From animated children’s films to live-action horrors, flowers have been central to more memorable movie scenes than you may first think. Here’s our pick of the five most iconic scenes in which flowers have a starring role.
The Dancing May Queen Scene in Midsommar
One of the most talked-about horror films in years, 2019’s Midsommar, returns to the cinematic values of 1970s horror while maintaining contemporary approaches. When a group of friends arrives in an isolated village in Sweden, they soon discover that the midsummer festivities aren’t as innocent as they first seemed. Towards the end of the film, the protagonist Dani dances in an elaborative dress of flowers, accompanied by an extravagant floral crown, as she is named the May Queen.
The Singing Flowers Scene in Alice in Wonderland
Forget Tim Burton’s 2010 movie. The animated 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland is hands-down the best version. Among the film’s many iconic scenes, you’ll find talking flowers singing the “All in the Golden Afternoon” song. Tulips, daffodils, daisies, lilies, snapdragons, and chrysanthemums all join in to create a wondrous floral chorus. With winter’s end not too far away, you might be thinking of buying spring flowers for Mother’s Day. But it’s unlikely you’ll find a bouquet of singing flowers.
The Red Rose Seller Scene in Oliver!
The beloved musical based on Charles Dickens’s classic tale of poverty, strife, and crime in Victorian London has many memorable songs. One that you’re sure to remember is “Who Will Buy?” The red rose seller is the only person to be seen in the wide streets of the early morn, but gradually, more vendors appear and join in with her song, as London comes to life. There’s perhaps no scene featuring red roses in cinema that’s as iconic. Although the scene from American Beauty gives it a run for its money.
The Cheerleader Covered in Red Rose Petals Scene in American Beauty
The one unforgettable scene from Sam Mendes’ 1999 cult black comedy American Beauty, which also served as the poster image for the film, is when Cheerleader Angela lies naked under a plethora of red rose petals. In the film, the scene is actually just the fantasy of the depressed protagonist Lester. It expertly represents the midlife crisis he’s going through.
The Flower Vendor Scene in City Lights
One of the first famous flower scenes in cinematic history comes from the Charlie Chapin classic of 1931, City Lights. The scene begins with a lonely blind florist sitting in a corner, attempting to sell her wares. As Chaplin enters the scene with his iconic comedy walk, he not only sees how beautiful the flowers are. He also discovers the flower seller’s beauty. The laughs come at the end of the scene when the blind woman accidentally throws water over The Little Tramp.
The Red Poppy Scene in The Wizard of Oz
Just picture it: Dorothy begins to yawn. Not before long, she’s falling asleep among a field of red poppies. Dorothy isn’t just trying to get a bit of shuteye after walking the long and treacherous yellow brick road, though. The Wicked Witch of the West has cast a spell and the poppies are sending Dorothy into a deep slumber. Of course, you know the film is the one and only Wizard of Oz from 1939. Dorothy falling asleep in the field of colorful red poppies is undoubtedly the most iconic flower scene in movie history.
