You can look at a sci-fi movie and be amazed at all they do to create the best costumes and props. However, it is not always easy, and sometimes, they have to improvise. Of course, you will not figure this out unless you take the time to notice such details. So, here are some of the top movie props and costumes that are made from some of the simplest objects that you might have missed out on. Go through this list and be amazed at the creativity of the people that come up with these props.
Cheap Folding Knife
If you have watched Star Wars, you are probably familiar with Greef Karga and his costume. Of course, many of you might have missed this small detail, but the belt buckle has a cheap folding knife inserted in it. Yes, this is not the most rational choice, but it works.
Now, if only he could whip this knife out and hurt his enemies. That would have been a scene I could have easily gotten behind. Of course, the original scenes are also great because you will never get bored while watching Star Wars content, regardless of how long it’s been.
Various Star Wars Objects
There is a lot of Star Wars content out there, so it is no surprise that our list will include movie props from here. A few pieces were used to create Obi-Wan Kenobi’s star wars in Star Wars: A New Hope, as you can see from the image.
We have used this image to list every bit of all the parts that were utilized. It will give you interesting insight into how various moviemakers go on to create different props. It is truly amazing how simple objects can create complex props with a little creativity.
The Fighter Toy
The Dark Crystal was used as a replica toy fighter in Star Wars to make one of the animatronics you can see. As you can tell from this picture, it has been used in this creature’s eyes. I am guessing the directors just wanted to use whatever worked best.
Clearly, the best strategy to replicate such a prop is to use another toy in the series’ merchandise. All I want to know is who is behind all these creative ideas for movie props at Star Wars. Whoever the person is, they have done an amazing job.
Yoda’s Mermite
Baby Yoda is perhaps the cutest creature in Star Wars, and his cuteness might have distracted you from noticing this movie prop. The scene is from the Mandalorian, where baby yoda is inside a container. The container is a military mermite of the United States with a few tweaks.
Yes, you heard that right, and all they have done is glue some LED lights on the container. Keep in mind that this item is a little obscure, which is why you might not have noticed. You can watch this scene again and figure out what I am talking about.
The Blowtorch For Desserts
If you like to cook, then you have probably used a small blowtorch for various desserts, such as crème brulee. One of the characters in Alias had to cut through a metal locker, and guess what was used? Yes, a crème brulee blowtorch to melt the metal locker.
Of course, it is not an ordinary blowtorch because it can be hazardous to carry something like that on the set. A dessert blowtorch is a much safer option, and it looks more futuristic. So, I guess it is a win-win situation for everyone present on the set.
The Non-Bullet Proof Vest
Of course, the bulletproof vests you see in movies are actually not bulletproof. For example, in Lost in Space by Netflix, they used Airsoft Vests for the characters. The best part is that the vests look great, and you can’t tell that they are not bulletproof.
After all, only a professional would be able to tell the difference between a regular vest and a bulletproof vest. So, unless you have an eye for these things, you will not figure it out that easily. That is how they keep the illusion going.
Makeup Compact In Mutant X
While watching an episode of Mutant X, you might think you are looking at a laptop, but it is just a makeup compact. Yes, sometimes, people use the most bizarre things for movie props. Who knew a makeup compact could double as a computer, especially in such a show?
All the show needed was some lighting and the right angle to make sure that no one figured out that it was a makeup compact. If you ever can’t decide what to use as props, let this be a reminder that you can use anything. The possibilities are endless.
Mask Of William Shatner Painted White
Almost everyone has seen Halloween at least once in their life and remembers the masks from it. If you also remember these masks, then let me tell you a little fun fact. The mask was one representing William Shatner, just painted white to look a little scary.
Of course, it worked, and they could have just as easily asked Shatner to play the part. However, that wouldn’t have had the same effect, and people wouldn’t have remembered the mask. For your next Halloween idea, you can also just take a William Shatner mask and paint it white.
Communicators Or Calculators?
Not everyone might have seen this movie, but if you have watched Total Recall from the 90, then you will know this scene. It includes the guards, and they have communicators on their wrists. However, if you take a closer look, you will figure out what it is.
Yes, what you are looking at, are wrist communicators and not calculators. Not many people might have noticed this because everything happens so fast in the movies. I don’t know whether they are geniuses for doing this or the audience is stupid for not noticing this in the scene.
