50+ Actually Scary Halloween Costumes for Terrorizing the Neighborhood Children (in a Wholesome Way)
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There are several reasons to love Halloween. For many, it’s a time to enjoy guilt-free, unrestricted quantities of Halloween candy and horror movies. For others, the joy of the holiday is hosting a yearly Halloween get-together with friends. And for some, Halloween offers a chance to petrify people with their selection of this year’s most popular scary Halloween costumes.
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For many reasons, finding the best scary Halloween costume can be challenging yet enjoyable. There are, of course, several decisions to make to arrive at the perfectly terrifying Halloween outfit.
Traditional vs. Contemporary Character: The first decision to make is choosing a traditional favorite, like a mummy, werewolf, vampire, and more. Alternatively, one might take on a contemporary character like Pennywise from It or Michael Myers from Halloween to make the most of their current popularity. There are, of course, positives and negatives to both, centering on how recognizable you want to be.
Solo vs. Group Costume: Secondly, you may choose to go as part of a group to a Halloween party or when you’re out and about. A group costume opens up avenues for more creative collaborations, but it can be tough to get everyone to agree. We’ve focused our selections on solo costumes, but there are plenty of great group costumes that will make everyone scream with fright.
Budget: It can be challenging to stick to your financial guns with fantastic makeup and professional-standard costumes. If the cash in your pocket doesn’t limit you, the sky’s the limit, and there are some genuinely spectacular scary costumes for sale.
Once you’ve decided on answers to the above, keep reading.
We’ve put together 50 of our favorite scary costumes for Halloween. This list includes options for all types of scares across classic and contemporary choices. You’ll also find quick outfits for last-minute Halloween costumes and other accessories you can add like fake blood, wigs, and other tidbits for a more committed look.
Scroll through our favorites and find the outfit you think will score you the most scares this Halloween. From bloody masks just screaming for extra fake blood to pop-culture callbacks like Chucky the doll, keep reading to find the year’s best scary Halloween costumes for anyone who enjoys a good jump scare.
Crooked Crow Masks Scary Weird Mask
BEST HANDMADE
Some of the scariest Halloween masks for men are handmade creations from Etsy. Like, just check out this wild-looking mask covered in raffia. With a spooky mask like this as part of your ensemble, scary Halloween costume ideas are endless. Will you be a scarecrow? Someone participating in The Purge? A burn victim covering his wounds? It’s all up to your imagination.
Crooked Crow Masks Scary Weird Mask
Ghoulish Productions Momo Mask
MOST TRENDY
You might remember the eerie Momo meme circulating the internet over the past few years. Well, now there’s a mask to bring the creepy, bug-eyed face with a sinister grin to life. This is easily one of the scariest masks imaginable, full stop.
Molezu Momo Meme Halloween Mask
Realistic Shrek Mask
BEST CHARACTER
Be honest: there’s something deeply unsettling about this Shrek mask. The beloved green ogre has become a fixture in pop culture (and meme culture), and while Shrek doesn’t have to be a scary costume, this Shrek mask most certainly hails from someewhere in the uncanny valley. The best scary Halloween costumes range from gory and macabre to hilariously absurd, and this Halloween costume idea is definitely in the latter camp.
Realistic Shrek Mask
Scary Animal Bloody Pig Latex Mask
BEST ANIMAL MASK
Here’s another terrifying animal costume, and there’s nothing humorous about this scary pig mask. You’ll surely scare a few vegans away with this getup and probably a few others with this bloody swine exterior. With droopy, bloody eyes and a slightly open mouth, you’ll win the prize at the state fair for “creepiest” or get blood splashed on you by PETA. Either way, it’s sure to be an eventful evening.
Scary Bloody Pig Mask
Annabelle Costume
BEST MEME
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably heard through some hilarious Twitter memes that the haunted doll Annabelle escaped from her encased display at the Warren Occult Museum in Connecticut last year. Though that was just a rumor, there were loads of knee-slapping memes that came from the thought of her runaway, with photos of her in a bikini in the Bahamas to a TikTok skit imagining Annebelle’s post-escape phone call with the devil. That said, Annabelle will make an excellent costume this Halloween.
