102 Best Halloween Costumes That Will Be Hard to Top
Updated: Mar. 28, 2023These top Halloween costume ideas for 2022 will make everyone shriek with delight
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Halloween costumes for a spooktacular night
Want to make sure that your 2022 Halloween costume will go down in the books as the best one ever? We’ve got you covered. We did a little digging and found a hundred of the best Halloween costume ideas the internet has to offer, from plus-size Halloween costumes and costumes for families to punny costumes and even some downright scary costumes.
Whether you have tons of time and resources to prepare for the big night or find yourself on a tight budget and invited to a last-minute Halloween party, you’re in luck. Some of these Halloween costumes can be thrown together in just minutes, while others might require a bit of time, effort and skill. Either way, there’s something for everyone. You can even choose a costume based on your zodiac sign! Now get ready to have the best Halloween ever!
Get Reader’s Digest‘s Read Up newsletter for humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
Shrek Halloween costume
Ogres are like onions, but this easy, DIY costume for couples will make you do anything but cry! You’ll need some green face paint, stuffing for an ogre’s belly and, of course, those Shrek ears to pull the look together.
Hades Halloween costume
Some Halloween makeup and some temporary blue hair color are all you need to transform yourself into the God of the Underworld. Learn some Halloween pick up lines while you’re at it and you’re all set for your Halloween parties!
Beer balloon Halloween costume
There’s never been a better time to try your hand at some balloon art. Just grab some white and gold balloons and have at it. If that sounds like a task that’ll leave you out of breath, invest in an electric balloon-inflating machine to get the job done quickly. Feeling creative? Here are even more DIY costumes anyone can do.
Jack Skellington Halloween costume
All hail the Pumpkin King! This October 31, deck yourself in a Jack Skellington costume and grab a Sally to spend fright night with. If you consider yourself a Disney superfan, you’ll love these other Disney Halloween costumes.
Vincent van Gogh Halloween costume
If you need a last-minute Halloween costume that’s easy and cheap, opt for this famous artist. Go solo as the artist (the bandage on the ear is a nice touch), or join a partner and dress as the artist and one of his most significant works.
Wayne’s World Halloween costume
Party on as Wayne and Garth from the iconic ’90s comedy. All the components are either relatively cheap or already in your closet: some worn jeans, tees, flannel shirts and trucker caps. Talk about an epic best friend Halloween costume!
Ted Lasso Halloween costume
Inspire all the neighborhood kids while dressed up as everyone’s favorite soccer (sorry, football) coach. You’ll just need khaki pants, the trademark blue sweater, a visor, a mustache and a big smile. Here are even more costume ideas for men to check out.
Willy Wonka Halloween costume
Who better to dress as when you collect your Halloween candy than the candy man himself? Some khakis, a top hat and a purple coat will take you to a world of pure imagination.
Big Hero 6 Halloween costume
It may not be a seasonally appropriate Disney Halloween movie, but Big Hero 6 is still a great film, and Tadashi is still one of the coolest big brothers around. You don’t need much to complete the look: some brown pants, a tee, an optional cardigan and blazer and a baseball cap. Don’t forget Baymax!
Bob Ross Halloween costume
Who doesn’t love Bob Ross and one of his happy little trees? A pair of jeans and a denim shirt—plus a curly-haired wig, of course—are all you need to pull off this beloved artist’s signature look.
Top Gun Halloween costume
Great balls of fire, it’s been 36 years since Maverick and Goose first joined Top Gun! With Maverick’s return to the big screen this year, now is the perfect time to pay homage to this dynamic duo. You’ll need the Navy uniform and, most important, the iconic aviator sunglasses.
Gremlins Halloween costume
No candy after midnight once you transform yourself into this furry monster! The best thing about this Gizmo costume? It’s a comfy onesie that straddles the line between costume and PJs.
Evel Knievel Halloween costume
Channel your inner daredevil for this showy getup! Just be sure to don the helmet, in case any of those Halloween party games get out of hand.
Iron Man Halloween costume
Whether you rock a power suit or get creative with Iron Man’s iconic red armor, you’ll be ready to save the day as this Marvel superhero.
Eleven Halloween costume
El’s dress, jacket and tube socks are an easy look to recreate. Just dab a little bit of fake blood under your nose, and you’re good to go!
Steampunk Halloween costume
A little bit sci-fi, a little bit retro and totally cool: It’s the steampunk costume of your dreams, complete with funky goggles and other fun doodads. We love this look just as much as we love how easy these costumes are to put together.
