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24 times pop culture had us seeing red, literally
Warner Bros.

24 times pop culture had us seeing red, literally

If there is one color that has made its definite mark on the world, it’s red. Try to think of another color that pops as much as the hue of red onscreen. No, we’ll wait. See, you can’t. That’s because, from tantalizing scenes in film and on TV to fashion moments to some of the best songs, red is forever that girl. Those still doubting the power of red, let’s look at all of the times that red has made pop culture that much better.

 
1 of 24

Elmo, 'Sesame Street'

Elmo, 'Sesame Street'
Sesame Workshop

There is a lot to love about Sesame Street, the educational program that’s been teaching the youth since 1969. While the cast of colorful characters has infiltrated the hearts of millions since then, Elmo has become a breakout star from the toy craze of Tickle Me Elmo to his most recent viral moment where he had major beef with a rock named Rocco.

 
2 of 24

The Aliah, 'Clueless'

The Aliah, 'Clueless'
Paramount Pictures

The fashion in Clueless has become as popular as the movie itself. Yes, the yellow and black number is a staple around Halloween, but let’s not forget the red dress that left Cher Horowitz on the ground, fearing for her life in the Valley.

 
3 of 24

Deadpool

Deadpool
Marvel Entertainment

Ryan Reynolds in a red suit that hugs him in all the right places? Yes, please.

 
4 of 24

Vivian’s opera gown, ‘Pretty Woman’

Vivian’s opera gown, ‘Pretty Woman’
Touchstone Pictures

The science behind the fashion evolution of Julia Robert’s character in Pretty Woman should be studied and appreciated because every outfit was picked for a purpose, and the red dress she wore to the opera was the cherry on top of Vivian’s journey.

 
5 of 24

Fred Durst’s red cap

Fred Durst’s red cap
ddp images/Sipa USA

This one is for the millennials because whenever one sees a red baseball cap out in the wild, they will mumble under their breath, “I did it all for the nookie…”

 
6 of 24

Ron Weasley, 'Harry Potter'

Ron Weasley, 'Harry Potter'
Warner Bros.

Everyone’s favorite wizarding redhead.

 
7 of 24

Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’

Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’
Bev Moser/AdMedia/Sipa Press

Whether it be the album or the song, the world knows that Red was one of Taylor Swift’s most iconic eras.

 
8 of 24

Jessica Rabbit's shimmer, 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'

Jessica Rabbit's shimmer, 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'
Walt Disney Pictures/Touchstone Pictures

The animated dress was sort of a sexual revelation for many.

 
9 of 24

Red Power Ranger, 'The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'

Red Power Ranger, 'The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'
Saban Entertainment

Those who weren’t alive when The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers came about in the early ‘90s truly missed quite a hysteria, and leading it all was the Red Ranger.

 
10 of 24

Red Forman, 'That ‘70s Show'

Red Forman, 'That ‘70s Show'
The Carsey-Werner Company

People who don’t understand why the patriarch of That ‘70s Show is on this list can shove it right up their…well, you know.

 
11 of 24

Carrie at prom, 'Carrie'

Carrie at prom, 'Carrie'
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists

Imagine being the cleanup crew on that prom committee.

 
12 of 24

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Clifford the Big Red Dog
PBS Kids

No one ever talks about what it would actually take to have a pet as large as Clifford.

 
13 of 24

The Incredibles

The Incredibles
Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios

Everyone’s absolute favorite crime-fighting family.

 
14 of 24

The Red Wedding, ‘Game of Thrones’

The Red Wedding, ‘Game of Thrones’
HBO

Even people who had no clue what Game of Thrones was knew the night the Red Wedding episode aired that something insane had happened because the reactions were everywhere. It was truly one of the most epic moments in TV history.

 
15 of 24

Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Safe to say, the most recognizable shoes ever. 

 
16 of 24

Lightning McQueen, 'Cars'

Lightning McQueen, 'Cars'
Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios

Lightning McQueen said I’m not here to make history, I’m here to KA-CHOW!

 
17 of 24

TLC’s “Red Light Special”

TLC’s “Red Light Special”
David Tingey/Sipa USA

TLC served a heavy dose of female sexual empowerment in everything they did, including their hit single, “Red Light Special.”

 
18 of 24

Laney's dress, 'She's All That'

Laney's dress, 'She's All That'
Miramax Films

The red dress was basic, but the slow-motion scene in which it was worn as “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer played made it a defining moment in teen movies.

 
19 of 24

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
NBC

Rudolph forever proves that being born different is not a bad thing.

 
20 of 24

The elevator, ‘The Shining’

The elevator, ‘The Shining’
Warner Bros.

It was going to take more than a singular mop to clean up the Overlook after that fiasco.

 
21 of 24

Jonas Brothers' red dress lyric

Jonas Brothers' red dress lyric
Anthony Behar/Sipa USA

Wonder if Nick Jonas knew when he sang “red dress” the way he did in “Burnin' Up” that Jonas Brothers fans would then wear red dresses to their shows until the end of time?

 
22 of 24

‘Turning Red’

‘Turning Red’
Walt Disney Pictures

Disney has often put families at the core of their movies, but Turning Red finally shined a light on the bond between adolescents and boy bands, allowing fangirls to feel seen.

 
23 of 24

‘Baywatch’ bathing suits

‘Baywatch’ bathing suits
Pearson Television

The bathing suits in Baywatch were noticeable, but many can agree they became unforgettable once Pamela Anderson stepped into one.

 
24 of 24

Mister Rogers’ cardigan

Mister Rogers’ cardigan
PBS

Mister Rogers’ cardigan is one of the most heartwarming pieces of clothing to ever appear on television.

Kendra Beltran went to college with no game plan and found herself falling back on her love of writing soon after graduating all the way back in 2009. Since then, she's written for MTV Geek, Cosplay Central, Collider, Apartment Therapy, and many other sites that allowed her to showcase her love of all things pop culture. When she isn't writing, Kendra is either hosting her show, Crushgasm, baking all the cookies, or spoiling her fur baby, Mason.

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