Brief History of Movie Jackets
At first, jackets in movie jackets were worn more for function than fashion. Westerns especially often featured rugged leather jackets that could stand up against dusty outdoor environments - helping characters portraying tough and resilient personas that were integral parts of this genre.

Mid-20th Century: Birth of Iconic Jackets
The 1950s marked an inflection point in the role of jackets in film. At this time, jackets became powerful symbols of character and rebellion - James Dean's red jacket from Rebel Without a Cause (1955) is an outstanding example. This vibrant jacket stood in stark contrast to conservative fashion at that time and became an emblematic representation of youthful defiance and nonconformity.

Marlon Brando's black leather jacket in The Wild One (1953) helped to establish it as an iconic symbol of rebellion and cool. This jacket became associated with Johnny Strabler - played by Brando - and by extension with youth culture of 1950s America.

Iconic Movie Jackets Through the Decades
The 1960s and 70s: Counterculture and Experimentation
With the 1960s and 1970s witnessing an increase in counterculture and social change, movie jackets began reflecting this evolution. For instance, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper's American flag-emblazoned jackets from Easy Rider (1969) became iconic images representing freedom and the counterculture movement; not just costumes but statements echoing anti-establishment sentiments prevalent at that time.

The 1970s also witnessed an upsurge of iconic jackets in genres such as science fiction and action cinema. Harrison Ford's rugged leather jacket from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) became an integral component of Indiana Jones, providing both practicality and an adventurous edge for his character.

The 1980s: Pop Culture Phenomenon
The 1980s was an era marked by iconic movie jackets that have had lasting impacts on pop culture. Michael Jackson's red and black leather jacket from Thriller (1983) stands out, having gained wider recognition because of both Jackson's immense fame and its striking design.

Tom Cruise's bomber jacket in Top Gun (1986) became an instant classic, instantly immortalising its essence and shaping fashion trends for years. Additionally, Keanu Reeves' long black trench coat from The Matrix (1999) defined cyberpunk aesthetic and became an icon of late 1990s fashion.

Movie Jacket Symbolism
Character Development and Symbolism
Movie jackets often serve as extensions of their characters who wear them, serving to symbolize their personalities, status or transformations. For instance, in Grease (1978) Sandy Olsson's transformation is symbolized by her transition from demure dresses to an aggressive black leather jacket that symbolizes her more assertive, rebellious persona.

Ryan Gosling plays Ryan Driver in Drive (2011). In that film, the character wears a white satin jacket with a scorpion emblem to symbolize their duality: calm and composed when provoked yet deadly when angry.

Jackets as Cultural Symbols
Movie jackets can become cultural icons. For instance, The Wild One (1952) cemented its place as an iconic representation of 1950s biker culture while Saturday Night Fever (1977) brought back sequined jackets of that decade's disco scene as an embodiment of its exuberance and style.

These jackets from movies often go beyond their filmic depictions to influence broader fashion trends. For instance, Top Gun's bomber jacket popularized military-inspired fashion while Neo's trench coat from The Matrix became an influential trend during late 90's and early 2000s fashion trends.

An Everlasting Appeal of Movie Jackets
Nostalgia and Tribute
One of the key appeals of movie jackets lies in nostalgia, with movie fans often seeking out replicas of their favorite character's jacket as a way of connecting with films they enjoy. This has lead to a market for high-quality reproductions as well as collections inspired by iconic film costumes that pay homage.

Fashion Statements
Movie jackets have become an iconic fashion statement. Fashion designers frequently draw inspiration from iconic film jackets when creating collections; biker jackets in particular have become staples across runways and retail stores alike; similarly futuristic designs from sci-fi films continue to influence modern clothing fashion trends.

Collectibles and Memorabilia
Original movie jackets can be invaluable collectibles. Auction prices often reflect this value, with some jackets such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's jacket from 1984's The Terminator fetching significant sums at auction due to its association with an iconic film or character - this latter example having sold at auction for significant sums due to being prized possessions for movie fans.

Movie jackets are more than mere clothing; they serve as symbols that contribute to the storytelling and cultural impact of films. From rebellious leather jackets of the 1950s to futuristic designs from later in this century, these garments have left an indelible mark both cinema and fashion alike - whether worn to celebrate beloved films or simply make a fashion statement, movie jackets continue to dazzle audiences and inspire, showing that sometimes, clothes really do make the character.