50 Halloween tattoos that are frightfully good (2024)

If your heart beats black and orange, you've likely hung all the spooky cobwebs and your 12-foot skeleton is standing guard on the lawn, waiting to give trick-or-treaters a fright.

Or perhaps you've got a Halloween manicure appointment to ensure your nails totally represent this year.

But for true Halloween die-hards, there's no substitute for a Halloween tattoo that showcases your commitment to the holiday 365 days a year. And why not? If that's your jam, why not make it permanent with an inspired ink to share your passion for all things scary with the rest of the world.

Whether you're thinking about getting your very first tattoo or adding to your existing ink collection, we've gathered some of our favorite Halloween tattoos to inspire you.

From terrifying images of serial killers like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, to absolutely adorable Halloween tattoos with black cats, pumpkins, witches, autumn leaves and the undisputed king of Halloween, Jack Skellington, you'll find a variety of ink inspiration bound to give you ideas for your very own look.

We've even got inks from some of Halloween's classic horror films like “Hocus Pocus,” “The Shining” and “It,” just to name a few.

From subtle tats to full-on sleeves, there's inspiration here for just about everyone. So, keep scrolling and, with any luck, you'll discover the Halloween tattoo that's frightfully perfect for you.

Franken friends furr-ever

What a pair! Frankenstein and this adorable kitten will be furr-ever friends on this inspired ink.

Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake

Planning to do sleepaway camp at the notorious Camp Blood? If so, make sure to get this Summer of ‘81 tattoo that pays tribute to Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake. (Ki, ki, ki, ki, ma, ma, ma, ma.)

'What We Do in the Shadows'

Nothing to see here, just human bartender Jackie Daytona. Of course he's better known as Laszlo Cravensworth, the Staten Island vampire from "What We Do in the Shadows."

Tribute to Halloween

Autumn leaves. Check. Grinning jack-o'-lantern. Check. Spooky haunted house. Check. Looks like all the Halloween favorites are covered in this festive tattoo.

Ghostly lantern

Sweet and colorful, this ghost lantern tattoo will light your way straight to Halloweentown.

The Pumpkin King

This is Halloween! Everyone knows that Jack Skellington is the undisputed Pumpkin King, and if they don't, you can show 'em with this homage to all things “Nightmare Before Christmas” tattoo.

Charming witch

Reminiscent of the classic TV show, “Bewitched,” This charming witch (yes, pun intended) is so delightful as she soars past the grinning moon.

The Joker

Why so serious? Because it's the Joker, of course. Forget Batman, this villain tattoo is way more fun.

Cute ghost, flowers and pumpkin

Purple flowers and a cute ghost holding a pumpkin make this Halloween tattoo just right for someone who wants to show their love for the year's spookiest holiday all year long.

'The Shining' tattoo

Don't look now, but it's the Grady twins from the classic Halloween movie "The Shining." They want you to come play with them at the Overlook Hotel forever and ever and ever.

Autumn-inspired ghost

With fall leaves, a pumpkin and not-too-scary ghost, this tattoo combines the best of both worlds: autumn and Halloween.

Oh, Great Pumpkin!

Plucked straight from the patch, this colorful gourd will definitely give them pumpkin to talk about!

Harry Potter and Hogwarts

This delightful Harry Potter tattoo captures the very best of the popular book and movie series including Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Hogwarts in the moonlight and the "Deathly Hallows" symbol.

Spooky spider web

Black-eyed creatures peek out from every corner of this haunted spider web. The crescent moon in the center completes the spooky scene.

Bat and jack-o'-lantern

What do you get when you cross a delightful bat, jack-o'-lantern, autumn leaves and crescent moon? Pure Halloween magic.

Black cat and ghosts

Can this wise-looking black cat see into the future? It's hard to tell, but gazing out of this crystal ball (surrounded by ghosts no less), our prediction is yes.

Not-so-scary Mickey Mouse

Disney fans will love this Mickey-inspired jack-o'-lantern. Sweet and simple, it evokes thoughts of the theme park's annual event: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Colorful fruit bat

If you're truly batty for Halloween, then don't be afraid to show it with this cute and colorful bat tattoo.

Trick-or-treat cat

It's the perfect Halloween mashup: a black cat, dressed up in a skeleton costume for a night of trick-or-treating. What's not to love?!

Kidnap the Sandy Claus

Look who's on their way to kidnap Sandy Claus! It's Lock, Shock and Barrelfrom the classic Halloween movie (or is it Christmas?) "A Nightmare Before Christmas." Either way, this spooky little trio is an excellent way to show some spooky spirit.

'A Nightmare Before Christmas' tattoo

Nothing is more fitting than a tribute to the ultimate Halloween movie: "A Nightmare Before Christmas." Immortalize everyone's favorite "Pumpkin King" and his faithful pup, Hero, forever.

Haunted sleeve tattoo

Double, double toil and trouble! Conjure up the spirit of Halloween with this spooky sleeve that captures the best parts of the holiday, including the cauldron from "Hocus Pocus."

Pumpkin boy tattoo

If you're looking for a small Halloween tattoo that's simple but effective, this black and white pumpkin boy (holding a Jack Skellington balloon, no less) fits the bill.

