Google Revealed Top Halloween Costume Trends
Search data shows Buddy tops the list of trending Halloween costumes for 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Fashion
Live Poll
Do you plan to choose a Halloween costume based on this year's trending pop culture characters?
Google has released its annual list of trending Halloween costume themes for 2026 based on internal search data. The character Buddy from the film of the same name currently holds the top position.
Why it matters
Understanding search trends helps retailers and consumers identify the most popular characters and themes influencing Halloween celebrations across the United States.
The list includes 10 costume themes identified through internal search data, with the character Nikki from the film Obsession ranking at number 3. Other notable trending costumes include Agamemnon from The Odyssey and the musician Oliver Tree.
The players
Google is a global technology company that specializes in internet-related services, including search engine technology and data analysis.
The details
The rankings highlight a shift toward characters from recent film releases, such as the title character from the film Buddy, which reached video on demand during the same week. These search patterns reflect broad interest in specific pop culture icons for the upcoming holiday.
Timeline
Google released the trending Halloween costumes list on October 14, 2026.
The film Buddy became available on video on demand during the week of October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
This data release follows the precedent set by Google's annual Halloween search trend reporting, which tracks evolving societal interests in pop culture. It captures a shift where streaming availability and digital discovery increasingly dictate seasonal fashion and costume choices.
These trends may affect local costume shop inventory and the availability of specific character-themed outfits. Shoppers looking for popular items may find higher demand for the top-ranked costumes as the holiday approaches.
The takeaway
Popular media releases significantly influence annual costume trends, often causing sudden surges in search interest. Consumers can use these lists to identify potential supply constraints for top-ranked costumes before the holiday arrives.
Further reading
For more on current style trends, visit the Fashion section.
Live Poll
Do you plan to choose a Halloween costume based on this year's trending pop culture characters?
