The older I get, the more I resonate with that iconic Halloween scene from Mean Girls. Growing up, I thought the ultimate goal was to wear a sexy costume—and let’s be real, who doesn’t enjoy the chance to get dolled up? But over time, I’ve come to appreciate the real essence of Halloween: embracing the spooky, eerie, and downright terrifying. If you’re like me and clicked on this post (hello there!), you’re probably leaning toward a classic scare this year. Whether you’re looking to perfect your spooky makeup or trying out some colored eye contacts for an extra creepy vibe, there are endless costume ideas that bring out the full fear factor.
Whether you want to transform into a classic horror movie villain, embrace the timeless zombie or ghost look, or channel something truly terrifying from pop culture, the possibilities are endless. Now’s the perfect time to hone those makeup skills, dust off the fake blood, and practice your creepiest cackle. Below, I’ve rounded up 30 spine-chilling Halloween costume ideas that will leave your friends—and maybe even some strangers—screaming for the door.
Fair warning: you might want to avoid scrolling through this list before bedtime!
Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter
The Dark Lord himself never fails to give chills. Dressing up as Voldemort will definitely turn heads, and his eerie, snake-like face makes for a horrifyingly good costume. Grab a bald cap, load up on face makeup, and get ready to make everyone at the party shiver with fear.
Pennywise from IT
Let’s be real—if you show up dressed as Pennywise, everyone’s going to steer clear of any nearby sewer grates. The key to this costume is nailing Pennywise’s iconic red-and-white makeup. Combine that with a killer grin, and you’ll be giving nightmares to anyone who crosses your path.
Zombie Prom Queen
Zombies are a go-to scary costume idea, but how about giving it a twist by going as a zombie prom queen? Grab a tiara, an old prom dress, and some fake blood, and you’ve got yourself a hauntingly creative take on an undead classic.
Michael Myers from Halloween
When it comes to simple yet terrifying costumes, Michael Myers from Halloween is a classic. With just a mask, dark clothes, and a fake knife, you can easily become this silent, slow-walking killer. Pro tip: the taller you are, the scarier it gets!
Chucky: The Doll of Nightmares
Chucky has haunted our nightmares for decades, and now it’s your turn to bring him to life. Throw on a striped shirt, overalls, and a red wig, then add some fake stitches and scars to complete the look. Bonus points if you can find a partner to go as Chucky’s terrifying bride!
Ouija Board
For a unique last-minute costume, transform yourself into a Ouija board with a simple all-black outfit and some creative face paint. Not only is it easy to pull together, but it’s also bound to spark some spooky conversations.
Samara from The Ring
If you want to terrify anyone who answers the door on Halloween, Samara from The Ring is a surefire choice. All you need is an old, dirt-stained nightgown, a long, scraggly wig, and your creepiest voice. Bonus points for that unsettling crawling motion that’ll leave people wanting to lock their doors!
Ghostface from Scream
An iconic yet simple costume, Ghostface from Scream is a no-brainer for horror fans. This look requires minimal effort: a black robe and a Ghostface mask are all you need. It’s a last-minute option that still delivers maximum scares.
Spooky Little Red Riding Hood
Turn a beloved fairytale character into something much darker by adding a creepy twist to Little Red Riding Hood. With some special effects makeup and a darker wardrobe, you’ll take this classic look to the next level of scary.
Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz
For couples or friends looking to make an impression, Beetlejuice and Lydia from Beetlejuice are an unbeatable duo. One person dresses in the iconic black-and-white striped suit, while the other rocks Lydia’s gothic red wedding dress. It’s scary and stylish in one!
The Tethered from Us
Channel the eerie doppelgängers from Us with a red jumpsuit, fingerless gloves, and a pair of scissors. This group costume idea is perfect for anyone looking to deliver unsettling vibes while staying true to a recent horror hit.
Krampus: The Anti-Claus
Not everyone is familiar with the legend of Krampus, the terrifying creature from European folklore that punishes naughty kids at Christmastime. Half-goat and half-monster, Krampus is the dark, sinister opposite of Santa Claus. Although this costume may take some effort to pull together, the payoff is guaranteed to be worth it when people are running in the other direction!
Nina Sayers from Black Swan
Natalie Portman’s performance in Black Swan was haunting, and her swan costume is unforgettable. Recreate the final ballet look with a tutu, crown, and dark eye makeup for a costume that’s both eerie and elegant.
