Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.cornellsun.com
We all have our Halloween favorites. Are you a candy fan? A spooky tunes listener? Or perhaps, just like me, you’re a total costume fanatic. It’s the same question every year, and anyone with the spooky spirit must face it. What do I wear? As it turns out, for 25% of Americans, the answer to that question comes from what’s trending on social media or from recent TV shows and movies. In other words, the biggest hits of 2026 will influence the hottest Halloween costumes, and I have opinions. Based on a few pop culture sensations of 2026, here’s what I expect to see most this Halloween.
1) Spider-Man
In my book, this one has to be highest on the list. Spider-Man is such a beloved superhero costume. It’s quintessential, it’s classic and, in this case, it’s also straight out of the highest grossing film in the box office in 2026. The return of Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day had Marvel fans, myself included, flocking to the theatres. Now, it might just have them flocking to Spirit Halloween!
2) Toy Story Classics: Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie
You can’t argue with the fact that the Toy Story characters make ideal costumes. They’re an easy pick for friend groups, siblings and even couples, especially considering Jessie and Buzz’s recent relationship developments. Plus, the films have huge reach right now. They are popular among a younger audience invested in the recent release of Toy Story 5, but they are also a hit among the now-adult generation, who have been following the franchise since the release of its first film in 1995. Whether you’re throwing on some cowboy spurs as Jessie or Woody or sporting the Buzz Lightyear wingspan, Toy Story costumes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
3) Mario and Friends
Another great group costume option, the Mario costumes have long been popular for avid gamers but also for those doing a quick google search for popular costumes. The release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, another box office hit, is sure to boost that trend again this spooky season. Any combination of costumes is possible here. Maybe your best friend is the Luigi to your Mario, or maybe you’re more of a Princess Peach fan like me. With the inclusion of Princess Rosalina, Yoshi, Bowser and Baby Bowser as key characters in the film, among others, there is no shortage of options.
4) Greek Warriors (or maybe Gods and Goddesses)
The recent release of The Odyssey and its popularity with fans make it a “can’t miss” film from this year. In fact, you’d have to be living under a rock to miss it. Or trapped on a very tiny island just trying to make it to Ithaca. Everyone wants to feel like a warrior, which means Odysseus and his comrades (not to mention his beautiful wife Penelope) make excellent costumes for trick-or-treaters. Plus, for all you cheapskate college students out there, the toga look is just too easy; all you need is a sheet and a safety pin.
5) Allie Hayes and Dean Di Laurentis
There’s nothing people love more than a couples costume, and this one is sure to be popular. The show Off Campus was a social media sensation, with the beloved dance scene between Allie and Dean garnering countless rewatches on Instagram and TikTok. In this scene, Allie and Dean meet at a Halloween costume party, where she dresses as Jennifer Lopez and he dresses as Maverick from Top Gun. Already, I am seeing couples all over my For You Page sporting recreations of Allie and Dean’s costumes.
6) Olivia Rodrigo
If you’ve been blasting you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love as much as I have, you can see how this one makes a convincing costume option. Her merchandise is everywhere. The music won’t leave your mind. Plus, people always pick celebrities with iconic looks and catchy tunes; just look at Sabrina Carpenter or Taylor Swift in the past few years. With Rodrigo’s stardom, she seems a probable candidate for this year’s ‘favorite costumes’ list.
Whether you’re brainstorming a last-minute costume or hazarding your own guesses, hopefully this list will keep you on the lookout for these iconic pop culture costumes as we kick off Halloweekend. And, in the meantime, enjoy your spooky season!
Emily Federovitch
Emily Federovitch is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at [email protected].
