In most cases, it’s the movie stars who attract audiences and receive significant recognition for a film’s success (or criticism when a film fails). However, there are exceptions where certain items or props in movies gain as much fame as any other aspect of the film. These aren’t necessarily the best MacGuffins, but they might be famous props or costumes that we’ll explore! Let’s dive in!
What The Dude was longing for was just his carpet returned. That unassuming carpet, soiled by Woo, sparks all the chaos in the movie. Although we don’t get to see much of the carpet that The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is trying to reacquire, we do catch a glimpse of it (for a short while) when he gets it from the millionaire Lebowski in the film The Big Lebowski.
The DeLorean Time Machine
Truth be told, deep down, you yearned for a DeLorean time machine just like everyone else. In fact, many of us would gladly take a standard DeLorean. After Marty and Doc took us on that incredible journey in Back To The Future, we’ve all been dreaming of possessing the same power to travel through time. Sadly, those cars have become as elusive as Biff’s Sports Almanac, slipping away from our grasp like grains of sand.
Wilson
In many scenes of the film, there’s just one star, and that star’s sole friend is a volleyball. This volleyball, named Wilson, is the only pal Chuck (Tom Hanks) has in the movie Cast Away, and as with Chuck, viewers grow quite fond of this ball, which has a face drawn on it using Chuck’s blood.
The Briefcase In Pulp Fiction
A noteworthy MacGuffin from the list is the mysterious briefcase in the movie “Pulp Fiction.” Its contents remain unknown, only hinted at by its radiant golden glow. The reason for its enduring fame might be due to this very mystery, as if we knew it contained a stolen Oscar statuette or something commonplace, our perception would likely change.
The Red And Blue Pills
In the movie “The Matrix,” the Blue Pill and the Red Pill have been recognized for a long time, well before they gained recent political implications. Essentially, one pill will awaken Neo (Keanu Reeves), while the other will send him back to sleep. To be clear, I don’t find any political associations appealing, and I prefer to keep things simple without delving into these connections.
One Ring To Rule Them All
Apart from being one of the most renowned film props in cinematic history, the One Ring is also widely recognized as a significant artifact in contemporary literature. The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands as an unparalleled masterpiece, and it owes its existence to this ring that rules them all.
Indy’s Whip
Indiana Jones’ hat is well-known for being in the Indiana Jones films, but let’s face it, Harrison Ford’s character’s whip is just as iconic and arguably more intriguing than a hat. Therefore, the whip takes priority in this discussion.
The Giant Piano In Big
Any child fortunate enough to visit FAO Schwartz in New York following the release of Big, their top priority was locating the oversized piano that one could walk on and perform on too. It’s an iconic scene from that movie era, and though I discovered it wasn’t feasible for me to reenact the scene, I still fantasize about acquiring a large enough piano to make it happen.
Thor’s Hammer
In the vast realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), many legendary artifacts grace our screens, and ranking the movies could almost warrant a separate list for these props alone. However, when it comes to icons within this franchise, few items hold as much reverence as Mjolnir, Thor’s mighty hammer. This artifact isn’t just a staple of Marvel lore; it’s one of the most celebrated objects in global mythology, let alone the MCU.
The Leg Lamp
In the film “A Christmas Story“, the father unexpectedly receives a decorative lamp shaped like a woman’s leg after winning a significant award. He takes such pride in this peculiar item that he desires to showcase it in their window, causing disapproval from his spouse. Regrettably, the lamp doesn’t survive until the end of the movie; instead, another prop, the iconic Red Ryder BB Gun, garners equal attention. Given its peculiar nature, one might even speculate that the lamp is of Italian origin.
Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers
Among all the well-known props and costumes listed, none hold as much fame or iconic status as Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz. This prop is so renowned that it can be found in the Smithsonian, alongside Fonzie’s jacket and Archie Bunker’s chair.
The Heart Of The Ocean
In the film “Titanic,” it’s safe to say that the sunken ship itself is a well-known entity, but referring to it explicitly might be too obvious. Instead, we opted for the central plot item, the Heart of the Ocean necklace, which is being pursued by the characters portrayed by Bill Paxton and his crew. Unfortunately, this priceless gem shares the same fate as the ship.
The Batmobile
As a movie enthusiast, I’d be thrilled to share my take on Batmobiles throughout the years! From the iconic model in the ’60s TV series that holds a special place in my heart, to the darker, more menacing one seen in Tim Burton’s Batman, and not forgetting the advanced versions showcased by Christopher Nolan – each has its unique charm. No matter which one you pick, you can’t go wrong!
Maverick’s Jacket
In a more casual and straightforward manner: The bomber jacket sported by the character Maverick (played by Tom Cruise) in Top Gun is undeniably one of the most memorable wardrobe items in film history. Adorned with patches, this jacket has become legendary. Such a crucial aspect of the character, it was even highlighted when the first trailer for Top Gun: Maverick was released, featuring nothing more than a close-up of the jacket being put on by Maverick himself.
Freddie’s Glove
In numerous horror films, masks are one of the commonly recognized symbols, and among them, Freddie Krueger’s glove from “A Nightmare on Elm Street” stands out as particularly iconic, arguably the most famous. This chilling instrument has been a source of terror for moviegoers for many years, often causing sleepless nights.
