R2-D2 – Star Wars: A New Hope/ The Empire Strikes Back/ Return of the Jedi (1977-1983)

Star Wars is full of iconic props, such as the miniatures for X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and of course, lightsabers. There are some very memorable costumes and creature designs, such as Chewbacca the Wookie, Stormtroopers and the fearsome Darth Vader. One of the most expensive mementoes from the series to have been sold at auction is an R2 unit. One of the Radio Controlled/Prop units was sold at an auction for over $2.7 million

The Maltese Falcon – The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Perhaps the most famous Macguffin in all of cinema. The Maltese Falcon is a priceless statuette that Humphrey Bogart and several others spend the whole film trying to obtain. Several models were made for the film, with the hero prop being a heavy lead model. Ironically even though the (Spoiler alert, but come it’s been nearly 80 years) Falcon is a fake, the lead prop used in the film (complete with dents from Bogart dropping it several times) was sold at an auction for over $4 million dollars.

Indy’s Hat – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Arguably the most iconic elements of the character of Indiana Jones, aside from Harrison Ford’s performance and that theme tune, are his hat and whip. Indy’s hat is so iconic that one could almost say “it belongs in a museum”. There were actually several hats, some of which were actually sat on and had dust blown on it before filming to give it a more well-worn look, making Jones seem more of an experienced archaeologist. In 2018 one of the hats sold for a more than half a million dollars.

Delorean – Back to the Future Trilogy (1985-1990)

Up there with the TARDIS for iconic time travel vehicles, the Delorean is as much a character throughout the trilogy as Doc Brown or Marty McFly. The only car ever manufactured by the company, a total of seven were used for the trilogy. Only three of which remain, one is on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA, another is owned by Universal Studios and is also occasionally on display. The third was sold to a private collector, with some of the proceeds going to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Sting – Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

When the Fellowship sets out on its quest to destroy the One Ring, Frodo is given Bilbo’s old blade, Sting. An elven blade that glows blue whenever orcs or goblins are near, this prop was used throughout the entire trilogy and has actually gained some scratches and nicks in the blade from some of the combat during filming. The sword is incredibly detailed, like all Weta’s work for the films, including Elvish engraving, although no word on it glowing blue. Several weapons, including Anduril, were given away as promotional sweepstakes for the release of Return of the King.

Ruby Slippers – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a classic that has survived generations, and will likely continue to be a firm favourite to many people. Despite its enduring popularity, the famous ruby slippers worn by Dorothy upon her arrival in Oz, have had a rough time of it. Only four pairs are known to have survived from the original production, with one pair safely on display in the Smithsonian museum after Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Speilberg and others teamed up to save it, and another was recovered by the FBI over a decade after they were stolen. The other two pairs are thought to be with private collectors, although some believe that there are more slippers out there…

Also Read: 5 More Movies That Don’t Need a Sequel, Reboot or Remake

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After filming wraps, these items are no longer needed. Some of the important ones get given to (or are stolen by) cast and crew members, kept for use in sequels or other films, some of them go for sale at auctions, while many of the truly iconic ones are owned by collectors, there are still plenty of interesting ones you can own

Daily Bugle Newspaper – Spider-Man (2002)

Although it hasn’t featured much in the newer films, The Daily Bugle and its staff, especially the cranky J Jonah Jameson were some fan favourite scenes in Sam Raimi’s trilogy. Peter takes a job as a freelance photographer taking pictures of himself fighting crime to earn a living throughout the series. The production actually made several copies of the fictional newspaper, which can be seen in various scenes such as this one, either framed on the walls or read by characters.

Predator Foot – Predators (2010)

One of the most iconic film villains of all time, the fearsome Predator. A race of aliens that search the galaxy in search of worthy prey to hunt. The 2011 film featured a band of criminals trapped with several of the creatures in a fight for survival. The Predator famously takes a trophy from its kills, and anyone with this on display must be a fearsome opponent indeed.

Wolverine’s Claws – X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is one of the longest portrayals of a superhero, rivalling Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man. Jackman played the role from the first X-Men film in 2000, all the way up to his last appearance in 2017’s Logan. Undoubtedly the most iconic aspect of the character, Jackman unintentionally injured himself and others several times with the claws. They would make the world’s coolest bottle opener though.

The Elder Wand – Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

The Wizarding World has no end of exciting props. The detail of Hogwarts and it’s students is incredible, with the cast constantly singing the praises of the set designers and prop makers. Most of them are on display at the studio tours in London. One of the most important items in the story is the Elder Wand, one of the three Deathly Hallows, powerful magical items coveted by generations of wizards. This particular version of the wand was actually made before its importance was revealed, as it was used in the first two entries (Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets)

Jurassic World Brochure – Jurassic World (2015)

Every Jurassic Park fan has wanted to visit the park – when it’s safe of course. 2015’s Jurassic World gave the world a look at what the park may look like when it’s finally open, complete with gift shops and souvenirs. One of the things every theme park needs is a map, to help guests navigate the park and plan their route. In Jurassic World, guests have access to these when they arrive on Isla Nublar. Despite only appearing for a few seconds, these have full maps and a list of attractions at Jurassic World.

Future Soldier Uniform – Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Thankfully, the real judgement Day came and went, thanks to the intervention of Sarah and John Connor, but in the dark future where it took place, the surviving humans war outfits like this. While it’s effectiveness at keeping the wearer alive during the machine uprising is debatable, it certainly looks pracitcal, and has plenty of pockets for you to keep any useful items acquired.

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