Black cat tattoo

Think beyond your basic cat costume and show your feline love the rest of the year. Contrary to outdated folklore, this black cat tattoo is sure to bring you good luck all the time.

Vampire Halloween tattoo

Vampires are terrifying — but if you're not afraid, then this Halloween tattoo is a match made in heaven (or Transylvania).

Small phantom tattoo

Pledge your undying allegiance to Halloween with this tattoo that makes a statement without taking up a lot of real estate.

Lock, Shock and Barrel tattoo

Here's another awesome tribute to "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Forget Jack Skellington and go with this trick-or-treating trio instead.

Hello Kitty Halloween tattoo

Trade the spooks for something sweet by going with this frightfully festive Hello Kitty tattoo.

Here's Johnny!

"I'm not gonna hurt ya. Stop swingin’ the bat. Put the bat down, Wendy." Um, OK. We believe you, Jack. If you've watched "The Shining" a million times, you'll love this one.

Pennywise the Clown tattoo

If you thought Stephen King's "It" was terrifying in theaters, wait until you have to look at the world's scariest clown on your arm for the rest of all time.

Skeleton hand tattoo

You'll scare the dickens out of everyone when you reach out hand, revealing this ghoulish tattoo.

Lydia from 'Beetlejuice' tattoo

Jump in the line, rock your body in time by getting a tattoo of Lydia Deetz, the iconic character from the beloved 80's movie.

Haunted graveyard tattoo

Looking for a cute Halloween tattoo? Then consider this colorful cemetery scene that's both spooky and sweet.

Vintage witch tattoo

From the jaunty witch's hat right down to the pompom heels, this witch tattoo is totally giving us all the vintage Halloween feels.

'The Lost Boys' Chinese food tattoo

Have some Chinese food, Michael! Or, maybe don't if the lo mein starts to wiggle and worm about.

Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein tattoo

Go retro with this Halloween tattoo starring Frankenstein and his chilling bride.

'The Lost Boys' sunglasses tattoo

The one thing we can't stomach about Santa Carla is all the vampires! We do, however, love this tribute tattoo to "The Lost Boys," featuring Michael's sunglasses with the town's boardwalk in the reflection.

Two-faced Michael Myers tattoo

Keep the memory of Michael Myers alive by inking this tattoo of the grisly serial killer on your arm.

'Child's Play' Chucky tattoo

Here's one toy no one wants for Christmas! Unless, of course, you're in the mood for a thrill.

Edward Scissorhands tattoo

It's easy to fall in love with Edward Scissorhands — both the character and the movie. More than 30 years after its release, the cult classic offers an important reminder: Don't ever judge a book by its cover — even if there are some scissors involved.

Frankenstein tattoo

A classic "Mom" tattoo is great and all, but Frankenstein's mean mug is way more electrifying.

Halloween tarot card tattoo

We can predict the future, and you know what it's telling us? You're gonna love having this tattoo on your arm.

'Stranger Things' Eleven tattoo

The "Stranger Things" series will never really end as long as you've got Eleven, the Mind Flayer and the Upside Down with you for all eternity.

Adam and Barbara from 'Beetlejuice' tattoo

Go big or go home: Make your love for "Beetlejuice" permanent by inking the afterlife versions of Adam and Barbara Maitland on your skin.

Cute jack-o'-lantern tattoo

Even if you're not great a carving pumpkins, this festive tattoo will trick everyone into thinking that you're a total pro. Trick or treat, right?

Colorful Frankenstein tattoo

Everyone will be in pieces after seeing this vibrant Frankenstein tattoo. Do us a favor and avoid the villagers.

'Harry Potter' Hogwarts tattoo

If you get this tattoo, you'll become an honorary student at Hogwarts. In that case, don't be surprised if Harry, Ron and Hermoine drop by during your tattoo session!

Haunted house scene tattoo

This ominous scene paints a picture of what Halloween is really about: chilled weather, haunted houses and spooks galore.

Witch and cauldron tattoo

This witch brewing up a spell in her ghostly cauldron totally has us under her spell.

Terrifying beast tattoo

This is about as scary as it gets! Just hope you never, ever run into this monster in a dark alley.

Vampire tattoo

Talk about a fang-tastic tattoo: Ink this Count Dracula tattoo on your arm and give everyone a good fright. Because he vants to suck their blood and all.

Friendly ghost tattoo

Don't forget to bring this enchanting ghost and her spirited pup along when you go out trick-or-treating on Halloween.

'A Nightmare on Elm Street' tattoo

This Freddy Krueger tattoo will give absolutely everyone nightmares, no matter what street they live on.

Casper the Friendly Ghost tattoo

What's more adorable than Casper the Friendly Ghost? Exactly. This cute-as-a-button tattoo is sure to take you right back to your childhood.

Werewolf tattoo

When you really, really love werewolves, this is the Halloween tattoo. Big or small, it will have all your friends and family howling at the moon.


Sarah Lemire

Sarah is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY who covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.

50 Halloween tattoos that are frightfully good (2024)

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