The Top 10 Halloween Costumes for 2026: From Creepy Unicorns to Viral Toys
Halloween 2026 is almost here, and if you’re still scrambling to figure out what to wear, don’t worry — there’s still time to put together a costume that’ll get people talking.
This year’s biggest costume trends are a wild mix of horror movie characters, video game favorites, nostalgic cartoon icons and one surprisingly popular squishy toy. Basically, you can dress up as a terrifying movie villain, a legendary Greek warrior or something that looks like it belongs in a kid’s toy box.
Google’s annual Frightgeist report tracked costume searches that surged compared with the previous year, revealing the characters and crazes capturing everyone’s attention. Here are the top 10 trending Halloween costumes for 2026, according to Google’s rankings.
1. Buddy the Unicorn
Forget the friendly unicorns you see on birthday cakes. Buddy is bringing a much darker side to the mythical creature craze.
Inspired by the 2026 horror movie Buddy, this colorful unicorn character takes something innocent and turns it into something seriously creepy. Think bright colors, an oversized unicorn costume and an unsettling smile that makes everyone wonder whether they should ask for candy or run for their lives.
It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants to look cute from a distance and absolutely terrifying up close.
2. NeeDoh
<text>Who knew a squishy stress-relief toy would become one of the year's biggest Halloween costume inspirations?</text>
NeeDoh, the colorful sensory toy that's become a viral sensation, has landed near the top of Google's costume rankings. The costume practically screams, "I couldn't decide what to wear, so I became a giant stress ball."
The good news? This could be one of the easier costumes to create yourself. Grab an oversized, brightly colored outfit, add some creative foam accessories and you're ready to go. Bonus points if you spend the entire night pretending people can squeeze you whenever they're stressed.
3. Nikki From Obsession
If you're looking for a costume with a darker edge, Nikki from the 2026 psychological horror movie Obsession is a trending choice.
The character's recognizable red-and-black animal-print outfit makes this look relatively easy to recreate without spending a fortune. Add the right makeup and attitude, and you've got a costume that horror fans should recognize.
Just remember: There's a difference between looking obsessed for Halloween and actually texting your ex 47 times in one night.
4. Agamemnon From The Odyssey
Ancient Greek mythology is having a moment, thanks in part to the buzz surrounding Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.
Agamemnon gives Halloween fans the opportunity to trade traditional costumes for something a little more epic. Think Greek-inspired armor, a flowing cloak, sandals and accessories fit for a legendary king.
It's also a great excuse to show up to a Halloween party dressed like you're about to lead an army into battle — even if the only battle you're facing is over the last slice of pizza.
5. Lily Lovebraids From Poppy Playtime
Video game horror continues to inspire Halloween costumes, and Lily Lovebraids from Poppy Playtime is one of the characters getting attention this year.
With her doll-like appearance and creepy toy-inspired aesthetic, Lily is ideal for anyone who wants to make people uncomfortable without relying on the same old vampire or zombie outfit.
The key is getting the hair, makeup and unsettling character details right. If you enjoy horror games and creepy dolls, this one could be a perfect fit.
6. Oliver Tree
Not every Halloween costume needs fake blood, fangs or a terrifying mask. Sometimes, all you need is a very questionable haircut.
Musician and internet personality Oliver Tree makes the list thanks to his distinctive look, including his bowl haircut, oversized clothing and eccentric fashion choices.
This is a particularly good last-minute option because much of the outfit can be assembled from clothes you already own. Find the right wig or hairstyle, put together an exaggerated outfit and commit to the character.
The best part? If someone doesn't recognize your costume, you can simply tell them you're dressed as a guy who lost a bet with a stylist.
7. Verity From Minecraft
Minecraft fans can take their Halloween creativity beyond Steve, Creepers and Endermen with Verity, a character associated with a viral horror series connected to the block-building game.
This costume brings a creepy twist to a franchise known for its colorful, pixelated world. Think yellow coloring, a distinctive smile and a look that feels like something you'd encounter in a Minecraft nightmare.
It's a fun option for gamers who want something a little more unusual than the standard video game costume. Just don't be surprised if someone tries to build a dirt shelter around you.
8. Carl From Dungeon Crawler Carl
Fantasy fans have another reason to celebrate this Halloween: Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl is making Google's trending list.
Based on Matt Dinniman's popular fantasy series, Carl is a former Coast Guard member navigating a deadly, game-like dungeon alongside his cat, Princess Donut.
The look offers plenty of room for creativity, whether you want to recreate Carl's recognizable appearance or build a more elaborate outfit inspired by the series.
And if you have a cat willing to participate, you might have the makings of a pretty great two-person — or one-person-and-one-cat — costume.
9. Disco Scooby-Doo
Zoinks! Scooby-Doo is heading to the dance floor.
The classic cartoon dog gets a groovy makeover with a disco-inspired costume that's perfect for anyone who grew up watching the Mystery Inc. gang solve supernatural mysteries.
Think colorful '70s fashion, funky accessories and plenty of disco flair. You can also team up with a friend dressed as Shaggy for one of the year's most recognizable couples or buddy costumes.
The only real requirement is that you must be prepared to say "Scooby-Dooby-Doo!" at least once during the evening.
10. Hazel Hook From Descendants
Rounding out the top 10 is Hazel Hook from Disney's Descendants franchise.
Inspired by the 2026 film Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Hazel Hook is a fun option for fans of Disney fantasy, musical adventures and elaborate character costumes.
With a look inspired by the daughter of Captain Hook, you can lean into pirate fashion, dramatic accessories and a little villainous attitude.
It's especially appealing for younger fans who want something current rather than another year of dressing up as Elsa or a Disney princess from a decade ago.
Honorable Mentions: Other Halloween Costume Trends
If none of those ten costumes is quite your style, there are plenty of other options making waves in 2026.
- K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animated hit continues to inspire costumes featuring colorful outfits, dramatic hairstyles and supernatural pop-star energy.
- Toy Story: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie remain excellent choices, especially following the release of Toy Story 5.
- Superheroes: Spider-Man, Batman and Superman remain popular choices for kids and adults.
- Classic monsters: Witches, vampires and ghosts never really go out of style — and they're usually easy to put together at the last minute.
- Off Campus: Hockey jerseys and character-inspired outfits from the popular series offer fun options for couples and groups.
These trends reflect different sources and types of rankings, so they aren't all part of Google's official top 10 list.
So, What's the Best Halloween Costume for 2026?
That depends on what you're going for.
If you want to be the most unusual person at the party, Buddy the Unicorn or NeeDoh could be your best bet. Horror fans should consider Nikki or Lily Lovebraids, while gamers have options with Verity and Carl. And if you're going with a friend, Disco Scooby-Doo and Shaggy make a pretty hard-to-beat combination.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with throwing on a witch hat five minutes before leaving the house and calling it a day.
Halloween is October 31, and the clock is ticking. Pick your costume, grab some candy and prepare for a night of questionable fashion decisions.
Which Halloween costume are you wearing this year? And more importantly, which one would you absolutely refuse to wear?
