Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Caroline Darney

9 of the best 2023 Halloween costume ideas that aren’t Barbie or Ken

Halloween is just around the corner, and many people are still looking for costumes that will impress at their shindigs and get-togethers. Obviously — and for really good reason — Barbie and Ken will be a popular choice. The Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling movie was a massive hit this summer and has been the subject of memes on top of memes on top of memes.

MORE: Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House from Barbie has become an instant meme

But not everyone will want to be in the same costumes, so we’ve come up with some alternatives that range from movies to TV to music to sports.

1
Oppenheimer

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy in a scene from “Oppenheimer.” (Universal Pictures via AP)

Get yourself a suit and a hat and a pipe and a bleak expression and bang, you have Oppenheimer. Other options for a partner costume include Albert Einstein.

2
Taylor Swift

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yes, this might end up being just as ubiquitous as Barbie and Oppenheimer costumes, but there are so many options for Taylor Swift-related costumes after the year she has had with The Eras Tour, the corresponding movie and her new relationship.

Shop Taylor Swift's KC Chiefs jacket

Speaking of…

3
Travis Kelce

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

You can almost guarantee that you will see quite a few Travis Kelces out in the wild this Halloween. Also, a great costume for a guy that just wants an excuse to grow a mustache.

Shop Travis Kelce jersey

4
The Last of Us

Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) in season 1 of the HBO series “The Last of Us”

Everyone’s favorite fungus apocalypse duo is perfect for someone looking for something comfortable. Throw on an earth-tone button down, put on a knapsack, muss your hair and you’re set.

Shop The Last of Us on PS5

5
Kevin James Meme

CBS Television Network

I will be personally disappointed if I don’t see at least one Kevin James staring back sheepishly at me from across a party. If you have a group, you can re-enact the litany of Kevin James memes that have somehow popped up in the last few weeks.

6
*NSYNC

Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

While it seems like it may have just been for the one song for Trolls Band Together, for a hot second everyone thought the iconic boy band *NSYNC would get back to touring (please do it!). They did, however, make the rounds for interviews — and did a lot of great TikToks — and hit up Hot Ones for a great episode.

7
Succession

David M. Russell/HBO ©2022 HBO.

The options are limitless. Do you want to be The Eldest Boy? Shiv and Tom Wambsgans? The Disgusting Brothers? The “ludicrously capacious bag” that Cousin Greg’s date brings?

8
Ted Lasso

The heartwarming Apple TV series came to a close this year, and it’s an easy solo or group costume. Barbecue sauce!

9
Deion Sanders

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The head coach of the Colorado football team has been a cultural icon for decades, and now he’s leading a Buffs team that has garnered attention and popularity this season. You can even emulate his look with Deion’s very own sunglasses line.

Shop Deion Sanders gear

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.