Because they often breathe characters into life, set the tone, and help create the identity and visuals of a film, a well-crafted design is a key aspect that must be executed properlywhen making a movie. This is especially true when said movie is specifically set in a certain era or takes place in a world that’s different from ours.
Fortunately for viewers who enjoy a deep dive into the narratives they’re witnessing, many great movies count on incredible costume design that helps shape their narratives, set the mood, and fully immerse audiences through their visual storytelling. FromPhantom ThreadtoThe Lord of the Rings,these are some of the best costume designs in movies, ranked by greatness.
Designer: Mark Bridges
Starring the talentedDaniel Day-Lewis(who earned yet another Academy Award nomination for his amazing performance and isset to make an acting return),Paul Thomas Anderson’s bewitchingPhantom Threadset in 1950s London follows a renowned dressmaker whose life is disrupted by a young woman (Vicky Krieps, who proves to be an extremely talented star) who later becomes his muse and lover.
Mark Bridges' Academy Award-winning elegant costume design plays a huge role in makingPhantom Threadthe memorable, acclaimed movie that it is— after all, they are an extension of its protagonist’s personality, perfectly embodying his perfectionistic nature while also serving as a narrative tool that sheds light on power and manipulation, two themes often explored in the film. Bridges' talent is notable, especially after working with Anderson for more than two decades, and the dresses are meticulously crafted and understandably widely praised.
Phantom Thread
9’Marie Antoinette' (2006)
Designer: Milena Canonero
Sofia Coppola’s historical drama is a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre. Set against the backdrop of Versailles,Marie Antoinetteretells the life of its titular character, played byKirsten Dunst, depicting her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 14 to her ill-fated reign as queen at 19 and ultimately to the fall of Versailles.
Mila Canonero’s Academy Award-winning costume design is nothing short of breathtaking: whether we’re talking gowns, wigs, or the small details, it perfectly captures the excess of Marie Antoinette’s life at Versailles with a fresh twist — including lavender Converse sneakers purposely placed among lavish shoes to highlight the fact that Marie was just a teenager at the time. Considering that the film depicts Marie as a fashion icon and sheds light on her influence over French fashion and society, Canonero’s work was a huge part of its narrative.
Marie Antoinette
8’The Favourite' (2018)
Designer: Sandy Powell
Directed byPoor Things’Yorgos Lanthimos, this Best Picture-nominated,immersive period dramafeatures a stellar cast — one that includesEmma Stone, too, withRachel WeiszandOlivia Colmanin the lead roles. Set in 18th-century England,The Favouriteillustrates the rivalry between the status quo at the court and a new servant who endears herself to a frail Queen Anne after arriving.
The Favourite’s costume design is nothing short of brilliant, becoming a key aspect of the movie’s storytelling and aesthetics. Although historically inspired, the costumes are also slightly modernized, offering a fresh take on the 18th-century setting. WhileSandy Powelldid her own historical research, she used contemporary and inexpensive fabrics to create the costumes: “I had my buyers go out and sample everything that was within our price range, and then concentrated on the silhouette and tone,” sherevealed.
The Favourite
Designer: Jenny Beavan
Mad Max: Fury Roadis easily one ofthe best dystopian filmsof all time, whether for its incredibly engaging action-packed narrative, unforgettable aesthetics, or three-dimensional characters. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the story seesCharlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa rebel against a tyrannical ruler in search of her homeland.
Jenny Beavan’s astounding work is an important element that has broughtFury Road’s dystopian world-building to life; it helped audiences get a better glimpse of each character’s personality and contributed to the film’s gritty visuals. With that being said, it also plays a part in telling the story effectively by highlighting the differences between characters and groups. Beaven’s efforts inCruellaare also worth mentioning, as it was her third Oscar win for Best Achievement in Costume Design followingA Room With a ViewandFury Road.
Mad Max: Fury Road
6’The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover' (1990)
Designer: Jean-Paul Gaultier
Jean-Paul Gaultiermay be best known for his work as a fashion designer. However, he also does a phenomenal job at crafting striking costumes.The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Loveris a crime drama set at Le Hollandais gourmet restaurant, following a cook, a thief, his wife, and her lover as they all come together to unleash a shocking torrent of food, murder, and revenge.
