Movies transport us to different worlds and eras, immersing us in stories and adventures that take us out of our own lives for a little while. But bringing these stories to life on the big screen takes an incredible amount of time, effort, and, of course, money. One aspect of movie-making that often goes overlooked is the cost of props – the physical objects that help bring a film’s sets, costumes, and characters to life.
Props can range from small and simple items like a pen or a coffee cup, to larger and more complex pieces like vehicles and weapons. And while some props are mass-produced or purchased at a fraction of their original cost, others are one-of-a-kind pieces that are custom-made or sourced from collectors. These unique props can often come with hefty price tags, as they are integral to the film’s production and can’t be easily replaced.
So, let’s dive in and take a look at some of the most expensive movie props ever sold. From ancient relics to futuristic technology, these props have made their mark on the film industry and continue to fascinate movie-goers to this day.
10 Aragorn’s Sword - Sold at $437,000
New Line Cinema
On-screen appearance: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Aragorn’s sword, also known as Anduril, is a prominent prop in the epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings. The sword, which was crafted from the shards of Narsil, the blade that was used to defeat Sauron, serves as a symbol of Aragorn’s royal ancestry and his role as the rightful king of Gondor. In the final film of the trilogy, The Return of the King, Aragorn wields the sword in the epic battle against Sauron’s forces, ultimately leading to the defeat of the Dark Lord and the restoration of peace in Middle-earth.
The prop itself is a stunningly crafted piece, with intricate detailing and a beautifully crafted hilt. It’s no surprise that it fetched such a high price at auction, as it has become an iconic symbol of the Lord of the Rings series and a must-have for collectors of movie memorabilia.
9 Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber - Sold at $450,000
20th Century Fox
On-screen appearances: Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
One of the most iconic weapons in cinematic history, Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber is an essential part of the Star Wars franchise. First appearing on screen in the original trilogy, the lightsaber is wielded by Luke as he learns the ways of the Jedi and fights against the evil Empire. The lightsaber is a powerful symbol of the Force and serves as a key plot point in the films, as it is eventually passed down to Luke from his father, Anakin Skywalker, who was once a Jedi Knight before he fell to the dark side.
The prop was made with great care and attention to detail, ensuring that it looked and functioned exactly as it did on screen. The lightsaber eventually sold at auction for $450,000, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
8 Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers - Sold at $660,000
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
On-screen appearance: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Dorothy’s ruby slippers are perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved movie props of all time. The slippers, which were made for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, became an instantly recognizable symbol of the film and have been beloved by fans for decades. The slippers were sold at auction in 2000 for a staggering $660,000, making them one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
The film, which follows a young girl named Dorothy on her magical journey through the Land of Oz, is a classic tale of adventure and self-discovery. The ruby slippers, which were given to Dorothy by Glinda the Good Witch, play a crucial role in the story, as they are the key to getting home. Throughout the film, the slippers are a symbol of hope and determination, as Dorothy uses them to find her way back to Kansas.
7 Lion Costume - Sold at $3,070,000
MGM
On-screen Appearance: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Another iconic movie prop from the film The Wizard of Oz is the lion costume worn by Bert Lahr. The lion costume, which was created for the film, is a highly detailed and intricate piece of movie memorabilia, with a full headpiece, body suit, and tail. The costume was sold at auction in 2014 for a staggering $3,070,000, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
The film The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy on her journey through the magical land of Oz, accompanied by a group of friends, including the Cowardly Lion. The lion, who is voiced by Lahr, is a lovable character with a heart of gold, and his costume is an integral part of his character’s on-screen appearance. The costume, which features a lush mane, golden paw prints, and a fluffy tail, has become one of the most recognizable and beloved movie props of all time.
6 Sam’s ‘Casablanca’ Piano - Sold at $3,400,000
Warner Bros.
