer and Einstein
Alone, the Oppenheimer look isn't very distinctive, but when you have your bestie or partner dress as Einstein, everyone will know exactly who you are (and be so impressed by how clever your look is).
Barbie
Barbie was last year's hottest costume and we predict it'll be going strong still this year.
The best part is that Barbie can be anything. There's president Barbie, '80s roller skate Barbie and of course, there's Ken. So take your pick or recreate Margo Robbie's best looks.
Spider-Man from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The animated superhero film brought Miles Morales, Brooklyn's one and only Spider-Man, back to our screens. And with talk of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, a third installment in the film series, hitting theaters soon, it's safe to say he's still relevant.
You can obviously dress as any iteration of Spider-Man that you would like, including just opting for a comfy themed-hoodie.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
