This story originally appeared on Out.
It's officially Gay Halloween, and the gays are doing what they do best: turning obscure pop culture references, iconic movie moments, and completely unhinged ideas into costumes that deserve their own standing ovations.
While some people are content throwing on a pair of cat ears and calling it a night, queer celebrities and creators are taking Halloween to another level. And with Halloween still ahead of us (as of this writing), the festivities are only getting started.
Scroll to see some of our favorite costumes of 2026 so far.
Danceteria lyric
Now this is a deep cut for Madonna fans! Instagram user @thebielordeal took inspiration from the Queen of Pop's song "Danceteria," transforming into the lyric about seeing actress Debi Mazar in an elevator. Complete with a homemade elevator frame and a photo of Mazar herself, this hilariously specific costume is gay Halloween at its finest.
Schitt's Creek
The Schitt's Creek gang is back! A group of creators brought the Rose family back to life with a hilarious Schitt's Creek-inspired Halloween video. From David's signature style to Moira's dramatic wardrobe and Alexis's unmistakable attitude, the group understood the assignment.
Bodybuilder
Zane Phillips is giving fans some Halloween inspiration, and let's just say we're paying attention.
The actor recreated Eddie's look from the 2026 sports drama Test, starring Brock Yurich, complete with the character's tight "Property of Jesus" T-shirt, cutoff sleeves, and short shorts.
In the film, Eddie is an aspiring bodybuilder struggling to reconcile his ambitions with his conservative religious upbringing.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter
Don't dream it. Be it!
Dove Cameron paid tribute to one of cinema's most iconic queer characters by dressing as Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
With a curly black wig, dramatic makeup, fishnets, and a corset-inspired ensemble, Cameron delivered a glamorous take on the character made famous by Tim Curry.
Miss J Alexander and Jay Manuel
Rickey Thompson and Ian Raymond are giving us a fierce blast from the past! The duo dressed as Miss J Alexander and Jay Manuel, the iconic runway coach and creative director from America's Next Top Model. Complete with coordinating black-and-white outfits, matching ANTM folders, and plenty of attitude, these two are ready to judge your runway walk!
White Chicks
Somebody cue "A Thousand Miles!" RuPaul's Drag Race winners Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change transformed into Brittany and Tiffany Wilson from the 2004 comedy White Chicks. Rocking blonde wigs, pink and blue ensembles, and the characters' signature over the top expressions, the drag superstars brought the cult-classic comedy to life in a fabulous Halloween photo shoot.
Kristi and Bryan Noem
Digital creator Cody Barlow dressed up as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, complete with voluminous brown hair, a MAGA-style hat, and a tactical vest reading "FUCK ICE." The costume gets even better with a friend dressed as Noem's husband, Bryon, sporting a mustache, pink shorts, and a perfectly posed leg.
SATC
And just like that... the Old Gays became the ladies of Sex and the City! The beloved social media foursome transformed into Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York, and Miranda Hobbes for Halloween, bringing their signature humor to the iconic HBO series. From fabulous wigs to Carrie's signature tutu, these old gays are giving us the crossover we never knew we needed!
Troy Bolton
Go WILDCATS!
Trisha Paytas is channeling her inner Troy Bolton this Halloween, recreating Zac Efron's iconic basketball look from High School Musical.
Complete with a red Wildcats jersey, basketball, and some dramatic poses, Paytas looks ready to break into "Get'cha Head in the Game" at any moment.
Molly the Bird
And the award for most obscure Halloween costume goes to...
Creator Sarang Paraskar dressed as Molly, the singing bird automaton from Brooklyn's Art of Play.
"She is the moment. She is booked and busy. She is WALL-MOUNTED," says Paraskar.
For anyone unfamiliar with the reference, Molly is a singing bird automaton that reportedly became the subject of an unusual controversy involving Kelly Clarkson.
Poison Ivy
Demi Lovato is looking dangerously gorgeous as DC Comics villain Poison Ivy! The singer went all out with fiery red hair, a leafy green bodysuit, and intricate floral details. With dramatic makeup and sultry poses, Lovato brought one of Batman's most iconic villains to life.
Dakota & Ellen
"Actually, no, that's not the truth, Ellen!" Comedians Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone recreated one of the most iconic awkward moments in daytime television history, dressing as Ellen DeGeneres and Dakota Johnson during their infamous 2019 interview. From the outfits to the winter-themed set, the duo perfectly captured the viral exchange in which Johnson called out DeGeneres for claiming she wasn't invited to her birthday party.
Phish Boy
Janelle Monáe never does Halloween halfway, and this year is no exception! Known for going all out with elaborate, jaw-dropping costumes, the singer and actor debuted an original creation called "PHISH BOY," a creepy fish-human hybrid complete with bulging eyes, sharp teeth, and scaly skin. The terrifying transformation is part of Monáe's Creature Carnival, proving once again that Halloween is practically their second career!