Annabelle Costume
Headless Horseman Costume
BEST HEADLESS HORSEMAN
Rocking a look this scary is a no-brainer. Literally. Proving that spooky doesn’t always have to include your face, this headless horseman costume is a shocking costume choice that will confuse at least a couple of people — trying to take it to the next level? We suggest you DIY a head to carry the whole night.
Sure, this classic headless horseman costume may not frighten many adults, but hand out candy to trick-or-treaters wearing this scary costume and you’ll be sure to terrorize the neighborhood children.
Headless Horseman Costume
Michael Myers Costume & Mask
BEST CLASSIC COSTUME
There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than watching the Halloween film franchise. Eleven feature films (and counting) suggest that while people remain scared by his seemingly endless love for murdering of everyone he encounters, the public simply can’t get enough of this character. With the latest installment still fresh on audience’s minds, Michael Myers costumes are always sure to be a big hit. This set comes with everything you need to transform into the psycho killer, including a jumpsuit with realistic bloodstains, a Michael Myers mask, and a plastic knife. We’ve also included a realistic Michael Myers mask, if you don’t want a full costume.
Adults Michael Myers Costume
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Hophen Scary Halloween Mask
BEST ZOMBIE
Folks will be absolutely petrified seeing you walk up to their doors with this scary zombie mask. Designed with pointed ears and a melted mouth, the mask is a terrifying sight all on its own. The one size fits all design is made of high-quality latex that’s comfortable and breathable, fitting any wearer
Hophen Scary Halloween Mask
Eyeless Jack Morphsuit
BEST CREEPYPASTA
Running into one of these on Halloween night in a dark alley might take the cake. This Eyeless Jack Morphsuit is terrifying and is the perfect costume if you want to lose your identity for a night and freak people out. The suit is made with 4-way stretch with reinforced stitches at stress points so you can move how you need to. It’s also designed so you can easily breathe and even drink through it.
Eyeless Jack Morphsuit
Moonideal Halloween Light-Up Purge Mask
BEST LAST-MINUTE COSTUME
The Moonideal Halloween Light Up Mask is simple yet effective. It’s available in orange, purple, red, or green and looks scary enough in the light with its cross-stitched eyes and mouth. However, when the lights go off, the mask comes to life as the wire used for the eyes, mouth, and outer lining is Electroluminescent (EL) Wire, delivering a haunting, in-your-face look that’s hard to miss. The mask can easily work by itself or combine with other costumes to boost the impression. This is a great choice for low-light events like discos, raves, and evening events.
Read More: The Best Last-Minute Halloween Costumes
Moonideal Halloween Light Up Mask
It: Chapter Two Tattered Pennywise Costume
BEST PENNYWISE COSTUME
No matter what year it is, a Pennywise costume is a standout every Halloween. Like, come on. That dude is way too creepy. There are tons of Pennywise costumes to choose from online, but this one is taking the top spot for us right now. Just looking at that face is giving us the shivers. This is a terrifyingly scary Halloween costume for men year after year.
It Chapter Two Tattered Pennywise Costume
Creepy Metallic Apocalyptic Halloween Mask
CREEPIEST MASK
With its intimidating mechatronic exterior and skull-patched eyeballs, this apocalyptic mess of veins will turn some heads at your next Halloween party. It’s a handmade piece from Etsy with plenty of intricate detail, so you won’t need many other elaborate costume pieces to pull off a great look. Just a black sweatshirt or jeans will suffice.
Creepy Halloween Masquerade Mask
Horrifyingglow Mask
CHANGING MASK
This face-transforming LED mask contains over 2,000 individual LED lights that can be customized via an app on your phone. The lights feature four display modes: Text Editing, DIY Graffiti Design, Pattern Animation, and Music Rhythm, in which the lights dance to sound. There are also 45 animations as well as 70 pictures stored in the mobile application for an array of changes that are sure to spook everyone you encounter.
