World of Cosplay names 2025’s most popular characters cosplayed on social media, online and at cons
Shang-Chi is one of most popular characters to be cosplayed in 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 2025 proves to be another great year for cosplay!
It was great to see cosplayers at the various cons around the UKin 2025. Here’s our selection of our favourite characters based on the fantastic cosplays we saw on social media and at cons in the UK.
100 D.Va / OverwatchKeep your eyes peeled for this cute but deadly D.Va from the video game Overwatch . MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 99 Master Chief / HaloPetty Officer John-117 says “Halo!”. MCM Birmingham Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 98 Chewbacca / Star WarsThere’s always someone to look up to at a Con… and usually it’s a Wookie. MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 97 Mad Moxxi / BorderlandsMad Moxxi from Borderlands in eye-catching red at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 96 Polkadot Man / The Suicide SquadThe Suicide Squad’s Polkadot Man became a favourite with cosplayers at cons in 2025. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 95 Nebula / Guardians of the GalaxyNebula spotted at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 94 The Bride / Kill BillUma Thurman eat your heart out. Tarantino would be proud of this cutting-edge cosplay at MCM Birmingham Comic Con September 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 93 Ariel / The Little MermaidAriel and her best friend, Flounder the guppy, at MCM London Comic Con May 2025. But where’s Eric? ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 92 Aurora / Sleeping BeautyOh look, it’s Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Wide awake at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 91 The Trapper / Dead By DaylightThe hit video game Dead By Daylight saw cosplayers reworking many of its scariest characters, including The Trapper. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. 90 Starlight / The BoysThe TV Series The Boys brought us not only the darker side of super-heroes, but also fantastic characters to cosplay, such as Starlight. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 89 Captain Avantika / Critical RoleAhoy me hearties! Hoist the mainsail and shiver ye timbers, it’s Captain Avantika from Critical Role . Fantastic cosplay by @forest_thane at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 88 Madoka Kaname / Puella Magi Madoka MagicaMadoka Kaname is a kick-ass 14-year old from Puella Magi Madoka Magica . Here she’s pictured at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 87 Green LanternDespite bombing at the box office, plenty of us still love DC’s Green Lantern, just don’t expect to see him in cinemas again any time soon! MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 86 Green Ranger / Power RangersThe Green Ranger, aka Tommy Oliver, was the first evil Ranger, before being released from Rita Repulsa’s control. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 85 Freddy Krueger / Nightmare on Elm StreetFreddy must have snook those ‘fingers’ past MCM security at Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. Naughty Freddy! ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 84 Misa Aname / Death NoteMisa Amane looks all cute on the outside, but if you go anywhere near light, you’d better beware! MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 83 HellboyThat’s a helluva cos-prop. Hellboy’s ‘Right hand of doom’ is hewn from solid stone. MCM Birmingham Comic Con September 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 82 Super MarioMario and his brother Luigi. Best of mates at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 81 Daphne / Scooby DooWe’re pretty sure Daphne didn’t look this good on the TV show. We haven’t got a Scooby-Doo what’s changed! MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 80 Pikachu / PokemonWe love this interpretation of everyone’s favourite Pokemon, Pikachu, with his Pokeball. Yes, he’s a boy; female Pikachus have a notch in the ends of their tails. MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 79 Katsuki Bakugo / My Hero AcademiaMy Hero Academia’s Katsuki, aka Kacchan, aka Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight has a fiery temper and will obliterate you as soon as look at you. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 78 Omni-Man / Image ComicsOmni-Man is not human, but actually a member of the alien Viltrumite race. We’re not quite sure why, but this character has become a popular cosplay in 2025. Who’d have guessed it! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 77 Pinhead / HellraiserThis cosplayer’s nailed Pinhead at MCM Birmingham Comic Con September 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 76 Astrid / How to Train your DragonAs Astrid Hofferson says: “It’s only fun if you get a scar out of it.” MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 75 Aquaman / DC ComicsAquaman has become increasingly popular with cosplayers following his recent appearances in Aquaman and The Justice League movies. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 74 Black Panther / MarvelWhat all the movers and shakers are wearing in Wakanda, these days. Physique optional. Showmasters London Film & Comic Con December 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 73 BeetlejuiceBeetlejuice (Betelgeuse) was Michael Keaton at his finest, in the Tim Burton classic. We spotted the mischievous ghost at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 72 Ahri / League of LegendsAhri, the nine-tailed fox, is one of the most popular League of Legends characters with cosplayers. