Google Reveals the Top US Halloween Costume Searches for 2026

Google's annual Frightgeist tool, which compiles top US Halloween-related searches, has unveiled this year's most-wanted costumes ahead of 31 October. Topping the 2026 list is Buddy the Unicorn, followed by the squishy NeeDoh stress ball — an unexpectedly popular pick that speaks to a certain taste for the absurd. The full top ten also includes Nikki from Obsession, Agamemnon from The Odyssey, Lily Love Braids from Poppy Playtime, musician Oliver Tree, Verity from Minecraft, Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl, Disco Scooby-Doo, and Hazel Hook from Descendants. The lineup blends pop culture, niche lore and a touch of the ridiculous.

Couples' costumes trending this season include Wall-E and Eve, Woody and Bullseye, Cyclops and Jean Grey, Disco Scooby and Shaggy, Talladega Nights' Ricky and Carley Bobby, and Joe Dirt and Brandy. Pet owners are also getting creative, with Dolly Parton, Tow Mater, Princess Donut, a Baked Potato, a Centipede, a Roach and a can of Diet Coke all trending for four-legged companions.

Beyond costume ideas, Frightgeist offers a searchable map showing trending costumes by area — handy for avoiding a double with a neighbour. Google also suggests using its tools to pull together a low-effort look from wardrobe staples, build a horror-movie watchlist or a spooky playlist, and master trick-or-treat makeup. Top-searched Halloween candy this year includes KitKats and Reese's.