Google Frightgeist 2026: Buddy the Unicorn and a Stress Ball Lead the Most-Searched Halloween Costumes
Google has released its annual Frightgeist data for 2026, revealing that Buddy the Unicorn tops the most-searched Halloween costume list, followed by the NeeDoh stress ball and Nikki from Obsession. The eclectic top ten blends pop culture, classic literature and outright absurdity.
Google's Frightgeist, which tracks the top Halloween-related searches across the country — from costumes to candy — has revealed the most-searched costume ideas for 2026, and the list is anything but predictable.
Topping the rankings is Buddy the Unicorn, followed by the squishy NeeDoh stress ball and Nikki from Obsession. The rest of the top ten includes Agamemnon from The Odyssey, Lily Love Braids from Poppy Playtime, musician Oliver Tree, Verity from Minecraft, Carl from the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Disco Scooby-Doo and Hazel Hook from Descendants.
Couples costumes are trending in equally unexpected directions. Classics like Wall-E and Eve, Woody and Bullseye, and Cyclops and Jean Grey share space with more offbeat pairings such as Disco Scooby and Shaggy, Talladega Nights' Ricky and Carley Bobby, and Joe Dirt and Brandy.
Pets are not being spared either. Top-trending pet costumes include Dolly Parton, Tow Mater, Princess Donut, a Baked Potato, a giant Centipede, a Roach and a can of Diet Coke.
Beyond costume inspiration, Google is positioning Frightgeist as a broader Halloween resource. Users can search for low-effort closet-based costumes, build horror movie and spooky music playlists, and find trick-or-treat makeup tutorials. Top-searched candies KitKats and Reese's also feature prominently, and Frightgeist's searchable trending map lets users check whether their chosen costume is already popular in their neighbourhood.