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 71 Wolverine / X-MenThe perfect Sunday dinner guest, when you need the roast carving. Wolverine at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 70 Yennefer / The WitcherYennefer of Vengerberg is one of the key characters in The Witcher game and TV series, and Geralt’s true love. MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 69 Krul Tepes / Seraph of the EndMCM Former Vampire Queen, Krul Tepes, views all humans as disgusting, greedy creatures… nothing more than livestock. Hard to argue, really! MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 68 Emily / Corpse BrideTim Burton’s characters are popular with cosplayers and it’s no surprise when they look this good! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 67 Twisty the Clown / American Horror StoryWe have absolutely no idea why some people fear clowns. Seems irrational. I mean, check out lovely Twisty from MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 66 Yondu Udonta / Guardians of the GalaxyYondu, the leader of a faction of Ravagers in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, isn’t all bad… just a bit misunderstood! Here he was spotted at MCM London Comic Con, being ‘played by @cosplaydad_uk. Rocket Raccoon was nowhere to be seen. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 65 Shang Chi / MarvelDidn’t take cosplayers long to showcase their moves from Marvel’s hit movie Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings . MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. 64 Tinker Bell / Peter Pan“I do believe in fairies”. Peter Pan ‘s Tinker Bell wins the ‘Smile of the Show’ award at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 63 Loki, the God of MischiefWhether classic Loki or variants like Sylvie, there is no ignoring Loki in 2021! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 62 Robin / DC ComicsSidekicks don’t come any better than Robin. Just ask Bruce Wayne. MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 61 Princess Jasmine / AladdinThis Princess Jasmine, from Aladdin , was a star of the show at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 60 Bucky / The Winter SoldierBucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, pumped full of Super Soldier Serum. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 59 Maleficent / Sleeping BeautyMagnificent Maleficent, the darkest of fairies, photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2025. ©worldofcosplay.com 58 Green Arrow / DC ComicsStar City and Seattle are much safer thanks to this DC Comics dude. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 57 Cats / West End showAbsolutely purrrr-fect. Characters from Cats are popular at cons. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 56 Klee / Genshin ImpactKlee is a colourful character from Genshin Impact and was a popular cosplay in 2025. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 55 Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil)The larger-than-life Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village was a massive cosplay hit in 2025. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 54 Mandalorian / Star WarsA Mandalorian strolls the halls with baby Grogu. This is the way! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 53 Merida / BravePrincess Merida of DunBroch is Disney Pixar’s fiery Scottish red-head from Brave . Having grown up with three brothers (Harris, Hubert and Hamish), she’s both headstrong and intrepid. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 52 Ghostbuster / GhostbustersWho you gonna call? Brian may be able to help. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 51 Velma / Scooby DooIs there anyone that can wear a jumper and still look as hot as Velma? Scooby-Dooby-Dooooo! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 50 PredatorPredator photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. Must have been a bundle of laughs on the bus to the show. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 49 Zero 2 / Darling in the Franxx This Zero 2 is as sweet as candy… unless you upset her (look out for the tell-tale red eyes!). MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 48 Princess Peach / Super Mario Super Mario ‘s Princess Peach photographed at MCM Manchester July 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com47 Babydoll / Sucker PunchSucker Punch may be over ten years old but you’re still guaranteed to see Babydoll cosplayed at all the big cons. MCM London Comic Con October 2025.46 Darth Talon (Twi’lek) Darth Talon, a Lethan Twi’lek of some renown, photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 45 Cinderella / Disney“Cinderella, you shall go to the Ball… well Con.” No sign of a pumpkin carriage at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 44 Black Cat / MarvelBlack Cat aka Felicia Hardy could give Freddie K a run for his money with those claws. Safe to say we kept a safe distance at MCM Manchester July 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 43 Belle / Beauty & the BeastA sensational Belle from Beauty and the Beast , photographed at MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 42 Lara Croft / Tomb Raider@evilamelia is on fire as Lara Croft on our exclusive World of Cosplay photo shoot on location near her home in the UK. