Halloween 2024's most popular costumes predicted by NRF

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From 1982: Top Halloween costumes

Sure, there's E.T. and Yoda, but some of the best-selling masks in 1982 weren't movie characters. They were politicians like Ronald Regan, Jimmy Carter, and even Richard Nixon. This Andy Cassells report aired on WNYW on October 30, 1982.

A retail survey shows which Halloween costumes will be flying off the shelves this year. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports Spiderman will once again be children's costume of choice. In fact, it says 2.6 million children are expected to dress up as the web-slinging superhero. 

Next in line for most popular kids’ costumes are a ghost (1.8 million), a princess (1.7 million) and a witch (1.6 million). 

Witch also ranks among the top outfits for adults. The survey found 76% of adults already know their costume this year. 

Among adults, 5.8 million plan on dressing up as a witch, 3 million as a vampire, 1.6 million as a cat, 1.5 million as Batman and 1.4 million as a pirate. 

The survey also reports the most popular animal costumes include pumpkin, hot dog and a bat. 

See the full results from the National Retail Federation: 

RELATED: Spooky season is here: Nearly half of Halloween shoppers plan to buy items before October

Consistent with last year, total spending on adult costumes is expected to reach $1.8 billion, while spending on children’s costumes is anticipated to hit $1.3 billion. 

As with previous years, interest in pet costumes remains steady and is projected to reach $0.7 billion, the NRF said.