Ice Cream Maker By Hamilton Beach
Star Wars will always be one of our favorites, as they have used some of the best objects as props. For example, the Camtono carried by Willrow Hood while evacuating the Harbinger was just an ice cream maker. Yes, it was an ice cream by Hamilton Beach.
I would never have guessed that he would be carrying this while evacuating, but kudos to the Star Wars team. You can easily get this from Amazon or any other department store. I guess Star Wars was also just trying to find affordable and accessible props.
Gun Attachment
A swat team member is just using a gun attachment as a laser microphone in this scene. Okay, so this is not as surprising because there is this kind of technology that exists. Of course, we don’t know about it, and we can’t really access it that easily.
However, this looks incredibly fake, and they could have used a much better prop by fashioning something out. Not all props are surprising, as some of them can just be disappointing. What are your thoughts on this prop, and if you think it is a good idea?
Muzzle Or Gardening Fork?
Fury Road has been one of the most hit movies after Mad Max, and you will never guess what they decided to use as a muzzle. They took a gardening fork and took out the handle. Then, they used some straps to create a muzzle for the prop.
If you have seen this movie, then I recommend that you watch this scene again closely. Once you do, you will figure out what I am talking about and be taken aback by this genius invention. You can also take a closer look at the other props in the movie.
Batman Wears Air Jordans
You might think that at least Batman would get some great shoes in Batman Returns, but these are Nike Air Jordan 6s. If you look closely, you will still see the logo of Air Jordan on the bottom. All they have done is modify the top of the shoes.
I am sure that at least Batman was comfortable in these shoes because there are many people that would love to get their hands on these. They are one of the best athletic shoes to ever come into existence. As long as whatever works for Batman, we are good.
Nintendo DS
The good old days included many of us being couch potatoes and playing Nintendo DS games all day. It was one of the best gaming options, and it was also used as a prop in Stargate Atlantis. You are looking at Colonel Shepherd using a microcomputer.
Of course, it is no microcomputer but a Nintendo DS that almost all of us have used in our childhood. I think this is one of the best props because nothing could have doubled better than this as a microcomputer. Did you ever use this console in childhood?
Reading Light
If you haven’t watched V for Vendetta, then you need to do it now because it is one of the best movies of all time. However, what you will notice is that Finch is making use of a signal jammer. Of course, it is not as complicated as it sounds.
Instead, it is really a reading light that you will find almost everywhere. They have just painted it red to make it look like a signal jammer and fool everyone. If you have watched the movie and didn’t notice this, you can rewatch this scene in no time.
Blood Glucose Meter
Resident Evil is an old movie, but I think they still could have done something better with this idea. For example, they wanted a code cracker for one of their scenes, and they used a blood glucose meter. All they did was stick an antenna to the meter.
I think the team could have been much more creative and used something that looked much better than this. However, I will admit that using a blood glucose meter like this will not be the first thing on our minds. Did you know what this actually was?
Using Kids Toys
The Knights of Ren from Star Wars may look like they have the coolest gadgets, but some of them are just kids’ toys. Yes, all they have done is paint the toys to make them look different. What you see here is an echo mic painted black.
The creators decided to use these mics to double as a hand grenade, and I would never have noticed this little detail. I just hope that the kids don’t figure it out because they might not like this toy being used as a weapon, even if it’s for Star Wars.
Dyson Hand Dryer In Star Trek
This is just the beginning of the movie props that have been used in Star Trek that are ordinary items. This scene was not on the screen for too long for you to notice this small detail. But what you are looking at in the back is a Dyson hand dryer.
These are some of the best dryers that will make sure your hands remain dry in no time. However, the old models required you to make more effort and did not do a very good job. Of course, the movie would use a good version of the hand dryer.
Master Lock
While you might think The Fifth Element has a high budget, it has still used everyday props to make sure that they don’t go over its budget. The movie has used many repurposed costumes and props for the best results. Mangalore captain’s detonator is one example of such a prop.
All they have done is use a Master Lock and glue on an LED light to make it look better. You can’t tell what has been used in this prop, and that is the beauty of being creative. You can convey what you want without using expensive items.
SRB Gearbox In Terminator
Things may look amazingly technical from the outside, but they can be made of simple things. For example, the terminator skull has been made from the casing of an SRB Gearbox. The makers wanted to use recycled items, so they decided to go for this option.