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 41 Spirit Blossom Lilia / League of LegendsThis has to be the coolest cosplay on four legs! MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 40 Link / The Legend of ZeldaYes it confuses some people, but this is Link, the protagonist in the Zelda games series. Zelda is the Princess he’s trying to save. MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 39 Geralt / The WitcherGeralt of Rivia from The Witcher series makes a solid Top 40 appearance. It’s the chiselled jaw wot does it! Awesome cosplay by @skulls_and_swords_creations at MCM Birmingham November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 38 The Riddler / DC ComicsA quizzical look from the Riddler at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 37 2B / Final Fantasy2B or not 2B? No, it’s definitely 2B… and we love it! @Zureeal photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 36 Cindy Aurum / Final FantasyOh my Lord! What a sensational Cindy (Aurum), the head mechanic of the Hammerhead garage in Final Fantasy XV . MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 35 Junko Enoshima / DanganronpaJunko, the Ultimate Fashionista, is a sassy student in Danganronpa ‘s Killing School Life . MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 34 13th Dr Who (First female Dr)The 13th Dr Who, and the first female. About time. Played by attemptsatcosplay.exe at MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2025. ©worldofcosplay.com 33 Catwoman / DC ComicsA stunning Catwoman cosplay photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 32 Mad Hatter / Alice in WonderlandTop, top performance by this Mad Hatter, shot at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 31 Goku / Dragon BallYou don’t need a six-pack to cosplay Dragon Ball ‘s Goku, but it helps! MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 30 Darth Maul / Star WarsCareful, you’ll have someone’s eye out! Darth Maul being reckless at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 29 Natasha Romanoff / Black WidowNatasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, is Marvel’s latest baddie-whupping female to hit the silver screen. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 28 Captain Marvel / Marvel@forest_thane as Captain Marvel, MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 27 Princess Leia / Star WarsIconic Leia with legendary hair buns and white, belted dress. A super-hot look in 1977 (in a galaxy far, far away – as well as MCM London Comic Con May 2025! ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 26 Supergirl / DC Comics DC’s Supergirl is ready for action. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 25 Gaige / Borderlands Borderlands has to rank as one of the best when it comes to characters with visual impact. We absolutely love this cosplay of Gaige at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com24 Sailor Uranus / Sailer MoonHaruka Tenoh, aka Sailor Uranus from the Sailor Moon anime series. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 23 Batgirl / DC ComicsIn 1967, Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) was introduced to the Batman franchise, partly, they reckon, to dispel the dynamic duo’s camp image, by making her Robin’s girlfriend. MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 22 Rem / Re:ZeroWorld-famous Oni maid, Rem, from Re:Zero , photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 21 Deku / My Hero AcademiaIzuku Midoriya, aka Deku, is one of the world’s most popular anime characters… and flicks a mean booga. MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2025. ©worldofcosplay.com 20 Boba Fett / Star WarsBoba Fett’s prepared for anything, including crazy golf, at MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 19 Captain America / MarvelSteve Rogers as Captain America with his Vibranium shield, recently wiped clean of Nazi blood. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 18 Spider Gwen / MarvelThis Spider Gwen bodysuit cosplay looks sensational. Photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 17 Scarlet Witch / WandavisionThe Scarlet Witch, cosplayed here brilliantly by @not_an_addams. MCM Birmingham November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 16 Rogue / X-MenStunning Rogue from X-Men cosplay by @devilincosplay at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 15 Snow White / DisneyWe’re digging this Snow White from MCM London Comic Con May 2025, but we’re not sure she fully understands the concept of Tweeting. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 14 Harry PotterWe think you’ll agree, it’s good to start ’em young! ©worldofcosplay.com 13 Captain Jack Sparrow / Pirates of the CaribbeanCaptain Jack Sparrow photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com 12 Daenerys Targaryen / Game of ThronesKhaleesi and her dragon’s egg at MCM London Comic Con May 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Khaleesi became a pop-culture icon of the teenies, with a great range of costumes to choose from. Dragon egg, or a full-on dragon if you can manage it, makes a brilliant accoutrement.
11 Zelda / The Legend of ZeldaZelda continues to be one of the most successful video games franchises and an ever-popular cosplay character. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.comThe original The Legend of Zelda video game was released way back in 1986 and proved a major success for Nintendo. Since then, there have been several Zelda sequels and spin-offs and no shortage of fans wanting to cosplay as their favourite Elf!
