Men's Halloween costume inspiration for 2017...

This year I'm really struggling with my look for Halloween, and as the countdown has begun to the witching hour I thought I'd take look back at some of the cool costumes that have graced the big and small screen this past twelve months from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy and horror for inspiration.

Pennywise

One horror-themed costume I think will be in abundance, along with a sky full of red balloons, is Bill Skargård's Pennywise the clown from the new IT movie designed by Janie Bryant (and I'm sure more than a few examples of Tim Curry's 1990 mini-series version too).

Star-Lord

For something a little lighter and more marvelous, you could always go as Chris Pratt's cosmic Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 by Costume Designer Judianna Makovsky, or his Star-Lord look from the first movie with its distinctive mask.

Thor: Ragnarok

Plus another Marvel hero getting a refreshed wardrobe in his third solo outing this November is the Asgardian God of Thunder, with Chris Hemsworth receiving a cosmic gladiator makeover in Ragnarok courtesy of Costume Designer Mayes C. Rubeo. If you want a more traditional look for the mighty warrior though, you can also check out his cool Thor costume from Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Ghost Rider

From the world of Marvel's TV offering, the 'Robbie Reyes' version of Ghost Rider made his debut in the latest fourth season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., played by Gabriel Luna with costume design by Ann Foley. Pair this cool leather driving jacket with a skull mask and you've got a fierce look for any Halloween party.

Doctor Strange

If demonic costumes are not your style, then maybe another magical Marvel cinematic outfit would be more to your liking, Doctor Strange, designed by Alexandra Byrne. With your own Cloak of Levitation and Eye of Agamotto necklace you'll soon resemble Benedict Cumberbatch's Master of the Mystic Arts.

Newt Scamander

Meanwhile for another magical look, this time from the wizarding world of Harry Potter, then maybe Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander period wardrobe is the costume you're looking for, designed by Colleen Atwood. Just remember your wand and suitcase full of fantastic beasts to complete the illusion.

Assassin's Creed Aguilar de Nerha

If you're feeling daring and deadly this Halloween, maybe you'll take your inspiration from the video game-turned-movie, Assassin's Creed, and Michael Fassbender's master assassin Aguilar de Nerha, with costume design by Sammy Sheldon Differ.

Captain Cassian Andor

For more outer space inspiration maybe Diego Luna's Captain Cassian Andor is the heroic costume you're looking for from Star Wars: Rogue One.

Director Orson Krennic

But if you're thinking you'd prefer something more villainous for Halloween, them maybe Ben Mendelsohn's Imperial Director Orson Krennic will help inspire some fear amongst all the other scum and villainy. Both Rogue One looks were the creations of co-Costume Designers David Crossman and Glyn Dillon.

Beauty and the Beast's Lumière

And finally, if you're a romantic at heart then maybe this fairytale Lumière costume worn by Ewan McGregor and designed by Jacqueline Durrant for Disney's live-action musical, Beauty and the Beast, will make your heart soar.

Do these ten outfits I've spied on my travels at exhibits over the past year give you any pause for thought?

Last year I went to West Hollywood's Halloween festivities as Dead Robin and in previous years I've been a Zombie Wonder Woman and a Zombie Bride, so I really need to make my decision soon and get cracking.

For more men's Halloween costume ideas be sure to check out all these screen-worn costumes on display at previous movie and TV exhibits.

Meanwhile if you're looking for costume ideas for women then stay tuned in the days to come.

2019 Halloween costume ideas for men from film and TV...

If you're struggling for Halloween costume inspiration this year, then maybe these ten men's costumes from exhibits from the world of film and television from the past twelve months will help to spark some ideas. Will you be inspired by the worlds of magic, superheroes or music this Halloween?

Aladdin's Genie

If you were looking to have some magical fun this Halloween, then maybe the 'Genie' costume worn by Will Smith in Disney's live-action remake of Aladdin will satisfy your wish.

Aladdin's Jafar

However if you desired something a little bit more sinister, then maybe Marwen Kenzari's 'Jafar' costume will be more to your liking (especially as it comes with a cool snake staff to hypnotise your enemies).

Michael Wilkinson was the Costume Designer responsible for both of these looks, translating the 1992 animated classic onto cinema screens for a whole new generation.

Grindelwald

And if spooky wizards and warlocks were your thing this haunting season, then maybe Johnny Depp's 'Grindelwald' costume from The Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will satisfy your dark arts demands.

Costume Designer Colleen Atwood was responsible for this villainous look in the Harry Potter prequel picture.

Ronin

If you were aiming for something a little more heroic this witching season, but still with an edge, then maybe Jeremy Renner's 'Ronin' costume from Avengers: Endgame will hit the bullseye.

