42 Scary Halloween Costumes That Will Spook Legit Everyone
BRB, ditching my Sabrina Carpenter costume for one of these!
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The older I get, the more I appreciate that Halloween scene from Mean Girls. Growing up, I always thought that sexy costumes were the only way to go. Hey, don't get me wrong—who doesn't love an excuse to get dolled up and look hot? But I've come to the realization that some of the best Halloween costumes are the ones that stick to the overall holiday theme: spooky. And since you clicked on this particular story (hi!!), my guess is that you prefer the classic choice as well: good old-fashioned scary Halloween costumes. If you’re looking to go all out on the spooky vibes this year—complete with some creepy makeup and colored eye contacts—then let me tell ya, you've got options.
You can achieve a truly iconic costume by channeling your favorite creepy characters from horror movies (ahem, Ghostface, Chucky, The Shining twins...the list goes on), go with the traditional zombie or ghost costume, or even tap into a terrifying pop culture moment (*cough* the election *cough*). It's time to dust off those Halloween makeup skills, get comfortable with the fake blood, and practice those evil laughs to scare the living sh*t out of your friends...and complete strangers. Ahead, I've rounded up 42 scary Halloween costume ideas to inspire and totally terrify you. Just scroll with caution, and maybe don't look through this gallery before bed. K?
Bella Baxter from Poor Things
To be fair, this costume is more...freaky than scary, but it still counts, right??
Cereal Killer
For a costume that’s both scary and punny, may I suggest a ~cereal~ killer?
Pinhead from Hellraiser
This one maaaay require some makeup skills, but if you're able to pull it off, then power to ya!
Regan from The Exorcist
Ouija Board not required but highly encouraged.
Gru from Despicable Me
Admittedly, Gru is probably the least scary villain in the world...but this costume is still a jump scare.
Bonnie and Clyde
The best thing about this scary couples costume: It can probably be put together with pieces you already own.
Ghostface and Casey from Scream
This one's a classic, and since it doesn't require much more than a black cape and white face mask, it's something you can pull together last-minute, too.
Pennywise from IT
Here's some advice: Don't ever follow a clown into the sewer. Just DON'T DO IT. Give yourself the same red-and-white makeup as Pennywise to scare the living sh*t out of everyone.
Emily from Corpse Bride
As long as you're willing to really commit with the blue face paint, this Tim Burton-inspired costume is the perfect blend of spooky and sexy.
Samara from The Ring
Terrifying for whoever answers that doorbell. Super long hair, a dirt-covered nightgown, and creepy voice make this a classic. Also, please do not come to my house.
Arthur Fleck from Joker
No matter which version of the costume you choose, the Joker is always a good (bad?) scary costume—though with Joker: Folie à Deux now in theaters, there's no better time to take on aspiring stand-up/madman Arthur Fleck.
Broken Porcelain Doll
Fact: Old porcelain dolls are creepy AF (especially when they get up and start walking around). Put your hair in pigtails, throw on a baby doll dress, and paint on a haunting doll face with makeup to give everyone the creeps.
Ouija Board
With an all-black 'fit and some black-and-white face paint, you can transform yourself into a walking, talking Ouija board. Talk about a genius last-minute costume idea!!
Chucky
The doll of everyone’s nightmares, TBH. A striped shirt, overalls, red wig, and fake stitches will turn you into the demonic toy. Bonus points if you find someone else to go with you as Chucky's bride.
Spooky Jack-O'-Lantern
Not down for a totally terrifying costume? This one gives you the best of both worlds: spooky and cute. Everyone loves making jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween, but have you ever thought about dressing up as a scary one? You can wear whatever LBD you have, the key to this costume is face paint for the perfect scary makeup look.
Killer Little Red Riding Hood
With some special effects makeup, this cutesy storybook character can get a dark twist.
Zom-Beyoncé
Love puns? Love scary costumes? Love Beyoncé? Then you've simply gotta put a ring on this costume idea, bb.
Miss Trunchbull from Matilda
Anyone else still have nightmares about Miss Trunchbull putting Matilda in the chokey? No? Just me?
Gomez and Morticia Addams
Calling all couples who <3 spooky sh*t: This one's for you. *Snap, snap.*
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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