68 Easy TV and Movie Character Costumes for Adults and Kids
So many cute and fun DIY ideas for lovers of pop culture (and Halloween)!
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Starring in a large blockbuster movie and gaining the gaze of millions of adoring fans may not be your reality, but on Halloween everyone can dress up as the leading lady or leading man of their very own motion picture. And that’s why we’ve rounded up the most iconic, easy and DIY-friendly movie character costumes to make you feel like you snagged the starring role in this thing we call life.
The best costumes typically are inspired by pop culture and these ideas we have listed are no different. Whether you want to hone in on a specific role played by your favorite celebrity, or take a page out of Heidi Klum’s book and go all out recreating the look of one of your favorite characters, you can count these fun ideas for women, men and even a few for kids sprinkled throughout. From Wednesday Addams and Carmy from The Bear to Danny and Sandy from Grease or Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, we've got ideas for everyone.
Sure, there are a few Disney characters on this list, but don’t let that fool you as we also include a fair share of scary options from horror films. So, start browsing for your best look to date.
Beetlejuice and Lydia
With the new 2024 release of the film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it's more appropriate now than ever to dress up as your favorite undead couple.
'Us' Characters
Get the spooky vibes going with this creepy ensemble from Jordan Peele's movie Us. Luckily it doesn't require too much prep as it consists of just a red jumpsuit and oversized scissors. Just make sure to practice your zoned-out stare to creep out other partygoers.
The Purge
A quick and easy costume that'll still send chills down the spine of everyone you encounter? Look no further than this getup from The Purge. A sixth installment of the film franchise is on the way, so you don't have to worry about the outfit still being relevant.
The Corpse Bride
Tim Burton knows how to create a world of eerie and petrifying proportions. Emulate the star of his 2005 classic with the help of a lace gown and blue face paint.
Dr. Strange
Channel all of Dr. Strange's magical powers easily thanks to our DIY version which uses clothes you already own (jeans and a hoodie), plus cheap accessories (cleaning gloves and cape) to complete the look.
Wednesday Addams
There are so many iterations of Wednesday you can pull off, but we prefer her classic school uniform style that requires very little shopping.
Joel from 'The Last of Us'
The only hard thing about becoming Joel will be nailing down his impenetrable personality. Otherwise, a good backpack and a plaid shirt will do.
Sari from 'Cocaine Bear'
Everyone's going to love this look, which requires a good pink jumpsuit and a stuffed bear (just so everyone knows who you're dressed up as).
Emily from 'Emily in Paris'
Say "bonjour!" to your favorite Halloween costume ever. Dress up your chicest outfit with some props, like a beret and passport, and you'll be all set.
Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid'
Sure you can buy a full-on Ariel costume, but it's more fun (and affordable!) to DIY your own version with a green skirt and a purple top.
Tanya from 'White Lotus'
RIP Tanya and her four hands. At least you can honor her impact on the show (and her iconic lines) this Halloween.
Thomas Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'
We're still not over the series ending, but as long as Tommy Shelby is alive, we're okay. Turning into the leader of the Peaky Blinders will lie in your attitude and great accessories.
Mantis from 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'
She's your favorite empath, and we might not ever see her again after her sad departure after the latest film. So honor all she's done for the team by wearing leather pants, a black top and, of course, her antennae. You can DIY the antennae or buy it.
Miles Morales
Channel your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man by donning this black and red costume. Throw on a matching hoodie and Nikes, and you'll be ready to save Brooklyn and the world.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If there's one animation that never gets old, it's the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With this year's release of Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you and your squad will be ultimate goals when you dress up as Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.
Carmy from 'The Bear'
Fresh off of the third season of The Bear, there's no doubt that Carmy will still be a popular costume this October. All you need is an apron and to walk around saying "yes, chef."
Frank Blade From 'Blade'
Mahershala Ali and Jennifer Lawrence are starring in the latest Blade film that's set to come out in 2025. But you don't have to wait another year to dress up as the superhero. With the right accessories, including a cool leather vest, you'll be ahead of the trend.
Carl Nargle from 'Paint'
Paint was released last year as a comedic spin on the life of fictional artist Carl Nargle, who has eerie similarities to Bob Ross. Channel the painter's iconic style with a curly wig and paint palette.
Otto Mann from 'The Simpsons'
Sure, he's not the most popular character from the show, but he's definitely the one with the easiest outfit to recreate that still feels like a costume.
Jeremy from 'White Men Can't Jump'
Rapper Jack Harlow made his acting debut in this 2023 remake. You can dress up as his character Jeremy by layering short and long sleeve shirts, sporting yoga pants and holding a basketball.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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