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60 most iconic movie character costumes that'll make you the star of your next costume party
Show off that main character energy!
Who among us has not fantasised about jumping into the screen and playing out your fave movie? I challenge you, fellow film lovers, to make this dream a reality and pick one of these iconic movie character costumes for your next costume party or Halloween. Will you snag a Barbie outfit to honour the never-ending Barbenheimmer era, or go goth with a Wednesday Addams look?
To avoid too much anguish, we have gathered So. Many. of the most iconic movie character costumes to choose from. And, some of them are pretty easy to pull together last minute. You’re welcome!
Now, before you pick a costume, remember this: The key to pulling off a movie character costume for Halloween or your dress-up event is choosing an iconic outfit from a popular movie that you like and that you can easily recreate, whether by picking up an already existing costume or DIY-ing it. Think more Disney's Cruella de Vil (super identifiable, can be as easy as buying a wig) and less random niche movie character who doesn't have a standout look or recognisable aesthetic.
Though if you're a natural blonde or redhead, the easiest option is sticking to characters with your same hair colour – no wig required. Plus, for bonus points, opt for a movie character that your S/O or besties can get in on the look with a couples' costume or group costume.
Got it? Good. Now you're ready to read on for some movie character costume inspo.
Tashi from Challengers
Want movie character inspo? As Tashi, Zendaya wore many memorable outfits in Challengers, and you can def get away with putting on your best tenniscore outfit and calling it a day. But if you really want to nail a Challengers look, the best way is to get your hands on that iconic “I Told Ya” t-shirt.
Barbie from Barbie
Barbie is a Halloween favourite thanks to Margot Robbie, but there's no wondering why. There soooo many iconic 'fits to choose from, including ALL of Margot's iconic press tour looks and costumes in the film. Just grab every pink item you own and rock it.
Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City
Carrie Bradshaw has worn many iconic outfits over the years on Sex and the City and ...And Just Like That, but her most well-known movie outfit has got to be her elaborate wedding gown from the 2008 Sex and the City film. Obviously, buying an extravagant wedding dress is a bit of a stretch, but check out charity shops for cheap versions and don't forget the real accessory to focus on: the blue feather adornment on the veil.
Gogo and The Bride from Kill Bill
Kill Bill gave the world some of the most recognisable costumes. Case in point: that yellow bodysuit is basically synonymous with Uma Thurman's protagonist. And it's relatively easy to recreate, just take a note from Machine Gun Kelly and get a yellow tracksuit, spray some fake blood on it, grab your katana and you're good to go. And if you have a friend/S.O., have them pull a Megan Fox and dress as Gogo the Assassin.
Emma Baxter from Poor Things
Big shoulders are back, baby! Emma Stone's character in Poor Things is always sporting giant, puffy shoulders, but this three-piece outfit is probably her most well-known. Just be warned: you might get a little chilly in those yellow short shorts.
Mia from The Princess Diaries
All I'm saying is that Camila Cabello killed this Halloween look, and so can you. All you need is a strapless white dress, oval sunnies, your dad's old headphones from the '90s, and, of course, a tiara.
Dionne Davenport from Clueless
Yeah, Cher's yellow plaid ensemble is undeniably chic, but can we talk about Dionne's first 'fit from the movie for a sec?
Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy and gingham go together like yellow bricks and roads. She looks so sweet and summery with her apron dress in The Wizard of Oz – and who could forget about those famous sparkly red shoes?
Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30
Let's be real – when you first saw this dress on screen, you either hated it or had to have it. (Ariana Grande had to have it so badly, she wore the dress on a regular episode of The Voice, not even as a costume!) Let's all agree to file this colourful ensemble under: not a want, but a need.
Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland
Queen coming through, and she's not afraid to steal hearts. The Queen of Hearts can be portrayed in so many different ways, but as long as you have wear a crown high on your head and stick to the deck of cards theme, people will have no problem knowing who you are.
Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
One of Marilyn Monroe's unforgettable moments in The Seven Year Itch was her dress being blown up by a gust of air from a subway grate. This halter-neck style is practically synonymous with the famous starlet.
Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice
What could be more fun than dressing as OG ~goth grrl~ Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice, complete with an eye-catching red wedding gown?
Isis from Bring It On
Say it with us now: “Brr! It's cold in here. There must be some Clovers in the atmosphere.” Just saying, the Clovers green cheer uniform is far superior to the Toros' boring red-and-black unis.
Gracie Hart from Miss Congeniality
If you have a pink dress with a high slit and combat boots, then you just need a crown, sash, and leg holster to become Gracie from Miss Congeniality.
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
Remember the court room scene from Legally Blonde? Ofc you do, because Reese Witherspoon's pink dress is just *chef's kiss.*
Maleficent from Maleficent
One of the chicest villains of all time? It's got to be Angelina Jolie's Maleficent.
Tinker Bell from Peter Pan
Tinker Bell is a classic and super cute option if you want to feel a little bit of extra magic at your next party. Fairy glitter not included.
Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's
Holly Golightly's LBD and sparkly accessories in Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of Audrey Hepburn's most iconic looks. She's SO glamorous with her pearls, gloves, and cigarette holder.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
Odds are, if you think of Wednesday Addams, you also picture her go-to white-collared black dress—and her signature braided pigtails, naturally.
Lara Croft from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Angelina Jolie a-t-e in Tomb Raider, and so will you when you strap on your garter pocket utility belt. Dust off those combat boots we were all obsessed with in the 2010s, and don't be afraid to paint on some battle scars while you're at it.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
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