Movie Halloween costume ideas are fun to write about, but even better to create and wear out in public. The world of cosplay has changed the whole concept of the appropriateness of when and where to dress up. When you leave the house in costumes based off of something in a movie you have instant cultural recognition and something to talk about with new people. The person who recognizes that you're dressed as Danny and Sandy from Grease, now shares something with you, and there is that spark of connection as you either nod in passing or even stop to talk.
Grease
Sent in by Caitlin to our 2013 costume contest.
Movies and television inspire people to have fun and be silly. Whether you are leaving your house solo as Godzilla or going in a group as the team from Guardians of the Galaxy you want that — pop!
Guardians of the Galaxy
Sent in by Julie-Anne to our 2014 costume contest.
Your costume is meant to excite something in other people, as well as, yourself. So whether you are attending a comic or cosplay convention or just preparing early for Halloween, this page is meant to help inspire you to have fun and get creative!
Ace Ventura
Sent in by Rob to our 2012 costume contest.
Movie character costumes are some of the most easily recognized costumes and usually the ones you are able to purchase versus make at home. Unless the character is extremely obscure there is a very good chance that there is a professional costume company that makes it. If the character is wildly popular, such as Elsa or Anna from Disney's Frozen, there will be multiple costumes in various price ranges. Some prefer to make their own costumes even if there is a model available to purchase and stick to buying only wigs, accessories, and face paints.
Frozen Elsa, Anna & Olaf
Sent in by Annie to our 2014 costume contest.
Some of the more popular movies this year, such as Cinderella or the Maleficent will be well-represented on city and suburban streets come Halloween. Still, many find it fun to go for the more obscure movie character so that their look appeals to a particular social group, such as those who love the Evil Dead series.
Classic movie costumes can be some of the most fun costumes to make and look at. These types of costumes tap into iconic memories for a lot of people which is why they're also, most often, worn by adults. When someone walks out wearing a Gremlin or ET costume he or she will receive a lot of attention from those who remember these figures from their own childhood. Indiana Jones is another example of a costume that when done well produces endless watercooler and curb stomp conversations. Some of these costumes like Forrest Gump are timeless and appeal to multiple age groups.
Forrest Gump & Lt. Dan
Sent in by Lori to our 2012 costume contest.
More great examples of a classic movie costumes that appeal to multi-generational costume buffs would be Darth Vader or Yoda.
Horror movie costume ideas are always great to spin up — especially at Halloween. Who doesn't want to be the one to come up with a new take on an iconic horror look? Whether that is making a headdress that simulates blood being poured on Carrie's head or a shark costume that you can wear around you waist to simulate being eaten by a shark, the creative process is involved in nailing a look can be exhilarating. Even if someone doesn't want to go to that level of shock value, it's still always fun wearing an iconic horror costume such as Michael Myers or Jason.
Horror is a fun genre to work with, given that it can be anything from slasher movies to classic horror villains such as Dracula, Frankenstein or the Mummy. A lot of people have a fun time taking these concepts such as horror movies or classic movies into a couples costume. What's better than Chucky at Halloween? Chucky and the Bride of Chucky!
Chucky and Bride of Chucky
Sent in by Brianna to our 2013 costume contest.
The important thing to remember, regardless of whether you go solo or as a couple, don't skimp on the fake blood!
Sometimes an irreverent costume can be a lot of fun at Halloween. Halloween is probably the least serious holiday on the calendar, and the ability to leave your house and laugh at yourself is always a good thing. Funny movie costume ideas are always a lot of fun to brainstorm and come up with, not to mention a lot of fun to wear. Whether it's the skinny guy going as Fat Bastard or the group dressed in medieval clothing holding coconuts representing Monty Python's Holy Grail's crew, you can take these funny movie costumes and run wild with them.
Napoleon Dynamite Family
Sent in by Josiah to our 2012 costume contest.
Some of the coolest funny movie character costumes bring unintentional laughs, such as the Dennis Nedry and Dilophosaurus pairing. These are always the ones that people talk about after the party was over. Get creative and have fun!
Couples attend a lot of parties, therefore movie couples costumes are something people put a lot of thought in. Movie costume ideas for couples can be anything from romantic couples to buddies to even sworn enemies. Couples costumes are a lot of fun to think up and create. The Fin Shepherd and Sharknado has to be one of the more creative and well-executed costumes for couples submitted to our annual costume contest.
Fin Shepard Battles Sharknado
Sent in by Laura to our 2013 costume contest.
Last fall saw the standard Jon Snow and Ygritte couples costume from Game of Thrones. This year will surely see new GoT couples and pairings, as well as, other more comedic options from our creative thinking pool. One of the best aspects of going out as a couple is that it increases the options you may have for humor in your costume and instant recognition. Besides, some things are just better together. Peanut butter and jelly. Fred and Ginger. Batman and the Joker. Going out as couples not only creates for great costume ideas, but also increases the fun.
Group movie costume ideas are also a blast to sit around and brainstorm. If couples are a fun way of grabbing attention and increasing the enjoyment factor of the holiday, group movie costumes can set any party talking when executed well. Duck Dynasty, the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, the Addams Family — group costumes are a great way of spending time with your friends and creating fun wherever you go.
Avengers Family
Sent in by Brian to our 2013 costume contest.
Who doesn't love seeing a large group walk in and figuring out which movie or show they came from? Why stick with going out as Captain America when you can hang out as the Avengers? The more, the merrier as they say.
Halloween is naturally the time when someone is most often thinking about movie costume ideas. But as more and more people venture into cosplay and attending conventions the industry for costuming has expanded and people are buying, selling, and making movie costumes year round. San Diego's now famous Comic-Con is one of the best examples of cosplay becoming mainstream. People come from all over the country to dress up as their favorite movie, game, or comic characters. Dressing up in costume is a fun and enjoyable way to spend life's moments, and if you can put a smile on someone's face with your version of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" costume then all the better!
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For more movie costume ideas be sure to check out
our Movie Costumes Gallery