Judianna Makovsky was the Costume Designer for giving the Avengers 'Hawkeye' an edgier look based on his Marvel comic book inspiration.

Mary Poppins Returns Jack

If you want a far more chipper wardrobe this Halloween, then maybe Lin Manuel-Miranda's 'Jack' costume from Mary Poppins Returns is the colourful costume you are looking for.

And if this 2D painted Royal Doulton Bowl outfit designed by Sandy Powell isn't for you, then maybe Jack's lamplighter costume from the movie sequel is more up your alley.

Freddie Mercury

This Halloween if you really want to lord it over your fellow revelers, then maybe channeling Freddie Mercury from Queen is the look you're searching for.

Make sure you also check out these other fab Freddie Mercury costumes worn by Oscar-winner Rami Malek in the biopic, designed by Julian Day, for more iconic inspiration.

Elton John

And speaking of Costume Designer Julian Day, he was also responsible for crafting the glam rock looks of Taron Egerton as Elton John in the revelatory movie musical, Rocketman.

Shiver

If you wanted to give your friends the chills this Halloween season, then maybe you can draw some inspiration from Richard E. Grant's 'Shiver' movie costume from The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

Jenny Beavan was Costume Designer on this Disney fantasy adventure and she was also responsible for these outlandish Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road film costumes.

Joker

Some iconic characters can last the test of time, and this Halloween I think more than a few people will be channeling Joaquin Phoenix's new take on 'Batman's' arch-nemesis, the 'Joker'.

And if you like this clownish outfit designed by Mark Bridges, then make sure you take a closer look at these Joker movie costumes worn by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto too.

Umbrella Academy's Number Five

And finally for this collection of ten costume ideas, if you still have boyish good looks and charm, maybe Aiden Gallagher's 'Number Five' costume from The Umbrella Academy will suit your time-traveling needs.

Christopher Hargadon was Costume Designer on Netflix's televisual comic book adaptation.

So what do you think, did you find something to inspire you this year? If not, maybe these men's Halloween costume ideas from last year will help too.

Otherwise be sure to peruse the rest of the costume ideas from the small and big screen to be found on this blog.

Men's Halloween costume inspiration for 2015 from the big and small screen...

Halloween is around seven weeks away so it's time to put some thought into what you'll be wearing, or which character you'll be becoming, for the annual festivities. This weekend in my neighbourhood I saw some people working on their costumes for West Hollywood's Halloween Carnaval in their garage, so if you need some extra inspiration and ideas, check out these men's movie and TV costumes I've spied on my travels these past twelve months.

Birdman

First up is the fantastic 'Birdman' costume from the film of the same name starring Michael Keaton and designed by legendary Costume Designer Albert Wolsky.

Be sure to check out this original Birdman movie costume in more detail that was on display in all its glory at my local comic shop, Golden Apple Comics on Melrose Avenue, last December.

This is the Halloween costume I would personally choose to wear if I wasn't flying to New York to run the marathon this year.

Captain America

Next up is Chris Evan's patriotic 'Captain America' uniform from the Avengers sequel (updated by Alexandra Byrne), that I spied on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema in April this year.

If you're a huge Marvel Comics fan like me, you should check out these cool 'Hawkeye', 'Thor', 'Quicksilver' and 'Nick Fury' film costumes from Avengers: Age of Ultron on display too.

Ant-Man

Speaking of Marvel and another super-hero bursting onto cinema screens in a big (or is that small) way this Summer, was 'Ant-Man'.

Paul Rudd's cool Ant-Man suit, designed by Sammy Sheldon, was spotted on display at ArcLight Hollywood in June this year, plus later out of its reflective case at Disney's D23 Fan Expo.

Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses the Great

Joel Edgerton may have been making waves recently in his directorial debut, The Gift, and in Black Mass alongside Johnny Depp, but at the end of last year he was playing the great 'Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses' in Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings.

This regal golden armour designed by Oscar-winner Janty Yates is spectacular and was photographed on display at ArcLight Hollywood in November 2014.

If you like this ensemble, be sure to take a look at Christian Bale's Moses costume from Exodus: Gods and Kings too.

Into The Woods The Wolf

And speaking of Johnny Depp, maybe his zoot-suit wearing 'Wolf' character from Disney's Into the Woods musical will inspire your Halloween look this year.

If this Colleen Atwood designed outfit on display at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre is not for you, maybe you should check out Johnny Depp's movie costumes from Alice in Wonderland, The Lone Ranger, Public Enemies and Pirates of the Caribbean instead.

