I don't think "Star Wars" has any competition. People all over the world can look at a Darth Vader dog toy or hand lotion dispenser and know exactly what it's referring to, and I don't think that any film ever has produced a costume as instantly recognizable as Vader or a stormtrooper.
Still, I'm willing to consider any other candidates. Any costumes more iconic?
Dracula 1931 and 1992
shareYes: Conan the Barbarian, including the physiques as part of the costumes. After all, what do you wear more than you do your body?
I realize that your question is plural, meaning the totality of costumes in a film. If it were singular, I’d put Superman’s outfit over Vader’s, Iron Man’s, Wonder Woman’s, Monroe’s “subway” dress in The Seven-Year Itch or even Bond’s Aston-Martin DB5.
Nothing compares to the most iconic Superman outfit. You know, the one with the red underpants over the blue tights.
Darth Vader is only really popular in the West. But Superman is all over the world!
Ah, but the Superman costume isn't strictly a movie costume, it was a comic book costume for decades before it ever appeared on film!
The Darth Vader costume is a purely filmic creation, and moreover, it's a costume that seven or eight guys have worn so far without anyone caring about the change. The costume IS the character, it doesn't matter who wears it, it's a creation of pure cinematic genius.
Some superheroes, like others mentioned, compare.
Jason Voorhees and his hockey mask, I also agree with. Instantly identifiable.
MJs Thriller Jacket.
shareRooster Cogburn ( "a one-eyed fat man" ) in the original True Grit
share