Let’s get one thing straight, OK? When it comes to Halloween costumes, movie character costumes are the No. 1 crowd-pleaser. Television and movies are always a great place to look to for inspiration for your favorite character kid Halloween costumes and pop culture Halloween costumes. Because, what better way to celebrate Halloween than by having our kids dress up in movie Halloween costumes of our favorite fictional characters from the big screen (and silver screen, respectively)?

Halloween is around the corner, but if you are like me you are still trying to figure out how to dress your family (especially the little ones), so here are some cute ideas for Halloween costumes from movies with a sweet spin. After all, character costumes inspired by famous TV and movie characters (and other pop culture legends), are bound to be so much sweeter than their adult counterparts. Plus, there’s something for everyone—from cartoon lovers to ideas for Halloween costumes from movies for the entire family!

Related: 29 last-minute family Halloween costumes you can pull together NOW

And, of course, Instagram has the photos to prove just how adorable your little one will look in these movie Halloween costumes. Keep scrolling to see all of the kid character pop culture Halloween costumes you can’t help but add to your cart (who said outfit changes weren’t a thing?)

Here are some of Instagram’s most adorable TV & movie character costumes for kids

1. The Ted Lasso crew

Tiny visors, mustaches, and the kind of pep talks only a preschooler can deliver. Who wouldn’t want this pint-sized coach leading the team down the block?

2. Simone Biles (pop culture Halloween costumes for the win!)

A sparkly leotard, high ponytail, and the confidence of a champion. She’ll flip her way from house to house (cartwheels optional).

3. Pete the Cat

Blue ears, whiskers, and those laid-back vibes make this cool cat a crowd favorite. He’ll strut door to door with nothing but good grooves.

4. A member of the ‘Space Jam’ Tune Squad

A mini basketball jersey plus sneakers equals instant slam dunk. Candy buckets become hoops, and every shot is a win.

5. The one, the only, SELENA

Sequins, a microphone, and star power that’s bigger than the trick-or-treat route. Your little singer will be stealing hearts right along with the candy.

6. Cruella, from Disney’s ‘Cruella’

A bold coat and a black-and-white wig transform any kid into Disney’s fiercest fashionista. Add a toy pup for maximum drama.

7. Joe Exotic & Carole Baskin from ‘Tiger King’

Animal prints, flower crowns, and just the right amount of sass. It’s a costume combo guaranteed to get double takes (and double candy).

8. Hopper from “Stranger Things”

Sheriff’s badge, dad jeans, and that serious stare—he’s ready for duty. Just swap Demogorgons for candy buckets and call it a night.

9. Captain America

Shield in hand, justice in their step, and a smile that saves the day. Who knew saving the neighborhood could look this sweet?

10. A dragon from “Game of Thrones”

Tiny wings and fiery spirit make this costume larger than life. Just don’t be surprised if they roar every time someone drops candy in.

11. BB8 from “Star Wars”

Round, bright, and endlessly loyal. Your little droid will beep-boop their way to a sugar high.

12. The monsters from “Monsters, Inc.”

Sulley’s fuzzy fur and Mike’s big eye bring instant giggles. Together, they’re proof monsters are way more sweet than scary.

13. Kermit from “The Muppets”

A green hoodie, floppy frog eyes, and that famous wave. Suddenly it is easy being green.

14. Elliott from “E.T.”

A red hoodie, a basket on the bike, and maybe even a stuffed alien peeking out. Nostalgia for parents, adventure for kids.

15. Max from “Stranger Things”

Skater vibes, headphones, and plenty of attitude. This Hawkins kid is as ready for candy as she is for the Upside Down.

16. Cher from “Clueless”

Plaid skirt, knee-high socks, and a whole lot of confidence. As if your kiddo could be anything but adorable.

17. Big Bird and Cookie Monster from “Sesame Street”

Fluffy feathers, googly eyes, and cookie-loving smiles. These classics never go out of style, especially for the tiniest trick-or-treaters.

18. Medusa

Snakes for hair and a stare that stops everyone in their tracks. Don’t worry, moms—this version is way more candy-loving than stone-turning.

19. Minions from “Minions: The Rise of Gru”

 Yellow overalls, goggles, and a whole lot of giggles. Banana jokes and silly voices guaranteed.

20. A Barbie Girl

 Pink, sparkly, and all things fabulous. The block basically becomes her Dreamhouse.

21. Carmen San Diego

Red hat, red coat, and a mysterious smile. She’ll disappear into the candy crowd faster than you can ask, “Where in the world…?”

22. Every family’s favorite movie character costumes—”You’re welcome”

Grass skirt, tattoos, and a mighty grin channel the spirit of Maui. Bonus points if mom or dad joins in with Moana.

23. Anita Darling from “Cruella”

Classic chic with a dash of spunky sidekick. It’s the perfect nod for kids who like being part of the story, not just the villain.

24. “A League of Their Own” Racine team

Baseball cap, socks, and that iconic pink uniform. There’s no crying in baseball—but there is plenty of candy.

25. Miguel from Coco

A little red hoodie, a guitar, and your own sweet storyteller. Just don’t be surprised if your living room turns into a full-on Día de los Muertos concert.

26. Mirabel from Encanto

Colorful skirt, round glasses, and a heart bigger than the whole Madrigal family. She’ll light up the night, magic or no magic.

27. Spider-Gwen from Across the Spider-Verse

Pink accents, web-slinging moves, and serious girl-power energy. A perfect pick for kids who want to save the world and fill their candy bag.


28. Wednesday Addams from Wednesday (Netflix)

Braids, a dark dress, and the best deadpan expression in town. It’s spooky, it’s funny, and somehow still ridiculously cute.

29.  Mavka from Mavka: The Forest Song

Flowing green, floral touches, and a magical forest vibe. She’s equal parts mystical and sweet—straight out of a fairy tale.


30. Mario & Peach from The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Overalls, a crown, and plenty of adventure. Together, they’re ready to power-up and collect candy instead of coins.

Halloween costumes from movies you can add to your Amazon cart right now!

Diva Anwari also contributed to this post.

A version of this story was originally published on Oct. 15, 2019. It has been updated.