Mars Attacks Alien Costume
ACK! ACK! Recreate the iconic, brain-exposed Martian invader look.
The Martian Soldier from the 1996 cult classic Mars Attacks! is one of the most recognizable sci-fi designs in cinema history. Instantly identifiable by their massive exposed brains, bulging eyes, and metallic spacesuits, this costume is a massive hit for sci-fi fans and retro-futurism lovers. The look centers around a teal and metallic blue spacesuit paired with a signature oversized brain helmet.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $60–200
Try it on
See yourself as Mars Attacks Alien
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Mars Attacks Alien costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mars Attacks Alien costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Martian Brain Mask or Helmet
An oversized, bulbous latex mask depicting a giant exposed pink brain, large black eyes, and a skeletal mouth.
DIY: Sculpt a brain texture onto a bald cap using upholstery foam or paper-mache, painted pink with red veins, and wear large black dome goggles.
Teal or Metallic Blue Jumpsuit
A full-body metallic teal or bright blue jumpsuit to serve as the base of the Martian spacesuit.
DIY: Use a teal green track suit or scrubs and spray them with a light coat of metallic fabric paint.
Green and Yellow Chest Armor
A rigid green chest plate with bright yellow shoulder accents and collar trim.
DIY: Cut and shape green and yellow EVA foam sheets, gluing them together to form a high-collared vest.
Red Oxygen Tanks
Two cylindrical red tanks mounted on the back with silver tubing running to the helmet or chest.
DIY: Paint two plastic soda bottles bright red, tape them together, and attach silver dryer vent hoses.
Green Gloves and Boots
Bright green elbow-length gloves and matching green boot covers or boots.
DIY: Wear bright green dishwashing gloves and spray-paint an old pair of rain boots green.
Martian Ray Gun
A retro-futuristic toy blaster, typically red, orange, and silver with a wide dish-shaped muzzle.
DIY: Modify a plastic water gun with metallic spray paint, adding a small plastic funnel to the barrel.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mars Attacks Alien costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the metallic teal jumpsuit as your base layer.
- 2
Step into the green boots or pull the green boot covers over your regular shoes.
- 3
Slip on the green chest armor, ensuring the high yellow collar sits comfortably around your neck.
- 4
Strapon the red oxygen tanks to your back, running the silver hoses over your shoulders to tuck into the chest plate.
- 5
Put on the oversized Martian brain mask, adjusting the eyeholes for maximum visibility.
- 6
Pull on the green elbow-length gloves, tucking the sleeves of the jumpsuit inside them.
- 7
Equip your retro ray gun blaster to complete the hostile alien invader look.
Makeup & hair
No hair styling is needed as your head will be completely covered by the oversized mask. If your neck is exposed below the mask, apply green face paint to blend your skin seamlessly into the costume.
Mars Attacks Alien for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with the Martian Girl in her iconic red-and-white swirl gown and high blonde beehive wig.
- group
- Gather a squad of Martian Soldiers led by a commander wearing a red cape, or add a victim in a 1950s retro outfit.
- kids
- A scaled-down green jumpsuit with a lightweight plastic or foam brain mask for easy wear.
- Plus size
- Use a flexible, two-piece teal track suit instead of a one-piece jumpsuit for a more comfortable and adjustable fit.
- pet
- A green dog hoodie with a small plush pink brain attached to the hood.
Tips
- Ensure your mask has adequate ventilation holes; use a small hand-held fan during breaks to stay cool.
- Keep your ray gun secured to a belt holster if you plan on socializing or holding drinks at a party.
- Practice your best high-pitched 'Ack! Ack!' vocalization to stay in character for photos.
Mars Attacks Alien costume FAQ
- How do I make a DIY Mars Attacks brain helmet?
- You can use a large acrylic plastic dome or fishbowl, build a brain shape inside using pink expanding foam or paper-mache, and leave space for your head underneath.
- Is the Mars Attacks alien costume comfortable to wear?
- The jumpsuit is comfortable, but the large latex mask can get hot and limits peripheral vision. Take regular breaks and remove the mask in crowded spaces.
- What weapons do the Mars Attacks aliens use?
- They carry retro-futuristic ray guns that fire green or red disintegrator beams, characterized by metallic finishes and dish-shaped barrels.
Did you know? The design of the Martians in the 1996 film was directly adapted from the classic 1962 Topps trading card series of the same name.