Google's Top Halloween Costumes Showcases Film and Viral Trends
From horror movie characters to viral sensations, Google's trending costume searches reveal the year's most popular cultural touchstones.
Google has released its list of the top trending Halloween costume searches for 2026, highlighting the characters, trends, and video games that have captured public attention. The rankings reflect a shift away from overtly "sexy" costumes, according to a recent survey that indicated a declining interest in such attire.
Buddy the Unicorn, the central figure from the horror film "Buddy," has secured the top spot in Google's trending searches. The film, directed by Casper Kelly, has clearly resonated with audiences seeking a more unique or frightening costume.
Following Buddy, the sensory toy NeeDoh has emerged as the second most popular search. While not directly tied to a specific movie, the toy's popularity has been amplified by online trends, some of which have led to safety concerns. Reports have detailed incidents where the toy was misused, resulting in injuries, despite explicit manufacturer warnings against heating or microwaving the product.
The third most-searched costume is Nikki, a character from the horror film "Obsession." This movie, which garnered over $500 million worldwide, is noted for its low production cost and its focus on a protagonist's obsessive desire. The film's intense themes appear to have translated into costume popularity.
Agamemnon from "The Odyssey" ranks as the fourth most-searched costume. This character, known for his role in the epic tale, represents a more historical or mythical figure among the trending searches.
In other costume categories, the late Dolly Parton leads as the top trending search for children's costumes and also ranks high for pet costumes, second only to centipedes. For couples, "Disco Scooby and Shaggy" from "Scooby-Doo" are the most popular duo, followed by "X-Men's" Cyclops and Jean Grey, and Nikki and Bear from "Obsession."
The data also indicates generational trends, with Gen Z and millennials being 10% more likely to dress up for Halloween compared to other age groups.
Spirit Halloween, a major seasonal retailer, also released its costume trend report, echoing some of Google's findings. Spirit Halloween highlighted "Obsession" and "The Odyssey" as influential, alongside "K-Pop Demon Hunters."