23 of the best characters to cosplay

The best thing about Joker is that there are a variety of looks to choose from. Tattoos on the face for Jared Leto’s version in Suıcide Squad, the wicked smile of Heath Ledger's Dark Knight , or just go classic with Jack Nicholson’s. The beauty of Joker is that the possibilities are quite endless.

Grab some yellow and black plaid, and the ensemble sort of just falls into place all on its own.

Michael Cera’s Scott Pilgrim is a little more niche than most, but those who know will likely become your new best friend.

Just make sure that the shoes are sparkly and red. Without those, the cosplay look will never get down the yellow brick road.

To kick this Karate Kid look into high gear, walk around with some rags to deliver the “wax on, wax off” line whenever prompted.

Marilyn Monroe managed to have a myriad of iconic looks in her career, but it’s the white dress from The Seven Year Itch that never fails to impress most.

The Fifth Element has a lot of memorable characters to emulate, but none of them pack quite the punch like Chris Tucker’s Ruby Rhod in that leopard jumpsuit and towering blonde hair.

A tank top, jeans, and a pair of sunglasses and the Sarah Connor energy will be illuminated from deep within. Simple, yet always satisfying.

Cosplaying Wolverine means choosing which Wolverine to do. There’s the animated blue and yellow suit that every ‘90s kid holds dear, but there’s also the black leather motorcycle gang look brought to life in the 2000s. However, there’s also the easiest to recreate, shirtless and glistening.

The sun will always come up for a great Annie look.

Captain Jack Sparrow is all about taking a run-of-the-mill pirate costume and adding not only a lot of eyeliner but also a ton of rum-filled mannerisms. One just can’t look the part; they must also act the part.

Everything Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman was a showstopper, so the hardest part of cosplaying Vivian Ward is choosing which one. The red gown, the blue and white mini, the polka dots? No choice is wrong!

Who doesn’t want to look killer clad in black leather?

Whether it’s the Business Woman Special suits or the metallic dresses they slay in at the end, just so long as those cosplay looks are done with a bestie, it’s a win.

Ace Ventura dropped in theaters in 1994, and he is still one of the most recognizable characters. Just can’t forget the icing on the cake: that wildly quaffed hair.

Heathers was basically the Power Rangers of the ‘80s with their color coordination. Only they had a lot more plaid, shoulder pads, and, well, death.

There are a lot of Spideys out there, but Miles Morales allows for more comfort with the hoodie and cool kicks.

There are two versions to choose from when it comes to Buffy, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s or the OG from the big screen, which was incredibly ‘90s.

Those with a lot of khaki lying around the house are 99% of the way!

Both the original animated and the 2023 live-action version have gifted Disney fans with so many cute and easy looks to recreate that cosplaying Ariel is a better treat than a churro from the happiest place on earth.

Overalls and a red top, and bam!

Barbie has been serving looks since 1959, and some of them were featured in the 2023 masterpiece.

Cosplaying as Buddy has a couple of requirements. First and foremost, the outfit. Secondly, when cosplaying as Buddy, it’s necessary always to exclaim, “Smiling's my favorite!”