Is it that life imitates art? Or that art imitates art? It seems that whichever is the case, licensed costumes for Halloween follow blockbuster movies. Like many toys, books and other consumer goods, Halloween costumes often style themselves after movie characters. Some manufacturers choose to carry licensed Halloween costumes; others choose to create “knockoffs” that closely resemble the licensed products, without paying the licensing fees… but they are not allowed to use the characters’ names on their costumes. For the past few years, Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC) costumes have been a huge success. With three big pirate movies, there have been six major characters to create: Captain Jack Sparrow costumes, Elizabeth Swann costumes, William Turner costumes, Hector Barbossa costumes, Davy Jones costumes, and Tia Dalma costumes. With everything from Elizabeth Swann’s Aztec gold necklace to Jack Sparrow’s rings and Barbossa’s sword, pirate costumes offer many styles, sizes and choices for Halloween parties and contests. In addition to licensed Pirates costumes, there are numerous unlicensed pirate costumes for women and men, and even kid’s pirate costumes. These are likely to cost a little less that an official Jack Sparrow Halloween costume, but may be just as attractive and well-built. Another perennial favorite: Spiderman costumes. Again, with three hit movies, the webslinger is available as adult Spiderman costumes, kids Spiderman costumes, and even a Spidergirl costume. “Spiderman costumes have been one of our best sellers for four years in a row,” said James Burke, co-owner of SpookShop.com. “My sons both have Spiderman costumes, and wear them as pajamas, and even during the day. They have each gone through two sizes already.” Other hits such as The Simpsons movie are likely to bring more interest to Simpsons costumes. “We carry Simpsons masks and costumes, but expect manufacturers to add more Simpsons Halloween costumes to what they currently offer,” Burke said. Don’t forget Harry Potter costumes. Unlike Spiderman and Pirates of the Caribbean costumes, Hogwarts Robes and accessories sell year-around. “Harry Potter scarves for the various houses have been a great seller,” said Burke. “And we always have to reorder Harry Potter wands and glasses.” With other hit movies like Shrek the Third (with baby dronkey costumes), TVs “24″ (with Jack Bauer costumes) and Barbie movies, Halloween costume stores are likely to again be full of licensed characters. Upcoming movies include Rob Zombie’s remake of the classic movie “Halloween,” which includes a new Michael Myers mask. Look to the movies and TV to get great Halloween costume ideas. You’ll have plenty to choose from!