Source: Michael Kovac / Getty
October is right around the corner, which means the excitement of Halloween is in the air. As cooler weather rolls in and the pumpkin spice flavors take over, it’s also time to start thinking about costumes for parties, themed events and trick-or-treating. Unsurprisingly, no one embraces the holiday quite like celebrities, who often turn Halloween into a full-on spectacle with great halloween costumes that get people talking or inspired. Over the years, stars have transformed themselves into movie icons, superheroes, pop culture references, and even each other. Their costumes often go viral because of the level of detail, effort, and creativity involved. With access to designers, makeup artists, and stylists, celebrities can take their looks to a professional level, making their Halloween appearances some of the most anticipated of the season.
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What makes celebrity Halloween costumes so memorable is the effort put into authenticity and transformation. From elaborate wigs and custom outfits to full prosthetics and stage-level makeup, celebrities often use Halloween as another stage for performance art. These aren’t last-minute store-bought looks; they’re meticulously planned concepts that can take weeks to prepare. As a result, their costumes not only impress but also inspire fans who try to recreate similar looks on a budget.
This dedication has led to countless viral moments, especially in the age of social media. Every Halloween, fans eagerly await to see which star will dominate the conversation with the most jaw-dropping look. For Black celebrities in particular, these moments have been especially impactful. They not only break the internet but also highlight creativity, culture, and representation in the Halloween spotlight. Check out some of our favorite celebrity Halloween costumes that had the internet in a frenzy! Let us know which ones are your favorites and if you think we’ve forgotten any.
1. Beyoncé as Toni Braxton
Source:beyonceBey’s transformation into Toni included signature ’90s glam, lace, and attitude. The homage resonated widely among fans of both artists.Â
2. Ciara & Russell Wilson as Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Source:ciaraThe couple replicated the Louvre visuals with matching poses, down to the styling and body language, making for a high-concept, photo-ready presentation.Â
3. Lizzo as Baby Yoda
Source:lizzobeeatingWhimsical, playful, and very “internet,” Lizzo’s oversized costume tapped into pop-culture fandom at the perfect time.Â
4. La La Anthony as Maleficent
Source:Hollywood Life
The horns, the makeup, and the dramatic presence made it feel like she stepped right out of the movie.Â
5. Lil Nas X as Nicki Minaj
Source:theneighborhoodtalkFull drag, full homage. This was both a tribute and a performance, and fans appreciated the boldness.Â
6. Cardi B as Cruella de Vil
Source:cardib_kulturekiariFrom hair to fur to makeup, her look was the epitome of expensive villain energy.Â
7. Saweetie as Destiny’s Child in “Bootylicious”
Source:billboardMatching outfits, choreography, and era-specific styling made her recreation a nostalgic hit.Â
8. Diddy as the Joker
Source:complexDiddy leaned into theatrical mischief, combining elements of horror, fashion, and celebrity persona for maximum effect.Â
9. Keke Palmer as Rapunzel
Source:kekeThe long hair, the pastel costume, and the fairytale nod all made her version sweet but powerful.Â
10. Janelle Monáe as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland
Source:nikogonzalezfxConceptual, artistic, and very much on brand for her. This was part fashion, part performance.Â
11. The Weeknd as The Nutty Professor
Source:wild955fmThe makeup and prosthetics turned him into something uncanny, which is what Halloween is all about.Â
12. Kelly Rowland as Catwoman
Source:kellyrowlandGlossy, sleek, and high fashion. She made the classic comic-book villain feel fresh and glamorous.Â
13. Tyga as E.T.
Source:worldstarWeird and fun, Tyga’s alien-inspired look got meme’d and shared heavily for its creative audacity.Â
14. Normani as Naomi Campbell
Source:NaomiCampbellLegendary runway model meets pop star. Normani embodied Campbell’s runway presence in full force.Â
