Coming up with a Halloween party theme [1] can be a real struggle. You don't want something so niche that your friends won't get it, but you also don't want your idea to be generic either. Plus, the Halloween costumes [2] for said theme should be easy and affordable [3] (and easy to move around in for those drinking games [4]). But fret not, because pop culture [5] offers a wealth of ideas for October parties. Keep reading for our list of the wackiest, spookiest, and most fun Halloween [6] party themes, from classic horror cinema [7] to 2000s pop culture [8].
Award Shows
Award shows such as the Grammys [9] and Oscars [10] offer some of the most memorable pop culture moments of the year. Whether your concept is a specific event or just award shows in general, this is an exciting theme to organise your party around since it gives people a chance to dress up in fun costumes and recapture celebrity looks, performances, and even mishaps. Roll out a faux red carpet and take some pictures to commemorate the night!
Music Videos
Music videos are a gold mine for costume ideas — just look at the rainbow treasure trove that is Taylor Swift [11]'s "You Need to Calm Down [12]." Also good? Missy Elliot [13] and Lady Gaga [14]'s truly fantastic music video repertoires.
Pantone Colour of the Year
Keep things simple with a colour theme. It's easiest to go with the Pantone Colour of the Year, which, for 2019, is living coral [15]. Chances are guests can probably find costume pieces in that colour anyway, since retailers have been hopping on the trend [16] all year long. This theme also gives you a clear-cut direction in terms of decorating — just find basic decor items in the colour!
Harry Potter
If there's a franchise that's perfect for Halloween [17], it's Harry Potter [18]. Unlike many elaborate fantasy fandoms, the spooky wizarding world has a relatively simple go-to look [19]: school uniforms, robes, and witch hats. Hosts can also draw from plenty of magical decoration and snack ideas [20] floating out there.
Romantic Comedies
Romantic comedies are both classic and trendy at the same time, recently undergoing a revival with beloved films such as Crazy Rich Asians and To All the Boys I've Loved Before [21]. Rom-com outfits also aren't too elaborate to put together either — the most involved undertaking would probably be a fancy dress like Rachel Chu's [22] from Crazy Rich Asians. On the hosting end, re-purpose last year's Valentine's Day decorations and set a playlist of love songs [23] for an added touch.
The '80s
Between big hair and neon leggings, the '80s offer many zany and exciting ideas in terms of decor and costumes. Plus, you don't have to go for pure '80s classics like Back to the Future or Ghostbusters — Netflix has been serving us some serious nostalgia through hits like GLOW [24] and Stranger Things [25]. Play '80s music and lean into the '80s aesthetic of bold colours and geometric shapes for decorations.
Disney
With all of the recent Disney reboots [26] and the advent of Disney+ [27], we should pretty much just admit that Disney owns pop culture. Disney decorations [28] and songs [29] aren't hard to find, and chances are that your guests have probably watched more than a handful of their movies already.
Classic Books
It's lit! Literally. From Goosebumps to Edgar Allan Poe, the possibilities are endless when it comes to outfit inspiration for a literature-themed party. Books also make excellent decoration props, whether you use them as centrepieces or party favours.
Memes
We live in chaotic times, but if we have a force that unites us, it's meme culture [30]. Whether it's Keanu Reeve's lovely gait from Always Be My Maybe or the yodeling kid at Walmart, the internet has truly blessed us with a bottomless well of LOLs. If you're feeling a little extra, print out your favourite memes as decor and blast meme songs (such as"Never Gonna Give You Up" or "All Star") to get in the modern jester mood this Halloween [31].
The 2000s
Between Justin and Britney's denim outfits and Lizzie McGuire's inner monologue self [32] in chunky sandals, the aughts gave us serious looks. Look through our favourite 2000s pop culture trends [33] and songs [34] for tube top-tastic party inspiration.