Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes anymore, it’s become a full-on pop culture takeover. Every October, social media feeds, streaming platforms, and celebrity red carpets transform into a spooky stage, giving us everything from viral TikTok aesthetics to must-watch horror throwbacks. For UA students and young adults especially, use these Halloween trends as a chance to show off creativity, join in trending conversations, and live out their best spooky selves.
This blog breaks down the biggest Halloween trends taking over pop culture right now — from viral costume inspo and TikTok’s spooky side to playlists, movies, and how celebrities set the tone for what’s “in.”
So grab a pumpkin spice latte, throw on your coziest sweatshirt, and get ready to dive into the spookiest trends of 2025.
1. Halloween Costumes: From Celebrities to Campus Trends
If there’s one thing that defines Halloween pop culture every year, it’s costumes. They’re more than just outfits — they’re statements, memes, and inside jokes that capture the year’s biggest cultural moments.
- Celebrity Influence: Stars like Megan Thee Stallion, Kim Kardashian, and Doja Cat have turned Halloween into an unofficial runway. Their elaborate looks — often complete with custom designers, prosthetics, and full production shoots — set the tone for what goes viral. In 2024, Doja Cat’s hyper-realistic “Sims” costume literally broke the internet, inspiring thousands of DIY versions.
- TikTok’s Role: Instead of waiting for magazines to cover celeb looks, TikTok creators now compete to drop the first viral costume. On UA’s campus, you’ve probably already seen multiple takes on Barbie & Ken, Wednesday Addams, and even AI-inspired “robot chic.”
- Pop Culture Moments: Costumes inspired by Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, or the Oppenheimer vs. Barbie crossover are everywhere this year. They’re not just outfits — they’re commentary on what mattered most in culture.
2. TikTok Spooky Aesthetics
Halloween on TikTok is more than tutorials — it’s a vibe. Think moody lighting, candles, skeleton makeup, and a little background of “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” or Lana Del Rey’s Season of the Witch.
- #SpookyTok: With billions of views, #SpookyTok covers everything from mini haunted house tours to thrifted costume hauls. Students especially love budget-friendly looks, and TikTok has made that part of the culture.
- Day-to-Night Transitions: TikTok’s transformation trend (regular clothes → Halloween fit with a jump cut and special effects) is one of the easiest ways to join in.
- Campus-Specific Trends: For UA, think: Bryant-Denny Stadium witches, spooky sorority house decorations, and haunted library memes. TikTok thrives when people mix local culture with seasonal vibes.
This proves that TikTok isn’t just where trends are born — it’s where Halloween itself comes alive.
3. Horror Movies: Throwbacks and New Scares
No Halloween season is complete without movies. They set the tone for everything else — playlists, costumes, memes.
- Throwback Hits: Classics like Hocus Pocus, Halloween (1978), and The Nightmare Before Christmas continue to trend every October. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and perfect for group movie nights.
- New Releases: Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu drop fresh horror content every fall. In 2025, the buzz is around Haunted Hills: The Awakening (Netflix) and Smile 2 (Paramount+).
- Celebrity Tie-Ins: Stars often promote their own horror-inspired projects during October, making them part of both Hollywood marketing and campus conversations.
4. Music & Seasonal Playlists
What’s Halloween without the soundtrack? Seasonal playlists are as much a part of the culture as pumpkin carving.
- The Classics: Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Bobby Pickett’s Monster Mash, and Ghostbusters are timeless.
- Modern Additions: Billie Eilish (bury a friend), Olivia Rodrigo’s moodier tracks, and The Weeknd’s darker hits keep playlists fresh.
- TikTok Influence: Songs like This Is Halloween trend on TikTok annually, spiking streams on Spotify and Apple Music.
- Celebrity Curations: Some artists (like Megan Thee Stallion or Post Malone) even release special Halloween playlists that spark fan remixes and covers.
For UA students, these playlists often double as party soundtracks — connecting music with the social side of spooky season.
5. Celebrities as Pop Culture Trendsetters
Celebs aren’t just dressing up — they’re shaping Halloween itself.
- Red Carpet Looks: Annual events like Heidi Klum’s Halloween party become pop culture news cycles on their own. Each costume she debuts sets trends for years (her 2023 “giant worm” still gets reposted).
- Influencer Crossovers: Big influencers like Alix Earle, Charli D’Amelio, and Emma Chamberlain have joined celebs in pushing Halloween as a lifestyle brand. Their partnerships with makeup companies, fast fashion, and even candy brands make Halloween a billion-dollar economy.
- Campus Connection: Students often mimic these looks or remix them on a budget. It’s less about copying and more about joining the cultural moment.
6. Halloween as a Lifestyle
The biggest change in recent years? Halloween isn’t just a one-night holiday.
- Extended Aesthetic: From September through October, homes, dorm rooms, and Instagrams become haunted. Halloween is now a season, not just a day.
- Food & Drinks: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Dunkin’s Spider Donuts, and candy launches become pop culture events in themselves.
- Merch & Fashion: Halloween collabs — from Spirit Halloween meme merch to Target’s pop culture-inspired costumes — create viral shopping moments.
It’s safe to say Halloween has transformed into a lifestyle category in pop culture, right alongside Christmas and summer festivals.
Why This Matters for Pop Culture
For UA students and young adults, Halloween trends are more than costumes or spooky playlists — they’re about identity and belonging. Participating in these cultural conversations (through outfits, TikToks, or campus events) is a way to connect, be seen, and have fun.
Halloween has become a cultural mirror, reflecting what’s hot in music, TV, movies, and celebrity culture. If you want to know what mattered in 2025, just look at the top Halloween costumes and trending TikToks.
Conclusion
Halloween in 2025 is bigger than ever. From celebrity-inspired costumes and TikTok trends to movie marathons and party playlists, it’s clear that spooky season is now one of the most important pop culture events of the year.
So, if you’re still stuck on what to wear or watch, take a scroll through TikTok, peek at your favorite celeb’s Instagram, or dive into Spotify’s Halloween playlists. Chances are, you’ll find exactly what you need to join in the fun.
