Halloween’s Must-Try Costume Trends

Halloween is the one day out of the entire year when kids and even adults can dress up and truly become whoever they dream of being, if only for one fun-filled night. Costumes can range from the latest pop culture references and viral internet sensations to timeless classics that never go out of style. The excitement builds every October as friends, families, and classmates plan what they’ll be for the big night.

For example, freshman Luis Rios shares with a grin, “This year, I’m going with an all-time favorite: a vampire.” It’s clear that beloved costumes like vampires, witches, and superheroes remain iconic picks year after year, bringing a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.

Each year, countless movies and TV shows make their debuts, some becoming instant viral sensations. These entertainment blockbusters often have a huge influence on the costumes we see parading through our neighborhoods. In fact, major films and series released in the months leading up to Halloween frequently set the trend for what many will be wearing that fall. When a movie or show reaches a certain level of popularity, fans find ways to connect with their favorite characters, drawing inspiration to recreate memorable looks, hairstyles, and accessories.

One movie that has particularly taken the world by storm on Netflix is K-Pop Demon Hunters. The remarkable film follows three girls who use their unique singing voices to save the world from evil, blending music, action, and fantasy. Even before Halloween arrives, devoted fans of all ages have already started dressing up and posting photos as the film’s main characters online. Without question, we can expect to see some of our own Falcons hopping on that bandwagon this year, bringing these colorful and musical characters to life at school parties and trick-or-treat events.

Another blockbuster that has pulled in a significant amount of money at the box office is the new Superman flick. The latest Superman movie, based on DC comics and written and directed by James Gunn, generated enormous buzz ahead of its release. Many people rushed to theaters to see it, making it a big hit—although, industry experts note it underperformed a bit compared to early expectations. Nevertheless, it’s a safe bet that we’ll see plenty of Superman costumes making a comeback this fall, just as in past Halloweens.

“The new Superman movie really resonated with me, so I thought: Why not be Superman this Halloween?” senior Aliya Gonzalez adds enthusiastically, showing how the impact of these blockbusters goes beyond the screen and inspires our own creative choices.

But movie characters aren’t the only icons to grace our Halloween festivities. Costumes draw inspiration from every corner of pop culture—shows, cartoons, anime, video games, and beyond, creating something for everyone to enjoy and personalize.

“My favorite anime from this time of year was Demon Slayer, especially with the new movie that just came out,” said freshman Max Ley. “I was even planning on cosplaying as a character from the movie.” This highlights how anime and animation continue to grow as sources of inspiration, encouraging fans to explore detailed costumes and impressive cosplay.

From movies and shows to anime, video games, and books, the possibilities for Halloween costume creativity are truly endless. Every October, Halloween gives us a unique chance to step into the shoes—or sometimes the capes—of our favorite characters, and to showcase our personality and creativity to the world. No matter where your costume inspiration comes from, it’s a night to celebrate imagination, individuality, and all the stories that inspire us.