Cinderella's Prince Charming

If fantasy fairytales are your thing, then maybe Richard Madden's 'Prince Charming' costume from the live-action version of Cinderella will be the dashing look you're searching for.

Plus for another Prince Charming outfit idea, be sure to check out these Once Upon a Time TV costumes and Into the Woods movie costumes.

Twelfth Doctor Who

If you enjoy traveling through time and space (are just watching his adventures), maybe the signature look of Peter Capaldi's 'Twelfth Doctor' would be your cup of tea this Halloween.

If Howard Burden's design for the latest regeneration of the Time Lord is not your favourite, then maybe past incarnations of Doctor Who would be more your taste.

Personally I always think Tom Baker's iconic Fourth Doctor multicoloured scarf look is the most memorable.

Peter Pan Live's Captain Hook

From misadventures through the cosmos to adventures on the high sea, and if you want to release your inner pirate this Halloween, then maybe this classic 'Captain Hook' costume designed by Catherine Zuber and worn by Christopher Walken in the Peter Pan Live! musical special is the swashbuckling outfit for you.

Jamie Fraser Highlander costume from Outlander

If you're a fan of Starz Outlander series and want to romance the ladies this Halloween, then maybe you should try out some tartan and an 18th century Scottish Highlands look this year.

Terry Dresbach is Series Costume Designer and responsible for Sam Heughan's 'Jamie Fraser' kilted outfit, plus these either Outlander season one costumes, which will also provide more historic military costume ideas.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Finn costume

And last, but by no means least, is John Boyega's 'Finn' costume from the forthcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

It goes without saying that there'll be many Stormtroopers and classic Star Wars heroes and villains walking the streets trick or treating this Halloween. And now we have a whole new collection of characters and costumes to choose from (and I'm sure 'Kylo Ren' will be a firm favourite soon).

Michael Kaplan's new designs really have that lived-in Star Wars universe feel to them, looking fresh and original, but also as if they belong to that unique galaxy, far, far away.

Guys, if you're still struggling for ideas, then be sure to also check out these ten costumes inspired by last year's movies and TV show exhibits, plus more from Halloween 2013 and 2012 from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, comic books and history.

Whether you decide to make your own, or buy your outfit from a store, have fun and happy hauntings.

Men's Halloween costume ideas for 2018 from the big and small screen...

If like me you've been too busy to organise your Halloween costume so far this year, then maybe this selection of costumes from the movies and television from the past twelve months will help provide some inspiration if you're struggling with ideas. Here are ten looks from the worlds of sci-fi, superheroes, comedy and musicals to fire your imagination.

Black Panther

If you want to feel like a king this Halloween then maybe you should dress as the box office-smashing 'Black Panther'. Obviously you'll need to look as buff as Chadwick Boseman as the Wakandan warrior in this high-tech catsuit designed by Ryan Meinerding and Ruth E. Carter for the Marvel Studios movie.

Killmonger

But if you're feeling a bit villainous, then maybe you're more inspired by Michael B. Jordan's 'Erik Killmonger' costume. And if this look from the solo Black Panther movie isn't for you, then maybe his Golden Jaguar catsuit would make more of an impact prowling the streets this Halloween.

Black Lightning

From African royalty to African-American superheroes fighting crime in the gritty city streets and DC Comics 'Black Lightning' would certainly stand out with his illuminated suit from the show's first season designed by Laura Jean Shannon and built by Creative character Engineering.

And before you say it's too complicated a look, I'll remind you of previous Halloweens when characters from Tron: Legacy stalked the city streets in their glowing costumes.

Deadpool

If you're holding out for an anti-hero this year, then maybe 'Wade Wilson' aka the fourth wall-breaking, potty-mouthed 'Deadpool' is the comic book character for you. Kurt and Bart designed the Merc with a Mouth's costume worn by Ryan Reynolds in his R-Rated sequel set in the X-Men universe.

Han Solo

Meanwhile fans of sci-fi action set in a galaxy far, far away may like to dress up as a young 'Han Solo' this year. Glyn Dillon and David Crossman were the designers of Alden Ehrenreich's smuggling scoundrel costume in this Star Wars prequel origin story.

Lando Calrissian

And if you fancy yourself a more flamboyant, roguish gambler, then maybe the younger version of 'Lando Calrissian' from Solo: A Star Wars Story would appeal, especially if you could emulate Donald Glover's enigmatic swagger.

Thor

This Halloween you may want to channel the power of the God of Thunder and sport Thor's Asgardian armour from Avengers: Infinity War. Judianna Makovsky was Costume Designer of the costume worn by Chris Hemsworth in the epic Avengers installment.

