30 Tattoos for Anyone Who's Obsessed With Halloween
For some people, Halloween is a seasonal holiday that passes with the changing leaves and simply returns the following year. For others, Halloween isn't just a holiday -- it's a way of life. And what better way to show one's year-round dedication than a ghoulishly delightful tattoo? Halloween is full of symbols, icons, phrases, and stories. There are so many possibilities for things that make a good Halloween tattoo.
Tattoos and Halloween simply belong together. The "alternative" art form and "alternative" holiday seem to go hand-in-hand, as a lot of tattoos are based around counter culture imagery. For those obsessed with horror films, jack-o'-lanterns, and black cats, they should prepare to contact their tattoo artist soon, because they will definitely want some new ink after seeing these.
From ghosts and pumpkins to witches and spiderwebs, there are so many designs that are easy to customize and that represent the spookiest time of year.
Here are 30 Halloween-inspired tattoos that lovers of the holiday will want to show off all year long. Some people may even consider getting more than one!
And let us know -- which one is the best Halloween tat of all?
Practical Magic
The Sanderson sisters aren't the only witches worthy of body art! Let's not forget about Gillian and Sally Owens. The symbolism of this shoulder tattoo is related to a heartwarming line from Practical Magic. "But there are some things I know for certain: Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can."
Sally
Fans of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas will recognize main character Sally in this gasp-worthy, brightly hued arm piece by Lilian Raya, a tattoo artist in Mexico City. "I've been dying to do this character for so long!" she wrote alongside the post. She also asked for more female characters from Tim Burton. Fingers crossed!
Jack-O'-Lantern Finger
For a subtle nod to a lifelong love of Halloween, there's no better way to go than by opting for a tiny tattoo. This teeny jack-o'-lantern made its way to a "spooky babe's" thumb. Check out the charming attention to detail. And straightforward black ink has its charm.
Winifred
What would Halloween be without Bette Midler's character Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus? Her character embodies the spooky, entertaining vibe of the holiday. It's no wonder plenty of Halloween lovers have opted to have her likeness tattooed on them. "Another Winifred! I try not to do the same design twice, but I'm always happy to draw an alternate version of something if some flash of mine has already been claimed," wrote the artist.
Halloween Illusions
What's real? What's fake? Halloween often stirs us to think about the afterlife but other dimensions besides our own. This thought-provoking body art from Oregon-based tattoo artist Molly Vee has some vintage, feminine flair, as well as a nod to all things otherworldly.
The Headless Horseman
Washington Irving's The Headless Horseman is a classic Halloween story that takes place in Sleepy Hollow. Traditional folklore holds that the Horseman was a Hessian trooper who was killed during the Battle of White Plains in 1776. But we also recognize the story as one told by Disney in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This gasp-worthy, dramatic work by Angelo Parente encapsulates the imagery of the tale.
The Classic Jack-O'-Lantern
Jack-o'-lanterns are one of the most common symbols of Halloween. Of course, they make for a great tattoo. Add a feminine spin with flowers. Or step up the creepy factor with a moon, webs, and haunted house in the distance.
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'Beetlejuice' Wisdom
When it comes to Halloween movies, Tim Burton's Beetlejuice is a classic. It even landed on Broadway! This awesome tattoo combines some spooky imagery with one of the best quotes from the film. And just look at the detail on Barbara and Adam's eerie faces.
'Trick 'r Treat'
"I know summer isn't over, but spooky season is here," wrote this Instagram user. This vibrant, colorful illustration is from the film Trick 'r Treat. Never heard of it? It's a 2007 American anthology horror film written and directed by Michael Dougherty. But really, what embodies a spooky holiday more than an an iconic horror film?
Pumpkaboo
This is a great Halloween tattoo for Pokemon fans. Can we get him added to Pokemon Go?Pumpkaboo is just too adorable. And talk about the perfect ink for a Halloween lover!
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Queen Status
For the most dedicated Halloween enthusiasts, claim a fitting title with this "Queen of Halloween" tattoo. The crowned pumpkin and bats are super-detailed. The imagery also works well with the text. Let's face it: Anyone with this much dedication to the holiday deserves a crown!
Black Kitty
If one has a love for cats is as strong as a love for October 31, then this cute kitten may be just the ticket. It's classic imagery for this spooky holiday. Mystical black cats are the stars of the Halloween show, after all. And we love how the design also has a traditional feel.
Friends Who Poison Together ...
These BFF tattoos are haunting in the best way. The pink and purple teacups of poison are both adorable and spooky. The aesthetic brings to mind the Disney film Coco, as well as Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos. The Mexican holiday that usually falls around the same time as Halloween.
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When Sharon Needles Is Bae
As the fabulously spooky drag queen Sharon Needles once said, "When in doubt, freak 'em out." And certainly this tattoo ought to freak 'em out. That is, in the best possible way. It's eye-catching any day -- as well as on all Halloweens to come.
Strolling Through Halloween Town Like ...
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is definitely a Halloween classic. Plenty of people consider themselves lifelong fans of the cult movie. So, it wouldn't be unusual to gravitate to a Nightmare-inspired ink. This illustration of Jack Skellington with his trusty companion Zero is the cutest!
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Baby Bat
Who says all Halloween tattoos have to be super spooky? This cute little bat looks like he's ready to give everyone a hug. Given that Halloween is very much a holiday to be celebrated by little ones, spooky body art can absolutely come with a dash of innocence. The heart is a sweet touch to boot.
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Death's-Head Hawkmoth
The death's-head hawkmoth is a real insect that gets its name from the skull-like marking on its thorax. So, of course the unusual creature makes a fitting Halloween symbol. It's a perfect choice for horror film lovers and film gurus in general. Hello, Silence of the Lambs.
Hey, Michael
Calling all Michael Myers fans! This is pretty scary. But it looks so awesome. Plus, that script is just beyond elegant.
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