We found this little fact because the company that made this part posted about the movie. I would also be over the moon if I found that a famous movie used something I made. Tamiya couldn’t be happier that their gearbox was a Terminator skull feature.
Women’s Gillette Razor
I never thought that Star Wars would use a women’s Gillette razor as one of their props, but here we are. I had to confirm this to make sure that this was right because I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Comlink is really a women’s Gillette razor.
As you can see from the picture, they are incredibly similar, and I am not wrong in deducing this. Turns out you can also use this as a mic to sing in the shower. After all, the Star Wars crew has used it as a mic, and so can you.
Rock Salt Lamp
Some of the most mundane items can be found on other plants in Supergirl. As you can see, there is a rock salt lamp on the counter on another planet. The rest of the scenery looks like something really cool, and I am here for it.
Of course, it is not too out of character that you would find a rock salt lamp like this. We are actually surprised that they decided to add this element to the movie. The lamp blends in really well with the rest of the scenery.
Car Top Storage
It is difficult to replicate things that might come in the future and the present. Because of this, the makers of The Expanse decided to opt for a car top storage as their cryogenic pods. Of course, you can’t even tell from the shot that this is a car top.
That is because the framing and angles have been created in such a way that it seems like a future device. The makers left no stone unturned and decided to go for the most expensive. That is the only way to make it look believable in the show.
Nerf Guns
The soldiers in Terra Nova have guns, but do you know they are not actually real guns? Instead, they have used nerf guns and just painted them black to make them look like real guns. These guns are great when used properly and look like real guns in our time.
You can make anything look realistic if you make the right changes to it, and this is what was done to the nerf guns. Did you ever play with these guns during your childhood? After all, they are one of the top childhood toys that everyone loves.
A Tripod And A Lantern
We have another feature from the Expanse that includes a lantern and a tripod being used in a creative way. What you are looking at in this picture is supposed to be a mining charge. However, the concept behind creating this is much simpler than you think.
They have attached a tripod to a lantern and lit it up to make it seem as if it is a mining charge. The best part about these items is that they are easily available everywhere. You probably already have these in your home if you like collecting cool gadgets.
An Old Gun
If you have watched Fifth Element, you probably remember this scene of the mugger robbing someone with a grenade launcher and two magazines glued on the barrel. Yes, you heard that right. The movie is set in the future, but we are using even older guns for this.
I like the idea behind this, but I think they could have done a better job when deciding what to use as a gun. I mean, there are endless better options out there that would serve the same purpose. So, they could have done better in this manner.
Dog Toy
What you are looking at is a dog toy that has been painted silver for the right effect. This Star Wars fan found out because he had the same toy and compared it. It is true that such shows like using objects you can easily find in your home.
Next time you are watching Star Wars, you can play a game too. Find objects in your home and compare them to what you find on the screen. We are sure you will find many daily objects that Star Wars has used as props in no time at your home.
Canary Wharf
Yes, this is another Star Wars feature, but they have so much content that the list is endless. Of course, this is not a prop but a location that you might have seen in many other movies before. What you are looking at is Canary Wharf.
Any time a movie wants to shoot a transportation scene, they always think of Canary Wharf as the ideal location. That is because the place is mostly empty at night. Even in Star Wars, they have used this location as a transport hub by covering the escalators.
Krups Coffee Machine
Who would have thought you would find a Krups Coffee Machine in Back to The Future? After all, you would expect The Doctor to have better gadgets that you will not find in your home. However, they used this machine in the movie as a device to make fuel.
Well, technically, the coffee from a coffee machine does fuel me to start my day. Besides that, it also fuels everyone who can’t function without having their first cup of coffee in the morning. If you have this machine at home, you know that it makes delicious coffee for everyone.
Thermometer Guns
As technology advances, even simple objects are becoming even fancier, such as thermometers. This scene is from the Mandalorian Season 1, and they decided to use a thermometer gun as a prop. After all, it does look like a fancy gun and tool that seems to be from the future.
Of course, it is not surprising at all because Star Wars has made use of the simplest props in their movies. That is because it would take a lot to fashion new props for everything. So, it is refreshing to see them use mundane objects as props.