Medusa Halloween costume
If you’re going as a Halloween monster, you might as well pick someone who’s both fearsome and enchanting. And while you won’t be able to turn anyone to stone as the mythological Gorgon Medusa, this effortlessly glam look, pulled together by a headpiece of snakes, is bound to put a spell on anyone who glances in your direction.
Sour Halloween costume
Olivia Rodrigo’s album may be titled Sour, but the ease of recreating it is pretty sweet. Get yourself a plaid skirt, pink top and, of course, the cute stickers you’ll plaster across your face.
Hotel Transylvania Halloween costume
If you don’t want to go as Wednesday Addams (again), Mavis is a fun and spooky alternative. You’ll need red-and-black striped tights, a black T-shirt dress and some fangs to pull off a look worthy of one of your favorite vampires.
Emily in Paris Halloween costume
If this dramedy has made you want to pack your bags and move to Paris, you’re not alone. Just be sure to pack a très chic wardrobe and oh-so-French beret. Haven’t watched yet? There’s still time to binge the first two seasons on Netflix before settling on your costume.
Mystery Inc. Halloween costume
Is this year’s Halloween costume still a mystery? Not anymore! Scour your closet for everything you need to dress up as Daphne, Fred, Shaggy or Velma. If you don’t have a fifth to wear the Scooby costume, no worries. This is the time to put a dog Halloween costume to good use.
Jordan from Little Halloween costume
If you were transformed into your younger self à la the film Little, which Halloween costumes would your mini-me most enjoy? Pick one of those, or channel the film by dressing like Jordan from the movie. A pink blazer and pants are all you need to recreate this sassy tech mogul’s look.
Ariana Grande Halloween costume
Just how easy is it to recreate Ariana Grande’s look? It’s just like magic. The minute you attach your faux ponytail, you’ll feel like a pop diva. For some Halloween fun, hand out these Halloween bingo cards to friends and play along all night.
Powerpuff Girls Halloween costume
You don’t need superpowers to recreate this fun group costume! Just get a dress in the right color, and you’re halfway there.
Emojis Halloween costume
Creating handmade Halloween costumes for kids is a fun, cost-saving way to give little ones a memorable Halloween. This one, from DIY shop Primary, uses felt and fabric tape to transform your kids into their favorite emojis.
Spice Girls Halloween costume
Whether you’re more of a Scary Spice or a Baby Spice, this group costume will make you “wannabe” back in the ’90s.
Gorilla Halloween costume
Go bananas this Halloween by dressing up as a gorilla. The best part of this costume? You can choose from three colors: black, green or pink. (Pro tip: Take off the mask before you attempt to bob for apples.)
Britney Spears Halloween costume
Channel your inner diva by dressing up as the princess of pop herself, Britney Spears. She’s had many iconic looks over the years, but this one—from her “Oops! I Did It Again” music video—is timeless.
Teen Wolf Halloween costume
If the upcoming revival film didn’t already have you howling at the moon in delight, this costume sure will! It’s a throwback to the original Teen Wolf movie of the ’80s—you know, the one that inspired the TV series that inspired the upcoming film. Here are even more costume ideas your teen will love.
Plague doctor Halloween costume
Considering the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween costumes don’t get more appropriate than a plague doctor. Best of all, the beaked mask will help you avoid germs at a crowded party.
Jon Snow Halloween costume
Halloween is coming, so be prepared to take to the streets as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. Let your hair grow out (or wear a wig), don a vest and cloak, then find yourself a direwolf (stuffed will do) to prove you’re the real deal. With your costume decided, get in the holiday spirit with these Halloween quotes.
1950s Mickey and Minnie Halloween costume
Disney enthusiasts will revel in this 1950s Mickey and Minnie costume. Grab a two-pack of ears, then get crafty with the rest of the costume.
Easy witch Halloween costume
You could go as a witch from the movies, or you can do the easier thing: throw on your favorite LBD and a black hat for a classic (and last-minute) costume. Plus, it’s cheap!
Fun fact: Witches are the most popular Halloween costume of 2022.
Ice Ice Baby Halloween costume
Have a new baby in the house? Stop, collaborate and put together this hilarious family costume made with ice bags and a few strategic signs, including a costume for Baby.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Halloween costume
Parents-to-be will want to show off their bump in their Halloween getup, and pregnancy Halloween costumes are a great way to do that. This one’s a classic with a fun twist: The bun in the oven is Thing 2! You can DIY this costume by printing out the iconic “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” logos and attaching them to a maternity dress. If another family member wants in on the costume, have the Cat in the Hat join the gang.
Doctor Strange Halloween costume
Rule this Halloween as your neighborhood’s Sorcerer Supreme. You’ll need a cloak, of course, but what’ll really sell the look is the Eye of Agamotto you’ll wear around your neck.