Horrifyingglow Mask
Scary Halloween Mask – Killer Teddy Bear
Like a furry’s worst nightmare come to life, this bloody teddy bear mask could help you create the perfect scary Halloween costume. (It also comes in a rabbit version, if that seems scarier to you.) And unlike most cheap Halloween masks, this particular mask has hundreds of positive reviews from Amazon shoppers, and we think you can purchase with confidence. Available via Amazon Prime for just $20, it’s a cheap and easy Halloween costume for guys hoping for last-minute scares.
Scary Bear Halloween Mask
Infected Adult Zombie Mask
INFECTED ZOMBIE MASK
Nothing is more terrifying than a zombie with an appetite for human flesh. Year after year, realistic zombies are some of the best scary Halloween costumes, provided you go all-in on this costume idea. If your makeup skills leave something to be desired, then this ravenous zombie mask is absolutely savage. The bloody full-face mask — complete with lifeless black eyes, bulging veins, and a bloody mouth — looks like a Hollywood effects studio created it. It’ll have everyone running for the hills.
Infected Adult Zombie Mask
Leather Plague Doctor Mask
TOO SOON
Whether you’re aware of the origins of this costume or not, it’s hard to deny that it gives off a genuinely creepy air. According to legend, this creepy bird-like mask was initially designed and worn by doctors treating the bubonic plague. And considering that we all just survived a plague of our own, this Leather Plague Doctor Mask will give people the creeps on All Hallows’ Eve. Is it in good taste? Maybe not. Is it a terrifying Halloween costume? There’s no doubt about it.
duduta Leather Plague Doctor Mask
Morphsuit Mask
BEST BLANK
We know you know the Morphsuit look at this point. Creep up behind someone wearing this scary Halloween mask, and you’re sure to give them a scare — you don’t even have to say “Boo!” While there aren’t many people sporting them during Halloween anymore, this blank mask is an excellent and unsettling way to throw together a last-minute Halloween costume. You don’t have to do too much with this one; we suggest maybe thrifting an old-timey suit and briefcase and stay silent the whole night. We promise you’ll freak some people out.
Morphsuit Mask
Spirit Halloween Adult Haunting Scarecrow Costume
MOST FESTIVE
“What’s that in the cornfield?” Whatever it is, you will surely not want to find out. This undead scarecrow costume comes with gear covering you from top to bottom. The set includes a two-in-one shirt, belt, gloves, mask, hat, and pants, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Spirit Halloween Adult Haunting Scarecrow Costume
Donald Trump Mask
BEST POLITICAL
The 45th President of the United States is perhaps the most divisive figure in the history of the world. For progressives, the mere sight of his orange countenance and blonde hair is enough to scare you. For conservatives, there’s nothing more satisfying than scaring liberals. So if you’re looking for a scary Halloween costume that’s 100% guaranteed to trigger people, this is it. Can you say uncanny valley?
Donald Trump Mask
Ghoulish Masks Smiley Stitches Monster
CREEPIEST SMILE
Don’t frown! This smiley creeper elevates any traditional mask to the next level. With a daunting, noseless happy face, dark bloody eyes, and an exaggerated sinister stitched-up smile, this mask will send shivers down anyone’s spine. Pair it with a dapper suit, and you’ll have a super scary Halloween costume for men this year.
Ghoulish Masks Smiley Stitches Monster
Blurp Charlie Latex Mask
GROSS
The Blurp Charlie Mask is a vision straight out of your worst nightmare. This full-on latex mask features bulging eyes with Charlie throwing up a human skull as his gross and long tongue hangs beneath.
Blurp Charlie Latex Mask
Adult Demon Reaper Costume
BEST DEMON COSTUME
Somebody call a priest because this costume might require an exorcism. The demonic look comes with a hooded reaper robe and a blood-splattered, pointy-eared mask that will have even the darkest creatures of the underworld growling.