The Ice Cream Bowl From The Future
Okay, so you might not even notice this detail because most people don’t care about what bowls and cups are being used in a movie. However, sometimes, these things can turn out to be ridiculous, like this bowl. The scene is from The Guardians of the Galaxy.
Taneleer Tivan, the collector, is drinking the martini out of an ice cream bowl. Yes, this is the Big Love ice cream bowl, and whoever found this was dedicated to finding out what was being used. A big pat on the back for the person that found this.
Pack Of Gum
You might think that the jacket of Lieutenant Colonel in Saturday Night Live has buttons, but that is not the case. Instead, what you are looking at is a pack of gum stuck on the shirt. However, it could also be a pack of medicine for all I know.
This is not that surprising because SNL is known for being comedic, so I will let them get away with this. If anything, this is funny that it happened, and people didn’t notice. Next time you are watching a show or movie, pay extra attention to the clothing and props.
Snorkeling Mask Or Oxygen Mask?
I know that there are a lot of features of The Expanse and Star Wars in this post, but they go all in when creating props. For example, in this scene of The Expanse, they used a snorkeling mask and took the top off to create an oxygen mask.
Of course, this is not as creative as the rest because both of these items kind of serve the same purpose. However, it still looks cool, and the idea is certainly creative. By now, you are probably not surprised by the things they use for props.
A Stand Of A Stage Light
You might think that Luke Skywalker has the coolest lightsaber, but do you know what was used to create this? Well, Luke’s main weapon is nothing but a stage light stand. Yes, you heard that right, and now you can never go back to look at it the same again.
The flash button is actually just the button to unsheathe this lightsaber, but I guess they are the same thing. Your heroes on the screen don’t use any cool devices but just parts of daily objects. You can also use such objects and pretend you are in a show or movie.
Unicorn Dog
Is it a unicorn, or is it a dog? What kind of animal is it? Well, what you are looking at is a cute unicorn dog that decided to grace Star Trek and its set. Of course, this is one of the most famous episodes, and you probably remember this dog.
In my opinion, this is hands down the best prop ever, and many shows and movies can use this prop for what they need. Yes, that is a dog, and they’re the most lovable creatures you will find. Do you also think that this is the best prop they used?
Windows 2000 In 2517
Clearly, the show Firefly needs to check its calendars before utilizing old things in its futuristic show. For example, this scene is from the year 2517, and the computer in front of this person is actually Windows 2000. I guess somebody was too lazy to come up with a solution.
You would think that when they are making the show, they would at least make an effort to hide such unnecessary details. However, they clearly did not think this would matter and went ahead. Of course, little would they know that I would point it out in this post.
Remotes Of A Sony RM X4 Car Stereo
Fifth Element has also used many objects that you will easily find in your home and outside. For example, this scene includes a few remotes of a Sony RM X4 car stereo glued together. The idea was to create a phone, and we guess they nailed it right.
You might not have noticed at first because not everyone knows what such a remote looks like. So, you’re welcome, and you can also judge like the rest as to why they would use these remotes. We are sure they had a good reason to create a prop using the remotes.
Ear And Nose Hair Trimmer
You expect doctors to use medical devices, but of course, this is not the case in shows because doctors are not real doctors. As you can see, the episode of Stargate includes a doctor using a fancy device. However, it is not as fancy as you might think it is.
Instead, what you are looking at is an ear and nose hair trimmer. The rule is that if you want to use props from the future, you can take simple objects and modify them a little. Doing this is enough to easily fool the audience watching the screen.
A Barcode Scanner
If there is one thing you will notice in Star Trek, it is that they don’t mind using daily objects as props. Of course, not everyone recognizes these items unless they are really paying attention. In their 2009 movie, you will find that they have barcode scanners in one scene.
Yes, these are placed in the quarters of the captain, as you can see. Fortunately, they do look very futuristic and not like barcode scanners at all. If we have learned anything from this post, it is that you can make anything look the way you want it to.
NES Zapper
Not all weapons in every show or movie are as cool as they show them to be. In this specific episode of Stargate, they used NES Zappers as their choice of weapon. As you can tell from the picture, the zappers have been sawed off to provide this look.
The NES Zappers used to be perhaps one of the most famous toys back when iPads and tablets were not so common. The older generation used to play with such toys and use their imagination. Now, you will only see such toys as props in movies.
