Fedora Hats in Film: The Best Fedora-Wearing Characters of All Time!

Fedora Hats in Film: The Best Fedora-Wearing Characters of All Time

The Fedora hat has a long and storied presence in cinema, serving as a symbol of style, mystery, authority, and rebellion. While often associated with classic male characters, women have also made Fedora hats an integral part of their on-screen personas. From adventurous archaeologists to groundbreaking musicians, here’s a countdown of the best Fedora-wearing characters in film—showcasing the diverse influence of this iconic hat across genres and cultures.

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) – Indiana Jones Series

• The Fedora Moment: No list of iconic Fedora-wearing characters is complete without Indiana Jones. With his rugged leather jacket, whip, and Fedora, Indy’s look is as adventurous as his archaeological escapades. The brown felt Fedora became synonymous with the character and remains one of the most recognisable fashion statements in film.
• Influence: Indiana Jones’ Fedora inspired a wave of adventurous fashion in the 1980s and remains popular today as a symbol of daring, intellect, and charisma.

“It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.” – Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Pam Grier as Foxy Brown – Foxy Brown (1974)

• The Fedora Moment: Pam Grier as Foxy Brown in the 1974 blaxploitation film exudes confidence and power, with her Fedora often used to punctuate her bold, fearless character. Her stylish, wide-brimmed Fedora, paired with her fierce attitude and colourful wardrobe, made her an unforgettable fashion icon.
• Influence: Grier's Fedora helped symbolise empowerment for Black women in cinema, blending glamour with street-smart toughness. She redefined what it meant for women to wear Fedoras, connecting the hat to both strength and style.

“You tell me who you want done and I’ll do the hell out of it.” – Foxy Brown, Foxy Brown (1974)

Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) – The Godfather (1972)

• The Fedora Moment: Michael Corleone’s character development in The Godfather is reflected in his wardrobe. As he transitions into a powerful mafia boss, he adopts the traditional dark suit and Fedora, symbolizing authority and control.
• Influence: The Fedora in The Godfather became emblematic of power and sophistication within the crime genre, further solidifying its association with mafia aesthetics.

“I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather (1972)

Diane Keaton as Annie Hall – Annie Hall (1977)

• The Fedora Moment: Diane Keaton’s portrayal of Annie Hall brought quirky, unconventional fashion to the forefront, and her Fedora was a defining part of her signature style. The hat added to her character’s eccentricity, representing a mix of femininity and androgynous fashion.
• Influence: Annie Hall’s Fedora became an iconic fashion statement, revolutionizing women’s fashion in the late 1970s by showing that women could pull off traditionally "masculine" accessories with flair and confidence.

“A relationship, I think, is like a shark. It has to constantly move forward or it dies.” – Annie Hall, Annie Hall (1977)

John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) – Shaft (1971)

• The Fedora Moment: In the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree’s John Shaft donned a Fedora to complement his iconic leather trench coat, amplifying his tough, no-nonsense persona. His Fedora was more than just a style accessory—it was part of his larger-than-life presence as a Black private detective in 1970s New York.
• Influence: Shaft’s Fedora symbolized cool confidence, influencing Black male fashion and action film aesthetics for decades. The Fedora became an essential part of the "blaxploitation" film genre.

“You want to play your super heavy black number? I'm going to play mine.” – John Shaft, Shaft (1971)

The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) – The Blues Brothers (1980)

• The Fedora Moment: Jake and Elwood Blues, played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, made the black Fedora an essential part of their signature look, alongside their dark sunglasses and black suits. The Fedora added to their laid-back, comedic style as they embarked on their "mission from God."
• Influence: The Blues Brothers made the Fedora synonymous with cool, quirky rebellion, and their look has been parodied and celebrated for decades in pop culture.

“We’re on a mission from God.” – Elwood Blues, The Blues Brothers (1980)

Janelle Monáe – Various Performances and Music Videos

• The Fedora Moment: While not specific to a film, Janelle Monáe's Fedora is a key part of her persona as a groundbreaking, genre-defying musician. Whether performing live or in her music videos, Monáe often wears a black Fedora with her signature tuxedo look, exuding sophistication, creativity, and empowerment.
• Influence: Monáe’s use of the Fedora challenges traditional gender roles in fashion, making it a symbol of individuality, innovation, and confidence.

“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” – Janelle Monáe

Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) – Casablanca (1942)

• The Fedora Moment: As Rick Blaine, Humphrey Bogart personified the trench coat and Fedora look in Casablanca, cementing his image as the ultimate noir romantic lead. His grey Fedora, worn with such casual elegance, became a hallmark of his mysterious and troubled character.
• Influence: Bogart’s portrayal of Blaine, along with his Fedora, set the standard for "film noir cool." The hat helped shape the image of the Fedora as a mark of masculinity and subtlety.

“Here’s looking at you, kid.” – Rick Blaine, Casablanca (1942)

Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) – Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

• The Fedora Moment: In Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury includes a scene where the Queen frontman wears a Fedora during an iconic performance. Mercury's fashion sense was bold and daring, and the Fedora added to his theatrical, larger-than-life persona.
• Influence: Freddie Mercury's Fedora-wearing moments celebrate individuality, non-conformity, and flamboyant fashion, inspiring musicians and fashionistas alike to break boundaries.

“I’m not going to be a star. I’m going to be a legend!” – Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) – Batman Returns (1992)

• The Fedora Moment: In Batman Returns, Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman wears a sleek Fedora in several key scenes, adding to her character's slinky, femme fatale persona. Her Fedora, often worn with a trench coat, heightened the sense of mystery and danger.
• Influence: Pfeiffer’s Catwoman popularized the Fedora for female antiheroes, blending sensuality with a strong sense of independence and unpredictability.

“I am Catwoman. Hear me roar.” – Catwoman, Batman Returns (1992)

From Indiana Jones to Janelle Monáe, and from Diane Keaton’s quirky charm to Pam Grier’s fierce empowerment, the Fedora has proven its versatility across genders, ethnicities, and genres. Whether symbolizing adventure, mystery, or empowerment, this iconic hat has left its mark on cinema and pop culture. These characters, each in their own way, have kept the Fedora at the forefront of style and film history.