35 Scary Halloween Costumes That Are Straight-Up Terrifying

Marisa LaScala

Chucky

Credit: Amazon

If you thought the Chucky the doll that measures only 29 inches was frightening, just think about how terrifying a lifesize version is. Make sure to buy some stick-on scars to really enhance the look.

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Pop Culture Favorite

‘Stranger Things’ Demogorgon Costume

'Stranger Things' Demogorgon Costume

Credit: HalloweenCostumes.com

Celebrate the upcoming final season of Stranger Things by paying homage to a classic villain from season 1. They might not be real but they certainly send a chill down our spine.

A Tale of Two Holidays

Classic Krampus Adult Costume

Classic Krampus Adult Costume

Now 75% Off

Credit: HalloweenCostumes.com

The Christmas season might seem like a “sugar and spice and everything nice” kind of season, but if Krampus is around, it might not stay that way. This creepy costume is based on a half-goat half-demon monster who, legend has it, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6 to “scare kids into being good.” Heck, we’re adults and it would definitely scare us!

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Iconic Horror Movie Character

Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger

Credit: Amazon

He sees you when you’re sleeping … and he’s definitely not someone you want to encounter when you do. This classic Freddy Krueger look from A Nightmare on Elm Street pays it back to a classic that still scares us years after it came out.

For Fans of ‘The Shining’

‘The Shining’ Twin

'The Shining' Twin

Credit: Amazon

Although recommended as a duo costume (seeing as a set of twins usually includes two people) one twin alone is still pretty scary especially if you’ve watched The Shining. All work and no play might make Jack a dull boy, but dressing up as one of the creepy twins from the classic horror flick definitely isn’t dull at all.

RELATED: Duo Costume Ideas for You and Your BFF

A Forever Terrifying Figure

Jason Costume

Jason Costume

Credit: Amazon

You could honestly DIY this costume yourself by wearing a button down, shirt and pants combo you already own and inventing in the mask and machete, but if you really want to go for authenticity look no further than this Jason look from Friday the 13th.

RELATED: Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

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For Fans of ‘The Joker’

Evil Jester Costume

Evil Jester Costume

Credit: Amazon

Jesters may have been used to entertain in medieval times, but this jester is only focused on one thing — scaring you!

For the Royalty Among Us

Skeleton Queen Costume

Skeleton Queen Costume

Credit: HalloweenCostumes.com

Easy Scary Halloween Costume

Smiling Demon Mask

Smiling Demon Mask

Now 19% Off

Credit: WYH

No one will be able to look you in the (milky white) eyes when you’re wearing this flexible demon mask. (Be warned, though: Amazon reviewers say it can be hard to see through.)

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Scary Costume Idea for Adults

Headless Man Costume

Best Seller

Headless Man Costume

Credit: Forum Novelties

This costume pulls off a neat trick: Since the shoulders and neck are fake, and worn over your own head, it makes it look like you have your own face in your hands. Who needs a headless horseman when you have this?

Creepy Clown of the Year

Art the Clown Costume

Art the Clown Costume

Now 22% Off

Credit: Amfcv

The movie Terrifier and its sequel are verifiable word-of-mouth hits, but you’ll be sure to terrify people in this costume even if no one had ever heard of Art the Clown — its vibe is just too creepy. This costume comes with the clown outfit and the teeth, so you have to do your own scary clown makeup.

Comes With the Mask

Wicked Ringmaster Costume

Wicked Ringmaster Costume

Now 26% Off

Credit: California Costumes

Step right up for the scariest show on Earth! This costume comes with the mask, jacket, vest, tie and top hat, but you have to bring your own sense of showmanship. You can also get a skeleton ringmistress costume to go with it if you want to make it a double act.

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For ‘Scream’ Fans

Ghostface Costume

Ghostface Costume

Now 24% Off

Credit: Fun World

After this year’s Scream VI, Ghostface is back on top! Scare your film-fan friends with this Scream costume. It comes with a mask and robe, but you have to find your own prop knife.

Skin Suit Costume

Fade Eye Shadow Demon Costume

Fade Eye Shadow Demon Costume

Credit: Fun World

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t see that is the scariest. This costume comes with a black full-body suit and light-up glasses, so you can be the glowing eyes in the night.

Scariest Costume for Women

Pumpkin Monster Costume

Pumpkin Monster Costume

Now 30% Off

Credit: California Costumes

Why is this jack o’lantern smiling? For no good reason, we can tell you that! This costume comes with the tunic, collar, belt and mask — you just need to add the wig.

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Scariest Kids’ Costumes

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Kids’ Costume

'Five Nights at Freddy's' Kids' Costume

Credit: Rubie’s

No one would want to be trapped overnight with this alive animatronic demon! This is the titular Freddy Fazbear, but there are also kids’ costumes for Foxy, Chica and Bonnie, all of whom are equally creepy.

For Fans of ‘The Purge’

Poptrend ‘Purge’ Mask

Best Seller

'Purge' Mask

Credit: Amazon

You don’t have to have seen The Purge to find these light-up masks unsettling. They come in several colors, but be warned: The laws do still apply while you’re wearing them.

RELATED: The Best Costumes Inspired By ‘The Purge’

Versatile Scary Costume

Victorian Ghost Bride Costume

Victorian Ghost Bride Costume

Now 22% Off

Credit: Amazon

The best part about this costume is getting to come up with the ghost bride’s backstory. Was she jilted on her wedding day? Expired before she could walk down the aisle? You get to decide. This costume comes with the dress and veil.

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Inflatable Costume

Bloody Clown Costume

Bloody Clown Costume

Credit: Rubie’s

There are plenty of clowns on this list, and each one earns its place in a different way. This costume is inflatable, and its outsize proportions just serve to make it all the more unsettling.

Comes With Mask

Rubie’s The Nun

The Nun

Credit: Amazon

With a new movie in the Nun franchise coming out this year, it might be time to revive this old haunt. The fright is all in the mask for this Conjuring universe-inspired outfit. Bonus: The unisex robe itself is comfy, too.

Headshot of Marisa LaScala

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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