(Original 2024 Article is at the bottom of the updates on this page.)
Still deciding what to wear this Halloween? Google just dropped its 2026 Frightgeist rankings (Oct. 14), and the top trending searches are Buddy the Unicorn, NeeDoh, Nikki from Obsession, Agamemnon from The Odyssey and Lily Love Braids from Poppy Playtime. Below is our earlier 2026 roundup, based on a BC.Game study reported by Mental Floss, the National Retail Federation's 2026 Halloween survey and Spirit Halloween's 2026 trend report, with Frightgeist names called out where they overlap. From K-pop demon hunters to horror icons and classic witches, here's what everyone will be wearing this year!
Google Frightgeist 2026 (top trending searches)
1. Buddy the Unicorn · 2. NeeDoh · 3. Nikki (Obsession) · 4. Agamemnon (The Odyssey) · 5. Lily Love Braids (Poppy Playtime) · 6. Oliver Tree · 7. Verity (Minecraft) · 8. Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl) · 9. Disco Scooby Doo · 10. Hazel Hook (Descendants). See the full Frightgeist list.
1. KPop Demon Hunters (Rumi, Mira and Zoey)
K-Pop Demon Hunters is the No. 1 costume of 2026 in the BC.Game study reported by Mental Floss, with more than 200,000 people searching Google for a "K-Pop Demon Hunters costume" in September alone. It also swept Google's 2025 Frightgeist, where Rumi, Zoey and Mira took the top three spots, and Spirit Halloween says the fandom is a top trend again this year. The wig does most of the work: a long purple braid for Rumi, pink hair for Mira or space buns for Zoey.
Don't forget the demon boy band! On Google's 2025 Frightgeist list, Jinu was the top trending demon, and Baby Saja helped push searches for "pink argyle sweater" to a 12+ year high. Spirit Halloween is selling Saja Boy costumes for adults and kids in 2026, making this a great pick for groups or for anyone pairing up with a HUNTR/X friend.
Creepy clowns aren't going anywhere. Pennywise ranks No. 2 for 2026, with almost 600,000 searches around the sinister clown costume, fueled by HBO's prequel series It: Welcome to Derry. Add a single red balloon and you're ready to float.
Nikki Freeman from Obsession, the highest-grossing horror movie of 2026, lands at No. 3. Her red-and-black zebra-striped tank top and shorts scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the study's Pinterest trend index. Bonus: the pieces are easy to wear again after Halloween (minus the fake blood).
Dolly Parton is the fourth most popular costume of 2026, with more than 444,000 people looking her up for Halloween this year. A big platinum-blonde wig plus a rhinestone or fringe outfit is all it takes to channel the Queen of Country.
He-Man takes the No. 5 spot, with a Pinterest trend score of 80 out of 100. Grab the sword, raise it high and shout "I have the power!" It's a nostalgic pick that grown-up fans of the 1980s cartoon will love.
Gru ranks No. 6, with about 164,000 monthly searches. The striped scarf, bald head and long black coat are instantly recognizable, and Gru is the perfect excuse to turn your kids into a crew of Minions.
Aunt Gladys, the unforgettable villain from the horror hit Weapons, ranks No. 7 and scores 100 out of 100 on Pinterest's trend index. Her curly orange bob, oversized glasses and bold makeup make her one of the most recognizable (and most unsettling) looks of the season.
Wednesday Addams has more monthly searches than any other costume on the 2026 list, at more than 1.7 million. She was also on Google's 2025 Frightgeist list, where her black dress with a white collar is the top searched of all time. Practice that deadpan stare.
Mario ranks No. 9 with more than 1.1 million monthly searches, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, one of 2026's billion-dollar hits, gave the plumber a fresh boost this spring. Overalls, a red cap and a mustache make it an easy costume for the whole family, with Luigi, Peach and Bowser ready to join in.
Michael Jackson rounds out the 2026 top 10 with about 647,000 monthly searches, and the biopic Michael, which opened in April, brought his look back to the big screen. A black fedora, one sparkly glove and a sharp jacket are all you need to moonwalk into the party.
Witch is the most popular adult costume of 2026, with 4.8 million adults planning to dress as one, according to the National Retail Federation. For a twist, go as Elphaba from Wicked: Google's 2025 Frightgeist found "elphaba costume" was searched more than ever before, and a friend dressed as Glinda makes the perfect partner.
Vampire is No. 2 among adults in the NRF's 2026 survey, with 4.2 million people planning to bare their fangs. A cape, a high collar and a set of fangs never go out of style, and this classic works for any age.
Batman is the No. 3 adult costume in the NRF survey, with 2 million adults planning to suit up as the Dark Knight. Spider-Man is right behind at No. 4 with 1.5 million adults, so superhero families have plenty of options this year.
