Sunglasses have long been a popular movie accessory. They can flesh out characters, help add depth to the story, and add a touch of style to any look. They can also encourage conversations, asking audiences to dig deeper into the character or the themes. For instance, in the recently released Civil War, actor Jesse Plemons dons a pair of bright red sunglasses that stick out against his military fatigues. They capture the viewer’s attention but add to his menace, making them question their presence. He’s one of the more recent examples of how shades play a role in the film, but many other actors before him have also brought some legendary frames to the silver screen. Here are some iconic movie sunglasses worn by leading men: 

Tom Cruise in Top Gun

Credit: @gq on Instagram

Tom Cruise has donned many famous frames throughout his career, but his role as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in Top Gun gave one of the most recognisable and revolutionary sunglasses moments in cinema. The Ray-Ban sunglasses he wore became synonymous with cool and rebellious style. The Aviator model was originally designed for pilots to prevent eye strain and damage from UV rays and glare. They also had a unique construction due to the thinness of the frame that allowed them to be worn comfortably under helmets or headgear. While its use in the film was more for practicality than fashion, that didn’t stop the frames from becoming one of the brand’s most popular models thanks to Top Gun’s cultural impact. Its timelessness and quality have made it a symbol of style and luxury today, as well as other models from the brand like the Wayfarer and Clubmaster.