Lightsabers
To put it another way, among all the props in every story ever told, are there any more iconic than the lightsabers from the Star Wars series? Regardless of their color, no other weapon from any other franchise holds quite the same prestige as the Jedi knights’ sophisticated tool.
Wonka’s Golden Ticket
In “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” it was essential to possess a Golden Ticket for the children (and their parents) to experience the tour of Willy Wonka’s extraordinary factory. This way, they would avoid any kind of trouble as well.
The Red Swingline Stapler
In the sitcom “Office Space,” Stephen Root’s character Milton has one of the most unusual personalities among comedy characters from that time period. His mumbling can be unsettling, and his obsession with his bright-red stapler is both chilling and comical. This eccentricity became so iconic that Swingline, a well-known stapler brand, produced a special edition red stapler modeled after the prop used in the show.
Proton Packs
Ray (Dan Aykroyd) stated that each Ghostbuster is equipped with an “unauthorized nuclear booster on their backs.” Over time, these proton packs have become essential to any child who dressed as our heroes from Ghostbusters for Halloween, year after year. Here’s hoping the ones kids wear today are a bit safer.
The Maltese Falcon
This iconic prop from a movie goes by the same name as the film itself, or perhaps it was the title that originated from this significant object – it’s unclear. However, both possibilities suggest that the Maltese Falcon statue is one of the most renowned plot devices in cinema history, found in the movie titled The Maltese Falcon.
Vote For Pedro Tee Shirt
Even years after the excitement for the film “Napoleon Dynamite” subsided, people could often be spotted wearing “Vote For Pedro” t-shirts as they strolled down the streets. These shirts gained such widespread popularity that they almost overshadowed the movie itself, and it’s possible that their appeal remains strong to this day.
The 2001 Obelisk
Obelisks continue to captivate people so much that they are still constructing them in desert landscapes, such as the Las Vegas Obelisk. This fascination originated from Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking film 2001: A Space Odyssey. In fact, many who haven’t watched this iconic movie are familiar with the obelisk scenes in it.
Ghostface’s Mask
In horror movie history, there are several iconic masks that stand out, so it’s no surprise that a film like “Scream” – being a tribute to the classic slasher movies from the ’70s and ’80s – would feature one of these well-known masks. These masks, similar to the franchise itself, have proven to be incredibly resilient and likely will continue to endure for at least another hundred years.
The Sorting Hat
In the magical realm of Harry Potter, some iconic items capture everyone’s attention, such as the enchanted car that flies and an assortment of wands. Yet, beneath the surface, every devoted fan cherishes the fantasy of being assigned to their preferred house at Hogwarts by the talking Sorting Hat.
Mary Poppins’ Umbrella
Every child imagines having a nanny like Mary Poppins, even if it’s not actually Mary Poppins themselves. Over time, the umbrella has become an iconic symbol associated with the movie. One of the most memorable moments in cinematic history is when Julie Andrews as Mary gracefully descends using her umbrella.
Rita Hayworth Poster
In a recent statement, TopMob declared “The Shawshank Redemption” as the standout film from the ’90s. This cinematic masterpiece is adapted from a story by Stephen King titled “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.” The poster that Andy (Tim Robbins) secretly conceals his escape tunnel in is incredibly significant, adding to the movie’s impact. One of the most thrilling scenes occurs when the warden destroys this poster, creating a memorable moment that rivals any other in film history.
The New Bluesmobile
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d like to share an interesting tidbit about “The Blues Brothers.” Contrary to what the film might suggest, the iconic car isn’t the original Bluesmobile, as Jake (John Belushi) clarifies. The initial Bluesmobile was actually a Cadillac, not the former police car that Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) drives up in to rescue Jake from prison. Elwood explains that he had to trade it for a microphone, which Jake accepts, knowing the importance of music to their brotherhood. Regardless, that car remains one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1980s.
Reese’s Pieces
It was a misstep on Mars Candy’s part when they reportedly declined to allow Steven Spielberg to use M&M’s in E.T. This decision instead provided an opportunity for the team at Reese’s Pieces who did license their product. As a result, Reese’s Pieces have become one of the most iconic food items in any film to this day.
Jason’s Hockey Mask
Among the unforgettable masks featured in ’70s and ’80s slasher films, none is as instantly recognizable as Jason’s mask from the Friday the 13th series. Let’s set aside who exactly wore it in the initial film, as that detail isn’t crucial. What truly stands out is the mask itself.
The Burn Book
Oh, the infamous “Burn Book” from the hilarious 2004 film, “Mean Girls,” penned by none other than Tina Fey herself! This secret journal served as a catalyst for the demise of the movie’s notorious clique. It was brimming with damning evidence against these unsavory characters, eventually leading to their well-deserved downfall in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
The Box In Seven
The question ‘What’s in the box?’ is arguably one of the most unnerving lines in any film history, and Brad Pitt’s portrayal at that moment is undoubtedly among his finest acting achievements. Without delving too deeply into the response, if you’re familiar with it, you understand its significance.
The Red Balloon In IT
Some individuals harbor fear towards clowns or balloons. This enigmatic entity manages to unsettle both groups simultaneously, thereby fashioning an enduring symbol in the realm of cinematic history. Verbal communication isn’t required for inducing terror, as a mere glimpse is often enough to instantly recognize the film from which this prop originates.
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2025-07-01 01:42