From a deceptively cheerful killer unicorn to a colorful stress toy, Google’s Frightgeist list shows what movies, games and internet culture are bringing to the costume party.
2026 Halloween costumes are getting wonderfully strange. Google’s newly released Frightgeist rankings put Buddy the Unicorn from the horror film Buddy first, followed by the squishy toy NeeDoh and Nikki from Obsession. Released Wednesday, October 14, the list offers a useful answer for anyone still deciding what to wear before Halloween on Saturday, October 31. Its central message: horror, games, nostalgia and viral toys are competing for attention in the costume aisle.
Google calls the results its “buzziest Halloween trends.” Importantly, the rankings identify searches gaining momentum, not a count of costume sales or a claim about which costume every neighborhood will wear. Explore the original Google Frightgeist rankings and Google’s October 14 announcement.
Which 2026 Halloween costumes made Google’s top 10?
- Buddy the Unicorn, Buddy
- NeeDoh
- Nikki, Obsession
- Agamemnon, The Odyssey
- Lily Lovebraids, Poppy Playtime
- Oliver Tree
- Verity, the Minecraft horror phenomenon
- Carl, Dungeon Crawler Carl
- Disco Scooby-Doo
- Hazel Hook, Descendants
2026 Halloween costumes including Buddy unicorn, NeeDoh and Nikki.
Why each of these Halloween costume ideas is trending
1. Buddy the Unicorn: Friendly face, frightening backstory
Buddy looks like the sort of orange unicorn mascot who might host a children’s show, complete with a heart on his chest. That contrast is the point of Casper Kelly’s horror-comedy Buddy: an apparently cheerful television character conceals a darker side. A bright orange mascot outfit, horn and purple heart make the look recognizable. Google’s accompanying trend data noted that “buddy unicorn costume” searches overtook “kids unicorn costume” searches for the first time in September. The film is adult horror, despite its playful visual style.
2. NeeDoh: A toy becomes a wearable joke
NeeDoh is not a film villain or a superhero. It is Schylling’s colorful squishy sensory toy. Its rounded shapes and bright surfaces lend themselves to an oversized, playful DIY outfit. Part of the appeal is immediate recognition by people who follow toy trends, and part is the sheer absurdity of dressing as a stress ball. Google’s own announcement singled out stress balls as an unexpected trend.
3. Nikki from Obsession: A horror look people can recreate
Inde Navarrette plays Nikki in Curry Barker’s horror film Obsession. The movie’s unsettling relationship story helped turn Nikki into a recognizable horror-season character. Her red-and-black striped look, dark hair and theatrical horror makeup make the costume possible without a giant mascot suit. Adults recreating it can choose a restrained version instead of realistic gore.
4. Agamemnon from The Odyssey: Ancient king, modern blockbuster appeal
Agamemnon is a legendary Greek king whose role in the Trojan War is part of the background to The Odyssey. Interest in the character is tied to Christopher Nolan’s screen adaptation and its striking armor imagery. A dark breastplate, cloak and helmet convey the idea, although a fully built outfit is among the more demanding costumes on this list.
5. Lily Lovebraids: The video-game horror connection
Poppy Playtime draws on a particularly effective horror contrast: toy designs that seem inviting until the story reveals their danger. Lily Lovebraids, associated with the game’s fifth chapter, fits that formula. Her doll-like styling, colorful hair and unsettling character design give gaming fans a recognizable option that may be less familiar to non-players.
6. Oliver Tree: A distinctive musician’s visual signature
Musician and entertainer Oliver Tree has long made his image part of his performances. His recognizable bowl-cut styling, bold color-block clothing and oversized visual comedy are suited to Halloween because much of the look can be assembled from everyday clothes and a wig. A costume need not be frightening to become a conversation starter.
7. Verity: Minecraft culture moves beyond the game
Verity draws interest from Minecraft-related online horror storytelling rather than a traditional movie franchise. The popularity of such characters shows how creators and online fan communities can inspire costumes. Anyone choosing this look should work from a reliable visual reference: viewers who do not follow the online series may need a little explanation.
8. Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl: A book-world surprise
Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl series blends science fiction, fantasy, dark comedy and survival-game action. Carl, a former Coast Guardsman, and his feline companion Princess Donut have attracted an enthusiastic readership. Carl’s signature heart-patterned boxer shorts make an intentionally ridiculous outfit, especially when paired with a toy or plush cat.
9. Disco Scooby-Doo: Nostalgia gets a dance-floor makeover
Few cartoon characters are as closely tied to playful mysteries and spooky settings as Scooby-Doo. The disco version brings retro party styling to the familiar brown dog. It also creates an easy group-costume opportunity: a friend can dress as Shaggy in a colorful disco-era outfit. Google also identifies disco Scooby-Doo and Shaggy as a leading duo idea.
10. Hazel Hook: A new generation of Disney villains
Hazel Hook belongs to Disney’s Descendants world, which builds stories around the children of well-known heroes and villains. As Captain Hook’s daughter in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, she offers fans a pirate-influenced costume with dramatic accessories. The franchise’s mix of fantasy fashion, music and recognizable family ties helps explain its appeal.
What about couples, children and pet costumes?
Google’s Frightgeist project goes beyond its main list with themed rankings for different kinds of costume searches. Disco Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are a standout duo. Cyclops and Jean Grey bring an X-Men pairing into the mix, while Nikki and Bear from Obsession appeal to horror fans. Parents should check the source of any costume inspiration before making a children’s outfit: a cheerful-looking character such as Buddy can come from a film intended for adults.
Pet owners should put comfort first. A lightweight accessory that leaves an animal free to see, breathe and move matters more than an elaborate photograph. Never force a pet to remain in a costume if it appears distressed.
What the Halloween search trends say about pop culture
Google’s report captures a moment when there is no single route to becoming a Halloween icon. A horror mascot, sensory toy, musician, video-game villain, beloved cartoon dog and literary character can share the same list. Search growth also reflects curiosity: someone looking up a costume might be shopping, making their own, or simply asking who the character is.
Other Google Halloween trends include “witches brew punch” as a leading drink search and strong interest in bubbling cauldron effects. Meanwhile, “gothic horror movies” and “mascot horror movies” feature among the year’s leading horror-movie search themes. Those trends reinforce how Halloween blends entertainment, craft projects and at-home parties.
Planning a Halloween costume in Utica and the Mohawk Valley
For local families headed to school events, neighborhood trick-or-treating or community celebrations, the best costume is recognizable, comfortable and suitable for the event. A foam prop or soft costume can be more practical than heavy armor on a cool Upstate New York evening. Layer warm clothes beneath a costume, use visible or reflective details after dark, and avoid masks that block a child’s view.
There is also no need to buy a complete outfit. A colorful shirt, a wig, makeup or a handmade sign can carry the joke. Try borrowing or reusing materials before spending money on something worn once. For readers looking for local Halloween activities, see our Utica Zoo Spooktacular guide and MVCC Trick-or-Treat Street coverage.
Which character will you choose?
If you want the most timely reference, Buddy, NeeDoh and Nikki are Google’s first three trending ideas. If you would rather dress as a duo, disco Scooby-Doo and Shaggy offer a more lighthearted approach. And if you prefer a homemade costume, Oliver Tree or a simplified video-game character may provide a practical starting point.
Halloween is ultimately about imagination, not winning a search ranking. Tell the Utica Phoenix which character you expect to see in your neighborhood and share your favorite locally made costume.
