Google’s top trending Halloween costumes revealed — and you may have never heard of them

As Halloween 2026 approaches, Google has unveiled the year's most searched-for costumes, offering an intriguing snapshot of current pop culture influences on seasonal attire. This year's list prominently features characters from recent cinematic releases and surprising non-traditional costume ideas, reflecting a shift in public interest and cultural trends.

Topping Google’s rankings is Buddy the Unicorn, the eerie titular figure from Casper Kelly’s horror film “Buddy.” This choice highlights the growing appeal of indie horror cinema, which has gained a foothold in popular imagination despite modest budgets. “Buddy” stands out with its unique blend of dark humor and horror, capturing the attention of costume seekers nationwide.

Following closely is NeeDoh, a stress-relief toy that has transcended its everyday use to become a Halloween favorite. While not a character from a film or show, the popularity of NeeDoh as a costume choice is notable, especially given recent concerns over the toy’s safety. Incidents involving misuse, such as heating in microwaves leading to dangerous injuries, have surfaced, adding a layer of caution to the trend. The prominence of NeeDoh on costume searches underscores how viral online trends can influence Halloween choices beyond traditional media characters.

In third place, Nikki from the horror movie “Obsession” has emerged as a highly sought-after costume. The film, which debuted in May and achieved significant box office success, tells a chilling story centered on obsession and psychological terror. Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the low-budget film has resonated with audiences, inspiring fans to emulate its unsettling characters. Nikki’s rise in costume popularity signals the impact of contemporary horror narratives on the Halloween landscape.

Classic and historical influences also maintain a presence, with Agamemnon—depicted as a fierce warrior in “The Odyssey”—ranking fourth in costume searches. This ancient Greek figure’s inclusion demonstrates a continued fascination with epic tales and mythological figures during the festive season, offering a contrast to the modern horror themes dominating the list.

The diversity of costume choices extends into categories beyond individual characters. For children, Dolly Parton remains the most popular costume, a testament to the enduring cultural icon’s appeal across generations. Pet costumes see a curious trend as well, with Dolly-inspired outfits ranking second only to centipede-themed ensembles, showing creativity and humor in animal dress-up selections.

Duo costumes have also gained traction, with pairs like Disco-themed Scooby and Shaggy leading the pack. Other popular duos include Cyclops and Jean Grey from the “X-Men” universe, alongside Nikki and Bear from “Obsession,” highlighting the influence of both nostalgia and recent cinematic hits on group costume planning.

Demographically, younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, exhibit a stronger inclination to participate in Halloween dressing up, outpacing older groups by about 10 percent. This demographic trend reflects broader cultural engagement patterns and preferences for immersive entertainment experiences.

Supporting these findings, Spirit Halloween, North America's largest seasonal costume retailer, released its own trend report corroborating the influence of “Obsession” and “The Odyssey” on costume popularity. Additionally, niche cultural phenomena such as “K-Pop Demon Hunters” have been recognized as emerging inspirations, pointing to the globalization and diversification of Halloween costume inspirations.

Interestingly, despite the rich array of costume options, surveys indicate a general decline in overall Halloween participation, with fewer than one in four Americans planning to dress up in 2026. Furthermore, there is a noted shift away from traditionally provocative costumes, aligning with the trends observed in Google’s search data.

Collectively, these insights paint a portrait of Halloween 2026 as a season marked by eclectic tastes, blending new horror icons, historical figures, viral sensations, and enduring cultural staples. The evolving landscape of costume preferences reveals not only changing entertainment influences but also shifting social attitudes towards the annual celebration.