Movie props are essential to filmmaking, sometimes becoming as iconic as the movies themselves. These objects, once touched by actors in blockbuster films, transform into prized possessions. Today, movie props are often meticulously barcoded and cataloged to prevent loss during production, a stark contrast to earlier days when props frequently disappeared with cast and crew. When these coveted items become available to the public, they spark fierce competition among collectors and film enthusiasts.
Created by talented and passionate artists, here are 10 movie props that evoke strong emotions and unforgettable cinematic moments.
Newspapers from Back to the Future II
Starting our list is a prop from Universal Studios’ Back to the Future II. In this sequel, Biff steals the DeLorean, altering history and forcing Marty McFly into action. Screenwriter Bob Gale kept several USA Today newspaper props featuring bizarre headlines he wrote himself. One article describes thumb bandits who steal thumbs for digital payments—a gruesome, cautionary detail about our digital age.
The Slytherin Locket from Harry Potter
The Slytherin locket, as seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, is a significant artifact that Harry, Ron, and Hermione try to destroy. Pierre Bohanna, head of the prop department, revealed that 60 lockets were made from various materials. Many were destroyed during filming, particularly those made of pewter, which allowed the Gryffindor sword to split them on screen. The props department prioritized creating on-screen magic over using CGI.
Bella’s Rings from The Twilight Saga
Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga, admitted to keeping the engagement ring given to her by Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen), along with her wedding ring and the moon ring. The engagement ring, described in detail in Stephanie Meyer’s novel Eclipse, features 69 diamonds in an oval pave setting with a “14k RF” engraving, signifying 14-karat gold with a rhodium finish to prevent tarnishing.
The Meat Grinder from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The infamous meat grinder from Sweeney Todd is still around, courtesy of Warner Brothers Studios. The prop department created a ton of foam, gel, and wax body parts for the film. The “worst pies in London” were made from paper mache, foam pool noodles, and wax run through an actual meat grinder. Each item in the Warner Brothers archive, established in 1992, is tagged with details like the title, actor, and film date.
HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey
In 2001: A Space Odyssey, astronauts travel to Jupiter with HAL, a sentient computer that begins to undermine the mission. Director Peter Jackson owns the original wide-angle, Nikon, 8mm fisheye lens used for HAL. The props department added a separate lens to channel the red light, creating HAL’s eerie glow.
Orcs from The Hobbit
During the production of The Hobbit, props were stored in warehouses, including orc corpses stored in the kitchen. Over 2,000 props were made for one armory scene alone. Costumes, swords, sets, and other items were kept in off-site storage facilities in New Zealand, making it challenging to find specific items when needed.
St. Paul’s Cathedral Globe from Mary Poppins
Dan Lanigan from Disney+’s Prop Culture searched for artifacts from the 1964 film Mary Poppins and found the original St. Paul Cathedral globe. Only three globes exist, with the original found in a trash bin by a janitor and stored until the studio archive was established. Walt Disney had a strong connection to the song “Feed the Birds,” and Richard Sherman would play it for him upon request.
Chewbacca Skin from Star Wars
Adam Savage, known from Mythbusters, owns a Chewbacca mask from the original Star Wars trilogy. The thin foam latex mask allowed actor Peter Mayhew to express Chewbacca’s emotions without puppetry or animatronics. George Lucas recognized Mayhew’s contribution when a stand-in failed to capture the essence of the character.
Skeletons from Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Filmed off the coast of St. Vincent island, props from Pirates of the Caribbean can still be found. One notable prop, the “Pirates ye be warned” sign with two skeletons, disappeared shortly after filming, possibly taken by a local seeking a memento.
Dorothy’s Slippers from The Wizard of Oz
The most famous movie prop, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, are housed in the Smithsonian Institution. A pair stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 was recovered 13 years later. With only four pairs surviving from the original production, their recovery symbolized hope and the timeless quest for that special place “over the rainbow.”
These movie props not only played crucial roles in their respective films but also carry unique stories that continue to fascinate fans and collectors alike. From newspapers predicting bizarre futures to iconic symbols of adventure and magic, each prop offers a tangible connection to the movies we love.
Which of these props would you love to own? Leave your comment below!
