29 Spellbinding Cosplay Costumes for 2025

If you’re heading to a convention or looking for new ideas, we've got cosplay costumes that will spark your creativity. These fun ideas will guide you as you dress up as your favorite characters and create outfits from scratch. Cosplay isn’t just about dressing up, it’s about community, confidence and escaping everyday life. According to the Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage, conventions are a place to meet other cosplayers and even learn makeup or sewing skills from others. It’s a great way to improve confidence and express yourself.

The beauty of a cosplay costume​ is that no matter your skill level or your size, you can enjoy feeling a connection to your favorite characters from movies, video games or anime. No matter what your inspiration is, there are plenty of cosplay costumes to express yourself and escape into your favorite fantasy world. Here are our favorite cosplay costumes to inspire your next look.

Jump to Section

• The Best Cosplay Costumes for Beginners
• Top Adult Cosplay Costumes​
• Creative Male Cosplay Costumes​
• Impressive Cosplay Costumes for Women​
• Fun Plus Size Cosplay Costumes
• Cosplay Costumes FAQs

The Best Cosplay Costumes for Beginners

1. Luffy from One Piece

One Piece is one of the most popular manga series ever created. The many adaptations have garnered many viewers and fans, so it makes sense that the characters would make a popular costume play cosplay​. Luffy or “Straw Hat,” is the protagonist and one of the most recognizable characters. And with his simple costume of a straw hat and red vest, it’s an easy one for beginners to recreate.

2. Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn might be one of the most famous anti-heroes in all of comics. That’s what makes her such a popular option for a cosplay. Plus, the character has many iterations and styles, so you’ll be able to choose one that best fits your cosplay look. If you opt for the Harley Quinn version from Batman: The Animated Series, it could work for a costume masquerade ball party.

3. Ash Ketchum from Pokémon

Pokémon is one of the world’s most iconic franchises, which makes it one of the best costumes for beginners. Ash Ketchum, in particular, is an easy character to recreate. A simple pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, a blue and white jacket and a red and white baseball cap are easy to source. Beginner cosplayers will have little trouble putting this outfit together.

4. Jack Sparrow

Captain Jack Sparrow from The Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best cosplay costumes if you’re looking to be creative. This beloved character provides an easy introduction to costume creation, offering numerous opportunities for improvisation. It can be a fun challenge to source the different pieces and put them together into a costumed look.

5. Naruto Uzumaki

Another favorite character is Naruto Uzumaki from the Japanese manga series Naruto. His signature orange jumpsuit and black headband would be easy for beginner cosplayers to recreate. If you don’t have blonde hair, this is also a great costume to try styling a wig for.

6. Wednesday Addams

With her signature braided pigtails, Wednesday Addams is an iconic and recognizable character. She’s also one of the best female cosplay costumes for beginners. A simple black dress with a bold white collar and her signature braided black hair is easy to recreate. It’s simple to recreate with store-bought or thrifted clothes.

7. Sabrina Spellman from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

For those who want to tap into their witchy side, Sabrina the Teenaged Witch is a great option. The recent Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a great reference, thanks to Sabrina’s signature blonde bob and black headband combination. Add a red velvet dress, and you have an easy cosplay. For something more elaborate, there are other versions of the character that are also easy to recreate.

Top Adult Cosplay Costumes​

8. Todoroki from My Hero Academia

As a popular anime, My Hero Academia has plenty of great characters to get inspired by. But Shoto Todoroki is one of the most iconic to dress up as. The split white and red hair and the burn scar over his eye make him one of the most easily identified characters. The unique hair and makeup opportunities make this one of the most fun adult cosplay costumes.

9. Black Knight from Elden Ring

As a popular video game, Elden Ring cosplay costumes will always be a great choice. But the Black Knight is a costume that would truly be impressive. Recreating the signature black armor and oversized weapons is sure to make this look like one of the best cosplay costumes of the entire convention.

10. Charlie Morningstar from Hazbin Hotel

Hazbin Hotel is a newer show that has already found a cult following. So, dressing up as one of the characters definitely makes it one of the best adult cosplay looks. It’ll also be relatively easy to recreate with a red suit and blonde wig. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to practice makeup skills to recreate her made-up face.

11. Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters

KPop Demon Hunters was a hit movie as soon as it was released. You’re bound to see Rumi cosplays around. Her bright purple ponytail and bold jacket would be a fun look to recreate. Add Mira and Zoey adult cosplay costumes for easy Halloween costumes for a trio.

Creative Male Cosplay Costumes​

12. Zuko

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a beloved show. But instead of going as Aang, opt for Zuko. The Fire Lord is an interesting character and also makes an interesting cosplay​ costume. Zuko is the perfect balance of creative and popular for a male cosplay.

13. Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch Lamperouge is a character from Code Geass. This is a relatively simple cosplay look to either shop for or make. A key part of his costume is a high-collar leather cloak, vest and signature mask. It’s a unique costume, though still recognizable to anime lovers.

14. Star-Lord

Star-Lord became popular in Guardians of the Galaxy and other Marvel movies. Because he’s so recognizable and relatively easy to recreate, he’s one of the best male cosplay costumes. Along with the signature red leather jacket, you can make this cosplay creative with a stuffed raccoon and a potted tree to serve as sidekicks.

15. Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is a tried and tested cosplay costume. And it also allows for a lot of creativity. You can recreate the iconic leather outfit from scratch and build the Scissorhands props from scratch. Plus, you can get creative with the hair and makeup to complete the outfit.

16. Geralt of Rivia

The Witcher is a fantasy drama with so much potential for male cosplay costumes​. Geralt of Rivia is one of the best characters to dress up as. It would be a creative challenge recreating the silver armor and making prop weapons to go along with the costume. This costume can test your costume and prop-making skills and allow you to use a variety of materials for your cosplay.

