The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In the U.S., Shrunken Head Bob topped Google’s reported 2024 Halloween costume trend list, while adults surveyed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) most often planned to dress as witches and children as Spider-Man. These rankings measure different things: Google’s list tracks growth in search interest, and NRF’s survey records stated costume plans—not costume sales.
What “most popular” means in the 2024 rankings
There was no single definitive ranking of the most popular costumes. Google Frightgeist’s reported list identified costume ideas with the largest year-over-year increase in U.S. search interest, comparing September 2023 with September 2024. It was not a ranking of the most-searched ideas overall. NRF’s annual survey, by contrast, asked consumers what costumes they planned for themselves, their children, and their pets.
Both sources are U.S.-focused. Neither establishes which costumes sold the most nationwide.
Google Frightgeist’s 25 trending costume ideas
Smithsonian’s report of Google data placed these ideas in order of increase in U.S. search interest from September 2023 to September 2024:
#1 Best Overall
- Design: The wearable shark blanket features a unique design that resembles a shark, complete with a fin, tail, and shark-like appearance. It is designed to wrap around the body, allowing the wearer to slip their legs into the shark's mouth, giving the illusion of being swallowed by a shark.
- Material: The shark blanket is made from soft and cozy materials, typically a combination of polyester and fleece. This ensures that the wearer stays warm and comfortable while using the blanket.
- Versatility: The wearable shark blanket is versatile and can be used in various settings. It can be worn while lounging at home, watching TV, or even as a fun costume for parties or Halloween. It is suitable for both kids and adults.
- Size and Fit: The shark blanket comes in different sizes to accommodate various body types. It is designed to fit snugly around the wearer's body, providing a cozy and secure feeling. The blanket typically covers the legs and lower body, leaving the upper body free.
- Fun and Imaginative: One of the main attractions of the wearable shark blanket is its ability to spark imagination and creativity. It allows the wearer to pretend to be a shark, adding an element of playfulness and fun to everyday activities. It can also be a great gift option for shark enthusiasts or those who enjoy unique and quirky items.
- Shrunken Head Bob, from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Raygun, the Australian breakdancer
- CatNap, from Poppy Playtime
- Delores, from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Pomni, from The Amazing Digital Circus
- Envy, from Inside Out 2
- Red, from Descendants: The Rise of Red
- Dr. Doom
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Lady Deadpool
- Chipotle burrito
- Anger
- Disgust
- Wolverine
- Anxiety
- Delia Deetz
- Gambit
- Dune
- Minion
- Shadow the Hedgehog
- Joy
- Peely
- Lydia Deetz
- Soulja Boy
- Godzilla
The number-one position means Shrunken Head Bob had the greatest increase in search interest in this comparison; it does not mean it was the most searched costume idea or the best-selling costume. The 2024 historical list is reported by Smithsonian; TIME also describes the September-to-September comparison.
Category and local standouts
Smithsonian also reported that Red led Frightgeist’s children’s category, Wolverine and Deadpool topped its duo looks, and Dogpool led its dog-costume category. Local leaders varied: Luna Lovegood topped Tulsa, Oklahoma, while Bigfoot topped Tallahassee, Florida. These results show why an overall trend list may not reflect a particular audience or place.
Rank #2
- Funny Halloween Costume Set: Come with 1 yellow beanie/1 suspenders/1 goggles and 1 pair of black gloves. With this eye-catching cosplay set, you can be the focus of the crowd and have good time on any Halloween parties
- Easy Dress Up set:These yellow beanie costume accessory for adult are great costume for men and women. Comes with blue suspenders, you just need to put on a T shirt and jeans to easily create a funny Halloween dress up
- One Size Fits Most: The yellow beanie features nice stretchy and goggles features adjustable strap,both are suitable for adults or kids
- Premium Material: The yellow beanie and black gloves are stretchy and comfortable. Plastic steampunk goggles with foam pads and adjustable strap will fit your head well and prevent sliding.The suspenders are well made with 3 metal clips,adjustable for adult and kids
- Occasions: These adult Halloween cosplay accessories are suitable for Halloween, cosplay games, family themed party, role play games, stage performance, birthday party, daily use, Christmas gift etc. It is also a great gift for friends and family
What people said they planned to wear
NRF’s September 19, 2024 release reported results from its annual survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. It surveyed 7,945 consumers from September 3–8, 2024, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points. The figures below are survey responses about plans, not observed purchases. Costume counts are estimates reported by NRF.
| Audience | Ranked planned costumes |
|---|---|
| Children | Spider-Man — 2.6 million; ghost — 1.8 million; princess — 1.7 million; witch — 1.6 million; favorite superhero — 1.5 million. |
| Adults | Witch — 5.8 million; vampire — 3 million; cat — 1.6 million; Batman — 1.5 million; pirate — 1.4 million. |
| Pets | Pumpkin — 10%; hot dog — 6%; bat — 4%; ghost — 3%; bumblebee — 3%. |
For pet costumes, the percentages are the shares NRF reported for each listed preference. The survey’s leading costume was different for each audience: Spider-Man for children, witch for adults, and pumpkin for pets. See NRF’s 2024 survey results for the release and full context.
