20 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2021

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 2021. Let this year's wildest moments, biggest movies, TV show specials, celebrity couples and more inform your look, and rock one of these pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes. Here are our top 20 in no particular order.

Squid Game

It's no secret that Squid Game is topping the streaming charts right now. Let everyone know that you're a fan of the show (and that you'd make a worthy contestant) with this oversized teal tracksuit. You can add your own numbers to the front with tape or sticker.

Ted Lasso

To paraphrase Roy Kent, "Don’t you dare settle for fine! Not even with your Halloween costume!" Instead, go all-in with these AFC Richmond jerseys. To distinguish your Ted Lasso from the team, have that person wear a visor, sunglasses and a fake mustache.

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

If the kids still can't stop talking about Shang-Chi, then delight them with this clever group costume. The little ones can decide who will be "Shaun" and sister Xialing, while the 'rents can opt for Xu Wenwu, Li, Katy or even — plot twist — the dragon.

Outer Banks

Pogues for life, am I right? Grab five of your closest friends and roll up to the neighborhood party like John B, Pope, JJ, Kiara, Sarah and Cleo. Guys should don their favorite tropical-print tees, while girls should opt for tie-dye shirts or crochet bralettes. Accessorize with bandanas and friendship bracelets to really knock it out of the park.

Olivia Rodrigo

It's official: Olivia Rodrigo is the teen queen of pop-punk music. Recreate her fiery "good 4 u" look with this baby blue cheerleader uniform, a pair of black elbow-length gloves, black high-tops and mismatched studs. Don't forget the sour facial expression, either!

Jeff Bezos in Space

This summer was wild with space flights. Reach new heights of your own by slipping into this silver spacesuit like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Bo Burnam: Inside

Pay homage to the man, the myth and the comedy legend, who gave us hit songs like Welcome to the Internet, with this shaggy wig and a white t-shirt. You'll look like you've spent the last year "Inside" too.

Space Jam

Here's your chance, do your dance! Recruit the whole family for your very own Tune Squad. Each outfit comes with a team jersey and coordinating shorts, and will make your kiddos feel like they're playing with LeBron. (And, you know, Bugs and Lola.)

Loki (TV Series)

Loki isn't the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve! Snag this bomber jacket and instantly become a time-variant. To turn it into a quick-'n-easy couple's costume, have your partner-in-crime wear a suit like Mobius M. Mobius.

Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala

Consider this the ultimate low-effort Halloween costume. Throw on a black bodysuit, add a matching cape and instantly inspire thoughts of Kim Kardashian at this year's Met Gala. For a hilarious twist, invite your sibling or BFF to wear a champagne dress and be your Kendall Jenner.

Friends Reunion Special

Could we be more obsessed with Friends: The Reunion? Get the gang together again with this truly iconic group costume. We suggest keeping things simple with black midi dresses for the girls, button-down shirts for Ross and Joey, an argyle sweater for Chandler and a large gold frame for everyone to carry.

Never Have I Ever

Is there anyone more relatable or hilarious than Devi Vishwakumar? Bring the nuanced characters of Never Have I Ever to life with a blazer for Devi, a striped polo for Fabiola, a bright floral blouse for Eleanor and a henley for Ben or Paxton. (Your ship, your choice.) If you want to be really funny, you should snag a tennis racquet and sweatbands so somebody can be John McEnroe, Devi's narrator.

Lil Nas X at the Met Gala

Lil Nas X wowed us with not one, not two, but three metallic looks at this year's Met Gala. So we say take a page out of his book and turn heads via this gold jumpsuit.

Billie Eilish at the Met Gala

Speaking of the Met Gala, we're still swooning over Billie Eilish's dress. If you're in the same boat, serve soft Hollywood glamour vibes of your own with this peach tulle gown. Everyone will think of Billie and muse Marilyn Monroe when they look at you.

Mare of Easttown

"You’d be surprised at the things people will and won't confess to" when you're dressed like Mare Sheehan of Easttown. Investigate crimes in your community (and stay warm all evening) with this sherpa-lined parka. Cap it off with a gray scarf.

Sweet Tooth

If you have a soft spot for hybrids, then this is your cue to dress like Gus and Tommy from Sweet Tooth. For Gus, go with the red flannel shirt, add an orange puffer vest and complete your look with faux deer antlers and a slingshot. For Tommy, snag the stretched canvas shirt and layer it with a maroon hoodie.

Evermore Taylor Swift

Okay, so technically Taylor dropped her album evermore last year. But since it was in December and therefore on the cusp of 2021, we say you get a free pass to use the folksy cover art as a costume. Grab this long, russet shirt jacket, pull your hair into a French braid and prepare to sing "champagne problems" all evening.

Candyman

You won't have to say his name when you're dressed like Anthony McCoy this Halloween. Bring the "spiritual sequel" to Candyman to life simply by rocking a red beanie and a button-down shirt, and asking everyone what they know about a particular urban legend. For a creepy twist, have your partner or friend slip into a work jacket and use a coat hanger for a hook.

The Return of Bennifer

Consider this the hottest couple's costume of 2021. Shock everyone by showing up to the Halloween party as J.Lo and Ben Affleck, reunited. You can recreate their Insta-official photo with a crimson bodysuit, sun hat, yellow coverup and a navy henley for your Ben.

Kourtney/Travis/Megan/MGK

Yeah, we're fascinated by this edgy celebrity foursome, too. Make like Kourtney Kardashian, Travis Barker, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly in the bathroom at the VMAs with a black leather jacket, two bodysuits and a black-and-green checked shirt. Silver studs not required, but strongly encouraged.