Related: Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Men
Adult Demon Reaper Costume
Hugz The Clown Costume
MOST SINISTER
Although you might see a scary clown costume one or two times in this round-up, none have as sinister an intention as Hugz the Clown. From the horrifying mask to the blood-splattered onesie topped off with a “Free Hugz!” sign dangling around the costume’s front, scare the hell out of local kids and neighbors this year with a look that will have them running for their lives.
Hugz The Clown Costume
Kvvdi Blank Face Mask
BEST VALUE
Could you imagine walking down the street and seeing someone wearing this? Even though it’s a straightforward mask, it’s still downright creepy. The plain white mask has an elastic strap and a foam pad on the forehead to keep the emotionless face snug.
Related: Best Cheap Halloween Costumes
Kvvdi Blank Face Mask
CreepyParty Releastic Baby Mask
BEST SCARY BABY
Boohoo. A crying baby. But, this isn’t just any crying baby. Unlike the whines and cries you’d get from a real-life infant, this stuck-crying baby mask is terrifying. It’s oversized to fit your adult head and will surely get laughs and cowers from onlookers.
CreepyParty Releastic Baby Mask
California Costumes Men’s Werewolf Costume
BEST WEREWOLF COSTUME
Halloween falls on a full moon this year, so if you’ve ever contemplated dressing as a werewolf, this is the year to do it! Now it’s time for the beast to come out and play. Pair this mask, glove, and shirt combo with some ripped jeans, practice your howls, and you’ll be good to go.
California Costumes Men’s Werewolf Costume
Realistic Gorilla Costume
SCARIEST ANIMAL
For whatever reason, there is truly nothing scarier than a humungous gorilla charging at you in the middle of the night. It’s probably because it seems the most realistic in a way. Did it escape from a nearby zoo? Did you accidentally cross into another dimension that accidentally brought you to a rainforest? This is the kind of scary Halloween costume that could be funny or downright terrifying — it’s all about the vibes.
Goofy gorilla holding a banana? Silly fun. A deathly quiet gorilla standing quietly behind you? Creepy AF.
Realistic Gorilla Costume
Leka Neil Old Man Mask
CREEPIEST OLD PERSON
This highly detailed old man mask will have you screaming “get off my lawn” at the neighborhood kids in no time. The creepy mask uses a soft, non-toxic latex material that pays extra close attention to the details around the cheeks and nose — making it eerily realistic.
Leka Neil Old Man Mask
CASACLAUSI Jason Mask
BEST YEAR AFTER YEAR
You may not have realized it, but the original mask used in the 1980 Friday the 13th film was modeled from a Detroit Red Wings goalie mask. This visual would become one of the most recognizable Halloween costumes over the years and remains that way, even today. In this CASACLAUSI Jason Mask, you’ll be able to become the face behind the mask and also have the choice of six different colors for your spin.
Jason Costume Mask
Trick or Treat Studios Upside Down Mask
THE KOOKIEST COSTUME
If you want a quick and creepy answer to your Halloween costume this year, try this Trick or Treat Studios Upside Down Mask. In your hands, it may appear just like any other weird mask, but it’s only when you put it on that you’ll realize the true beauty of the face cover. The head is mounted upside down, meaning the eyes are down and the mouth is up. It’s a costume that creates severe discomfort in onlookers because they are witnessing something truly unnatural. Add in a few painful screams, and you’re sure to give kids (and adults) some sleepless nights.
Trick or Treat Studios Upside Down Mask
Fun World Men’s 3D Zombie Costume
BEST UNDEAD
Go full-on zombie apocalypse with this 3D zombie costume. It features exposed bones and decaying flesh to sell the look. This set comes with pants, a shirt, a pair of gloves, and a mask with a wig.
Fun World Men’s 3D Zombie Costume
Adult Psycho Straitjacket
BEST STRAIGHTJACKET
Make it look like you’ve just escaped the ward to celebrate Halloween this year with this costume straitjacket suited for all things unhinged. Whether you’re headed to a Halloween party, giving candy to kids, or roaming around town, you’ll need a helping hand at some point. You know, since you won’t be able to use your hands.
