Forklifts are a common sight in industrial settings, but they are not typically associated with pop culture.
However, there are several movies and TV shows where forklifts play a prominent role in key scenes. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic scenes with forklifts in pop culture history.
Some of the most iconic scenes with forklifts in pop culture history-
The Dark Knight (2008)
One of the most memorable scenes in the opening of “The Dark Knight” is where the Joker (played by Heath Ledger) and his gang use a forklift to break into a bank vault. The Joker uses the forklift to rip open the vault’s doors and steal the contents. This scene showcases the raw power of a forklift and how it can be used to cause chaos and destruction.
Aliens (1986)
In “Aliens,” Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley uses a forklift to battle the alien queen in a loading bay. Ripley’s quick thinking and expert forklift skills save her and her companions from certain death. This scene is a great example of how a forklift can be used as a weapon when faced with a dangerous situation.
Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
In the opening sequence of “Better Call Saul,” the protagonist Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk) works as a mall forklift operator. While this scene is not as action-packed as the others on this list, it showcases the versatility of forklifts and how they are used in everyday settings.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
In “Terminator 2,” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character commandeers a forklift to pursue the T-1000 through a steel mill. The forklift may seem like an odd choice for a high-speed chase, but Schwarzenegger’s character uses it to his advantage, ramming into the T-1000 and knocking it off its feet. This scene is a great example of how a forklift can be used creatively in unexpected ways.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
In the third season of “Breaking Bad,” Walt and Jesse use a forklift to move a large industrial drum containing a dangerous chemical. The forklift proves to be an invaluable tool in their illegal activities, and they use it to move the drum from one location to another with ease. This scene highlights how forklifts are essential equipment in many industries, including the illegal ones.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
An iconic forklift scene from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”! It’s a great example of how forklifts can be used in unexpected ways to save the day.
In this scene, Indiana Jones and his father (played by Sean Connery) use a forklift to knock over a tank that the Nazis were using to transport the Holy Grail.
The forklift proves to be a formidable weapon against the Nazi army, allowing Indiana Jones and his father to prevent the Grail from falling into the wrong hands. This scene is a classic example of how forklifts can be used creatively in action-packed sequences to create suspense and excitement.
The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
In the opening scene of the hit TV series “The Walking Dead,” Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors are trapped inside a store, surrounded by a horde of zombies. In a desperate attempt to fend off the zombie attack, Rick and his group use a forklift to block the entrance and keep the zombies out.
The forklift is an ideal tool for this situation because it is heavy and sturdy enough to block the entrance and keep the zombies from breaking through. The forks of the forklift are used to lift and move heavy objects, but in this case, they are used as a barrier to prevent the zombies from getting in.
This scene is a great example of how forklifts can be used in unexpected ways to overcome challenging situations. The survivors in “The Walking Dead” are constantly faced with danger and uncertainty, and they must be resourceful and creative in their efforts to survive. The forklift is just one example of the many tools they use to fight off the zombies and stay alive.
Overall, the use of the forklift in this scene demonstrates the versatility and usefulness of this machine, even in extreme circumstances. It also adds to the realism and intensity of the show’s zombie apocalypse setting, as the survivors must use whatever resources they have at their disposal to stay alive.
Die Hard (1988)
The opening scene of “Die Hard” (1988) is a classic and iconic sequence in film history. The scene shows a group of terrorists posing as deliverymen, using a forklift to break into the Nakatomi Plaza, a high-rise building in Los Angeles.
The sequence begins with the arrival of the terrorists at the Nakatomi Plaza in a delivery truck. The lead terrorist, Hans Gruber (played by Alan Rickman), presents a phony invitation to the security guard at the front desk and gains entry to the building.
Once inside, the terrorists make their way to the building’s loading dock, where they use a forklift to break through a garage door and gain access to the building’s interior. This action sets off the building’s alarms, alerting the security team and the police.
As the terrorists enter the building, they take control of the security systems, cutting off all communication with the outside world. They then proceed to take the employees of the Nakatomi Corporation hostage, including John McClane’s wife Holly (played by Bonnie Bedelia).
The scene sets the stage for the rest of the film, as John McClane (played by Bruce Willis), a New York City police officer, becomes the only hope for the hostages and the only obstacle standing in the way of Hans Gruber and his gang.
The Office (2005-2013)
There is a hilarious forklift safety video from “The Office” (US) (2005-2013), where Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) tries to demonstrate proper forklift operation but ends up causing chaos in the warehouse.
In the episode titled “Safety Training,” Michael is tasked with conducting a safety training seminar for the employees of Dunder Mifflin Scranton. As part of the training, Michael decides to create a forklift safety video, with himself as the star.
In the video, Michael attempts to demonstrate proper forklift operation by picking up a box from a high shelf. However, he fails to secure the box properly, causing it to fall off the forklift and onto a nearby employee. He then proceeds to drive the forklift into various objects, including a stack of boxes and a storage rack, causing them to topple over.
Throughout the video, Michael provides a series of ridiculous and nonsensical safety tips, such as “always have an escape route” and “when driving a forklift, never let anyone stand in front of you.” The video culminates in a dramatic explosion, caused by Michael hitting a gas canister with the forklift.
The forklift safety video from “The Office” is a classic example of the show’s signature brand of humor, combining absurdity and satire to create a hilarious and memorable scene. It also highlights the importance of proper safety training and the dangers of mishandling heavy machinery.
Wrapping Up…
While forklifts may not be the most glamorous of machines, they have played important roles in some of the most iconic scenes with forklifts in pop culture
From battling aliens to chasing down villains, forklifts have proven to be versatile tools that can be used in unexpected ways.