Rank #3
- Cool LED Mask with 50 Patterns - Choose from 25 graphics and 25 dynamic animations! Our led mask built-in 234 high‑brightness 3535 RGB LED beads, its vibrant colors and bright lights will make you the star of any event
- Motion-Sensored LED Mask - Our led mask has both gesture sensing and button activated modes. In gesture-sensing mode, you can simply wave your hand to change the light patterns, adding an interactive and dynamic element to your Halloween costume
- Rechargeable with Long Battery Life - No more hassle of changing batteries! Our led face mask is rechargeable and offers an impressive 8-10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. It charges quickly and efficiently. We suggest charge for 3-4 hours before first use
- Premium Quality & Safe - Made from high-quality, odorless, and non-toxic materials. Our led mask is CPSIA compliant and certified for safe daily wear, with no visible leds to the user’s eyesinside the mask
- Comfortable to Wear All-day - Lightweight and breathable, our light up mask features styrofoam around the eye piece for comfort and airflow. Adjustable elastic bands ensure a perfect fit for both adults and kids
How to interpret the two lists
- Search interest: Frightgeist highlights ideas gaining attention, including recent entertainment references, public figures, and novelty concepts. Its ranking is based on change in search interest, not total search volume or purchases.
- Reported plans: NRF’s results separate children, adults, and pets and include familiar choices such as witches, ghosts, and superheroes. They reflect what respondents said they intended to wear.
- Different timing: Frightgeist compares searches in September 2023 and September 2024. NRF surveyed consumers over September 3–8, 2024, so the figures capture plans reported during that fieldwork window.
- Not a global ranking: The cited rankings concern the U.S.; they should not be generalized to other countries.
A separate YouGov poll offers broad context about costume types, not a ranked list of named costumes. Among U.S. adult citizens who had picked a costume, 44% planned to dress as a fictional person or character, 19% as an animal or creature, and 16% as a concept. YouGov surveyed 1,106 people from October 11–14, 2024, and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9%. Those results are not directly interchangeable with NRF’s earlier, larger consumer-intent survey. YouGov’s poll details describe its sample and method.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why 2024’s list mixed nostalgia and viral ideas
The Frightgeist list ranged from characters in new releases such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Inside Out 2 to Sabrina Carpenter, Raygun, and a Chipotle burrito. Google Trends expert Hibaq Ali told Smithsonian: “This year, we’re seeing a fascinating comeback of timeless Halloween looks, fueled by a mix of nostalgia, viral trends and recent pop culture influences.” Ali added: “And it’s clear that DIY is king.” The statement describes a broad mix of influences; the rankings do not establish why any individual costume drew search interest. Smithsonian’s report includes Ali’s comments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pumpkin Design:This pumpkin costumes for women was made of quality polyester fabric,easy to put on and comfortable to wear.Features pumpkin style with green collar,the cute face was printed on the pumpkin poncho
- Package:Our pumpkin costume set comes with1 pumpkin poncho,1 pumpkin knit beret,1 candy bag.This pumpkin costume for adults is elastic,one size fit all.The hat is also fit most adults head.Easily finish your Halloween costume with this pumpkin poncho
- Pumpkin Knit Beret:The knit beret has a brimless design with a small ball at the top,adds more cute touch to you Halloween outfit.Made of premium acrylic fiber knit material, lightweight,soft and stretchy,keeps you warm and cozy in the Halloween season
- Large Candy Bag:Size is 11.8” in height,9.8” in width,handle is 9.8 in,large size for you to hold candy and goody. Made of quality non-woven fabric material,durable,lightweight and not easy to fade and break
- Occasions:This pumpkin Halloween costume for women is ideal for Halloween party dress up,Halloween celebrations,cosplay party,masquerade,pumpkin costume theme party, stage performance, role-play games and more
Rank #4
- Bold Orange Jumpsuit Base: Kickstart your transformation with this bold orange jumpsuit. Made from soft, stretchy spandex, it serves as the base for halloween costumes, themed party costume events, or channeling that beloved fuzzy orange character with the iconic yellow brows
- Yellow Mustache and Eyebrows Included: Instantly recognizable and hilariously fun! This set includes the essential yellow mustache and eyebrows needed to mimic the grumpy-yet-lovable face of the famous tree guardian. A must-have detail for nailing that standout cosplay costume look
- Complete Face Paint for Full Transformation: Go all-in with the included face paint! Achieve a full, vibrant orange complexion that matches the jumpsuit. Whether for spooky halloween costumes bashes or creative photo ops, this paint blends flawlessly for an immersive, head-to-toe transformation
- Adjustable Inflatable Belly Accessory: Add that signature barrel shape with our adjustable inflatable belly. Worn under the orange jumpsuit, it creates the instantly recognizable round tummy that makes this party costume so endearing and true to the classic animated character
- Complete All-in-One Costume Kit: Designed for everyone ready to have a laugh! This complete kit takes the guesswork out of cosplay costume prep and party costume planning. Suitable for Halloween, conventions, or any event where you want to show up as the most memorable and orange guest in the room
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