Asylum Straitjacket Halloween Costume
H&ZY Halloween Hooded Cloak
CREEPIEST COSTUME
There are few things scarier in the world than the unknown. And by putting this H&ZY Unisex Tunic Halloween Hooded Cloak over you, bystanders will have no idea what lies beneath. Such mystique gives the cloak versatility for Halloween and other occasions, like masquerades and costume parties. It can also be worn without additional accessories, making it a great last-minute costume idea. Alternatively, it can be paired with an even scarier mask or face paint for a truly terrifying reveal.
Rubie’s Scary The Nun Movie Deluxe Costume
BEST HORROR COSTUME
Did you know the nun from The Conjuring movie was so scary that they gave her her own movie called The Nun? You can channel that same horror with Rubie’s Scary The Nun Movie Deluxe Costume, which is surprisingly affordable for a complete set. It comes with a full habit, a veil and a mask for a terrifying look. And even though nuns are traditionally women, this costume is officially unisex, and a tall or built man will certainly make the outfit look imposing and noticeable.
Rubie’s Scary The Nun Movie Deluxe Costume
CreepyParty Deluxe Dog Head Mask
MOST REALISTIC
Sometimes scary doesn’t have to be complicated or clever. You just imagine something creepy and make it. Enter the CreepyParty Deluxe Dog Head Mask. Shockingly realistic, you can pair this mask with regular, human clothes for a confusingly creepy costume. Anatomically, the mask has a poodle’s fur, snout, and piercing eyes. While this isn’t the type of mask usual nightmares are made of, it will surely inspire a few after you wear it to the Halloween party. Like we said, sometimes scary is simple.
CreepyParty Deluxe Dog Head Mask
Halloween Monster Mask
BEST MONSTER
This sharp-toothed monster mask will give you chills the moment you look at it. It’s made of 100% latex that’s both nontoxic and comfortable. The design is sized to fit most teens and adults ages 14 and up for a night of spooky Halloween fun.
Halloween Monster Mask
Disney Men’s Oogie Boogie Vinyl Mask
MOST NOSTALGIC
We’re willing to bet that if you’ve seen the Nightmare Before Christmas, you’ve always been a little scared of the Oogie Boogie Man. After all, anything that could be so cruel to Santa deserves a little fear. Bring that feeling to your Halloween party this year with this Oogie Boogie Vinyl Mask. If your friends aren’t too scared, they’ll be nostalgic about their favorite animated Halloween movie.
Disney Men’s Oogie Boogie Vinyl Mask
Squid Game Halloween Costume
THROWBACK
Get dressed up in these costumes inspired by one of Netflix’s most-watched series of 2021 to give neighbors, family, and friends a creepy, of-the-moment surprise. Nobody is scarier than the red enforcers, and we’ve got a spot-on mask and dark pink getup below to have you looking the part.
Disguise Netflix Official Squid Game Masks
Halloween Adult Red Jumpsuit
Adult Chucky Costume
BEST FOR SCREAMS OF SURPRISE
You might think dressing up is child’s play, and once you’ve put on this Adult Chucky Costume, you’d be correct. The kit includes a jumpsuit to transform you into everyone’s favorite creepy little doll with a passion for killing. Add your choice of weapon to complete the look, and consider occasionally appearing out of nowhere to give your friends a fright to get into character.
Adult Chucky Costume
LEKA NEIL Zombie Mask
MOST GORY
Complete any old zombie look with this realistic-looking, gory-as-hell mask that looks like it’s falling apart in front of your eyes. The flesh on this thing looks like it is disintegrating from the face and sliding right off. Add the right, ripped-up, bloodied pair of Salvation Army jeans and a tee to pull this look together and make it look like you crawled right from the dead.
LEKA NEIL Zombie Mask
Zagone Studios Supersoft Doa Mask
MOST WRINKLY
Is that grandpa or a super wrinkly mask for Halloween? The world may never know. This extra-saggy mask for Halloween is realistic enough to fool (and spook) tons of people in your neighborhood. Wear it with everyday clothing, or make it even creepier by adding blood and a cloak to make it a super scary Halloween costume for men.
