20 iconic movie props that hold major significance in pop culture

There are ample examples of iconic movie props that hold major significance in pop culture. These materials are so familiar to us that we immediately identify them with a movie. As soon as we see a prop in a film scene that acts as a crucial element to the story, and also has a unique appeal, we attempt to find or recreate the same object, as we feel that the very object is a link between us and the imaginary world of our favorite movie. These props become our staple at Halloween or any theme parties, or we end up buying the whole merchandise or creating them on our own. Here is a list of 20 iconic movie props that hold major significance in pop culture:

1) 'The BMX Bike', from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

This BMX bike that Elliot is carrying E.T. holds very dearly to all the 90's kids specifically. This is a crucial and tense scene of Steven Spielberg's 1984 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, in which the children are being chased by the police officials as E.T. is with them. This scene proceeds to one of the most famous scenes in film history- the 'flying bike scene' over the full moon. Since then, this 'flying bike' has etched a permanent place in everyone's hearts.

2) 'The Mask of Hannibal', from The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

One look at this iconic mask worn by the central character Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is bound to give us chills. In this 1991 psychological horror, Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins is a cannibal and the mask exists to prevent him from harming any more humans. It is an interesting prop choice as it acts as an element of both powerlessness and power in the characterization of Hannibal Lecter.

3) 'The Ruby Slippers' from The Wizard of Oz (1939)

These adorable Ruby slippers serve a big purpose in the plotline of The Wizard of Oz, as worn by Dorothy Gale, and portrayed by Judy Garland. Dorothy is given the responsibility of these magical shoes by Glinda as she wants them to be protected by the dead Wicked Witch of the East. These shoes were also instrumental in sending Dorothy back home, with just three clicks. However, in real life, one pair of these shoes was stolen back in 2005. Thankfully, it was retrieved.

4) 'The Lightsabers', from The Star Wars film series (1977-2023)

Lightsabers from the Star Wars Franchise have a huge pop culture significance and are arguably one of the most famous props of all time. They are stylish and powerful, so much so that they are one of the key icons of the film series. Lightsabers serve as the weapon of the Jedi and are known for making a unique sound. Lightsabers can cut through almost any material, except a few.

5) 'The Snitch' from the Harry Potter franchise (2001-2016)

One of the iconic features of the Harry Potter film series is 'The Golden Snitch'. It is the size of a walnut, is gold in color, and has wings that were used in the Quidditch matches before it got broken. This tiny ball is meant to be caught by The Seeker. However, The Snitch flies at an incredibly fast pace and is almost invisible to the naked eye. It can also recognize the person who catches it first. In the film, actual copper and gold were used to make this prop.

6) 'The Red Balloon' from It (2017)

Who can possibly forget this horrific yet iconic clown Pennywise with his otherwise wholesome-looking Red Balloon? Balloons might not have been scary until It arrived in 1986 with its remake released in 2017. This Red Balloon warned about the arrival of this villainous clown, as it became symbolic of his existence. It is yet another interesting choice of prop since balloons, which are generally associated with purity and playfulness have been subverted into an object of horror.

7) 'The One Ring' in the The Lord of the Rings film franchise (2001-2003)

Whenever we think of The Lord of the Rings, it is imperative to mention 'The One Ring'. The Ring serves as the primary component of the narrative. Whoever wears this ring can become invisible, and their powers are increased exponentially. People who attain this ring become blinded by vindication and the urge to oppress others. However, in real life, one can certainly make a ring resembling this, but without the powers!

8) 'Wilson the Volleyball' from Cast Away (2000)

This blood-stained volleyball from Cast Away is iconic for many reasons. Its unsettling appeal, with a face drawn with blood on a volleyball, is a humanized character of its own. This ball is instrumental in providing companionship to the character of Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks) during his most vulnerable times. The dichotomy of this prop is interesting to witness, as it has the potential to bring both the heebie-jeebies and warmth when we know its purpose in the story.

9) Thor's Hammer a.k.a 'The Mjolnir' from The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2011-2022)

There is always a prop that we identify with every superhero, and when it comes to weapons, Thor's hammer 'Mjolnir' is too iconic to not have a mention. This war weapon has its cultural roots in Norse mythology, and can't be wielded by everyone. It has the power to make one invisible, can change the ways of the storm, enables one to fly, provides superhuman strength, and also has healing properties, amongst many other qualities.

