Stockings have long been a symbol of elegance, mystery, and allure in cinema. From classic noir films to modern-day thrillers, the presence of stockings often adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to the narrative. This curated list of 10 films explores the various ways in which stockings have been woven into the fabric of storytelling, offering viewers a unique perspective on fashion, character development, and plot dynamics. Whether it's a symbol of seduction, a plot device, or simply an element of period authenticity, these films showcase the timeless appeal of stockings in film.

The Big Sleep (1946)
Description: Lauren Bacall's character, Vivian Rutledge, uses her stockings to both seduce and manipulate, adding to the film's noir atmosphere.
Fact: The film was directed by Howard Hawks and is known for its complex plot and the chemistry between Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.


The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Description: This classic film noir features Lana Turner in a role where her character's stockings are part of her seductive allure, leading to a tale of passion and murder.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its explicit content for the time. Lana Turner's entrance in the film, where she adjusts her stockings, became an iconic scene.


The Apartment (1960)
Description: Shirley MacLaine's character, Fran Kubelik, uses her stockings in a poignant scene, reflecting the era's fashion and her character's vulnerability.
Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Basic Instinct (1992)
Description: Sharon Stone's character, Catherine Tramell, uses her stockings to both seduce and manipulate, making them a key element in this psychological thriller.
Fact: The famous leg-crossing scene was not in the original script; it was improvised by Sharon Stone during filming.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Gwyneth Paltrow's character, Marge Sherwood, often wears stockings, adding to the film's 1950s aesthetic and her character's charm.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, enhancing its visual appeal.


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: Rene Russo's character, Catherine Banning, uses her stockings to charm and distract, playing a crucial role in the cat-and-mouse game of this stylish heist film.
Fact: The film features a memorable scene where Russo's character seduces Pierce Brosnan's character with her stockings.


The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: Ewan McGregor's character encounters Olivia Williams' character, who uses her stockings to create an air of mystery and allure in this political thriller.
Fact: The film was Roman Polanski's first feature film in English since "Death and the Maiden" in


The Great Gatsby (2013)
Description: Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan, often wears stockings, reflecting the opulence and decadence of the 1920s in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel.
Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Production Design.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: Lisbeth Salander, portrayed by Rooney Mara, uses her unique style, including her stockings, to express her individuality and strength in this dark thriller.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Mara.


The Graduate (1967)
Description: Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, uses her stockings as part of her seduction strategy, making them a memorable part of this coming-of-age story.
Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of an older woman seducing a younger man.
