The intersection of fandom and beauty reached an all-time high this year. Harry Potter -themed makeup palettes and brushes hit the internet, Marvel's Avengers cast got turned into lip balms, even the cult film Mean Girls had its moment in the makeup spotlight.
As the cosmetics category exploded with nods to TV shows, movies, and books so, too, did the nail category. Amateur and professional manicurists around the globe have been pulling inspiration from pop culture in seriously cool ways in 2016. We'd even venture to say that the fandom-inspired manis of late have been more jaw-dropping than many of the sold-out palettes on Etsy.
Whether or not you're interested in adorning yourself with all nine members of the Fellowship, you can't deny the skill that goes into teeny-tiny works of nail art. But really, don't you want to hop on the nostalgia train and check out some manicures that would make Joss Whedon proud? Or try out a subtle way to rock a Storm Trooper on your pointer? Ahead, we've rounded up the very best fandom nails we've encountered on — where else? — Instagram.
Harry Potter
This mani has it all: Gryffindor's house colors, the symbols for platform 9 3/4 and the Deathly Hallows, and mini illustrations of BFFs Harry and Ron.
Photo Via: @natalimorza.
Sherlock
Spoiler Alert: We love this detailed mani that references the epic premiere episode of Sherlock's second season.
Photo Via: @thenaillifechoseus.
Frozen
Frozen -inspired nails are perfect for this time of year — especially if they include detailed illustrations of the film's main characters, Elsa and Anna.
Photo Via: @jessiedoesnails.
Lord Of The Rings
We can't read Elvish, but one thing's certain: Elf royals would be proud to be seen rocking this manicure.
Photo Via: @plus10kapow.
Firefly
Joss Whedon fans will love this set of galaxy nails, which feature a mini design of Firefly's beloved ship, Serenity.
Photo Via: @game_of_braids
Adventure Time
This set features eight of the Cartoon Network show's beloved characters, including Lumpy Space Princess, the Ice King, and Lady Rainicorn. The only pair missing? The leading men: Jake and Finn.
Photo Via: @nailsart_sh.
Pokémon
Snagging this detailed mani might be the easiest way to get all the Eevee evolutions without hours of game play.
Photo Via: @nailpopllc.
Hayao Miyazaki
This work of art pays homage to a number of Miyazaki masterpieces, including Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Totoro.
Photo Via: @fingerbangportland.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
This may be the most detailed way for a beauty lover to show off his or her love of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Photo Via: @donttouchmynails.
Doctor Who
This subtle mani features symbols from BBC's Doctor Who.
Photo Via: @pretty_tragedy_.
Dragon Ball
These nails are the next best thing to being able to transform into Super Saiyan.
Photo Via: @rosebnails.
Star Trek
Trekkies, unite! We love that this mani features glittery renditions of the Starfleet uniforms.
Photo Via: @rocket.mani.
Star Wars
Only fellow diehards will recognize that you have Storm Troopers on your nails.
Photo Via: @sarahbland.
Sailor Moon
Our love of Sailor Moon is well-documented (see here and here for proof), so naturally, we dig this look that features a cosmic heart and scepter.
Photo Via: @pampernailgallery.
Marvel
Captain America versus Iron Man: Who will be victorious?
Photo Via: @ashearer3.
Wonder Woman
We're hoping this Wonder Woman mani tides us over until the movie's release next year.
Photo Via: @beautyfudge.
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