Okay, ladies (and gents and nonbinary folks), now let's get in formation. Consider this your sign to stop procrastinating Halloween costumes because the spookiest day of the year is gonna creep up on us in no time. If you don't want to settle for "cat" or "witch" again, may we suggest taking inspiration from the silver screen for your next costume? Legit so many movie characters are fashion icons in their own right. And if you're all about wearing pop culture-inspired costumes for Halloween, then we've got a whoooole bunch of fabulous movie character costume ideas to get ya started.
With looks inspired by scary movies, funny movies, and throwback movies, we've included character costumes from all sorts of films, including cult classic costumes that everyone is sure to recognize to a few more...obscure looks for you indie folks (you know who you are). We're talkin' stylish icons like Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30, Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's, and ofc Barbie, just to name a few. No matter your budget or willingness to commit this October, here are all the best movie character costumes you can rock at your Halloween party.
1
Barbie from Barbie
Will everyone be Barbie this year for Halloween? Maybe. But there soooo many iconic 'fits to choose from, including ALL of Margot Robbie's iconic press tour looks and costumes in the film. Just grab every pink item you own and rock it.
2
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
You can never go wrong with being a Disney princess for Halloween, and since the new live-action Little Mermaid just came out, what better time to grab a red wig, green sequin skirt, and shell bra?
3
The Plastics from Mean Girls
Fact: Mean Girls is one of the most iconic movies...like ever. So, why not recreate one of the like most iconic scenes ever. Grab your crew and Santa hats, ladies. Now, Alexa, play Jingle Bell Rock on repeat!
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4
Tinker Bell from Peter Pan
Tinker Bell is a classic and super cute option if you want to feel a little bit of extra magic this Halloween. Fairy glitter not included.
5
Baseball Players from A League of Their Own
Whether you're a fan of the OG movie or guilty of binging the new TV show, the Rockford Peaches could always use another player (even if just for one night). Grab a uniform, borrow your bf's baseball gear, and it's a home run.
6
Catwoman from Catwoman
Literally don't care if you're channeling Halle Berry, Zoë Kravitz, or Michelle Pfeiffer—Catwoman is an easy way to feel like a complete baddie this Halloween. Sharpen those claws, put on your most flattering cat suit (or all black if a cat suit is an absolute "heck no"), and order a mask to complete the sleek ensemble.
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7
Mia from The Princess Diaries
All I'm saying is that Hailey Bieber killed this look last Halloween, and so can you. All you need is a strapless white dress, oval sunnies, your dad's old headphones from the 90's, and of course a tiara.
8
Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30
Let's be real—when you first saw this dress on screen, you either hated it or had to have. This Halloween, let's all agree to file this colorful ensemble under: not a want, but a need.
9
Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland
Queen coming through, and she's not afraid to steal hearts. The Queen of Hearts can be portrayed in so many different ways, but as long as you have wear a crown high on your head and stick to the deck of cards theme, people will have no problem knowing who you are.
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10
Lara Croft from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Angelina Jolie a-t-e in Tomb Raider, and so will you when you strap on your garter pocket utility belt. Dust off those combat boots we were all obsessed with in the 2010s, and don't be afraid to paint on some battle scars while you're at it.
11
Gracie Hart from Miss Congeniality
If you have a pink dress with a high slit and combat boots, then you just need a crown, sash, and leg holster to become Gracie from Miss Congeniality.
12
Alabama Whitman from True Romance
To channel Alabama Whitman from True Romance, you just need a red dress, leopard-print jacket, and some shades.
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13
Isis from Bring It On
Say it with us now: "Brr! It's cold in here. There must be some Clovers in the atmosphere." Just sayin, the Clovers green cheer uniform is far superior to the Toros' boring red-and-black unis.
14
Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad
Guarantee you've seen someone wearing this as a Halloween outfit since Suicide Squad premiered in 2016. Harley Quinn's fishnet tights, "Daddy's Lil' Monster" T-shirt, bomber jacket, pink and blue hair, and, yeah, a freaking baseball bat just look so badass.
15
Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice
What could be more fun than dressing as the OG ~goth grrl~ for Halloween, complete with an eye-catching red wedding gown?
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16
Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy and gingham go together like yellow bricks and roads. She looks so sweet and summery with her apron dress in The Wizard of Oz—and who could forget about those famous sparkly red shoes?
17
Dionne Davenport from Clueless
Yeah, Cher's yellow plaid ensemble is undeniably chic, but can we talk about Dionne's first 'fit from the movie for a sec?
18
Elvira Hanco*ck from Scarface
For a fun throwback, dress up as the v chic Elvira Hanco*ck from 1983's Scarface, complete with a long satin dress, bobbed wig, and heeled sandals.
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19
Juno MacGuff from Juno
Juno's mismatched 'fit made us wanna try wearing a skirt over jeans (plus, this is the perfect Halloween costume to wear if you're expecting a lil bb).
20
Nina Sayers from Black Swan
The swan costume Natalie Portman wears in her final performance is so on point(e)—the crown, the eye makeup, the tutu—that it's no wonder this look became the one featured on movie posters.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