Zagone Studios Supersoft Doa Mask
Rubie’s Costume Screaming Corpse Overhead Mask
BEST MELTING
I’m melting; I’m melting! Although no part of this mask resembles The Wizard of Oz in the slightest, this skin-melting mask is an excellent embodiment of that line. Look like every aspect of your face’s skin is melting with this terrifyingly gory mask. Maybe add some fake blood and get the ball rolling with this one!
Rubie’s Costume Screaming Corpse Overhead Mask
California Costumes Sadistic Scarecrow Costume
BEST GROUP COSTUME
“Dorothy, where’s Toto?” It turns out Scarecrow might have eaten him, especially if this California Costumes Sadistic Scarecrow Costume is anything to go by. Of course, there’s no evidence to suggest the two are related, but this high-quality costume could easily become part of a mutated Wizard of Oz group costume. The outfit comes with a plaid shirt, burlap collar, a hat and a waist tie. For further gruesomeness, add fake blood and a pitchfork.
The Goonies Sloth Mask
MOST LOVABLE
You can’t hate on Sloth, even if he is a little terrifying at first — which makes him a great scary Halloween costume. The Goonies portrays Sloth as the classic bad guy that’s actually good, but we can’t lie; we were still spooked when first introduced to his character. If you’re trying to get some scared looks from those who don’t know and a couple of “awwwws” from those who do, throw this mask on and call it a night.
The Goonies Sloth Mask
Inflatable Reaper Costume
MOST COMICAL
We know you’re still young and (relatively) innocent, but we’re afraid it’s your time to go. In this Inflatable Reaper Costume, you’ll find that the Reaper has you in his deathly clutches, and your outlook is pretty bleak. Luckily, we’re pretty sure he’s a reasonable guy and willing to let you have the whole Halloween night for fun before you have to head off to the other side. Add the Reaper’s famous death sickle for a more recognizable look.
Inflatable Reaper Costume
Dark Harvest Ani-Motion Mask
BEST ANIMATED
This creepy, gnarled gourd mask evokes a jack-o-lantern that nobody will want to carve, and it’s made with Ani-Motion technology that gives it lifelike features for extra movements and extra terror. The lips can open and close and snarl as you freak out the other guests at the party and make them swear off pumpkin spice lattes for life! When it comes to scary Halloween costumes, this one perfects the balance between festive and scary.
Dark Harvest Ani-Motion Mask
PartyHop Frog Mask
BEST AMPHIBIAN
Ribbet … Ribbet … Go full-on amphibian for a night with this slimy-looking frog costume that takes the game to another level. You’ve probably heard of that conspiracy theory, the one that explains alien reptilians have taken over the world? The most ridiculous conspiracy theory on the planet? Reimagine the conspiracy as if it were frogs instead and hop around your neighborhood. Start practicing your croaking now.
PartyHop Frog Mask
Rubie’s Deluxe Frankenstein Adult Costume
MOST TRADITIONAL
Frankenstein’s monster is an infamous scary Halloween costume for men for a reason: He’s creepy and super recognizable. If you’re looking for a convincing Frankenstein costume this Halloween, this isn’t it. Frankenstein was the creator, not the monster. However, this costume is a great way to look like Frankenstein’s famous creature creation. The Rubie’s Deluxe Frankenstein Adult Costume comes with everything you need to look the part, including a headpiece, a padded jacket, and pants.
Rubie’s Deluxe Frankenstein Adult Costume
Donnie Darko Frank the Bunny Costume
BEST SPLURGE
Finding anything else scary enough to stand alongside these creepy creatures like clowns, the reaper, and Michael Myers, would seem challenging. That is until you look at this scary rabbit costume inspired by the cult classic, Donnie Darko. This full-body suit looks like a zombified science project seeking revenge and is an easy way to scare everyone (including yourself, should you look in the mirror while wearing it). This costume includes a faux-fur jumpsuit, a mask, attached mitts, and it would pair well with a knife, ax, or possibly a pointy carrot for a complete and intimidating look.
Donnie Darko Frank the Bunny Costume
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