skip to main content

The biggest pop-culture Halloween costumes for 2023

Getty Images
Getty Images

From Barbie and Oppenheimer to Posh and Becks, there has been an endless stream of Halloween costume-inspiration in this year's TV and movie releases. Here are a few of our favourites.

Barbie

This will undoubtedly be one of the most popular Halloween costumes of 2023. From Disco Barbie and Weird Barbie to President Barbie and Vet Barbie, the world will surely have a pink hue this Halloween with so many people eager to join Barbie Land. Ideal for a group costume, just be sure to say 'hello' to all your fellow Barbies.

Ken will be there too. To find your 'kenergy', simply choose between cowboy boots or neon rollerblades, and find a 'mojo dojo casa house' party.

Oppenheimer

Starring our own Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer stood along side Barbie in the battle of the box office this Summer. To dress as J. Robert Oppenheimer, you will need a simple suit, a fake cigarette, and a porkpie hat.

If you really want to dress to impress, though, we recommend going as the box office hybrid Barbenheimer. Ideal as a couple's costume.

Wednesday Addams

Although the release date for the second season of Netflix's Wednesday has yet to be announced, Jenna Ortega's recent portrayal of the ghoulish girl has had an undoubted impact. From the classic braids and black dress to the the lace gown from the Goo Goo Muck dance scene, Wednesday will be a low-effort option this Halloween.

Taylor Swift

Thanks to the recent release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in cinemas, Swifties around the globe have had yet another chance to inspect each of the singer's glittering stage costumes. While some will choose a Red aesthetic, others will opt for something a little more Bejewelled.

If you want to make it a couple's costume, simply have your other half dress as NFL star Travis Kelce. If you don't have the jersey, simply wear a red shirt, carry around an American football and make yourself a Taylor-inspired friendship bracelet.

Beyoncé

The Renaissance tour delivered some glittering looks that will work perfectly this Halloween. Throughout the world tour, the Beyhive have been creating some show-stopping looks, recreating Beyoncé's impressive stage outfits and learning Blu Ivy's viral dance moves.

Betty Boop

With BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical heading for Broadway, it may only be a matter of time before the Betty Boop franchise grows. Singer Olivia Roderigo dressed as the vintage cartoon in 2022, and the TikTok girlies are running with the idea this Halloween. All you need is a mini red dress and the patience to style each strand of hair into a tight curl.

Beckham

The recent Netflix documentary, Beckham, has reignited society's obsession with 2000s power couple Posh and Becks. David Beckham was the handsome soccer player, grabbing headlines whether he was wearing a Man United jerseys or a sarong, while Victoria Beckham was spreading the word of girl power while rocking many a little black dress.

Be sure to learn the Electric Slide for the end of the night.

American Horror Story

If you want a creepy look this Halloween, look no further than Kim Kardashian's spider-inspired promo look for her recent appearance in American Horror Story, an anthology horror drama series created and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Fierce but frightening.

The Bear

With its celebrity guest stars and emotional plot points, this anxiety-driven Disney show is bound to inspire a few Halloween costumes. If you can't get your hands on a proper chef's jacket, opt for a simple white t-shirt and blue apron. If you're inspired by Carmy, get some face paint and get to work doodling on his many tattoos.

Scream

The Scream franchise is alive and well. This year, Scream VI was released with an all star cast including Jenna Ortega, Courtney Cox, and Hayden Panettierre. Ghost face is an easy option, but if you want to dig a little deeper, you can opt for some of the OG cast characters.

The Last of Us

Zombie costumes are a no-brainer for Halloween. If you want to be particularly on-trend with the pop culture's latest version of the undead, though, you need to watch The Last of Us. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show will have you on the edge of your seat with its fungus-infected monsters.

Spider-Man

In 2023's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Miles Morales travels through a colourful Marvel Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. This movie gives fans the chance to dress up as any version of the superhero they like come Halloween.

John Wick

If you have a dark suit and a white shirt, you too can be John Wick for a day. The violent franchise came to an end (we think) this year with John Wick: Chapter Four.

Playing the titular character, Keanu Reeves rarely looked dishevelled despite his many, many battles, but a little fake blood on the collar will certainly complete the look. Bonus points if you can add some doggy cufflinks or accessories.

Joker and Harley Quinn

Although The Suicide Squad came out in 2016, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto's iteration of iconic characters Joker and Harley Quinn remain incredibly popular come Halloween.

Whether you go as a couple or solo, these costumes are instantly recognisable and can likely be pulled together from items you already have in your wardrobe. The real trick will be nailing the make-up, and you only have to type a quick search on YouTube or TikTok to find detailed tutorials.

Happy Halloween!

Read Next