Cosplay is a global phenomenon that continues to gain in popularity with people of all ages. Originally a means for fans of manga and anime to pay homage to their favorite characters, cosplay now encompasses all forms of media and entertainment, including movies, television, comic books, and even video games.
Since cosplay first emerged several decades ago during the 1980s in Japan, it has become a form of expression, a channel for paying homage, and a community with a global reach. People dressed in their elaborately designed costumes can be seen walking around in urban centers on weekends or gathering by the tens of thousands at events like Comic-Con.
11 Most Popular Cosplay Characters
For many cosplayers, as they are affectionately known, cosplay goes far beyond the mere act of dressing up as their favorite character for a few hours. It is an opportunity to immerse themselves in a particular character and take on their persona. Rather than being an escape from reality, cosplay represents an alternate reality for millions of its participants worldwide.
Here is a look at the 11 most popular cosplay characters today:
Cosplay Characters from Movies
One of the biggest sources for cosplay characters in recent years is the big screen. With film franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releasing big-budget movies at what seems like an annual clip, you can choose from plenty of well-known characters. This means that cosplayers are bound to find one that suits them to a tee.
Harley Quinn (Alias – Dr. Harleen Quinzel)
In terms of all-around popularity rankings, Harley Quinn may be the most popular cosplay character of all time, regardless of genre or gender. With her trademark multi-colored pigtails and borderline circus clown makeover, she is at once:
- Immediately recognizable
- Larger-than-life
- Instagram-worthy
Hailing from the DC Comics universe and starring in her own offshoot film franchise, this one-time villain and understudy to the Joker in the Batman storyline is a complex character that represents far more than a strong woman figure. Harley Quinn not only marches to the beat of her own drum, but she will also steamroll over anyone who stands in her way without missing a beat.
Wonder Woman (Alias – Diana Prince)
Thanks to her big-screen revival of late, Wonder Woman has evolved into a fierce, gritty superhero for the 21st century, and her legions of fans are a testament to her popularity. If the increasing frequency of Wonder Woman cosplay sightings is any indication, this is one character who will be a fixture on the cosplay scene for years to come.
(Source: WatchMojo)
Deadpool (Alias – Wade Wilson)
The ultimate anti-hero, Deadpool, is one of the most popular cosplay characters of all time and, for many cosplayers, perhaps the most relatable as well. The foul-mouthed, wise-cracking, uber-violent character who is loosely tied to the X-Men comic book and movie franchises was a fixture at comic conventions even before his movies made him a household name.
With his self-deprecating nature and frequent breaking of the fourth wall (speaking directly to the audience), Deadpool is a fan favorite at the box office and in the cosplay arena as well.
(Source: Business Insider)
Mystique (From the X-Men Universe)
With her signature scaly blue skin, Mystique the shape-shifter would technically fall in the villain category, but this in no way has diminished her popularity with cosplayers around the world. Although capable of assuming any form (including people), Mystique is most often identified as the blue-skinned mutant with fiery red hair and piercing reptilian eyes.
(Source: Screen Rant)
Cosplay Characters from Television
The immense popularity of television series like The Game of Thrones and binge-worthy programming on streaming services have given rise to a number of characters who are not only ratings-boosters on the small screen but also cosplay-worthy in real life.
Daenerys Targaryen
With her platinum blonde hair and fair complexion, Daenerys Targaryen is one of the principal characters of the fantasy novel and long-running television series The Game of Thrones, which spawned a cult-like following among viewers worldwide. As the charismatic heir to her father’s throne, she has become a regular sight among cosplayers at comic conventions and elsewhere.
(Source: Science 101) various cosplay
Power Rangers
Although the rainbow-colored ensemble (there are five or six of them, depending on the television season) striking their battle-ready poses immediately comes to mind at the mention of their name, individual Power Rangers have been spotted at comic conventions since their debut in the early 1990s.
A steady stream of actors and actresses have donned the color-coded helmets and uniforms (the original actors are now in their forties), but their look has remained constant, as has their popularity through the years.
Sailor Scouts
With their signature outfits that are a cross between school uniforms and sailor garb, the Sailor Scouts are the supporting cast for the title character Sailor Moon. Together, these brave teenage girls defend the galaxy against any and all threats using their special powers.
This is another television series that debuted in the early 1990s. And like the Power Rangers, the Sailor Scouts have been embraced by a younger generation of fans, as evidenced by their popularity among generation Z cosplayers.
(Source: Crooked Llama)
Cosplay Characters from Video Games
Successful video game franchises are just as valuable as their film counterparts, and their characters are just as well-known and beloved. As evidenced by their growing popularity among cosplayers, video game characters are quickly becoming a core group in the cosplay community.
Isabelle (From Animal Crossing)
One of the most popular games in recent times is Nintendo’s Animal Crossing, and Isabelle, the Shih Tzu, is one of its most recognizable characters. With her green plaid vest, over-the-top shaggy hairdo, and fluffy tail, Isabelle is a cosplay character that may be new to the role-playing scene but will likely be around for a while.
Junkenstein (From Overwatch)
Another popular video game franchise is Overwatch, and Doctor Jamison Junkenstein is a familiar character to its millions of players worldwide. With the signature hairdo, lab coat, and gizmos galore, Dr. Junkenstein and other video game characters are bound to be fixtures in any cosplay setting, if they are not already.
(Source: The Gamer)
Cosplay Characters from Books
Many comic books and the characters they contain have been adapted for either the small or big screen, and so too have bestsellers. But before they gained fame through movies and television, they began as characters on the pages of a comic book or novel.
Rem
One of the main characters in the Japanese light novel Re: Zero, Rem (along with her twin sister), is a demon who works as a maid. Her signature look of sky blue hair and a maid’s uniform is immediately recognizable among fans of the Japanese comic genre. Rem is a popular character in the world of cosplay.
(Source: Comic Book Resource)
Pennywise
The irrational fear of clowns was a real thing before Stephen King took it to another level in his novel It. Since its release in 1986, It has been a New York Times bestseller and was made into a successful television miniseries with Pennywise the headliner.
Even now, the sewer-dwelling clown is a regular sight at comic conventions, and this timeless character is popular among cosplayers of all ages.
(Source: Bon Voyaged)
Conclusion
Cosplay continues to gain popularity and, in so doing, has transitioned from being a hobby to becoming a global phenomenon and crossed over from fantasy role-playing to a mainstream lifestyle choice. Whether inspired by video games, big-budget films, or Japanese light novels, cosplayers share a common passion for immersing themselves in characters as diverse as the people who portray them.