Visualizing the Most Famous Phones in Pop Culture

Sometimes, props that could have quietly become part of a film’s scenery stand out as an iconic aspect that adds depth to a setting or character. Nothing illustrates this better than a chart created by Ooma displaying the 45 most famous phones in pop culture. On the chart we can see where and when these phones first appeared on screens, an illustrated rendering of them, and a bit of trivia telling us why this phone made an impact. As a whole, the chart makes us re-think how something as commonplace as a phone can help make a piece of media memorable.

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Some phones help form part of our lasting impression of a character. For example, Pee-Wee Herman’s picture phone is a regular part of the show and adds texture to Pee-Wee’s whimsical world. In the film, Juno, the title character is a relaxed teen with a quick wit, who uses a phone shaped like a hamburger to add a sense of humor and childishness to otherwise serious conversations.

Here are some more examples that appear on the chart:

• TARDIS from Doctor Who
• Clear Conairphone from Clarissa Explains it All
• “Show Me the Money!” Flip Phone from Jerry Maquire
• Neo’s Cell Phone from The Matrix
• Shellphone from Spongebob Squarepants
• Glass Case of Emotion from Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

How many phones do you remember from this list? Have any of them made you re-think the movie or show they appear in?