Movies often use aviator sunglasses to show that a character is tough, cool, and in command. Throughout film history, several iconic characters have put on these shades and made their mark on the big screen, turning a simple accessory in a memorable and important part of their character. Here are some of the most famous aviator sunglasses in movies.
Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor in Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
While many of us tend to think of Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing his iconic sunglasses in the Terminator series, it was Linda Hamilton’s portrayal of Sarah Connor in 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate that really showcased how aviators can enhance a character’s presence. Sarah’s bold, no-nonsense attitude is reflected in the sleek aviators she wears during pivotal scenes. The sunglasses amplify the sense of grit and resilience that the character shows off, which helps her stand out as a battle-hardened survivor in the war against machines.
Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop gave audiences a unique blend of comedy, action, and style. The aviator sunglasses Axel sports throughout the movie perfectly complement his street-smart and quick-witted personality. They add an air of confidence, subtly reminding viewers that beneath his comedic charm is a detective who’s always a step ahead of the criminals.
Robert De Niro’s Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976)
Robert De Niro’s haunting performance as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver is one of cinema’s most memorable depictions of psychological unraveling. One of the reasons why aviator sunglasses are a timeless trend is because Hollywood often used them to showcase cool characters that are in control of a situation. However, director Martin Scorsese took things in a different direction, and De Niro’s sunglasses served as part of his character’s disconnect from society and hid his more unstable thoughts.
John Goodman’s Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski (1998)
While John Goodman often plays gruff but lovable characters, his portrayal as Walter Sobchak in the Coen Brothers’ cult classic, The Big Lebowski, turned that idea on its head. Walter’s bright yellow glasses are some of the most famous aviator sunglasses in movies. The glasses serve as a vital part of Walter’s unshakeable, albeit misguided, sense of authority and contribute to the comedic juxtaposition of him taking himself so seriously in an absurd world.
Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun (1986)
Finally, no pair of aviators in cinematic history is more iconic than the ones worn by Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun. From the moment he steps onto the flight deck, aviators are as essential to Maverick’s character as his flight suit. The sunglasses embody his charisma, rebellious streak, and undeniable charm. While aviators always had a presence in cinema, many people agree that Maverick’s glasses are what turned Ray-Ban aviators into a global sensation. Even in the most recent film, Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise wears the sunglasses with coolness and confidence.
