The Best Nerd Horror Cosplays and How to Create Them
by Justine Norton-Kertson
If you're a fan of nerd horror and love to cosplay, then you know there's nothing quite like stepping into the shoes of your favorite brainy, quirky, and sometimes downright terrifying characters. Whether you're gearing up for a convention, Halloween, or just a themed party with friends, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to some of the best nerd horror cosplays and tips on how to bring them to life.
1. Ash Williams from The Evil Dead (1981)
Why It's Awesome: Ash Williams is the ultimate horror hero. With his iconic chainsaw hand and "boomstick," he’s both badass and hilarious. Cosplaying Ash is a surefire way to stand out and pay homage to one of horror’s most beloved characters.
How to Create It:
Clothing: Start with a blue button-down shirt and brown pants. Tear and dirty them up to reflect Ash’s many battles with the undead.
Chainsaw Hand: You can either buy a replica or make one using a toy chainsaw, some duct tape, and red paint for a bloodied effect.
Weaponry: A toy shotgun—with bright orange barrel tips to ensure it’s not mistaken for a real gun—will complete your arsenal.
Accessories: Don’t forget Ash’s signature leather harness and a little fake blood for authenticity. If you really want to kick it up a notch, buy and carry a replica of the skin-bound Evil Dead Necronomicon.
2. Nancy Thompson from A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) or A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Why It's Awesome: Nancy is the epitome of the smart, resourceful final girl. Her character combines intelligence and bravery, making her a fantastic cosplay choice for fans of classic horror.
How to Create It:
Clothing: Both of Nancy’s looks are simple but iconic. To cosplay Nancy from the first movie, wear a white long-sleeved nightgown or a white blouse with jeans. For Dream Warriors Nancy, find a gray tweed jacket and wear a purple or dark blue blouse underneath. Match it with gray or tan slacks or a knee length business style skirt.
Hair: Style your hair with those iconic 1980s loose waves or curls.
Props: Carry a fake Freddy glove. Maybe make a book to carry titled "Booby Traps and Improvised Anti-Personnel Devices" to show off Nancy’s clever side. If you're cosplaying Nancy from the third film, maybe carry a psychology textbook about dreams.
Makeup: Keep it natural but add some dark circles under your eyes to show the sleepless nights battling Freddy.
3. Lily from The VVitch (2015)
Why It's Awesome: Lily's transformation into embracing her witch identity in The VVitch combines historical authenticity with eerie beauty.
How to Create It:
Clothing: Wear a simple, old-fashioned dress in muted colors. Add an apron for historical accuracy.
Makeup: Keep makeup minimal but add dark circles under your eyes and pale skin for a haunting look.
Props: Carry a black goat plushie or a broomstick.
Hair: Style your hair into simple, loose waves or braids.
4. Herbert West from Re-Animator (1985)
Why It's Awesome: Herbert West is the quintessential mad scientist, and his character is both creepy and fascinating. This cosplay is perfect for those who love diving into the scientific side of horror.
How to Create It:
Clothing: Wear a white lab coat over a dress shirt, tie, and black pants. Splatter some fake blood on the lab coat for a more dramatic effect.
Accessories: Carry a syringe filled with neon green liquid to mimic his reanimation serum. This can be as easy as using bright green Gatorade or a similarly colored juice. But if you want to take it to the next level, you can use green glow sticks fluid.
Glasses: Round wire-rimmed glasses are a must to complete Herbert’s look.
Hair: Style your hair neatly, but feel free to add a little messiness to show the stress of his experiments.
5. Dana Polk from The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Why It's Awesome: Dana is a modern twist on the final girl trope, blending intelligence with bravery. Her cosplay is straightforward yet impactful.
How to Create It:
Clothing: Wear a plaid shirt, jeans, and hiking boots. Get the clothes dirty and torn to reflect the chaos she endures.
Props: Carry a prop axe or a book about the Old Gods to symbolize her fight against the orchestrators of the cabin’s horrors.
Makeup: Add some cuts, bruises, and a bit of fake blood to show she’s been through a lot.
Hair: Keep it simple with loose waves or curls, as Dana’s look is practical and unassuming.
Nerd horror characters offer a unique blend of intelligence, bravery, and often a touch of humor, making them perfect for cosplay. Whether you’re embodying the mad scientist, the final girl, or the ghostbusting tech genius, these characters allow you to showcase both your love for horror and your nerdy side. With a bit of creativity and some DIY magic, you can bring these iconic nerd horror characters to life and stand out at your next event. Happy cosplaying!