Loki for President Halloween costume
Forget the current state of affairs. We’ll take Loki for President. Grab a few buttons to hand out to your pals (even the trickster god has to campaign!). In true Loki fashion, arrive at the party prepared with some Halloween jokes and quips at the ready.
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure Halloween costume
Party on, dudes, in this simple throwback costume. It’s easy to put together, whether you’re Bill in his backward cap or Ted in his unbuttoned vest.
Howie Ratner Halloween costume
You may not score any diamonds in your Halloween bucket, but you’ll still have a ball dressed up as charismatic city jeweler Howie Ratner from the movie Uncut Gems. You’ll need a yellow shirt, oversized leather jacket and some gold jewelry to pull it off.
Bob’s Burgers Halloween costume
If you’re a fan of Bob’s Burgers, then this one’s for you! Your closet probably contains most of the clothes needed for the costume, so you’ll just need to pick up a white apron. Not familiar with this animated sitcom? You can binge it on Hulu.
Ransom Drysdale Halloween costume
This costume is so simple—pull on a cream-colored cable-knit sweater and top it with a maroon jacket—that you’ll have no clue why you didn’t think of it in the first place. The ease of putting together this costume will give you more time to work on your DIY Halloween decorations. Case closed!
Arthur Halloween costume
You’ll win Halloween dressed as this lovable aardvark from the long-running animated PBS series. And it couldn’t be easier to pull this costume together: Pair your favorite jeans with red sneakers and a bright yellow sweater.
Mario Kart Halloween costume
Sure, you can go solo as a Mario Kart character, but this idea really shines as a group Halloween costume. So grab a colorful tee, then DIY a car with your character’s name or symbol.
Guy Fieri Halloween costume
Ride the bus to Halloweentown as famed restaurateur Guy Fieri. Go all out with a trademark short-sleeved button-down, wraparound sunglasses and bleached hair (permanent or temporary).
Green Army men Halloween costume
Some green clothes and a little face paint will have you ready to report for duty in no time.
Richie Tenenbaum Halloween costume
A suit and a sweatband are all you need to pull off this eccentric brother from the movie The Royal Tenenbaums.
Men in Black Halloween costume
Dust off the black suit you wore to your friend’s wedding and slide on some sunglasses for one of the easiest and most recognizable Halloween costumes.
Seinfeld Halloween costume
These DIY Halloween costumes are bound to hold up as well as the beloved ’90s sitcom that inspired them. You can look for a replica of Jerry’s infamous puffy shirt, or pair a floral dress and blazer to go as Elaine. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks you to act in character, doing Kramer’s iconic entrance, Elaine’s hilarious dance moves, yada, yada, yada.
Raising Arizona Halloween costume
Big hair and a Hawaiian shirt are all you need to create this easy H.I. McDunnough costume based on the ’80s movie Raising Arizona. If you really want to show your appreciation for the year’s creepiest holiday, pick a shirt with traditional Halloween colors: black and orange.
Talladega Nights Halloween costume
Race to grab your best bros for this fun and easy costume. You can go as Ricky Bobby (complete with his Wonder Bread–sponsored hat), while your pals dress up as Cal Naughton Jr. and Jean Girard.
Care Bears Halloween costume
Calling all ’80s babies! You’ll love these nostalgic costumes, which are both adorable and super comfortable. If you’re wearing this one to impress the little ones, arm yourself with these Halloween jokes for kids.
Clue Halloween costume
It was Colonel Mustard in the library with the full-size Snickers bar! You can’t go wrong with these classic board game characters.
Marvel women Halloween costume
Join forces with all your besties, wearing epic costumes for women—from Captain Marvel to Black Widow and more.
Schitt’s Creek Halloween costume
Grab some friends or family and transform into everyone’s favorite riches-to-rags story. Choose your favorite character, and put your spin on the look—like opting for a casual-cool sweatshirt to stand in for David’s high-fashion shirt.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Halloween costume
Witches and Halloween go hand in hand, and next to the trio from Hocus Pocus, this Sabrina Spellman costume is a frightfully good choice.
Minions Halloween costume
Channel your inner Bob, Kevin or Stuart with these adorable costumes. They’re easy to DIY with a yellow T-shirt, blue jeans and Minion goggles.
Stranger Things Halloween costume
Would Halloween even be Halloween without a crew dressed up as the characters from Stranger Things? Nope! So gather your besties, pick a season of the hit show and go as your favorite character, whether that’s Eleven, Robin, Dustin, Steve or one of the other kids. Then come home and binge scary Halloween movies on Netflix.
