Halloween is a time for people to dress up as their favorite characters and express their creative ideas through a variety of costumes, ranging from spooky to strange. Google has shared its most popular Halloween costume searches for 2026, showcasing a mix of beloved animated characters, horror figures, and surprising pop culture icons. Topping the list is Buddy the Unicorn, a character from a horror film, followed closely by a sensory toy.
The popularity of these costumes reflects how movies, video games, and internet trends impact costume choices. There is plenty of inspiration for horror fans, along with nostalgic characters and some that may leave others confused. Nikki, from the indie horror film *Obsession*, has become a favorite due to her well-known outfit. For those searching for last-minute costumes or curious about this year’s trends, Google’s list provides various ideas.

Here are the ten most popular Halloween costume trends for 2026, starting from number ten:
1. **Carl from *Dungeon Crawler Carl***: Carl is the main character in Matt Dinniman’s fantasy and science fiction series, where he faces a dangerous dungeon filled with monsters and obstacles. The series mixes humor and adventure, appealing to readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and game-like elements. His inclusion in Google’s Halloween list shows how book characters can gain popularity in mainstream culture.
2. **Verity from *Minecraft***: As one of the most well-known video games, *Minecraft* allows players to build and explore in a blocky world. Verity is trending in Halloween searches, highlighting the game’s strong influence on costume choices, although the source does not provide specific details about her character.
3. **Lily Love Braids from *Poppy Playtime***: In the survival horror game set in an abandoned toy factory, players encounter creepy toys and discover dark secrets. Lily Lovebraids is among the top costume searches, representing the game’s combination of colorful aesthetics with unsettling themes.
4. **Agamemnon from *The Odyssey***: Agamemnon is a significant figure in Greek mythology, known for his role in the Trojan War. Described by Google as having a distinct mohawk helmet, his character’s costume reflects the impact of major movies and renewed interest in ancient myths.
What do you think about these trending costumes for Halloween 2026?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Rocio Corsi