Movie props are the ultimate memorabilia for cinephiles. Fans of movie franchises, sci-fi and fantasy films, and even the classics are always interested in acquiring costumes, weapons, or other unique attributes of their favorite characters. But it’s not just fans who are interested in these collectibles. Movie props can sometimes be sold for millions of dollars at auctions, adding prestige and value to the film industry. Let’s explore some of the most famous movie props that have been sold for exorbitant prices.
First on the list is the original time-traveling DeLorean from Back to the Future trilogy. The iconic car was designed specifically for the film franchise and became a symbol of the time-hopping adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. In 2011, the DeLorean was sold for $541,000 at an auction held by Profiles in History, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
Another famous prop that fetched a high price was the Maltese Falcon, the titular statue from the classic 1941 film directed by John Huston. The statuette played a pivotal role in the movie’s plot, and it went through several iterations before ending up in the hands of Warner Bros. It was eventually sold in 2013 for $4 million, which made it one of the most expensive film props ever sold at an auction.
Speaking of classic films, there is no denying the impact of Star Wars on cinema and pop culture in general. Numerous props from the original trilogy were sold at auctions, but the highest bidder so far was the lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker in Episode IV: A New Hope. In 2008, the prop was sold for $240,000 at an auction organized by Profiles in History.
But it’s not just classic films that have high-value props. Modern franchises such as Marvel’s Cinematic Universe also have head-turning memorabilia. The most expensive prop from the MCU so far is the Iron Man suit worn by Robert Downey Jr. in the first Iron Man film. It was sold for $325,000 in 2014 at an auction held by Prop Store.
Of course, not all movie props have exorbitant prices. Some are sold for a more modest sum but still hold a lot of sentimental value for fans. For example, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz were sold for $2 million in 2012, but the dress worn by Judy Garland in the same film was sold for $480,000 in 2015. Similarly, the Hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II was sold for $28,000 in 2011, which is still a hefty price for a movie prop but more affordable for dedicated fans.
In conclusion, movie props are not just objects used in films. They are symbols of cinematic history and cultural significance, which makes them valuable commodities. From classic films to modern franchises, movie props continue to fascinate and entice cinephiles and collectors, creating a whole new level of appreciation for the film industry.