Spirit Halloween names Toy Story one of the top trends of 2026, after Toy Story 5 crossed $1 billion at the box office this summer. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang make one of the easiest family or group costumes of the year.
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Original 2024 Article:
If you're still trying to decide what to wear for Halloween, why not check out the hottest costumes of the year? According to Google Trends, these are the top-searched Halloween costumes in 2024. From pop culture icons to nostalgic favorites, these costumes will make you stand out. I've also included some fun facts about why these costumes are trending this year!
1. Shrunken Head Bob (from Beetlejuice)
The iconic "shrunken head" from Beetlejuice is the top-searched shrunken head of all time. Bring this unforgettable look to life by grabbing your Beetlejuice-inspired shrunken head costume.
People searching "raygun costume" are also pairing it with a "green and yellow track suit" or "green track pants." This sci-fi look is perfect if you're aiming for a retro-futuristic twist this Halloween.
Searches for "fake staples" spiked on the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, making Delores a breakout costume choice. This unique look will make you a hit at any Halloween party.
Fans are curious about Red's parentage, as "who is Red the daughter of in Descendants?" has been a top search. Become part of the Descendants legacy with this dazzling costume.
Anger from Inside Out continues to be a popular Halloween costume this year. Known for his fiery temper and hilarious lines, Anger’s iconic quote, "Congratulations San Francisco, you've ruined pizza," has become the top searched Anger quote of all time. If you want to bring some comical rage to your Halloween festivities, an Anger costume might be perfect for you.
Disgust, also from Inside Out, is another trending character this year. People searching for "Disgust costume" are also looking for items like a green sequin dress and green leggings, which are key elements to pull off her sassy and stylish look. If you're a fan of sarcasm and want a character with a distinct fashion sense, Disgust is a great choice.
Wolverine is always a classic, especially for fans of the X-Men universe. Interestingly, since 2004, Alaska is the only state where Wolverine is searched more than Deadpool. With his rugged appearance, retractable claws, and unmistakable style, Wolverine remains a go-to costume for anyone wanting to embody a powerful mutant this Halloween.
Anxiety from Inside Out has become a top trending search this year, especially with searches for "orange and white striped" apparel reaching a 15-year high. This character is a relatable choice for many, and his costume adds a humorous twist to the holiday. If you're looking to embody the lighter side of anxious emotions, Anxiety could be the costume for you.
Delia Deetz saw a huge spike in interest this September, thanks to the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Her quirky and eccentric style makes her a standout costume choice for fans of the movie, offering an unconventional yet instantly recognizable look.
17. Gambit
The search for "Gambit costume" reached an all-time high this year. Fans of the charming card-throwing X-Men character are eager to channel his suave personality and unique style. Gambit's costume, featuring his signature trench coat and glowing cards, is a great option for those wanting to make a stylish entrance.
18. Dune Popcorn Bucket
"Dune popcorn bucket" was the top searched popcorn bucket this year. While not a traditional costume, fans have shown their creativity by incorporating this unique prop into their Halloween ensembles, making it a quirky and humorous addition to the festivities.
19. Minion
Minions are still going strong, and over the past five years, the search interest in "minion costume" has been 3.5 times more than "gru costume." Their adorable look and comedic antics make Minion costumes a perennial favorite for kids and adults alike.
20. Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow the Hedgehog is trending this year, with "is Shadow the Hedgehog evil" being the top searched question related to the character. With his dark and edgy demeanor, Shadow offers a cool and mysterious costume option for Sonic fans wanting something a little different.
21. Joy (from Inside Out)
Joy is a cheerful and optimistic character, but the question "why does Joy have blue hair?" remains the top searched question about her of all time. Her bright yellow dress and positive personality make her a popular pick for those wanting a happy and energetic costume.
22. Peely (from Fortnite)
Aside from the skin condition, Peely from Fortnite is trending thanks to "peelverine," which has caught the attention of fans. This anthropomorphic banana character is a fun and silly choice for those wanting to embrace the quirky side of Fortnite this Halloween.
23. Lydia Deetz
Lydia Deetz is the most searched member of the Deetz family of all time. With her gothic fashion and unique persona, Lydia is a timeless character that appeals to fans of Beetlejuice. Her costume, featuring dark clothing and her signature veil, makes for a striking Halloween look.
24. Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy is back in the spotlight, with "Crank That" being his most searched song of all time. A Soulja Boy costume offers a nostalgic throwback to the early 2000s, complete with oversized sunglasses and the classic dance moves that made him famous.
25. Godzilla
The release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire brought Godzilla back into the spotlight, making it the top-searched post-credit scene in April 2024. A Godzilla costume is perfect for anyone wanting to embody a monstrous and powerful character this Halloween, making an impact wherever they go.
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Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. 
