8 Halloween costume ideas inspired by 2024 horror movies

It's finally Halloween time, and if you're anything like me, you've waited until the last minute to start planning your costume for the upcoming parties and events you plan on attending. Good news! It's not too late to go as something really cool, especially if you're a big horror movie fan and have been keeping up with the many great films released this year.

From Longlegs to MaXXXine to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to Lisa Frankenstein, there's pretty much something for everyone! So, if you're looking for a trendy costume inspired by one of 2024's best horror movies, this list is for you.

1. Dale Kobble, a.k.a. Longlegs or Agent Lee Harker

Longlegs was the surprise hit of the year and luckily for fans, becoming one of the main characters is super easy. If you want to be the titular serial killer, Dale Kobble, all you need is a messy blond wig and a dirty old jacket, preferably a denim one. But Dale also wears a long-sleeve shirt under a blue-patterned shirt in another scene.

Or you can get a tan prison outfit and handcuffs to go as him during the interrogation scene. For makeup, you'll need lots of foundation and lipstick to mimic his uncanny look. For Lee, just tie your hair up in a ponytail (or get a wig) and grab an FBI jacket off Amazon or any other costume website. Probably want to grab a fake FBI badge and gun, too.

2. Maxine Minx

People have been dressing as Maxine or Pearl for several years now, so luckily, there are plenty of makeup resources available. Since MaXXXine was released in theaters this past July, you can expect the Mia Goth character to make a resurgence this Halloween.

There are a few different looks to emulate from the film, like the one where she sports a green jacket or her audition get-up. The audition one would just involve a front-zip denim tank top or halter paired with the same denim wash pants. You could also go for something bolder with her nightclub look, where she touts the red stripe across her eyes and face.

3. Beetlejuice or Lydia Deetz

These two costumes are very easy because there are a lot that already exist, meaning you probably don't need to make one yourself. A variety of Lydia Deetz costumes are also available, either in her iconic red dress or her black outfit.

There are also some shrinker outfits available for those who became attached to characters like Bob. While Jenna Ortega was great as Astrid Deetz, most will probably stick with Ortega's other iconic character, Wednesday Addams.

4. Lisa Frankenstein

There are some options out there for those who want to order a Lisa Frankenstein dress that looks most similar to the black dress she sports in the movie, but you have a lot of variety for this outfit.

The most important thing is to get the hair and the black bow/ribbon right, and then you can choose from her many cute outfits in the movie to emulate on your own. Many of her looks could probably be assembled from thrift stores, but if you are deadset on finding a specific dress, then check the internet.

5. The Strangers

It's an oldie but a goodie. The Stranger: Chapter 1 might not have cemented itself in the minds of horror fans this year, but it still performed well at the box office, and with two additional films planned to complete the trilogy, you can expect them to stay in the public consciousness for a while longer.

Becoming the Strangers for Halloween is also just really easy to do. You can pretty much wear whatever you want and just adorn yourself with a mask and a fake weapon of your choice. There's a reason this stays a popular option year after year.

6. Glinda or Elphaba

No, Wicked isn't a horror movie but it does star the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch, so I feel like that counts! If you want to be a witch but are eager to do something a little different than the stereotypical Halloween witch, these women might be the right choice.

Wicked won't be out in theaters until November, but the marketing is in full swing, and there's likely to be tons of people dressed as Glinda or Elphaba this year. This is another easy costume if you don't mind spending a little extra, as there are plenty of pre-made costumes available already.

7. Sister Cecilia or Margaret

Another easy costume since both Sister Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney in Immaculate) and Margaret (Nell Tiger Free in The First Omen) would involve you dressing as a nun and there's no shortage of nun costumes out there. You could mix it up if you wanted and dress as their characters from the end of the movie to add some fake blood and extra creepiness to the ensemble.

8. Elisabeth or Sue

The Substance is easily one of this year's best horror movies and will likely continue to gain popularity. Plus, the vibrant color scheme and body horror make it a haven for costume ideas. You could go as Elisabeth, wearing her iconic long yellow trenchcoat and bringing a syringe filled with lime-green fluid with you. Add a long black wig and maybe a creepy witchy finger to really sell it. Or you could go as Sue in her bright pink "Pump It Up" outfit. If you're feeling really bold you could also try to go as...that character who appears in the final act, SPOILER! Yes, I'm referring to Monstro Elisasue.

To stay up to date on thrillers, sci-fi, and horror, bookmark 1428 Elm and follow our Facebook page and Twitter account!