Spooky season didn’t disappoint this year. Halloween 2025 might go down as the year celebs really committed, whether it was for laughs, screams, or a nostalgic costume throwback. From DIY looks to full FX transformations. Nevertheless, I did not have Ed Sheeran dresses as the iconic scary movie clown Pennywise on my costume bingo card.
From professional photo shoots to blurry mirror selfies. Here’s a closer look at the celebrity costumes that went all in, listed in no particular order, but all worthy of at least a scroll-by double-tap.
Ed Sheeran Dresses As Pennywise
We have to start here. Ed Sheeran showing up as a terrifyingly convincing Pennywise has to be one of my favorites. The singer’s face paint, wig, and unsettling smile screamed new horror movie vibes more than pop star party. But what was particularly hilarious was how he showed off the look on his Instagram. The singer shared a carousel of images and videos of him sitting down and enjoying tea in a busy cafe and trying to enjoy a slice of pizza while being nearly blown away by the wind. He nailed it:
This look might not have been on my bingo card, but it stole my heart. Down here, you’ll float too, because Sheeran does.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Channels A DIY Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda gave us budget brilliance in the best way. In a series of images posted to social media, Miranda donned his Hamilton look using only items from his wife’s closet and a few paper towels; he dubbed it “Hamilleween.” Check it out below:
The Grammy winner gets bonus points for the earnest pose. Theater kids everywhere will surely feel seen.
Kerry Washington Dazzles As Django
Kerry Washington dressed as Jamie Foxx’s character from (the deeply satisfying) Django Unchained and, in her pics below, she reminds us “the D is silent…” and somehow makes frontier Western wear look like high fashion:
From the cowboy hat to the green coat and pistol, it was a powerful twist on a gritty classic.
Janelle Monáe Transforms Into A Terrifying Vampire
For the annual Wondaween bash, Janelle Monáe took to her Instagram and was all in on her “Vampires at the Beach” theme. As you can see for yourself, she’s dressed in full garb and absolutely crushed this look:
Monáe looks horrifying, but also makes the undead look ready for a poolside brunch.
Paris Hilton Has Nine Lives And Zero Regrets As Catwoman
Paris Hilton went as my favorite Catwoman, Michelle Pfeiffer’s, and no detail was spared. From the stitched leather bodysuit to the crimson lipstick and whip, it was pure ’90s Gotham glam. Selina Kyle would be proud of the fantastic photo spread, as well as the video showing the pop culture icon suited up and swinging her whip in the posted videos and pics. See the full photo shoot below:
Needless to say, this costume is the cat’s meow! (Sorry, I’ll see myself out now.)
Mindy Kaling Channels Andie Anderson
Mindy Kaling brought rom-com realness, channeling Kate Hudson’s Andie from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in a great transformation video. Watch her transition game to see how charming it is:
That iconic yellow dress? Recreated. The updo? Nailed. The vibe? Peak 2003.
Keke Palmer And Her Son Become Snoop & Bow Wow
Keke Palmer and her son, Leodis, delivered one of the cutest (and coolest) sets of images of their family costumes. As can be seen below, the images show the two stepping out as Snoop Dogg and Lil’ Bow Wow in full throwback fashion. The mini sunglasses alone deserve their own award:
It’s cool when parents and their kids have coordinate costumes, but this one takes the cake.
Rei Ami Goes Straight K-Pop Demon Hunters
REI AMI dressed as her own animated character from one of the biggest hits of the year, Netflix’s record-breaking K-Pop Demon Hunters, complete with blades and vibrant armor. Her TikTok video is a perfect cross between cosplay and self-promo — and it worked. Don’t believe me, watch it below and make up your own mind:
The hype around this movie is surely alive and well, and, with others likely dressing up like the characters for cosplay, I don’t see that stopping anytime soon.
Hailee Steinfeld Goes as Her Sinners’ Character
Sinners is one of the best horror movies of recent years, and thanks in part to the incredible performance of its cast, including Hailee Steinfeld. The actress slipped into her character’s 1990s signature jacket and fangs from the final moments in Sinners, and in her posted pics (see below), she’s giving a low-key but instantly recognizable nod to her cinematic alter ego:
Chic, sharp, and with just a hint of menace. Hailee Steinfeld understood the assignment and completely slayed.
Heidi Klum Dominates As Medusa
The undisputed Queen of Halloween, Heidi Klum, outdid herself yet again—this time transforming into a full-bodied Medusa for her annual Halloween bash. With coiled snakes, textured scales, and a dramatic mermaid-length tail, the look was nothing short of mythical. In a video interview with Entertainment Tonight shared to their Instagram, Klum revealed the transformation, which you can see in her Instagram post below, took five months to design and build. Now that’s commitment.
As spooky season fades, these celebrity looks are sure to linger far beyond the candy haul. Sure, stars might be “just like us,” but when Halloween rolls around, they come armed with full glam squads, prosthetics, and apparently—zero fear. So let’s tip our hats to Ed Sheeran and co. for their work this spooky season.