Officer K

Sci-fi fans could channel Ryan Gosling's 'Officer K' this Halloween with this futuristic fashion worn by the Replicant law enforcer in Blade Runner 2049 designed by Renée April.

P. T. Barnhum

And if you wanted to step back in time, then maybe this period ringleader costume worn by Hugh Jackman as 'P. T. Barnhum' in The Greatest Showman would be up your alley, which was designed by Ellen Mirojnick.

Professor Shelly Oberon

Plus for those with an advert our heart, then maybe this safari-themed look sported by Jack Black as game avatar 'Professor Shelly Oberon' in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle would work.

If this outfit designed by Laura Jean Shannon is not your cup of tea, then maybe Kevin Hart's Jumanji costume with its over-sized backpack could provide some comic relief this Halloween.

Still stumped for ideas? Maybe some older movie and TV costumes will help with your look this witching season.

Plus for even more ideas you can also check out all my previous Halloween looks from recent years, plus other on-the-street costumes from West Hollywood's annual Halloween festivities.

10 Halloween costumes for men from the movies and TV in 2020...

How will you be celebrating Halloween this year? Who will you be dressing up as and quarantining or virtually partying with? These are certainly unusual times, but if you are looking for some costume inspiration for men this year, maybe these ten looks from the big and small screen will help. I may not have seen any new costume exhibits in last six months, but fortunately I did get the chance to visit some expos, cinemas and museums at the end of last year and the start of 2020 to see some costume inspiration up close and in person.

Elton John

First up is this flamboyant disco devil stage outfit worn by Taron Egerton as the iconic music legend 'Elton John' in his movie biopic, Rocketman.

If you like this dazzling winged devil, you may also find some inspiration in these other Rocketman film costumes designed by Julian Day.

The Mandalorian

Last year Star Wars fans were treated to the first ever live-action television series set in a galaxy far, far away, The Mandalorian.

Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter 'Mando' with be back for a sophomore season at the end of October with the lovable 'Baby Yoda', so his early helmeted and armoured look designed by Joseph A. Porro is the perfect choice this Halloween. 

Lando Calrissian

And speaking of Star Wars, but this time on the big screen, The Rise of Skywalker saw Billy Dee Williams reprise his role as the scoundrel 'Lando Calrissian'.

In the movie he sported this look undercover designed by Michael Kaplan on the world of Pasaana, home of the Aki-Aki people.

Yon-Rogg

Keeping to the outer space theme and you may be inspired by Jude Law's Kree Starforce uniform from the Captain Marvel movie.

Inspired by the Marvel Comics, his commander 'Yon-Rogg' costume was designed by Sanja Milkovic Hays. 

Dolemite

From outer space to the past, and Eddie Murphy brought 1970s stand-up comic 'Rudy Ray Moore' and his stage creation to life in Netflix's movie, Dolemite is My Name.

Ruth E. Carter was Costume Designer on the retro comedy biopic from the streaming service.

Mister Rogers

If you're looking for a classic look, easy to pull off this Halloween, then maybe the iconic 'Fred Rogers' from the preschool show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood could be a winner.

Tom Hanks played the beloved television personality in 2019's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Arjun Bhasin was Costume Designer on the biopic. Add a few hand puppets to your look and you have really fun costume.

Red

In 2018's space-traveling fantasy film, A Wrinkle in Time, Michael Peña played the red-eyed villain and wore this seaside painted costume designed by Paco Delgado.

I saw it on display last August at Disney's D23 Expo and thought it would make a great Halloween costume that you could create with paper or cardboard and handpaint yourself.

Pluto

In Jordan Peele's spooky horror film Us we were introduced to 'The Tethered', red boilersuit-wearing doppelgängers with murderous inclinations.

Evan Alex played both the young son of the 'Wilson' family and his sinister, mask-wearing alter-ego 'Pluto', designed by Kym Barrett. This creepy look would be a great family or friends Halloween group costume.

Cliff Booth

If you're looking for another casual Halloween look this year, then what about Brad Pitt's stuntman 'Cliff Booth' from Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Oscar nominee Arianne Phillips was Costume Designer on the retro film and you could easily recreate this yellow Hawaiian shirt and jeans look for your festivities.

Hook

And finally, pirate and Once Upon a Time fans may also like to replicate Colin O'Donoghue's 'Hook' costume from the fairytale television show, designed by Eduardo Castro.

If none of these outfits spark your imagination, maybe you should check out these other men's Halloween costumes from cinema and television from years past.

We may be living through a global pandemic, which will make Halloween even more eerie this October, but hopefully you can still indulge your inner geek and get into the spooky sprit safely.

Be safe, have fun and maybe even choose a costume with a built-in mask...