The top Pop-Culture Halloween costumes of 2024

The top pop-culture Halloween costumes of 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me, then the perfect costume choice is just about as thrilling as the candy! With 2024 being filled to the brim with unforgettable movies, viral TV series, and internet-breaking moments, it shouldn't come as a surprise that pop culture keeps dominating Halloween costume trends. Whether you are attending a spooky party, hosting one heck of a Halloween bash, or trying to impress all the trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, there is a costume idea here for you.

We will now outline some of the highest-voted Halloween costumes inspired by pop culture in 2024 and explain why they are a hit. We will give great suggestions on how to pull these costumes off. We also include great suggestions for where to purchase or DIY them. Let's dive into this year's hottest Halloween looks!

1. "Barbie" Barbie and Ken

It's probably pretty safe to say, after the huge success of Greta Gerwig's movie of Barbie, that Barbie and Ken costumes will be one of the hottest commodities this year. The fashionable super-modern take Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling gave to these iconic characters literally made them perfect for couples or coordinated friends.

Why It's Popular:

• But this movie just had a huge following, and it was able to carve out a style that's really unique and instantly recognizable.

• It's versatile-from her classic pink outfits to some pretty outrageous ones, such as "Cowgirl Barbie."

How to Create the Look:

For Barbie: Think pink jumpsuit, retro shades, and chunky heels. Accessorize well- think a 90s cellphone or even a miniature convertible.

For Ken: Think beachy vibes! Put him in a vibrant Hawaiian shirt, add shorts, and a pair of sandals to capture his classic beach look. Top it all off with a spritz of hair gel for that surfer-boy effect.

Where to Buy: You can check some affordable Barbie costumes here, pear it with the iconic blond wig (unless you are a lucky blonde!) or you can make a DIY version using this the unique pieces of your own closet!

2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Characters

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse gave us more than great visuals; it gave us a whole multiverse of Spidey costumes. From Miles Morales to Spider-Gwen, options here are endless.

Why It's Popular:

• The multiverse means there's a Spider-Man for every taste-from the absolutely classic Peter Parker to the full futuristic gear of Spider-Man 2099.

• These are high-energy, fashionable suits which are perfect both for adults and kids.

How to Create the Look:

Miles Morales: The cool and laid-back Brooklyn style of his will be pulled off with an avant-garde black-and-red suit with a hoodie.

Spider-Gwen: This is a pretty chic and sporty costume: a black and white bodysuit complemented with neon pink accents. Pair this with a wig or style your hair into a cut inspired by Gwen Stacy.

Where to Buy: You can see official Spider-Man costumes here, or if you're looking for a great-quality Spider-Gwen suit, then you can have a look here.

3. Wednesday Addams from "Wednesday"

Still popular in 2024, courtesy of the Netflix series, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this gothic icon of fashion rounds out our list of top Halloween choices for 2024. Such is the character of Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, that a wave has been caused in dark academia fashion trends. That makes her costume a sleek, stylish pick for this year's Halloween.

Why It's Popular:

• Chic-a dark yet fashionable choice for Wednesday. This is an iconic character, but Jenna Ortega's version is so fresh and current that it really resonates with younger audiences.

How to Create the Look:

For Wednesday: The basics of this costume involve a black dress-complete with a white collar and braids. Add a layer of spookiness with some black platform boots, or go all out and include an accessory version of Thing-the hand that's been separated from its body.

Accessories include: a violin as prop, black nails, and gothic-inspired trinkets that complete this hauntingly stylish character.

Where to Buy: Check out officially licensed Wednesday Addams costumes here.

4.Harley Quinn and Joker: Couple’s Costume

If you're attending Halloween as a duo, a Joker and Harley Quinn couple's costume is a classic fun and dynamic choice. With so many versions of both characters across movies and comics, you can choose which look fits your style—whether it’s Phoenix’s gritty Joker with a more subdued Harley, or Ledger’s chaotic Joker with a bold, vibrant Harley from Suicide Squad.

Why It's Popular:

• Harley and Joker are a classic comic duo, making them a top choice for couples’ costumes.

• The costumes allow for flexibility—you can mix and match different styles, depending on whether you want to go all out or keep it low-key.

How to Create the Look:

For Joker: Either Phoenix’s or Ledger’s Joker costume works well, depending on which era you prefer.

For Harley Quinn: Choose between Harley’s traditional red-and-black jester outfit, her punk-rock Suicide Squad look, or even a more modern take from Birds of Prey.

Where to Buy: Find Joker and Harley costumes here and here.

5. Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" Looks

Taylor Swift is taking over the world with her Eras Tour, and boy, do those iconic outfits serve as some great inspirations for a Halloween costume. Whether one goes for the sparkly bodysuits of 1989 or the cardigans from folklore-inspired go-to's, this is absolutely going to be a hit with the Swifties.

Why It's Popular:

• Swift's Eras Tour has been among the biggest pop culture phenomena this year; fans love emulating her iconic stage outfits.

• This costume idea leaves a little room for interpretation-you can be whatever era you like about Swift's career, whether country, pop, or indie folk. How to Create the Look: For a "1989" Era Look: Think pop star chic in a glittery two-piece bodysuit, with bold red lipstick and sleek hair.

For the "Folklore" Era: Go for a soft, warm cardigan, a flowy dress, and some boots for a more indie laid-back look.

Accessories: Take it up a notch with a microphone prop, or even some glittery eye makeup to really get that full Taylor vibe.

Where to Buy: Get all your Taylor Swift costume inspiration here, or make your own using very much glitter and glamour!

6. The Super Mario Bros.

Currently, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser are in the limelight with the success of the movie The Super Mario Bros. Fun, colorful, and really popping for group ensembles or families that want to match, these are sure to be crowd-pleasers. It is pretty simple to dress up as your favorite Nintendo character since the outfits are simple yet iconic.

Why It's Popular:

• It was a box-office hit that really revved the love again for these popular video game characters.

• These outfits are fun, nostalgic, and absolutely perfect for adults and kids alike. How to Create the Loo

How to Create the Look:

For Mario and Luigi: You must wear a pair of overalls, color them in either red for Mario or in green for Luigi, put on long sleeves underneath each, and finish off the look with hats and mustaches.

For Princess Peach: You can instantly be this royalty of a princess with a pink dress, a gold crown, and some white gloves.

For Bowser: Go big in a spiky shell with horns and an ol' mean grin. This costume writes the rest of itself.

Where to Buy: See here for complete Mario Bros costumes, or click here for a Princess Peach costume.

To Wrap It Up

Popular culture is eternally a goldmine of inspiration when it comes to Halloween costumes, but most certainly in 2024. Whether you feel the on-screen magic of Barbie, the adventurous state of mind with Spider-Man, or perhaps something a little darker with Wednesday Addams, there's a costume idea below that'll surely just hit the spot.

Remember, these costumes aren't just for a show and are an excellent way of showing love for one's favorite character with amusement attached to it. Most importantly, enjoy yourself- be it a store-bought or self-made costume- get into that spooky mood!

And finally, if you are still in the search for some of the best costume accessories or ready-to-wear outfits, well, you really need to view my affiliate links sprinkled all throughout this article that have a plethora of highly affordable options sure to make your 2024 Halloween one to remember.