20 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2026

You can always be a witch, ghost, vampire or ghoul for Halloween, but that's not nearly as fun as using your costume to make a witty reference to 2026. Let this year's wildest moments, biggest shows (we're looking at you, Heated Rivalry), movies, and diet-altering parasitic outbreaks inspire your look, and rock one of these incredible pop culture Halloween costumes. Here are our top 20 in no particular order.

Dolly Parton

Pay homage to the Queen of Country and one of the most beautiful spirits this world has ever seen this Halloween. A platinum blonde wig is non-negotiable (unless you share her signature locks), and rhinestone cowgirl boots are encouraged. Dolly has endless iconic outfits to inspire your look, but we love this bubblegum jumpsuit or hot pink fringe vest-and-bandana set for a recognizable look.

The Owens Sisters from Practical Magic 2

What better time to channel the Owens sisters than fresh off the release of Practical Magic 2? Recreate their ensembles from the original movie with long-sleeve black dresses, a black umbrella and a classic black witch hat. Or, skip the inky garb and throw on this floral mini dress inspired by their bewitching 1998 style.

Alysa Liu

Name a more captivating athlete in 2026 — we'll wait! With her iconic hair, signature triple axels and golden personality, Alysa Liu accepting her gold medal makes the ultimate Halloween costume this year. Recreate the moment with a gold one-shoulder dress, a first-place medal and a blonde wig sprayed with brown root cover-up. Finish off with white booties and a cozy red-white-and-blue blanket wrapped around your shoulders.

Dr. "Robby" from The Pitt

Dress as everyone's favorite TV doctor in 2026: Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch from The Pitt. Start with a black scrub top, then layer on his Best of Burgh zip-up on top. Step into chocolate-brown cargo pants, throw on a stethoscope and head out to haunt the town.

Catherine from Wuthering Heights

Make Margot Robbie your muse and dress up as Wuthering Heights’ Catherine Earnshaw. Slip on this vivid white-and-red gown, style your hair with mini victory rolls and a Dutch braid, and add a flush lip stain to recreate her signature pout. Or, make a makeshift Catherine's look with a puff-sleeve top, leather corset and a merlot skirt.

Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada 2

Miranda Priestly for Halloween? Groundbreaking. Honor Meryl's iconic character's return to the big screen with this chic costume idea you can wear trick-or-treating and beyond. Start with a sleek black bodysuit and a black-and-white herringbone or plaid skirt. Add a punchy red belt and pop on glossy cat-eye sunglasses. Bonus points if you spring for a white wig.

Supergirl

We’re always a fan of female empowerment over here. Use Halloween as your excuse to dress up as Supergirl. Grab the ready-to-wear set for yourself and grab the kids' size for your mini-me. Don't forget to enlist your second kiddo to dress as Krypto.

Off Campus

Allow us to present hockey show inspiration number one (of two!) on our list for 2026. Channel the cast of Off Campus with Garrett Graham's hockey jersey or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, Hannah Wells' bunny costume this Halloween.

The Odyssey

People showed up to movie theaters in droves to watch The Odyssey on the big screen this year, and the costumes offer unmatched inspiration for your All Hallows' Eve ensemble. Make Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus or Athena your muse and throw on Grecian garb to make a fierce statement at your upcoming Halloween events.

Questionable Lettuce

In a strange turn of events, we lived in a collective fear of lettuce in 2026. Throw on this lettuce suit as a nod to Cyclospora and the explosive bathroom breaks that come with it. We adore this easy-to-wear costume because it's equal parts cheeky, topical and terrifying. Pro tip: Invite your family to dress up as other suspected parasitic produce like raspberries, blackberries and cilantro.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

When most people see December 25th on their calendar, they think of Christmas. But you? You think, "Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone premiere," and experience heart palpitations. What better time to celebrate the magic that lies ahead and hop on the Hogwarts Express than Halloween? Dress yourself and your entire family in these winning Wizarding World costumes: the Sorting Hat, mini HP, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and a Four-House uniform.

Heated Rivalry

Hunky hockey players falling in love (with each other or otherwise) was a cornerstone of pop culture in 2026. Heated Rivalry swept the world by storm, and we think All Hallows' Eve is the perfect opportunity to don a hockey uniform in honor of Hollander and Rozanov. Throw the jersey on with your softest sweats and fave sneakers, and you're ready to haunt your local sports bar for Halloween festivities.

Superman + Lois Lane

If you and your partner are as obsessed with the latest Superman movie as we are, your couple’s Halloween costume is a no-brainer. Start with a classic Superman suit and cape, and dress up in one of Rachel Brosnahan's casual Lois Lane looks with a purple sweater, chocolate cords and a brown leather belt.

Ina Garten

Everyone loves Ina! Bring big Barefoot Contessa energy to your next Halloween event by throwing on a denim button-down, a silk neck scarf and Ina's signature brunette bob. Finish off your Ina ensemble with one or two hefty cosmopolitan martinis and, voila! "How easy is that?"

Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet

If you're looking for an epic couple's costume outside of Barbie and Ken, consider Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet at the Knicks game. You can easily recreate their low-key look with a fitted black shirt and baggy black pants for Jenner and a Knicks tee for Chalamet.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

Sure, you could wear Chiefs gear and red lips and call it a day. But why go simple when you can go all out and dress up as Taylor and Travis' mega MSG wedding instead? Throw on an ivory wedding dress, a faux diamond ring and grab a bouquet to commemorate this world-stopping occasion. Have your partner wear a black tux to pull off Kelce's handsome look.

Feyre Archeron from ACOTAR

With the much-anticipated release of the sixth book in the ACOTAR series, A Court of Splintered Harmony, coming at the end of October, channel your inner Feyre Archeron this All Hallows' Eve. With flowing gowns, dramatic accessories and a touch of fantasy-inspired magic, you'll have all heads turning your way.

Pokémon

With the 30th anniversary of Pokémon taking place this year, fans are lining up and camping out in front of stores to snag limited-edition Pokémon cards and merchandise releases. Dress up as a classic starter character like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander or Pikachu, or opt for a newer Generation 9 character like Sprigatito, Fuecoco or Quaxly.

Bertha Russell from The Gilded Age

Bring Bertha Russell from The Gilded Age to life with this glamorous Halloween costume idea. Throw on a floor-length emerald gown, a pearl choker and silk gloves for a stately look. Throw your hair into an updo and finish off your look with a sparkling rhinestone headband.

Wednesday Addams

When in doubt, a Wednesday Addams costume is always a good idea. Get her look with a Nevermore uniform or school dance dress and throw on her signature raven braids for good measure. Finish your look with smoky eyes and her go-to lipliner: MAC Nightmoth.