Although it greatly benefits from a talented stellar cast featuringTimRoth,MichaelGambon, andHelenMirren,this cultarthouse revenge filmby Peter Greenaway would certainly not be as iconic without Jean Paul Gaultier’s incredible efforts. Whether it is the way the costumes change color based on the room the characters are in, seamlessly blending them in the scenery, or how they emphasize the roles of each, Gaultier’s amazing work is not to be missed.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990)
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5’The Great Gatsby' (2013)
Designer: Catherine Martin
Adapted from theF. Scott Fitzgeraldnovelof the same name and starringLeonardo DiCaprio,Tobey Maguire, andCarey Mulligan, this lavishBaz Luhrmannfilm follows writer Nick Carraway as he finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of a mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and the extravagant parties of the Jazz era.
AlthoughThe Great Gatsbyhas disappointed some following its release, there is no denying that it is a pleasing film to look at. Ranging from its stunning cinematography to Catherine Martin’s efforts in the costume department,all these visual aspects helped elevate the film. Even if it is not the most accurate costume design for the decade, Martin’s Oscar-winning work still manages to capture the essence of 1920s fashion with a modern twist, highlighting the extravagance and excess of the Jazz Age.
The Great Gatsby
4’Cleopatra' (1963)
Designers: Irene Sharaff,Vittorio Nino Novarese and Renie Conley
StarringElizabethTaylorin an iconic lead role and directed byJoseph L. MankiewiczandRouben Mamoulian,Cleopatrais ahistorical epicfollowing the Queen of Egypt’s journey, highlighting her tragedies and triumphs as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome.
Although L. Mankiewicz’s movie is iconic for several reasons,the astounding costume design byIrene Sharaff,Vittorio Nino Novarese, and Renie Conley’s Oscar-winning is easily one ofCleopatra’s standout aspects. The clothing perfectly mirrored the historical grandeur of such an era, with Cleopatra often shining in opulent and striking clothing. With that said, there is no doubt that a huge part ofCleopatra’s influence was connected to its costumes, influencing pop culture and fashion for years after its release.
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3’The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)
Designers: Nglia Dickinson and Richard Taylor
The Fellowship of the Ring’s awe-inspiring worldbuilding is a major highlight, with the costumes helping create an immersive atmosphere and distinguishing different cultures within the Middle Earth. The first installment in the franchise follows a meek Hobbit who embarks on a journey alongside eight companions to destroy the powerful One Ring.
Created by the talentedNglia DickinsonandRichard Taylor,The Fellowship of the Ring’s Oscar-winning costume is designed with meticulous attention to detail, bringing to life the characters' wardrobe realistically and enhancing their character development. It also helped tell the difference between the group, with the hobbits' reflecting their peaceful demeanor and the elves', often made from silk-like fabric, reflecting their graceful nature. Another incredible fact is thatmany costumes were hand-sewnand made from natural materials, something that gave them a unique look.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
2’Barry Lyndon' (1975)
Designers: Milena Canonero and Ulla-Britt Söderlund
Stanley Kubrick’sBarry Lyndonis easilyone of his best films, enduring as a historical epic to this day. In the movie, an Irish rogue captures the attention of a rich widow, assuming her dead husband’s aristocratic role in 18th-century England. It starsRyan O’NealandMarisa Berensonin the lead roles.
Although Kubrick’s direction is outstanding on its own,Barry Lyndon’s storytelling is elevated by its incredible costume design— it helps reflect the protagonist’s journey through different social classes, evolving from simple and rough to carefully tailored outfits. Furthermore, the beautiful and Academy Award-winning efforts ofMilena CanoneroandUlla-Britt Söderlundplay a role in making each shot rich and striking, contributing to this historical epic’s acclaimed status among cinematography enthusiasts and fans of period drama movies.
Barry Lyndon
1’Sabrina' (1954)
Sabrinaremains one ofAudrey Hepburn’s most rememberable roles, and for good reason. Directed by acclaimed Golden Age directorBilly Wilder, the story focuses on a chauffer’s daughter who, after her return from school in Paris, is finally noticed by a playboy whom she had a long crush on.
Featuring iconic contributions fromHubert de Givenchy(who later became Hepburn’s go-to designer and dear friend),Sabrina’s costume design has won over the hearts of manyand is one strong reason why the film is revisited these days. Wilder’s movie made Hepburn become synonymous with charm and elegance through her character’s glamorous wardrobe, solidifying the star’s status as a fashion icon and kick-starting an iconic partnership between the actress and the renowned designer. Naturally, this groundbreaking partnership has influenced pop culture and fashion on and off-screen.
