Halloween Costume Ideas: The Trends to Watch this Year

Halloween costume ideas for 2026 may look a lot like the year's biggest headlines, from a Knicks title and a Super Bowl halftime show to a record-breaking Spider-Man movie and tributes to a late Hollywood icon.

Halloween season is fast approaching, and there's a lot of buzz over what costumes may be trending. Reports suggest this year's picks will be inspired by movies, TV, sports, and internet culture. If you're looking for costume ideas, here's what may trend.

Halloween Costume Trends Spirit Halloween Predicts

In its 2026 trend report, costume retailer Spirit Halloween shared its predictions, based on tracking pop culture all year, on what costumes will sell this Halloween.

Among its top picks are characters from Toy Story, including Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Slinky Dog. Though they broke out last year, the retailer predicts K-pop Demon Hunters will continue to be a top trend this Halloween.

Superheroes like Spider-Man may also return, with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and Power Rangers fueling the trend. Greek mythology may also be a popular theme.

For fans of video games, Fortnite and Halo may be their best bets, while those into "Off Campus" may opt for varsity jackets and jerseys inspired by it.

Y2K "it girl" styles and oversized internet-style gags, like giant inflatables and mascot heads, also round out the forecast.

Sports and Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas

New York Magazine's shopping site, The Strategist, also has its own list of ideas, largely based on the cultural moments of the year.

Following the New York Knicks' historic NBA win after 53 years, the editors suggest paying tribute to the team by wearing championship gear and carrying a fake trophy.

Figure skater Alysa Liu's Olympic win and Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland's World Cup run also made the publication's list, as well as Bad Bunny's much-talked-about Super Bowl halftime show.

TV and Movie Halloween Costume Ideas

Characters from this year's films and TV shows also made the list, including Jack Innanen's character Paul Baker from "Adults," Matthew Rhys as the mayor in "Widow's Bay," and the famous couple from "Love Story," Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. For ensemble costumes, the editors of New York Magazine suggest "The Odyssey" as a theme.

Other picks highlight popular toys, like a squishy stick of butter and public figures like Ms. Rachel in overalls and a pink headband.

Costumes Remembering Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Gloria Steinem

This year also saw the passing of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Gloria Steinem, and The Strategist's list includes Halloween ideas inspired by all three. Think Parton's blonde wig, plaid shirt, and cowboy hat from her 1984 film "Rhinestone," for one. Curry, best known as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," may also get a nod, while Steinem's 1970s aviator sunglasses and flare jeans may make the cut.

Both lists suggest this year's costumes will borrow heavily from the stories people have been following.