Honestly, I can’t believe DrScreams didn’t make the list. But here we are with a look at Google’s top trending Halloween Costumes of 2026. Hard to think, we’re this far into the future. When I was a kid, I thought we’d all be dressing like The Jetsons by now. That never came to pass. Actually, there was a time there in middle school when they’d convinced us Halloween was over, and that none of us would ever trick or treat again. Luckily that was just some weird candy scare that passed. Trick-or-treating is as alive in the streets as ever.
That’s right. Halloween is almost here, and if you’re like me, still trying to figure out what to wear for the big day, Google has dropped in with some spooky ideas. Ok, actually these aren’t Google’s “own” ideas. This comes from all you ghouls out there with a keyboard and a search bar.
The company’s annual Frightgeist report has revealed the top trending Halloween costume searches of 2026, with a bizarre mix of horror movie characters, video game favorites, internet personalities, and even a squishy toy. Meanwhile, Spirit Halloween has its own predictions for what will be turning up at costume parties this year.
Leading Google’s list is Buddy the Unicorn from the horror movie Buddy. The character’s placement is a pretty good sign that audiences are ready to bring a little nightmare fuel to Halloween, especially when it comes in a colorful, seemingly harmless package. Personally, I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’m watching it this weekend. Obsession, which I have seen twice, is the year’s breakout horror hit. It also makes the list, along with video game favorites Poppy Playtime and Minecraft, both of which get discussed often over in DrScreams’ lab.
I almost can’t believe Oliver Tree made this list. His passing this past year bothered me something fierce as I was a huge fan of both his music and him as a person. I got to work alongside him for a day, filming one of his planned stunts as he sabotaged another popular hip-hop artist’s live appearance on some locally televised live streaming app. Of course Oliver has plenty of costumes to choose from, he’s perfect for the day. But I will be wagging my fingers at any couples costumes that include Oliver and a helicopter. Please keep it respectful. Behind the persona, he was a kind, cool guy and I bet he’d love it if you simply put on a pair of JNCO rave jeans and a ski jacket, and went to town knocking on doors.
Google Trends: The Top 10 Halloween Costumes of 2026
Google’s Frightgeist rankings reflect trending costume searches, rather than a definitive count of costumes people have purchased. Here are the top 10 entries, in order:
- Buddy the Unicorn from Buddy
- NeeDoh, the squishy sensory toy
- Nikki Freeman from Obsession
- Agamemnon from The Odyssey
- Lily Lovebraids from Poppy Playtime
- Oliver Tree, the musician known for his distinctive look
- Verity from Minecraft
- Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl
- Disco Scooby-Doo
- Hazel Hook from Descendants
Nikki Freeman, played by Inde Navarrette in Curry Barker’s Obsession, is one of the year’s most recognizable horror-inspired costume ideas. Her look is relatively easy to recreate, and the character’s viral moments have helped make her a standout choice for Halloween. Buddy the Unicorn, meanwhile, comes from Casper Kelly’s horror movie of the same name, turning an innocent-looking mascot into a costume with a decidedly creepy edge. Buddy might be a little tougher to bring to life.
The list also has room for a more elaborate option. Agamemnon, played by Benny Safdie in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey, brings ancient Greek armor into the Halloween conversation. For gamers, Lily Lovebraids from Poppy Playtime and Verity from Minecraft offer two very different flavors of video game horror. And then there’s NeeDoh, a squishy toy that has apparently become popular enough to earn a spot among the year’s most-searched costume ideas. Halloween has always had its odd choices, but dressing up as a stress-relief toy is a new level of commitment.
Other entries pull from fantasy and nostalgia. Carl comes from the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series, while Hazel Hook is part of the Descendants franchise. Disco Scooby-Doo gives fans of the classic cartoon dog a chance to add some retro flair to their Halloween plans. Oliver Tree rounds out the list with his recognizable, offbeat personal style and iconic book cut.
Spirit Halloween’s 2026 Costume Predictions
Google’s rankings show what people are searching for, but Spirit Halloween is looking at the season from the retail side. In its own 2026 costume trend report, the Halloween retailer points to a broader collection of entertainment-inspired looks, nostalgic favorites, gaming costumes, and internet-driven styles.
The Off Campus phenomenon is among Spirit’s picks, with varsity jackets and collegiate-inspired looks aimed at fans of the campus romance series. The retailer is also expecting Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Slinky Dog to be popular choices, while KPop Demon Hunters continues its momentum from last year’s breakout success.
Superheroes are another major category, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Power Rangers inspiring costumes for adults, kids, and even pets. Spirit is also anticipating interest in Y2K-inspired fashion, with the retailer’s “Certified It Girl” category leaning into the era’s glamorous looks.
Fantasy fans have their own options. Spirit points to Greek mythology and the kind of elaborate armor and accessories associated with epic adventures, a trend that overlaps with Google’s Agamemnon entry. The retailer also calls out high fantasy, including dragon-inspired outfits and looks inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Horror remains part of Spirit’s forecast, with the report highlighting viral internet horror, contemporary scary movies, and slasher-inspired costumes. Gaming is represented by Fortnite and Halo, while novelty costumes, oversized mascot heads, inflatables, and horror-themed apparel round out the retailer’s predictions.
The two reports aren’t measuring exactly the same thing, but together they offer a useful snapshot of Halloween 2026. Google’s list includes some genuinely unexpected entries, from Buddy the Unicorn to NeeDoh, while Spirit’s report points toward familiar franchises and broader fashion trends. Whether you want to scare your friends as Nikki from Obsession, suit up as a Greek warrior, or simply become a giant squishy toy, there’s no shortage of options this year.