Woody
There's a new sheriff in town, and it's Troye Sivan! The pop star dressed up as Woody from Toy Story, rocking the character's signature cowboy hat, cow-print vest, red bandana, and gold sheriff's badge. Sivan captioned the look "Spirit Halloween woody."
Send Help!
Leave it to Todrick Hall to turn a last-minute Halloween predicament into a costume.
The singer and performer appeared on the streets of New York dressed as an enormous handwritten note asking for help making a Halloween costume.
The message, signed "XOXO Todrick," asks anyone handy with a glue gun to slide into his DMs.
Deborah & Ava
Some people dress as witches for Halloween. Others dress as Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels pretending to be lesbian lovers.
Two creators recreated a hilariously specific moment from Hacks, complete with golf attire and the characters' signature dynamic.
It's exactly the kind of niche reference that makes gay Halloween so special.
Rush
Now this is Gay Halloween! Drag queen Athena turned herself into a walking bottle of Rush poppers, rocking a skintight yellow mini dress with the iconic red lightning bolt logo, glossy red gloves, and a matching red cap. It's giving high fashion meets gay nightlife, and we're obsessed!
Pika Walk of Shame
Gotta catch 'em all! DJ Diplo got into the Halloween spirit by slipping into a bright yellow Pikachu costume. In a hilarious video captioned "I'll text you," the shirtless DJ is seen getting dressed as the beloved Pokémon character while seemingly sneaking out after a one-night stand on November 1.
Evil Dead
Drag queen Jade Jolie brought the horror this Halloween with a terrifying, blood-soaked transformation. Sporting messy red hair, gruesome makeup, and a sinister smile, Jolie looked like she stepped straight out of a supernatural horror movie. Fans in the comments were quick to draw comparisons to Evil Dead Rise.
Scream!
Keke Palmer and her 3-year-old son, Leo, are keeping it all in the family this Halloween!
The mother-son duo recreated Janet and Michael Jackson's iconic 1995 "Scream" music video look, complete with matching black outfits, dramatic hairstyles, and a black-and-white photo shoot inspired by the original.
"You will take over the family business, your way, someday," Palmer wrote on Instagram, adding, "My SCREAM come true."
Finger
Alex Consani has officially won the award for one of the most bizarre Halloween costumes we've seen this year.
The model transformed herself into a giant finger, complete with an enormous fingernail, while wearing a fitted red outfit and carrying a black handbag.
Her Instagram caption? "One in the stink."
We'll leave the rest to your imagination.
Clown
Out100 honoree Andrés Rigal is getting into the Halloween spirit with a clown costume.
Rigal is embracing the theatrical side of spooky season with a playful look that fits right into this year's delightfully over-the-top Halloween festivities.
After all, what's Halloween without a little clowning around?
A Heated Moment
The gays are getting creative this Halloween! TikToker @rayrayb19 recreated a viral behind-the-scenes video of Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie dancing to Madonna's "Like a Prayer" in a yard during his Interview magazine photoshoot. Complete with a Gold's Gym crop top, blue athletic shorts, and a water bottle, the costume proves that even the most niche queer internet moments deserve their own Halloween tribute.
Susan Dell and Sen. Mitch McConnell
Now this is political Halloween satire! Two revelers at Washington, D.C.'s annual High Heel Race dressed as Susan Dell and Sen. Mitch McConnell, complete with a red dress, blonde wig, and wheelchair. The duo brought some hilariously shady political humor to one of D.C.'s most beloved LGBTQ+ Halloween traditions.
Nun
Holy hotness! Colby DeMarco put a sinful spin on a traditional nun costume, pairing a black-and-white habit and cross necklace with red lace lingerie and matching thigh-high stockings. Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned!
The Fifth Element
Cara Delevingne brought some serious sci-fi nostalgia to Halloween, transforming into Leeloo, Milla Jovovich's iconic character from the 1997 cult classic The Fifth Element. With a fiery orange bob and the character's signature white outfit, the model and actress absolutely nailed the futuristic look.
What a Devil
Out100 honoree Karim Diané is bringing the heat this Halloween! The actor and singer transformed into a fashionable devil, rocking a sparkling red horned mask, a fluffy fur coat, and a matching red leather ensemble. It's giving devilishly handsome, and we're here for it.
Airplane Passenger
Remember the woman who went viral after claiming a fellow passenger wasn't real? Well, she's officially a Halloween costume! Creator Hagen Bach recreated Tiffany Gomas's infamous 2023 airplane meltdown, complete with a black tank top, ripped jeans, and an impressively dramatic reenactment of her viral outburst.