Broken Porcelain Doll
Porcelain dolls are already unsettling, but when they’re broken and cracked, they’re downright terrifying. For this look, style your hair in pigtails, throw on a baby doll dress, and use makeup to create cracks on your face. This creepy costume will leave people feeling uneasy in the best way possible.
The Shining Twins
If you and a friend are looking for a duo costume, look no further than the haunting Grady twins from The Shining. All you need are matching blue dresses, white knee-high socks, and some Mary Janes. Don’t forget to practice standing eerily side by side!
Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street
It’s been over a decade since A Nightmare on Elm Street had a new release, but Freddy Krueger remains one of the most iconic horror villains. Slip into his striped sweater and glove of blades, and get ready to haunt people’s dreams—or, more accurately, their Halloween parties.
Zom-Beyoncé
Love puns? Love Beyoncé? Why not merge them for a killer costume—literally? Zom-Beyoncé is a brilliant combination of scary and sassy, giving you the perfect excuse to slay in every way possible on Halloween night.
Billy the Puppet from Saw
With the latest installment of the Saw franchise, Billy the Puppet is once again ready to give us nightmares. Dress as the puppet itself by donning a black suit, bow tie, and haunting face paint. Ride a tricycle into the party if you really want to creep everyone out!
The Bride in Black from Insidious
Take the terrifying Bride in Black from the Insidious franchise and add your own twist. For those who want a scary yet seductive costume, this look offers the perfect balance.
Carrie
Recreate the iconic prom scene from Carrie—minus the actual pig’s blood, of course. A prom dress, a tiara, and some fake blood will do the trick. Just be prepared for some people to look genuinely terrified.
Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein
This might be a bit cheesy, but Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride are a classic horror couple. For those who want to go vintage with their scares, this duo is both charming and spooky.
Mummy
A roll of gauze, some eerie UV contact lenses, and a little creativity can turn you into an authentic mummy ready to rise from the dead. Perfect for a last-minute, classic costume idea that never goes out of style.
Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th
There’s something about that hockey mask that gives people the chills. As Jason, all you need is the mask, dark clothes, and a lot of silent, menacing presence to terrify everyone at the party.
Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland
With some red contacts, dramatic makeup, and a dark twist, you can turn the Queen of Hearts into a gothic Halloween look that’s as sinister as it is striking.
Spooky Jack-O’-Lantern
Looking for something spooky but not too terrifying? A jack-o’-lantern costume strikes the perfect balance. Take a simple black dress from your wardrobe and focus on creating an eerie pumpkin face with some well-placed face paint. This costume is both fun and chilling!
Vampire
There’s a reason the vampire look never goes out of style—it’s timeless, sexy, and, of course, scary. All you need are red contacts, some fangs, and a gothic black outfit to bring this immortal character to life.
Zombie Snake
Want a costume that’s both creepy and seductive? A zombie snake combines spooky makeup skills with a slithery, sexy vibe for a haunting look that’s perfect for Halloween.
The Joker from The Dark Knight
The Joker has countless costume interpretations, but the hospital scene from The Dark Knight stands out as an unexpectedly creepy choice. With makeup smeared and a nurse’s outfit, you’re sure to get some double takes.
Sweet Tooth from Twisted Metal
If killer clowns are your thing, Sweet Tooth from Twisted Metal is a terrifying choice. With his flaming head and maniacal grin, this costume will definitely leave an impression.
Melanie Daniels from The Birds
Though The Birds may not seem as terrifying now, this Hitchcock classic had people running for cover in the 1960s. A smart vintage costume idea, just carry a few fake birds with you to really sell the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a scary costume without too much effort?
Start with simple elements like dark clothing and add spooky makeup, colored contacts, or accessories to transform a basic outfit into something truly frightening. A mask or dramatic face paint can also make a big impact with minimal effort.
What are some good last-minute scary costume ideas?
Ghostface from Scream, a vampire, or even a Ouija board costume can be easily pulled together at the last minute with basic items you likely already own, such as dark clothes and face paint.
How can I add a unique twist to a classic costume?
To make a classic costume stand out, try incorporating unexpected elements like special effects makeup, colored contact lenses, or combining two different themes—like a zombie version of your favorite character.
