Halloween lovers find joy in the spooks and scares the season brings.
With hearts bleeding orange and black, Halloween obsessives can’t wait to visit haunted houses, plan horror movie marathons and decorate their homes with an array of spooky decorations.
If this sounds like you, chances are you’ve thought about getting a Halloween tattoo to show the rest of the world that there’s more to your passion than skin.
To take your plan from thought to inking, we’ve rounded up an assortment of Halloween tattoo ideas – some simple enough and small enough to fit on your finger, some not so much – that will leave you inspired (and ready to make an appointment).
Go for a small and cute design like a Halloween-themed Hello Kitty or go all out with an intricate sleeve tattoo. Leaning somewhere in the middle? So go for a more traditional design that captures the biggest hauntings of the holidays, from black cats to spooky ghosts and beyond.
But if you’re a movie buff, pay homage to the movie and TV characters that made you fall in love with Halloween in the first place. From fictional serial killers (Michael Myers) to kid-friendly classics (Casper the Friendly Ghost), these tattoos cover all the bases.
Because a holiday as beautiful as Halloween deserves to be celebrated all year round, right?
Tattoo “A nightmare before Christmas”
Nothing is more appropriate than a tribute to the ultimate Halloween movie: “A Nightmare Before Christmas”. Immortalize everyone’s favorite “Pumpkin King” and his loyal pup, Hero, forever.
haunted sleeve tattoo
Double, double, toil and difficulty! Evoke the spirit of Halloween with this spooky clutch that captures the best moments of the holiday, including the cauldron from ‘Hocus Pocus’.
Pumpkin boy tattoo
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective little Halloween tattoo, 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 off your feline love the rest of the year. Contrary to old-fashioned folklore, this black cat tattoo is sure to bring you good luck everything time.
Vampire Halloween Tattoo
vampires are creepy – but if you’re not scared, then this Halloween tattoo is a match made in heaven (or Transylvania).
small ghost tattoo
Pledge your eternal allegiance this Halloween with this tattoo that makes a statement without taking up a lot of real estate.
Michael Myers tattoo “Halloween”
For the true “Halloween” aficionado—yes, we’re talking about the movie—there’s nothing better than this Michael Myers-inspired tattoo. Guaranteed, ahem, kill everyone.
haunted house tattoo
Everyone will find something to love in this spooky tattoo. It includes all the holiday basics: ghosts, bats, skulls, a bubbling cauldron and a spooky haunted house.
Lock, shock and barrel tattoo
Here’s another awesome tribute to “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Forget Jack Skellington and opt for this trick or treat trio instead.
Hello Kitty Halloween tattoo
Swap the ghosts for something sweet by opting for this terrifically festive Hello Kitty tattoo.
witch tattoo
Good news: there are no curses associated with this Halloween witch tattoo, only charms! Prepare to leave everyone positively spellbound.
“The Brilliant” Tattoo
“I’m not going to hurt you. Stop swinging the bat. Put the bat down, Wendy.” Uh okay. 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 watch the world’s scariest clown on your arm for the rest of the time.
skeleton hand tattoo
You’ll scare everyone when you reach out, revealing this gruesome tattoo.
Lydia of Tattoo “Beetlejuice”
Jump in line, move your body in time by getting a Lydia Deetz tattoo, the iconic character from the beloved 80s movie.
Haunted graveyard tattoo
Are you looking for a cute Halloween tattoo? Then consider this colorful graveyard scene that’s both spooky and sweet.
Vintage witch tattoo
From the flippant witch hat to the pom-pom heels, this witch tattoo totally gives us all the vintage Halloween vibes.
‘The Lost Boys’ Chinese Food Tattoo
Eat Chinese food, Michael! Or maybe don’t if the lo mein starts to wiggle and squirm.
Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein tattoo
Go retro with this Halloween tattoo featuring Frankenstein and his spooky bride.
“The Lost Boys” sunglasses tattoo
The one thing we can’t stomach about Santa Carla is all the vampires! However, we love this homage tattoo to “The Lost Boys,” featuring Michael’s sunglasses with the city walk in the reflection.
Two-faced Michael Myers tattoo
Keep the memory of Michael Myers alive by tattooing this gruesome serial killer tattoo on your arm.
‘Child’s Play’ Chucky Tattoo
Here is a toy that nobody 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 from the character and from the movie. More than 30 years after its release, the cult classic offers an important reminder: never judge a book by its cover, even if there are scissors involved.
Frankenstein tattoo
A classic “Mom” tattoo is awesome and all, but Frankenstein’s wicked cup is way more electrifying.
Halloween tarot card tattoo
We can predict the future, and you know what it tells us? You will love having this tattoo on your arm.
‘Stranger Things’ Eleven Tattoo
The “Stranger Things” series will never truly end until you have Eleven, the Mind Flayer, and the Upside Down with you for eternity.
Adam and Barbara of the ‘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 a great pumpkin carver, this festive tattoo will make everyone think you’re a real pro. Candy or sweets, right?
Colorful Frankenstein Tattoo
Everyone will be in pieces after seeing this vibrant Frankenstein tattoo. Do us a favor and avoid the villagers.
Hogwarts tattoo “Harry Potter”
If you get this tattoo, you will become an honorary student at Hogwarts. In that case, don’t be surprised if Harry, Ron and Hermione pass by during your tattoo session!
haunted house scene tattoo
This eerie scene paints a picture of what Halloween is really about: cold weather, haunted houses and ghosts galore.
Stabbed jack-o’-lantern tattoo
What do you get when you cross a jack-o’-lantern with Excalibur? We’re not sure, but it probably looks a lot like this spooky Halloween tattoo.
Witch and cauldron tattoo
This witch who prepares a spell in her ghostly cauldron has us completely under her spell.
Terrifying Beast Tattoo
That’s about as scary as it gets! I just hope that never, already meet this monster in a dark alley.
vampire tattoo
Talk about a fantasy tattoo: ink this Count Dracula tattoo on your arm and scare everyone away. Because he wants to suck their blood and everything.
friendly ghost tattoo
Don’t forget to bring this enchanting ghost and her feisty pup when you go out for Halloween.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” tattoo
This Freddy Krueger tattoo will absolutely give everybody nightmares, no matter what street they live on.
Casper the friendly ghost tattoo
What’s cuter than Casper the Friendly Ghost? Exactly. This cute button like tattoo will take you back to your childhood for sure.
Jack-o’-lantern killer tattoo
Don’t even think to drive this jack-o’-lantern crazy because he has a knife and knows how to use it.
werewolf tattoo
When you are really really to love werewolves is the Halloween tattoo. Big or small, it will have all your friends and family howling at the moon.