On-screen appearance: Casablanca (1942)
Sam’s piano from the film Casablancais another iconic and highly coveted movie prop. The piano, which was used in the film’s famous As Time Goes By scene, was sold at auction in 2014 for a staggering $3,400,000. The piano, which is a Steinway Model D grand piano, is a beautiful and timeless piece of movie memorabilia that has become an iconic symbol of the film.
Casablanca is a classic film set in the Moroccan city of the same name during World War II. The film follows Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate who runs a popular nightclub in the city. The piano, which is played by Sam, Rick’s loyal friend and pianist, is a central part of the film’s plot, as it serves as a symbol of Rick’s past and his tumultuous relationship with Ilsa, a beautiful woman who he once loved. The piano, which is featured prominently in the film’s famous As Time Goes By scene, has become one of the most iconic and beloved movie props of all time.
5 Audrey Hepburn’s Ascot Dress - Sold at $3,700,000
On-screen appearance: My Fair Lady (1964)
Audrey Hepburn’s Ascot dress is a true icon of Hollywood fashion. The black and white gown was worn by Hepburn in the classic film My Fair Lady, and has become one of the most memorable movie costumes of all time. The dress was designed by Edith Head, who worked on a number of films with Hepburn. Head’s attention to detail and ability to create elegant and sophisticated costumes helped to cement Hepburn’s reputation as a style icon.
The Ascot dress, with its high collar and full skirts, is a prime example of Head’s work. It was sold at auction in 2011 for a staggering $3.7 million, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
4 The Maltese Falcon - Sold at $4,100,000
On-screen appearance: The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The Maltese Falcon is an iconic prop from the classic film noir The Maltese Falcon. The film, which was released in 1941, follows the story of a private detective named Sam Spade as he investigates the theft of a valuable statue known as the Maltese Falcon. The statue, which is made of gold and encrusted with precious stones, is the central focus of the film and serves as the MacGuffin that drives the plot.
The prop was sold at auction in 2013 for $4.1 million, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold. Despite its high price tag, the Maltese Falcon remains an iconic and enduring symbol of the film noir genre, and continues to fascinate movie-goers to this day.
3 Marilyn Monroe’s White ‘Subway’ Dress - Sold at $4,600,000
On-screen appearance: The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Marilyn Monroe’s white ‘subway’ dress is one of the most iconic and memorable movie costumes of all time. The dress was worn by Monroe in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, and has become synonymous with the actress and her bombshell image. The dress, which was designed by William Travilla, was made of lightweight white cotton and featured a plunging neckline and full skirt.
The dress became infamous when Monroe wore it in a scene where she stood over a subway grate, causing the skirt to be blown up by a gust of air. The dress was sold at auction in 2011 for $4.6 million, making it one of the most expensive movie props ever sold.
2 James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 - Sold at $4,600,000
Eon Productions
On-screen appearances: Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965)
James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 is an iconic prop from the James Bond film franchise. The car, which was first introduced in the 1964 film Goldfinger, has become synonymous with Bond and his suave, sophisticated image. The Aston Martin DB5 is equipped with a number of gadgets and features that allow Bond to escape from danger and outsmart his enemies, including a bulletproof shield, machine guns, and an ejector seat.
The car was sold at auction in 2010 for a staggering $4.6 million. Despite its high price tag, the Aston Martin DB5 remains a beloved and iconic part of the James Bond franchise, and continues to fascinate fans of the films.
1 Robby the Robot - Sold at $5,375,000
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
On-screen appearances: Forbidden Planet (1956), The Invisible Boy (1957)
Robby the Robot is an iconic prop from the science fiction films Forbidden Planet and The Invisible Boy. The robot, which was designed by Robert Kinoshita, was a groundbreaking and innovative creation for its time, and has become one of the most recognizable robots in film history. Robby the Robot was used in a number of films and television shows, and has become a beloved and enduring symbol of the science fiction genre.
The prop was sold at auction in 2013 for $5.3 million. Despite its high price tag, Robby the Robot remains a beloved and iconic character, and continues to captivate the imaginations of science fiction fans around the world.