Ladies of Bridgerton Halloween costume
Put on an empire-waist dress and channel your favorite Bridgerton gal. Lady Whistledown will surely have much to say about these glam Halloween costumes!
Ladies of Encanto Halloween costume
Bruno who? Everyone will want to talk about these wholesome Isabela, Delores and Mirabel costumes. You can buy premade costumes or put one together yourself from a ruffled Colombian-inspired skirt and colorful top. If the whole family is getting involved, making the costumes can be a fun Halloween craft for kids to take part in.
Everything Everywhere All at Once Halloween costume
Use what you already have in your closet, like a red vest and yellow turtleneck, to create Halloween costumes inspired by the hit flick.
Hocus Pocus Halloween Costume
No Halloween would be complete without the Sanderson sisters! Draw inspiration from one of the all-time best Halloween movies for kids by dressing up as Winifred, Sarah or Mary.
Turning Red Halloween costume
Grab your besties to create these adorably quirky costumes. Call dibs on Meilin and you get to wear the cute panda ears and tail.
Scream Halloween costume
We love these easy costumes from everyone’s favorite scary movie from the ’90s!
Trolls Halloween costume
It’s all sunshine and rainbows with Poppy and her crew. There are plenty of characters in the Trolls movie, so this idea easily works as a group costume.
M&M’s Halloween costume
Whether you’re hitting the party solo or bringing a group, you can’t go wrong dressing up as these sweet treats. All you need to make it happen is a fun tutu and an M&M’s tee. Really impress the crowd by memorizing some Halloween candy facts ahead of time.
Alice in Wonderland Halloween costume
Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the white rabbit—these costumes are easy to put together and will keep you comfortable during your trip down the rabbit hole.
Heathers Halloween costume
You and your clique will rule the school (or the neighborhood block party) as these angsty ’80s teens. A plaid skirt, white button-down and oversized blazer will make you and your crew instantly recognizable. Before the big night, check out these pumpkin-carving templates and create some DIY decor for trick-or-treaters to enjoy.
Recess Halloween costume
Because who doesn’t love a good throwback costume? Depending on which character from the TV show you portray, you’ll want to snap up a yellow beanie, green pinny, red baseball cap or glasses.
Flintstones Halloween costume
Throw it back to the Stone Age with these classic characters. They’re perennial favorites, so you should be able to find ready-made Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty costumes. If you’re handing out candy this year, be sure you’ve gone all out with the creepy yard decorations!
Winx Club Halloween costume
These flirty fairy costumes constructed out of short, girly dresses and gossamer fairy wings will make everyone want to follow you to a magical dimension.
Breakfast Club Halloween costume
Take a look in your closet to see whether you should be the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess or the criminal. Luckily, they’re all fun personalities to put on for the night. And if a night of dress-up has you in the movie mood, you can always come home to watch a funny Halloween movie and unwind.
Cheetah Girls Halloween costume
Nostalgia for the early 2000s is real, which is why your girl gang will go wild for these Halloween costumes. Strut your stuff in tracksuits that are both comfy and cool.
’80s workout girl Halloween costume
Let’s get physical! Grab a leotard, some leg warmers and a couple of sweatbands to complete this easy costume. For more holiday fun, check out these Halloween riddles.
A League of Their Own Halloween costume
With the television reboot of this classic ’90s movie making its way to Amazon Prime Video soon, now is the perfect time to channel your inner Dottie and show the guys what it really means to throw like a girl.
Cassette tape Halloween costume
Calling all children of the ’80s and ’90s! This cassette tape costume is our jam! You can craft the cassette tape out of a cardboard box (the headphones are a bonus) and go solo, or turn it into a couple’s costume by having your significant other dress up as a pencil. And if you don’t know where the pencil comes in, you’re clearly young!
Operation Halloween costume
Family game night takes on a whole new meaning with this playful costume. Start with scrubs, then glue on felt cutouts to represent the game pieces. Depending on how you design the costume, it could make for some creepy photos!
Mermaid Halloween costume
If you have some extra time on your hands and want to create something that’s as gorgeous as it is fun, put your artistic skills to the test with this showstopping mermaid costume. Believe it or not, it all starts with coffee filters and paint.
Scarecrow Halloween costume
As far as traditional Halloween costumes go, the scarecrow is a go-to for a reason: It’s as much a nod to the season as carved pumpkins, and it’s also a regular addition to Wizard of Oz group costumes. Either way, it’s easy to put together, provided you have some overalls and yarn that can double as straw.
Deviled egg Halloween costume
A white T-shirt, red cardigan, devil horns and some felt are all you need to create this funny costume.
