Halloween is basically the Super Bowl of costumes. Everyone shows up ready to flex their creativity, but let’s be real—pulling together a group look always gets the loudest cheers. The best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. TV shows and movies already give us iconic squads to copy. Whether you’re rolling deep with your besties, your roommates, or your work crew, these group Halloween costume ideas will make you look like the stars of the night.
And yes, I’ve tried a couple of these myself, so I’ll drop in some tips (and regrets) along the way.
1. Stranger Things Crew
Why it works: Nostalgia, 80s vibes, and creepy monster lore—Stranger Things gives you everything.
How to pull it off:
- Have someone rock Eleven’s pink dress and a box of Eggos.
- Let another person go full Dustin with curly hair, a cap, and a tooth gap (fake, hopefully).
- Throw in a Demogorgon for maximum chaos.
Pro tip: I tried this with my friends one year, and the person who dressed as Hopper carried a fake donut box all night. It worked because everyone immediately got it.
2. The Addams Family
Why it works: Creepy, kooky, and classy. Plus, it’s instantly recognizable.
How to pull it off:
- Wednesday is an easy win with a black dress and braided pigtails.
- Morticia’s sleek gown = glam goth goals.
- Cousin Itt? Grab a long wig and sunglasses.
Ever notice how someone always claims Wednesday first? It’s like calling shotgun.
3. Scooby-Doo & The Gang
Why it works: It’s colorful, fun, and basically screams group costume.
How to pull it off:
- Velma: orange sweater, glasses, sass.
- Shaggy: green tee, brown pants, and constant snacking.
- Scooby: a onesie or dog ears.
Pro tip: If your group includes someone super tall, they must be Shaggy. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
4. Mean Girls (The Plastics + Regina’s Mom)
Why it works: Everyone knows the lines. It’s fetch.
How to pull it off:
- Rock the pink-on-Wednesdays rule.
- Regina George? Cut two holes in a tank top. Iconic.
- Bonus points if someone brings a “Burn Book.”
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Ever seen a grown man dress as Regina’s mom with a camcorder? I have. 10/10 commitment.
5. Harry Potter Housemates
Why it works: Hogwarts gives you unlimited options.
How to pull it off:
- Sort your group into houses (Slytherins always lean too hard into eyeliner, IMO).
- Robes, scarves, wands = done.
- Throw in a Dobby or Hagrid for laughs.
Question: Why do Gryffindors always act like they’re better than everyone else? :/
6. The Avengers (Or Any Marvel Squad)
Why it works: Superheroes never flop.
How to pull it off:
- Iron Man mask, Captain America’s shield, Thor’s hammer.
- You can DIY or grab budget-friendly versions online.
- Don’t forget Black Widow or Scarlet Witch if you want variety.
Pro tip: My friend once wore a cardboard box painted as the Hulkbuster suit. It looked hilarious but also… very hard to sit in.
7. The Office Cast
Why it works: It’s cheap, funny, and painfully relatable.
How to pull it off:
- Jim Halpert? White shirt, tie, “Three Hole Punch Jim” if you’re lazy.
- Dwight Schrute? Mustard shirt, glasses, beet vibes.
- Michael Scott? Carry a “World’s Best Boss” mug.
People always laugh because they know that one friend who’s definitely Dwight IRL.
8. Ghostbusters
Why it works: Uniformed looks always stand out.
How to pull it off:
- Beige jumpsuits, proton packs, and matching patches.
- Someone can go as Slimer if they love chaos.
It’s a perfect costume if you want to look cohesive but still comfy enough to dance all night.
9. Barbie & Ken Multiverse (Thanks, Greta Gerwig)
Why it works: Everyone gets to be their own version of Barbie or Ken.
How to pull it off:
- Cowgirl Barbie, Doctor Barbie, Weird Barbie.
- Surfer Ken, Rollerblade Ken, “Mojo Dojo Casa House” Ken.
- More Barbies = better.
I saw this group last year, and honestly, it looked like a pink explosion walked into the bar. Loved it.
10. The Simpsons Family
Why it works: Animated characters make for hilarious live-action costumes.
How to pull it off:
- Homer: bald cap + donut.
- Marge: tall blue wig + green dress.
- Bart & Lisa: red and orange tees with matching wigs.
Warning: Yellow face paint gets messy fast. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
11. Toy Story Characters
Why it works: Pixar magic + nostalgia = instant win.
How to pull it off:
- Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bo Peep, and Mr. Potato Head.
- Add Forky for laughs (and existential dread).
Pro tip: Forky steals the show. If you can DIY one, do it.
12. The Euphoria Crew
Why it works: Glitter, drama, and Gen Z vibes.
How to pull it off:
- Think bold makeup, rhinestones, and Y2K fits.
- Jules = dreamy style.
- Maddy = fierce cutouts and confidence.
Ever tried rhinestones near your eyes? Cute for Insta, but they will fall off halfway through the party.
Extra Tips for Pulling Off Group Costumes
Keep It Comfortable
No one wants to be the person sweating under three layers of polyester. Choose something breathable.
Plan Ahead
Nothing kills the vibe like five people showing up as Eleven. Assign roles early.
Commit to the Bit
The fun comes when everyone stays in character. Yes, that means carrying a fake proton pack or yelling “Zoinks!” all night.
Conclusion
Group costumes hit different. They’re fun, they’re memorable, and they usually get you more Instagram likes (not that we’re counting… okay, maybe a little).
From Stranger Things to The Avengers, these 12 TV and movie-inspired ideas give you endless options to suit your squad’s vibe. Just remember: the more you commit, the better the payoff.
So, which one are you convincing your friends to do this year? If you’re anything like me, you’ll start a group chat now… and argue about it until October 30th. :)