Neon signs have a magical quality about them—glowing with nostalgia, retro charm, and cinematic appeal. They’re buzzing brightly on the walls of a bar or flickering on a dark, rainy street. Neon signs are more than just functional; they’re iconic symbols in our favorite movies and TV shows. From quirky comedies to suspenseful thrillers, these glowing pieces of art have become synonymous with memorable scenes and unforgettable characters.
In this blog, we’ll take a neon-lit journey through some of the most famous and beloved neon signs from your favorite on-screen moments, exploring how these luminous symbols contribute to the story, atmosphere, and pop culture. Ready? Lights, camera, neon!
The Pulp Fiction Diner: A Retro Vibe That Glows
One of the most iconic uses of neon signs in film history has to be Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. The 1994 cult classic is packed with memorable visuals, but who could forget the glowing neon lights of the diner where Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace grab a bite to eat?
This scene’s classic 1950s aesthetic is set with red and blue neon lights buzzing above the retro booths and vinyl records. Neon adds ambiance here and gives the scene its pulse, reflecting the film’s larger-than-life characters and the mix of nostalgia and edginess that defines Pulp Fiction.
Stranger Things: Neon Nostalgia of the 80s
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you know the series has a special place for neon lights. Set in the 1980s, a decade when neon was synonymous with cool, the show uses neon signs and lights to create a sense of both warmth and eeriness.
Remember the glowing arcade signs in Season 2? Those neon lights helped root the audience in the 80s, adding to the authenticity of the setting while also evoking the mystery and supernatural elements of the show. The neon in Stranger Things isn’t just about nostalgia; it plays into the storytelling, using light to signal shifts in tone and atmosphere.
The Electric Aura of Blade Runner
No cinematic conversation about neon would be complete without mentioning Blade Runner. The 1982 sci-fi classic, set in a dystopian future, is practically synonymous with neon signs. Director Ridley Scott used glowing neon advertisements and signs to illustrate a crowded, overwhelming future where technology and corporate power dominate society.
The neon lights in Blade Runner—whether illuminating futuristic storefronts or flashing in massive advertisements across the skyline—set the mood of the film. They create a cold, detached world full of mechanical life where human emotions feel out of place. The flickering glow of the neon signs has become emblematic of cyberpunk aesthetics, making Blade Runner a visual masterpiece.
The Neon Buzz of La La Land
While Blade Runner used neon to create a cold and alienating world, La La Land, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, did the opposite. La La Land embraced the romance of neon signs to showcase the dreamy, magical side of Los Angeles.
In La La Land, the neon montage showcases iconic Hollywood landmarks like Musso & Frank Grill, Paty’s Toluca Lake, The Formosa, and The Roxy, all glowing brightly. The scene blends nostalgia and cinematic charm, featuring both public spots and private apartment buildings like the Wilshire Royale and Knickerbocker, capturing the timeless allure of neon-lit Los Angeles.
The Great Gatsby: Neon’s Role in the Roaring 20s
Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby brought the glitz and glamor of the Roaring 20s to life with dazzling visuals, including bold neon signs. The glowing lights of Gatsby’s opulent parties set the stage for extravagance, excess, and the desire for the American Dream.
In the 2013 film, the vibrant neon lights served to juxtapose the illusion of happiness with the emptiness at Gatsby’s core. As guests danced and drank under the lights, the glow of neon hinted at the facade of joy masking deeper emotional voids. The use of neon here added layers to the film’s themes, making the parties both alluring and tragic.
The Neon Wonderland of John Wick
Neon signs play a crucial role in building John Wick’s sleek, hyper-stylized universe. The action-packed series, starring Keanu Reeves, is filled with scenes drenched in neon—whether it’s the glowing purples and blues of the city streets or the bright reds and greens inside the Continental Hotel.
The neon in John Wick does more than just light up the scenery; it creates a vibrant, almost surreal world where every movement feels more intense. The glow of the neon signs in the background amplifies the sense of danger, urgency, and adrenaline that pulses through the films.
Neon’s Cinematic Legacy
From nostalgic diner lights to futuristic cityscapes, neon signs have become an essential storytelling tool in movies and TV shows. They add ambiance, enhance mood, and represent deeper symbols. Neon has the unique ability to transform any setting into something magical.
Neon has a way of sticking in our minds, like a memory glowing in the dark. If you are looking to get a memory like this for yourself, you can check out Best Buy Neon Signs. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Blade Runner or the retro charm of Pulp Fiction, Best Buy Neon signs can help you light up your favorite cinematic moments.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com