iconic flower scenes in movie & television

8 Iconic Floral Scenes in Movie and TV

There are some movies that just stick with you, and when it comes to iconic movie scenes, many of them…for me, feature flowers in one way or another. Whether they’re used as symbols of love, romance, or something sinister, flowers have become synonymous with some pretty notable scenes from famous films. 

So if you’re like me and think back to your favorite films and can’t help but smile when you picture the flower scenes within them, this article will serve as a much-needed refresher on your favorites. Here are eight of some of the most memorable floral scenes in movie and TV history!

American Beauty, 1999

One of the most iconic floral scenes in the 90s is the opening scene of American Beauty. The film opens with a shot of a plastic bag floating in the wind, caught against a backdrop of bright red roses. 

The camera then pans to show Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) watering his lawn. As he does, he narrates his life story and tells us that he will soon be dead. The flowers in this scene are symbolic of both the beauty and the fragility of life.

image borrowed from NoFilmSchool.com

Midsommar, 2019

In the movie Midsommar, flowers play a significant role in the characters' lives. From the beautiful meadows that the characters walk through to the eerie flowers that surround the May Queen's throne, flowers are used to set the mood and atmosphere of the film. The floral scenes in Midsommar are some of the most iconic and memorable scenes in recent memory.

Wizard of Oz, 1939

One of the most iconic floral scenes in movie history is when Dorothy falls asleep in a field of poppies in The Wizard of Oz. The poppies are so beautiful and peaceful that it's easy to see why Dorothy would want to take a nap in them. But of course, she ends up getting too sleepy and has to be carried away by the Scarecrow. 

It's an interesting scene because this is where Dorothy first meets her new friends but also shows just how deadly the poppies can be. They're gorgeous flowers, but they can also be dangerous.

Euphoria (Season 2, Episode 4) – “Flowers for Cassie”

HBO’s Euphoria is a series filled with melancholic scenes that stubbornly stick – from the vibrant lights, and colors, to the sporadic mix of emotions, there’s no lack of memorable scenes. However, the “flowers for Cassie” scene in the 4th episode of season 2 remains the most iconic floral design scene so far in the show.

I was hired to handle the floral design of that scene. With the set director, Julia Altschul, and her team, we created an illusion of a mirror, decorating the flowers in a way that made it seem as though Cassie was gazing through a mirror. 

The Director, Sam Levinson, wanted the flowers in this scene to mimic Mexican paintings of the Virgin Mary. So, I had to create three 2 piece sets for the foreground and 2 hanging wall pieces. The entire production was made of real flowers. Jose and Anthony Mykhaylov were in-charge of the silk design, completing the perfection of the job.

Breaking Bad, 2008

In the show Breaking Bad, the lily of the valley is used to poison someone. This is a very iconic scene in the show, and it's definitely one of the most memorable floral scenes in all of movie and TV history. Lily of the valley has a toxic sap that can be fatal if ingested. 

The poisonous properties are said to originate from ancient Greek times when girls would use this plant on their wedding day because they thought it was known as a powerful charm against evil spells. In other words, it could ward off evil spirits that would want to ruin their special day! Even flowers have their own ominous members of the family. 

image borrowed from Listal.com

Brave Little Toaster, 1987

In the classic animated movie Brave Little Toaster, a group of appliances goes on a quest to find their owner. Along the way, they visit an abandoned city filled with forgotten toys. One of the most memorable scenes is when they come across a field of wildflowers. 

The colors are so vibrant and the scene is so beautiful, it's no wonder it's been iconic for decades. It could be because flowers represent life, which is something we all want. Or maybe it's because they're just simply pretty and make us feel better. Whatever the reason, flowers have a magical effect on everyone who sees them- even if you're not looking at them up close.