From Jimothy to ‘Heated Rivalry’ these are the best pop culture costumes of 2026

Article content

Halloween is just a few weeks away, which means you still have time to put together something creative. I love a timely yet unique costume, so that fellow Halloween party-goers can still tell what I’m dressed as without it being too overdone. 

Article content

As 2026 has gone on, I’ve jotted down costume ideas that have popped into my head, all of which are a nod to a TV show, movie, celebrity or big moment during the year.

Article content

Article content

So, if you’re here because you’re looking for ideas, not only will I be sharing them, but I’ll be providing you with everything you need to bring these pop culture costumes to life. 

Sunset Cocktails with Patricia 

Widow’s Bay won big at this year’s Emmys, taking home 14 awards.

I will be the one to say those 14 awards were well deserved, and I loved the show so much I may watch it for a second time. If you too loved the series, you know how pivotal and well-done the sunset cocktails with Patricia scene was. From Patricia’s outfit and headdress to the surviving partygoers, I’ve put together a couple of looks you can rock for Halloween. 

Shop the pieces: 

Article content

Article content

Punch the Monkey 

If you were on the internet at all in 2026, you likely saw Punch the Monkey steal hearts around the world when videos went viral of the animal seemingly being “bullied’ by his fellow monkeys at a zoo in Japan. 

Well, you too can steal hearts this Halloween by dressing up as the lovable creature. 

Shop the pieces: 

Jimothy 

Speaking of animals that stole the hearts of millions, how could we leave out Jimothy, the special raccoon spotted in Seattle? If you’re Canadian, raccoons will already have a special place in your heart, surely. 

Shop the pieces: 

Showgirl 

I know Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl album was originally released in 2025, but the Encore edition came out recently, and a showgirl makes for a great costume so it still deserves a spot in this list. 

Shop the pieces: 

Article content

Hannah Montana

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special came out in 2026, so what better time to throw it back and dress up as the beloved TV character? 

Shop the pieces: 

Old School Justin Bieber 

Bieber-chella was a moment many people will never forget from 2026. I think reliving it by dressing as old school Justin Bieber is  simply iconic. 

Shop the pieces: 

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov

This can be a costume you do with someone else, or on your own if you pick one of the two main characters from one of 2026’s biggest shows, Heated Rivalry. Yes, the show came out in November 2025, but that was after Halloween and the popularity of the series only heightened as we entered 2026. 

Shop the pieces: 

Article content

Roman Gladiator from ‘The Odyssey’ 

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was one of the biggest films of 2026. I have a friend who saw it in theatres three times because he loved it that much. 

If you loved it too, dressing up as a Roman gladiator is a perfect Halloween costume. 

Shop the pieces: 

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Juicy Outfit 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day was another chart-topping movie from 2026 and Tom Holland as Peter Parker in a black crop top and Juicy Couture pants will live rent-free in my mind forever. Plus, it’s a hilarious costume. 

Shop the pieces: 

Why trust us: We research, test and vet so you don’t have to. Learn more about our methodology or subscribe to our newsletter for the best of Canoe delivered to your inbox. 

tlucas@postmedia.com

instagram.com/tayjeanluc

Article content