Here at Atomic Jane, we’re a little obsessed with Steampunk these days and with good reason. That reason? Because it's awesome. Are you a movie buff who loves the unique? Adore a fantastical story set in another era, or even dimension? If you enthusiastically said "Yes!" then you need to check out Steampunk movies.
*Bonus we've thrown in a few outfit ideas if you want to pay a little homage or get into some cosplay. Without further adieu – let us begin:
Mad Max Fury Road
This Steampunk movie took the world by storm. I mean, hello? It was nominated for an Oscar. Not just any Oscar either, Picture of the Year. While it didn’t win, Fury Road fans are a fierce and fiery bunch so you can guarantee there is a sequel in the works.
PHOTO Forbes.com
In this crazy high-action, thriller film – we get to experience a post-apocalyptic world filled with Steampunk delights. The best way to describe this story: Man is captured, man escapes, man and a tribe of beautiful women go on the baddest, bloodiest, road race you have ever seen.
As you might have noticed above, yes, Charlize Theron is in it, and yes, she is wearing goggles. If that doesn’t say Steampunk we don’t know what does. Be sure to enjoy all the details of this film, the metal, the chains and, of course, those bad boy cars.
Mad Max Inspired Fashion
The female costumes in Mad Max range from tattered-torn rags and leather to well-fitted bodices. For that reason we choose this bad girl- one shoulder Steampunk over bust corset.
This black faux leather steel boned corset features a heavy cord lace up back. Heavy cords can be used for tight lacing. Front zipper closures and underwire cups will help this piece hug your body and give your bust support.
Golden Compass
The film adaptation of the beloved modern classic, The Golden Compass, absolutely makes our list. If you are unfamiliar with the story here is a brief summary. This story takes place in an alternate universe where a church, named the Magisterium, rules the world.
Our hero is young Lyra. Lyra is accompanied by her animal – which also happens to carry a portion of her soul. After witnessing some horrible stuff, Lyra goes on the grandest of adventures. Did we mention there are also evil kidnappers called the Gobblers?
As you can see from this image, