If there’s any accessory that ups the coolness factor — on ordinary folks like you and I, yes, but particularly on celebs on the big screen — it’s got to be an awesome pair of shades. More than simply a practical way to shield your eyes form the sun, sunglasses offer an element of chic that no other accessory can compare. And a good pair of sunglasses are often the best and most memorable accessory in film.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the coolest shades on some of the coolest characters in Hollywood history.
Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’
This, my friends, is where the aviator got its coolness. Ladies everywhere went bananas over Cruise’s Maverick character. Cool, brave and sensitive, this heartthrob had it all, including an ultra-cool pair of aviator shades.
John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in ‘The Blues Brothers’
In a plight to save the orphanage where they grew up, brothers Jake and Elwood set out on their mission to earn $5,000 to save the orphanage from being foreclosed. Though many obstacles present themselves along the way, the brothers stay dapper looking in their suits and ties, and, of course their original Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which have become an iconic accessory in films and among Hollywood’s elite.
Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business’
Another shout-out to the Wayfarer (and Tom Cruise), arguably the “go-to” shade when it comes to the big screen. Young Joel Goodsen danced his way into the hearts of ladies (in a pink button-up and tube socks to the tune of Bruce Springteen’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” no less) in this 80s rom-com. His classic sunglasses, though, became the look that every guy wanted to rock in the 80s.
Johnny Castle in ‘Dirty Dancing’
For being a “poor,” down-and-out dancer, Johnny sure had some killer shades. His Ray-Ban Wayfarers were hot then and have made a comeback in recent years. And it’s no wonder: Who can forget Johnny in all his hot-dancer-muscle glory, leather coat strewn casually over his shoulder, and uber-cool shades on his face while giving that famous Patrick Swayze grin? We would carry a watermelon, too, to see that in person.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Terminator’
Now these Gargoyles are some shades that can go the distance. From fighting off cyborgs and traveling through time to shootout after shootout and making it through attempted assassinations, this robotic assassin soldier has stellar taste to match his stellar strength.
Matthew Broderick in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’
Another 80s cult-classic movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” inspired teens everywhere to skip school and rush out to get the hottest sunglasses of the decade donned by Bueller himself. He was every teen guy’s idol and every teen girl’s dream, and Bueller’s Ray-Ban Clubmaster shades only added to his coolness.
Al Pacino in ‘Scarface’
The oversized, vintage Carrera shades worn by Cuban refugee turned powerful drug kingpin, Tony Montana (Pacino), became an iconic look for bad boys in the 80s. Though they covered half his face, the shades commanded respect, much like Montana. And who’s to argue with a drug lord?