10) 'The Cigarette Holder' from Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

The timeless and much-loved Audrey Hepburn's iconic cigarette holder from the 1961 classic Breakfast At Tiffany's cannot be missed. This prop has become synonymous with the image of Audrey Hepburn, along with her fashion and celebrated hairstyle. This cigarette holder served as a crucial item to Hepburn's character Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's, and the cigarette holder may possibly symbolise breaking the conventional ideas about femininity.

11) 'The DeLorean' from Back to the Future (1985)

This DeLorean back in the 1980s became a cultural icon, as time travel was a fascinating subject and still is. Featured in the 1985 sci-fi movie Back to the Future, this car became the crux of the story, as this was not an ordinary car. It enabled Marty McFly and Doc Brown to travel across time. This sports car's unique feature was its iconic door opening style, fitted with steel body panels. This car has been remembered for generations, and one can actually see the original car by visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum.

12) 'McLovin Driver's License' from Superbad (2007)

This fake driver's license with an amusing alias is too hilarious and iconic to miss. This is from a scene of Superbad (2007) when three rebellious teenage boys wish to buy alcohol illegally under this false driver's license. This is a good example of how a prop can somewhat become like a character in a story. McLovin's Driver's License continues to be a popular comedic reference for years.

13) 'The Golden Ticket' from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Since childhood, a lot of people must have hoped for a real Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. After all, this ticket represents unpredictability, transformation, and possibilities. This unique and swanky-looking Golden ticket is the prop that acts as a catalyst for Charlie entering the world of Willy Wonka. Now we might not have a real Willy Wonka with a chocolate factory yet, but we can certainly make use of our stationary kit and craft this Golden Ticket on our own.

14) 'The Burn Book' from Mean Girls (2004)

This 'Burn Book' is from the iconic Mean Girls (2004). This book comes into existence when the popular girl group of this school 'The Plastics' comes together and makes this book a breeding ground for all the gossip and rumors about everyone, except the girls who created this book. Being a very popular prop in cinema history, this Burn Book has inspired an array of makeup products collection based on it.

15) The 'Neuralyzer' from Men In Black (1997)

Along with the iconic fashion statement of the men wearing dapper suits, this fascinating device called 'Neuralyzer' from Men In Black (1997) has a huge cultural significance in pop culture history. The plotline follows a covert organization whose prime motive is to keep an eye on and control any otherworldly events happening on Earth. They use this stylish and glossy technological invention, the Neuralyzer, which can erase someone's memory of a controversial event entirely. This cool prop is used to keep the organization's confidentiality intact.

16) 'The Fedora Hat' from the Indiana Jones film series (1981-2023)

This quintessential Fedora Hat of Indiana Jones has been a fashion icon for years, as we cannot imagine Indiana Jones without this, and adds to his heroic look. Indiana Jones has a special attachment to this hat, and can't let anything detach him from it. The iconic combination of the hat and the whip completes the characterization of Indiana Jones. His association with the hat began from his youth, and he has not let it go since then.

17) 'The Leg Lamp' from A Christmas Story (1983)

This lamp was an iconic and hilarious prop from the 1983 Christmas comedy A Christmas Story. The story revolves around a boy named Ralphie Parker and his family's experiences during the Christmas season. A strike of luck and the chance at a paper contest brings this scandalous prop to the Parker residence- a lamp, which resembles a woman's leg wrapped in fishnet stockings. The rest of the hilarity is followed by the family's varied response to this unique lamp.

18) The 'Shield' of Captain America from The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-2023)

This immensely popular prop is a cultural sensation of its own. This shield of Captain America bears the emblem of American culture, consisting of the three colors of the American flag- red, white, and blue. The shield is symbolic of Captain America and is representative of his strength. This vibranium-made shield has significant importance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it has featured in multiple films of the franchise.

19) 'Red Pill and Blue Pill' of Morpheus, from The Matrix (1999)

These highly popular metaphorical props- the 'Red pill' and 'Blue pill' from The Matrix (1999) are symbolic of the dichotomy of choice, as visually represented in the contrasting choice of colors. If one takes the blue pill, that shall lead to a path much simpler and mundane. But if one chooses the red one, that will lead to chaos, in search of a life-altering truth. Neo (portrayed by Keanu Reeves) takes the road less taken, that is, the red pill.

20) 'Heart of the Ocean' necklace from The Titanic (1997)

This list shall be incomplete without the mention of the iconic piece of jewelry 'Heart of the Ocean' in the Titanic (1997). This blue diamond necklace plays a crucial role in the film, as gifted to Rose by her fiance Cal. This prop becomes an important element in the romance between Rose and Jack when Rose requests Jack to draw her wearing only this. Post the Titanic tragedy, an elderly Rose throws away the necklace into the water, possibly as an act of letting go.

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