17. Blade

Another Marvel character that would make a cool cosplay costume play is Blade from the titular franchise. The dark superhero and vampire hunter is a cool option for comic lovers. A costume comprised of black leather armor and a long leather jacket can either be sewn or sourced from thrift stores.

Impressive Cosplay Costumes for Women​

18. A Heather from Heathers

Heathers offers one of the most unique cosplay costumes for women​. With a matching plaid skirt and blazer and a crochet mallet, it’ll be a cosplay costume that catches the eye. This also makes a great group outfit if you go with two other friends as all three Heathers.

19. Ann Takamaki

A character from Persona 5, Ann Takamaki, is one of the most impressive references for a costume and cosplay​. Her cool collegiate style would be easy to recreate with clothes from your closet or purchased from a store or thrift store. Alternatively, you could opt for her red jumpsuit look with blonde pigtails, if that’s more your style.

20. Sarah Connor

One of the most classic cosplay costumes is Sarah Connor from the Terminator series. It’s a simple outfit, but it will be an instant hit with fans of the franchise. Pulling off this simple costume well can be even more impressive than opting for a more elaborate one.

21. Yumeko Jabami

The Japanese manga Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler is a favorite for fans of the genre. The main protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, would make one of the coolest cosplay costumes. It’s easy to recreate with a black plaid skirt and red blazer. She’ll be unmistakable, especially with a long, black wig.

22. Raven from Teen Titans

Raven from Teen Titans will be one of the most recognizable cosplay costumes for women​. But for your costume to really wow the crowd, make sure that it’s constructed well. A sleek black bodysuit with an inky purple-blue cape recreates the look. But it’ll be the purple hair and sultry makeup that will really make this look stand out.

23. Mother Nature

While she’s not exactly a character, Mother Nature is a great cosplay costume. It can be an impressive costume when you get creative with it. Using faux greenery and vines, plus flowers, bugs and animals, you can make yourself look like a nature fae. 

Fun Plus Size Cosplay Costumes

24. Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service

A favorite Miyazaki film, Kiki’s Delivery Service, is a great inspiration for anime cosplay costumes​. A navy blue dress, red hair bow and broom accessory will complete this look. It’s easy to recreate for plus-size cosplayers because you can purchase or wear casual clothes that are comfortable and flattering.

25. Miss Piggy

An icon for decades, Miss Piggy is one of the best cosplay costumes for women of all sizes. Dress in a fabulous, sparkly gown, preferably pink, and add a feather boa. Finish the look with a blonde wig, glamorous makeup and a pig snout and ears. You can carry around a stuffed Kermit for a fun accessory.

26. Mayor of Halloweentown

If you’re looking for a spooky costume, the Mayor of Halloweentown is a unique option. This can be one of the easiest plus-size cosplay costumes with a suit and a tall hat. Paint masks as the Mayor’s various faces so you can switch them throughout the event.

27. Jessica Rabbit

Curves make this one of the best cosplay costumes for plus-size women. Jessica Rabbit is an iconic character and an easy cosplay costume to play because of her popularity. A red dress with a high slit, purple gloves and a sultry red wig are the base of this look. Add glamorous makeup to finish the transformation.

28. Violet Beauregarde

Funny Halloween costumes tend to build from a cool reference. Dress as Violet Beauregarde from either of the Chocolate Factory movies. For this costume and cosplay​, you can wear a blue sweatsuit and a blonde bob wig. Then, you can do your makeup with a blue nose as if she’s in the middle of the transformation.

29. Miss Argentina

Miss Argentina from the Beetlejuice movie can be recreated with a red dress, Miss Argentina's sash and a red wig in an updo. Don’t forget to paint your skin green to really finish off the look. It’s one of the most unique cosplay costumes and a fun reference for movie lovers.

Cosplay Costumes FAQs

Who Is the Easiest Character to Cosplay?

Characters who wear everyday clothes are easy to create a cosplay costume for. You can use clothes from your own closet or go shopping at a thrift store to recreate a look. For example, Team Rocket from Pokémon, Hataru from Sailor Moon or Black Canary from the DC Comics. These ideas also make great last-minute Halloween costume ideas.

What Are Some Good Cosplays?

Some of the best cosplays come from the most recognizable characters from a television show, movie or video game. Some of the best female cosplay costumes are Sailor Moon, Wednesday Addams and Lucy from Fallout TV. And some of the best male cosplay costumes include superheroes, Dipper from Gravity Falls and Doctor Who.

What Is the Most Popular Cosplay Right Now?

While there isn’t one singular popular cosplay costume, the most popular ones are often from the current popular TV shows, movies or books. At the moment, shows like KPop Demon Hunters and books like Fourth Wing are popular places to draw inspiration. Of course, choosing a popular character from a beloved piece of media will also be a popular choice. Consider inspiration from video games, such as Elden Ring​ cosplay costumes. Many cosplayers at conventions and online will recognize these types of characters.

What Is the Purpose of Cosplay?

Many cosplayers use cosplay as a form of self-expression and a way to express their creativity. People sew their own costumes and make their own props, which can be a fun and creative endeavor. Cosplay is also a wonderful way to be part of a community and meet people with similar interests. Many cosplayers draw inspiration from the same shows, movies and video games that inspire anime cosplay costumes​ and more. So, it’s easy to find people who enjoy watching or playing the same things. 

Unleash your creativity and take the form of your favorite character with fun cosplay costumes. Try your hand at sewing and creating props with foam to create cosplay costumes that feel like a transformation. And then take your creations to conventions and enjoy a community of other cosplayers. The possibilities are truly endless with cosplaying!

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