Can you name the movies these 12 iconic props are from?

Build-up Begins For The European Premiere Of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Getty Images | Ben Pruchnie

From weapons to pieces of clothing, props are always an important part of a great movie. Not only can they tell a story all their own, but sometimes, they can become just as famous—or more famous—than the movie itself.

And when it comes to making money, film props are a huge draw. At auction, the prices collectors will pay for authentic props can be astonishing, such as the original R2-D2 from the Star Wars sagawhich sold for $2.76 million in 2017, or Dorothy Gale’s famous ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” which sold for $666,000 in 2000.

With the love of these iconic objects in mind, the website Invaluable has put together a quiz to test your knowledge of some of the greatest props in movie history. For the quiz, they’ve decided to not include items that are considered part of a wardrobe or a set piece—so you won’t be able to test your knowledge of those famous slippers, or the animatronic shark from “Jaws,” for example.

You will, however, find some of the most beloved props of all time. Test your knowledge on the infographic below, then scroll down to see the answers and read some of the history behind these iconic props.

Invaluable

How many did you get right? Any you recognized, but just couldn’t put your finger on exactly which film they were from? Here are some facts about each prop:

1. Lightsaber (“Star Wars”)

This one is pretty recognizable, even if you haven’t seen the films. It’s arguably one of the most iconic weapons in movie history, with the original lightsabers selling at auction for $450,000. Not bad when you consider it only cost about $12 to make that very first one! While the actual movie props will cost you a pretty penny, you can buy your own model lightsaber on Amazon for about $30.

2. The Leg Lamp (“A Christmas Story”)

Although it’s more than 34 years old, “A Christmas Story” continues to rise in popularity. From a chance to stay the night at the original house to a live television special last Christmas, we just can’t seem to get enough of the beloved tale of a boy named Ralphie and his attempts to get a BB gun for Christmas. Unfortunately, all three versions of the most iconic prop from the film—the “fragile” leg lamp—were broken, so none remain. You can, however, purchase a replica for about $45.

3. Wilson The Volleyball (“Cast Away”)

Twenty different volleyballs were used for the beloved “character” Wilson in the 2000 Tom Hanks film, meaning each one had to have a matching red handprint and face. It seems like all that hard work was worth it though, as this prop is so well known that it even won a Critics Choice Award in 2001 for Best Inanimate Object and was nominated for Best On-Screen Team (along with Hanks) at the MTV Movie Awards. You can buy your own “Cast Away” volleyball from Wilson for about $20.

4. The Ring Of Power (“The Lord Of The Rings”)

The Ring of Power from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is the center of that epic story, so there was a lot of pressure on the filmmakers to make sure the ring appeased fans of the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. So, several versions were made for different parts of the film, along with 40 copies of the original for different locations and actors. While it’s not one of the rings from the film, you can score a lookalike for about $18.

5. The Heart Of The Ocean (“Titanic”)

The Heart of the Ocean plays a large role in “Titanic.” From the reason the treasure hunters are even exploring the wreckage of the ill-fated ship, to the famous scene in which Kate Winslet’s character, Rose, is drawn while wearing it and only it. While the Heart of the Ocean was merely a prop for the film, it is modeled after the Hope Diamond. If it were real and around today, the estimated value would be about $350 million.

6. The Maltese Falcon (“The Maltese Falcon”)

You know it’s a serious prop when the movie is named for it. Originally made for $75 in the 1940s for the Humphrey Bogart film “The Maltese Falcon,” the falcon statue is at the center of the movie as a detective works to find it. While the original was lost for more than 40 years, it was rediscovered in the 1980s and the bidding value jumped to more than $4 million.

7. The Golden Ticket (“Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”)

It’s hard to find a more easily recognizable prop than the Golden Ticket from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory“. Made from foil-covered paper, the tickets were delicate and crinkled easily, so there were likely hundreds of them used for filming. You can order a replica of the famous ticket for about $4 on Amazon.

8. The Origami Unicorn (“Blade Runner”)

Although it’s a very small prop, it had a big impact in the movie as it may have been the key to a secret truth about Harrison Ford’s character! In “Blade Runner,” the various unicorns looked to be made of folded gum wrappers—but were actually created using heavy-gauge metal foil. There’s a step-by-step guide online to making one yourself. It’s pretty easy!

9. The Box Of Chocolates (“Forrest Gump”)

This movie prop goes along with one of the most famous quotes in film history—you know the one! The box of chocolates Hanks toted in “Forrest Gump” was actually Russell Stover brand. You can get the box made famous by the movie (and yes, it comes with chocolate!) from Russell Stover for about $26.

10. The Alarm Clock (“Groundhog Day”)

Although it’s technically a set piece, this prop is essential to the movie, so it is included in the quiz. There were eight to 12 clocks on hand for the making of “Groundhog Day,” some of which worked normally while others were rigged to read certain times. Looking for your own “Groundhog Day”-inspired alarm clock? Click here to see how to make one.

11. The Boom Box (“Say Anything”)

The ’80s gem “Say Anything” just wouldn’t have been the same without the iconic scene featuring John Cusack’s character playing music outside his sweetheart’s house. But did you know it almost didn’t happen because Cusack thought his character would never do something like that? Luckily, he did and we can all cherish it as one of the most romantic scenes of all time. If you’re looking to recreate the famous scene for your love, any kind of old-school boombox will do—just make sure you have Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” cranked up all the way.

12. The Camera (“Rear Window”)

Actor James Stewart’s character uses binoculars and this iconic camera to spy on his suspicious neighbor in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “Rear Window.” The camera, an Exakta VX, has a large lens, so it was ideal for the movie. The camera isn’t made anymore, but a search on eBay shows some people still have them for sale.

Was your favorite movie prop on the list?

Entertainment, Movies & TV, Puzzles & Brain Teasers

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About the Author
Kaitlin Gates
Kaitlin is a freelance multimedia journalist with a degree in journalism and psychology. Along with Simplemost, she also writes for Don't Waste Your Money, where she loves finding great deals to help people save money.

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