The 80s are Back: Embrace Nostalgia This Halloween
The 80s are definitely making a comeback. Thanks to sequels and remakes of some of our favourite TV shows, movies and games, the 80s are becoming cool to a whole new generation. Why not step back in time for your Halloween 2023 costume and embrace the colour, fun and culture of the 1980s?
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Children of the 80s got to experience two films of the original Star Wars trilogy brand new in cinemas. The Star Wars universe lives on with the prequel and sequel trilogies, along with great new streaming series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and the latest addition, Ahsoka. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Star Wars costumes, with villains like Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, and Supreme Leader Snoke as favourites.
Indiana Jones is back!
This year another 80s hit movie franchise has brought us a new offering, with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. As with any good action series, the stakes are even higher, but there’s still the action and comedy we have loved from the original films. Popular with kids and adults alike, this is a fun option for your Halloween costume.
Mutant Mayhem
A staple of 80s children’s television were our 4 favourite mutant turtles: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael. What began as a comic book series, quickly turned into a must-watch animated television series, followed by 3 movies in the early 1990s. While the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have never been too far from our screens, with new material each decade since its release, they’re back with a new animated movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and ready to slice and dice their pizza, and send their enemies packing!
The Ponies from Equestria
Another franchise that has been kicking on since the 1980s is My Little Pony, and a hugely popular dress up option for little girls. From their origin as a toy line for horse-loving children, MLP has expanded into movies, games and animated series that have been reimagined for each passing decade. With Netflix taking the reins in 2021, the second season of My Little Pony: Make Your Mark has recently dropped, bringing stories of friendship and Ponyland to little kids everywhere.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Children of the 80s loved He-Man – the schoolyard would often echo with the voice of a child who had climbed to the highest point of the monkey bars and declared “By the power of Grayskull, I have the power!” After nearly slipping away into obscurity, He-Man and Skeletor are back for a new generation in Masters of the Universe: Revelation. With costumes of He-Man and Skeletor available now for kids and adults, there’s sure to be a few epic battles between good and evil this Halloween!
Those Bears from Care-a-Lot
They warmed our hearts in the 80s, and the Care Bear onesies have kept us warm again this past Winter! Their stories of friendship, community and empathy make them great to share with little kids. This franchise began as greeting card characters, before being turned into toys, movies and an animated television series. Despite a plethora of reboots over the years, the focus of the Care Bears remains on caring, along with issues such as the environment and inclusivity. 2023 even brings out a special Halloween Care Bear costume – Trick or Sweet!
Horror Movies
The 80s weren’t all cute and cuddly! They brought us many horror movie franchises that are still staples of the genre today. Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th all began in the 1980s, and are still terrifying audiences today. These films are so iconic that the costumes are instantly recognisable, and you’ll have so much fun bringing these characters to life.
Lastly, we can’t forget a horror comedy favourite that is living on in musicals, and has a new instalment just around the corner – Beetlejuice! With Jenna Ortego from Wednesday set to play Lydia Deetz in the new film, people are running to stream the original Tim Burton film in preparation. Just remember, while Beetlejuice is a fun film to watch, just don’t say his name three times unless you truly want mayhem to ensue!
