Neil Patrick Harris Finally Reveals This Year’s Incredible Family Halloween Costume
There’s no denying that when it comes to Halloween, Neil Patrick Harris and his clan are costume geniuses. Every year, they amaze us with some kind of outside-of-the-box idea that blows the rest out of the water.
And as it turns out, everyone in the family has a shot at pitching their best ideas, according to Harris. “[How we choose a costume] changes every year,” he told PureWow last year. “The kids are getting older now, so they’re getting more stubborn in their opinions. We’re also getting more desperate in ours, so we try to meet somewhere in the middle.”
This year, things were a little less certain, according to Harris’s husband, David Burtka. “I’m honestly a little worried,” Burtka said in an exclusive with PureWow. “Neil leaves for Berlin soon. He’s filming the Matrix 4 and he has to wrap the movie. I'm hoping that he’s home in time for Halloween. But we don't have a date in mind when things are going to be wrapped. So right now, it’s really fluid.”
But that didn’t stop them from pulling off another iconic family get-up. From Star Wars to American Horror Story, keep reading for a complete list of the family’s best Halloween costumes.
1. 2020: To the Chocolate Factory
Theme: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Characters: NPH as Willy Wonka, David as Arthur Slugworth, Harper as Veruca Salt, Gideon as Charlie Bucket
Cue the Oompa Loompas.
2. 2019: Artistic Icons
Theme: Famous artists.
Characters: NPH as Vincent Van Gogh, Burtka as Salvador Dali, Harper as Frida Kahlo and Gideon as Andy Warhol
“Welcome to the 2019 Burtka-Harris Boo-seum of Art. Audio guides are available in the gift shop,” Harrison captioned a collage on Instagram.
3. 2018: The Doom Buggy
Theme: The Haunted Mansion
Characters: NPH as Phineas, David as Ezra, Harper as Constance Hatchaway (aka the “black widow bride”), Gideon as Gus
If you’ve ridden The Haunted Mansion ride at one of Disney’s theme parks, then you’re probably familiar with this spooky theme.
“Welcome, foolish mortals,” Burtka wrote on Instagram. “We hope your Halloween is happily haunted, but heed this warning: beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts!”
4. 2017: Welcome to the Freak Show
Theme: American Horror Story
Characters: NPH as the ringmaster, David as the creepy clown, Harper as the bearded lady, Gideon as the strong man
Yes, the costumes were based on season four of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, American Horror Story: Freak Show. NPH wrote, “Hurry, hurry! Step right up and behold the Burtka-Harris Halloween Carnival of Curiosities!”
5. 2016: Blast from the past
Theme: Old Hollywood stars
Characters: NPH as Groucho Marx, David as Charlie Chaplin, Harper as Marilyn Monroe, Gideon as James Dean
Long before Quentin Tarantino developed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the Harris-Burtka clan proved that you’re never too young to know classic Hollywood stars. Now all we need is a breezy subway grate, and we have ourselves a photo op.
6. 2015: May the Force be with you
Theme: Star Wars
Characters: NPH as Obi-Wan Kenobi, David as Han Solo, Harper as Princess Leia, Gideon as Luke Skywalker
Shout-out to Harris for arranging this epic photoshoot in the middle of a forest. (Hey, at least it’s realistic.)
7. 2014: To the Batmobile!
Theme: Batman
Characters: NPH as The Riddler, David as The Joker, Harper as Batgirl, Gideon as Batman
Harris captioned the Instagram post, “Happy Halloween from Gotham City!!” Enough said.
Have a spooktacular night! Here's our family Halloween pic (via @projectphotoboo):
? Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) October 31, 2013
Well done, @DavidBurtka! pic.twitter.com/2ThNeFKdYQ
8. 2013: Classic Halloween Characters
Theme: Frankenstein and Dracula
Characters: NPH as Frankenstein, David as Dracula, Harper as Bride of Frankenstein, Gideon as The Wolfman
Scary costumes are no match for Harper and Gideon, who took this eerie theme in stride. And Oscar-worthy makeup? Check.
9. 2013: Down the Rabbit Hole
Theme: Alice in Wonderland
Characters: NPH as Tweedledee, David as Tweedledum, Harper as Alice, Gideon as The White Rabbit
Late or not late, Harper’s priceless expression says it all. (No offense, White Rabbit.)