A Sea Urchin’s Empty Shell
Okay, I promise that this is my last feature from Star Wars. However, this one is incredibly surprising, as it is from The Mandalorian’s Season 2 first episode. In one scene, Cobb is given a vessel that he needs to use to drink.
Of course, it is not an ordinary cup or vessel as you might think. Instead, the creative people behind this decision to use a sea urchin’s empty shell as a vessel. Yes, not all props are everyday objects because some can also surprise you in no time, like this one.
Fisheye Camera Clips
You might think that the production of The Flash would cost a lot, but they used cheap daily objects for many of their props. I can’t believe that they decided to use cheap fisheye camera clips for the holocube projector of Cisco. These things are known for not working well.
So, I am glad that at least someone decided there was a good use for these fisheye clips. It is not so easy to notice such little details on a show, which is why you might have missed this. You’re probably surprised right now if you have watched this show.
Retro Microphone
Anyone that has paid attention for more than five seconds to this scene will have noticed this device immediately. It might look like a scanner, as the movie suggests, but it is a vintage microphone. Journalists back in the day knew about this one, as it was prevalent.
However, this device was used in Star Trek to scan data. These microphones are still easily available online if you search for some vintage shops in the market. Once you do, you can use them for whatever purpose you like without paying too much for the latest mics.
Starbucks In Game Of Thrones
You might be wondering what Starbucks is doing in Westeros, but so am I because this doesn’t seem right. After all, the show is all about paying attention to the little details. Clearly, somebody did not pay attention to the Starbucks cup lying around in Daenerys’s chambers.
All of us make mistakes, and I guess whoever was editing this scene did not pay attention to this detail. After all, it is camouflaging well with the rest of the surroundings. You also might have seen many people noticing this detail and making memes of it.
An Intake Lid Of A Hairdryer
What may look like a microphone to you from this scene is actually an intake lid of a hairdryer. Of course, it must have been easier to use this than invest in a high-quality microphone. However, I never noticed that the lid looked just like a microphone.
For context, this scene is from Z Nation, and it consists of Addy using the radio. While you might think that this picture looks perfect, we are sure this fact makes all the difference. Now you know that the lid can also double as a microphone if you would like.
Fuel Injection Rails
Do you know what the Jawas from The Mandalorian keep on using frequently? Fuel injection rails from Volkswagen cars that you might not have noticed at first glance in the scene. I am sure that the car company was happy their accessories were being used in a famous show.
I am sure that you have not seen anything like it before unless you have been inside a car repair shop and taken a good look. On the other hand, any mechanic will easily figure this prop out. How long did it take you to figure this one out?
Dyson Fan Controller
Do you know what the most obvious household product is used in Watchmen? The Dyson Fan Controller that you see in this scene controls the chamber. However, I think somebody was just using this for the air conditioner and making sure that the set was nice and cool.
If you don’t believe me, you can replay this scene and notice it for yourself. Once you do, you will not believe it for a while because you don’t expect shows to use such things. However, this post is there to remind you that not everyone uses the latest gadgets.
Old Hard Drives
Another show that loves to use things you have at your home is The Expanse. You can’t tell, but they have used stripped-down hard drives in this scene. If you carefully look at this scene, you will notice the drives doubling as hallway lights of the cell.
I have no idea how they managed to do this, but kudos to the genius behind these incredible ideas. Sometimes, the answers are there right under our noses, but we don’t know how to proceed. So, this is a lesson for you to use everyday objects as creatively as possible.
Old Handheld Game
Childhood was all about handheld games that kept on coming out, and they have been used in various shows and movies as props. Fifth Element is an absurd yet incredible show, and this scene is from that. Have you ever thought about owning the ZF-1 remote control?
Well, if you take a closer look, you will notice that it is just a handheld game from back in the day. Of course, they took an old game and just painted it black to make it look new. You might have easily missed this one on the show.
Emergency Car Tool
This emergency car tool is utilized for breaking out of the car in case of an emergency. However, you will see Faraday and his team using these as GPS transponders in Lost. Of course, I have no idea what GPS transponders are and what they are supposed to look like.
However, it looks like this emergency car tool has pulled it off as a transponder because no one seemed to question it. You can also wear everyday objects and pretend you have some futuristic device. Of course, we think that this tool looks like a flashlight more than a transponder.