10 Wonder Woman / DC ComicsWonder Woman looking awesome at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Wonder Woman, aka Princess Diana of Themyscira, aka Diana Prince, is an amazonian demi-goddess, with excellent taste in threads. From 1980s Lynda Carter to today’s Gal Gadot representations, WW has inspired kick-ass women, and her costume has moved with the times. The Lasso of Truth is a neat bit of cosplay kit, but don’t forget the ballistic tiara and bulletproof bangles.
9 Poison IvyPoison Ivy photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Supervillains always seem that bit more threatening, when outwardly they look, ermmm, you know… pleasant. DC’s Poison Ivy (Dr Pamela Lillian Isley PhD) is a case in point. On the outside, she’s smart, beautiful and captivating… but really she wants to pump you full of toxins, or mind-controlling pheromones. Of course, she’ll tell you she’s just misunderstood. Her most popular cosplay costume are variations of this feminine dress with draped ivy and long red hair.
8 ‘Harlequin’ Harley Quinn / DC ComicsHarley Quinn has no shortage of outfits! Here’s she’s a hammer-toting harlequin. MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com You can’t keep a good woman down… or a bad one for that matter. It seems everyone adores H.Q, whatever she wears. We love shooting this amazing costume, which is both eye-catching, and door-frame catching… unless you go through sideways.
7 Deadpool / MarvelDeadpool. He could kill you with his wit… or handguns/swords. MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Marvel’s Deadpool has bags of attitude… and poses, so he’s an ideal cosplay for the expert or novice. You can find the DP suit online, then there are plenty of opportunities to accessorise. Toy guns are supposed to have orange caps on the end of the barrel – you know, to prevent unwanted S.W.A.T team interaction – but this player’s going the whole hog. Ballsy.
6 Pennywise / ITPennywise loves red balloons nearly as much as feeding on teenagers. MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Pennywise the Dancing Clown, from Stephen King’s It , may have put thousands of children’s entertainers out of business, but we still love this subtly-terrifying character. Pennywise’s instantly-recognisable face paint is always eye-catching and the costume can be bought or made. You could grow and dye your hair, but probably not recommended.
5 Stormtrooper / Star WarsStormtrooper photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Thanks to the likes of 501st Legion – Vader’s Fist, you’ll see Trooper detachments at every major Con. The armour has developed since the original 1977 Star Wars movie, but remains one of the most recognisable characters wherever you go in the world. There are various derivatives, too, including Sandtrooper and Snowtrooper. The members in the 501st take their passion way beyond cons, visiting a wide range of non-cosplay events and performing all manner of charitable acts. You can join them at 501st.com, or just cosplay for yourself.
4 Batman / DC ComicsBatman, looking suitably moody, at MCM Birmingham Comic Con March 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com The Caped Crusader is possibly the coolest cosplay, but also one of the hottest, in that heavy, dark latex and leather attire. Fine at London Comicon in October, but San Diego in July?Batman – though the basic ‘feel’ remains the same. He’s our highest-ranking cape wearer and his regalia includes a range of accessories to choose from.
3 Joker / DC Comics@allornothingcosplay as his favourite character: DC’s The Joker. MCM London Comic Con October 2025. @lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Joker has had a huge resurgence in recent years, thanks to the brilliance of Joaquin Phoenix, Heath Ledge, Jared Leto and all his other sensational incarnations. Joker’s flamboyant clothing, deranged make-up and wild hair make him one of the most creative cosplays, while his wide range of unhinged behaviours and ticks make him a joy to ‘play. But which would you cosplay?
2 Spider-Man / MarvelSpider-Man photographed at MCM Birmingham Comic Con November 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.com Ubiquitous Spidey comes in numerous designs, but this web-wielding Super’ is arguably Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s greatest creation. The beauty of Spider-Man is anyone can cosplay him, if you can afford to buy a suit (we’ve yet to see a home-crafted version), and, as the suits get cooler with every new movie, you can choose the design that you love best.
1 Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad) / DC Comics Suicide Squad Harley Quinn cosplayed superbly by @devilincosplay at MCM Birmingham Comic Con September 2025. ©lezanophoto/worldofcosplay.comHail Dr Harleen Quinzell, the most popular cosplay, bar none!Suicide Squad costume, with legendary Daddy’s Lil Monster long-sleeved tee, shorts and fishnets, is a show favourite at every Con… in every country.
Author:
John’s a cosplay photographer and videographer who visited his first con in 2017, and has been to numerous London, Birmingham and Manchester events since.
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