Raining men Halloween costume
Hallelujah, it’s raining men! It takes just minutes (plus an umbrella and cutouts of your faves) to make this star-studded costume that’s sure to be a hit. Speaking of music, check out these Halloween songs that’ll liven up any get-together.
Gift bag and birthday boy Halloween costume
As if he didn’t already know that you’re the best gift he’s ever received! Now everyone else will too, thanks to this DIY costume. If you can fit it around you, you can use an extra-large gift bag for your costume. Or you can cut open a couple gift bags and glue them into a single, larger bag that you can step into.
Cops and robbers family costume
If you have a large family, this is an easy, fun and affordable option. All the robbers need are some striped shirts, black masks and guilty expressions. Keep the fun going by quizzing the family on Halloween trivia.
Wednesday Addams Halloween costume
Scare everyone to death with this easy costume that only requires a collared dress and some Goth Mary Janes.
Rosie the Riveter Halloween costume
This is the perfect vintage Halloween costume to remind everyone that strong women raise strong girls. Just tie on the red bandana, roll up the sleeves of your denim shirt and show those trick-or-treaters what you’re made of.
Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and a bald eagle Halloween costume
Sure, it’s Halloween and not the Fourth of July, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take this opportunity to dress up and show off your patriotic side by dressing as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam. Toss in a bald eagle if you’re toting around a little one.
Scary ghost Halloween costume
Feeling less than creative? Just cut two holes in a sheet, throw it over your head and—boo!—you’ve got one of the most classic Halloween costumes. Watch out for ghost hunters!
When life gives you lemons Halloween costume
Need something last minute? This costume couldn’t be any simpler! You can carry around a basket of lemons, but trick-or-treating kids might appreciate a basketful of Lemon Drops candies more.
Tacky tourist Halloween costume
All you need is a Hawaiian shirt, lei and fanny pack for this simple and colorful costume. Don’t forget to take a ton of pictures! You’ll want to bookmark this list of the best Halloween Instagram captions for your fabulous Halloween posts.
Betty and Jughead Halloween costume
Whether you’re into the hit drama Riverdale or the original Archie Comics, dressing up as Betty and Jughead is a no-brainer!
Cat burglar Halloween costume
Create the purr-fect couples costume in just minutes using what you already have in your closet, plus some key cat accessories. Cut out and attach a felt dollar sign onto an old pillowcase to complete the look. If you’re hosting a spooktacular gathering, let your feline friend join in the fun by decking it out in a cat costume.
Elle Woods Halloween costume
There’s no wrong way to dress as this brainy blonde, so long as you’re in pink from your sunglasses to your toes!
Pac-Man Halloween costume
There’s no sewing required for this arcade-themed costume. You just need some colorful felt, scissors and fabric glue.
Cat emoji Halloween costume
Use a few crafts and what you already have in your closet (like a yellow shirt and heart-shaped sunglasses) to dress up as your favorite emoji. Meow!
Michael Meyers Halloween costume
You can’t go wrong with this classic horror character. It’s quick to put together with nothing but coveralls, a mask and a plastic knife. Looking for more chills and thrills? Spend your Halloween at one of the most haunted places in America.
Coraline Halloween costume
Channel the Other Mother in this costume inspired by the movie Coraline. A blue-and-white polka dot apron will do the trick, or you could go all out with a glam dress befitting the character.
Spooky jack-o’-lantern Halloween costume
An orange dress, some felt and a little fabric glue will create the perfect grown-up take on a classic costume! When you’re all dressed and ready, have fun determining your favorite Halloween candy based on your zodiac sign.
Miss Universe Halloween costume
Going solo this year? You can still be the center of the universe in this quick and easy costume! Start with a black dress and get crafty from there.
The Muses Halloween costume
Forget Hercules. It’s the Muses who really shine this Halloween. This group costume is quick and easy, and it’ll make you and all your friends stand out in the best way possible.
Sandy and Danny from Grease Halloween costume
Show off the one that you want with this easy couple costume. It’s leather (or faux leather) pants for Sandy and all black for both, making these outfits super simple to pull together.
Soap and loofah Halloween costume
Keep things clean this Halloween with this clever couples’ costume that requires absolutely no DIY effort on your part. We’d call that a win-win.
Elvis Halloween costume
Talk about a rockin’ Halloween costume! Go as the King of Rock n’ Roll for an unforgettable holiday—but don’t be surprised if you get requests for “Jailhouse Rock.”
Eddie Munson Halloween costume
Stranger Things enthusiasts can dress up as beloved Season 4 character Eddie Munson for a seriously sweet Halloween getup. Bonus points if you nab a guitar and shred to Metallica.
