Celebrity Halloween costumes 2026 lit up social media this weekend, with stars debuting elaborate outfits on TikTok, Instagram and red-carpet events. The trend leaned heavily on pop-culture references, animated characters and nostalgic film icons, offering fans a vivid visual feast.
Early adopters and multi-look creators
North West set the tone early in October, appearing at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in a quick-makeup look and later sharing a series of TikTok transformations that included a Teen Titans-inspired Raven, a zombie self-portrait with a dangling eyeball and a nod to Edward Scissorhands.
Her mother, Kim Kardashian, echoed the theme with a North-inspired video. Victoria Justice rolled out four distinct costumes—zombie, Beetlejuice, mushroom fairy and a twin duo from The Shining alongside sister Madison Grace Reed. Keke Palmer split her night between a Frankenstein mash-up and a Michael-and-Janet Jackson tribute with son Leodis. Cara Delevingne combined Leeloo from The Fifth Element with Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Animated and pop-culture inspirations
Animation proved a rich source. Lizzo dressed as Seiko, the grandmother from the anime Dan Da Dan. Chlöe Bailey went as a “hot” Meg Griffin from Family Guy. Karol G embodied Emily from Corpse Bride, while Maitreyi Ramakrishnan chose a titan from Attack on Titan. Jisoo of BLACKPINK appeared as Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Quenlin Blackwell as Black Star from Soul Eater. Drew Afualo-Tanuvasa rounded the list with Maki from Jujutsu Kaisen.
Pop-culture homages were equally abundant. Lisa Rinna transformed into Kylie Jenner, Zendaya into Halle Berry, and Alex Consani portrayed a Thumb-Thumb from Spy Kids. Troye Sivan appeared as Woody, while Rickey Thompson delivered a meme-ready Zendaya look at the Justin Bieber “Never Say Never” premiere. Doechii channeled Grace Jones, and Paris Hilton offered dual tributes to Britney Spears and classic film characters.
Couples also coordinated. Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner arrived as Travis and Jane Henderson from Paris, Texas. Hailey and Justin Bieber split roles as angel and devil. Serena Page and Kordell Beckham became Raven and Beast Boy, echoing the Teen Titans duo.
Group efforts stood out, too. The KATSEYE members portrayed DC icons: Yoonchae as Harley Quinn, Megan as Poison Ivy, Daniela as Wonder Woman and Lara as Catwoman.
Fans likely felt a surge of excitement seeing their favorite artists embody beloved characters, turning ordinary parties into shared cultural moments. The visual variety also gave social-media users fresh material to remix, extending the holiday’s buzz well beyond the night itself.
Among the standout individual looks, Tate McRae slipped into Catwoman gear, while Barbara Palvin partnered with Dylan Sprouse as Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jennie Kim of BLACKPINK turned heads as Suki from 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Other notable costumes included Doja Cat as the cute mascot Cinnamoroll, Heidi Klum as a severed hand, and her children portraying Teen Titans’ Starfire, “Thriller” Michael Jackson and Miss Piggy respectively. Jade Thirlwall appeared as a gargoyle angel, and James Charles took on Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove.
Even while touring, performers joined in. Olivia Rodrigo switched between a zombie Marie Antoinette, a ballerina and a bee during her Unraveled Tour, and Harry Styles celebrated “Harryween” with an X-Factor audition look, an Elvis tribute and a costume resembling a New York rat.
Honorable mentions and niche homages
Olandria Carthen recreated Naomi Campbell’s iconic 1990 Vogue editorial, matching the black-and-white aesthetic that defined the era.
Benito Skinner performed a double transformation, first embodying Ellen DeGeneres and later appearing as Zara Larsson, with Mary Beth Barone and Owen Thiele providing supporting roles.
Elle Fanning chose a cinematic reference, appearing as Nicole Kidman’s character Suzanne Stone from the thriller To Die For.
Lisa of BLACKPINK delivered a mermaid look, complete with iridescent scales and a flowing tail, adding an aquatic twist to the night’s festivities.
Charli XCX adopted the role of Lee Holloway from the film Secretary, highlighting a bold, office-inspired ensemble.
Taylor Momsen and Steph Gomez paired up as rock legends, portraying AC/DC’s Angus Young and Brian Johnson respectively.
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Vanessa Hudgens joined Cole Tucker as the duo Sally and Oogie Boogie, referencing the classic holiday film.
Miku Martineau and Clara Alexandrova presented a colorful pair, dressing as Lavagirl and Sharkboy from the early-2000s adventure.
Group costumes and themed ensembles
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka recreated the twin siblings from The Shining, complete with matching red-and-white patterned dresses.
Lux Pascal performed as a mime doll, moving silently through a crowd while maintaining a painted-on smile.
Lottie Moss embodied Sandy from Grease, donning a classic pink cardigan and high-waisted skirt.
Valentina Sampaio appeared as Poison Ivy, her costume featuring leafy vines that wrapped around her arms.
Camilla Araujo brought Cruella de Vil to life, wearing a stark black-and-white coat and a sleek, red wig.
Francesca Scorsese portrayed a fairy, fluttering in a pastel dress accented with delicate wings.
Amanda Nguyen chose the bright hue of Teen Titans’ Starfire, complete with fiery orange hair extensions.
Harry Jowsey stepped into the shoes of Troy Bolton, recreating the high-school musical look with a varsity jacket.
Samuell Williamson and Alexa Hendricks performed as Hercules and Megara, each holding a prop sword and shield.
Bách Buquen embodied Hellboy, his skin painted a deep crimson and a miniature stone hand attached to his forearm.
Laura Abla recreated the 2003 VMA moment, posing as Madonna kissing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Haley Kalil chose Jessica Rabbit, wearing a long red gown and a dramatic, flared silhouette.
Andrew Rannells and Tuc Watkins dressed as sailors, their uniforms detailed with brass buttons and striped sleeves.
Ava Max appeared as a wolf, her outfit featuring faux fur and a snarling mask.
Janelle Monáe concluded the night as “Phish Boy,” wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and a fish-scale cape.
