Michael Jackson’s iconic red jacket is having another moment. Spider-Man still rules the neighborhood, and a creepy unicorn has crashed the Halloween conversation. In a year where reality feels like a horror movie, we get costumes that reflect more hopeful sentiments. This year’s costume picture blends familiar favorites with unexpected newcomers.
We delved into expert trends to compile this master list. The National Retail Federation measures what consumers plan to wear, while Google’s Frightgeist tracks rising costume searches. They offer a broader view of Halloween 2026, from reliable crowd favorites to characters inspiring fresh curiosity.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Look
The red jacket remains unmistakable. Michael Jackson ranks on Google’s trending list, and searches for his costumes have reached a 10-year high. Some Halloween traditions moonwalk through generations.
Superhero Staples and Classic Horrors
The neighborhood superhero remains the leading children’s choice. NRF estimates 4.6 million kids plan to dress as Spider-Man, with another 1.5 million adults joining the web-slinging action. Meanwhile, pointed hats still mean business; approximately 4.8 million adults plan to dress as witches, putting the classic character ahead of the competition. Fangs also remain a staple, with 4.2 million adults embracing the vampire look, while Gotham’s protector, Batman, ranks third among adult choices with 2 million fans.
The Unexpected Trends of 2026
The character from the horror film Buddy leads Google’s trending costume searches, giving Halloween a colorful option with an unsettling edge. Music and supernatural action also remain a compelling combination, as characters from KPop Demon Hunters land among NRF’s top 10 children’s costumes.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the squishy toy NeeDoh ranks second on Google’s trending list, making stress relief an unexpectedly prominent source of Halloween inspiration. Additionally, Nikki from Obsession takes third place among Google’s trending costumes, providing horror fans a fresh alternative to traditional masks.
Nostalgia and Music Icons
Scooby-Doo brings nostalgia and dance-floor energy through his “Disco” variation, which ranks high on Google’s list. Furthermore, big hair and country glamour earn a place in the conversation as Dolly Parton ranks 12th on Google’s overall trending list, adding another music legend to the Halloween lineup. Finally, ghosts remain a perennial favorite, with roughly 1.4 million adults and 1.6 million children opting for the classic sheet-and-eye-holes approach.
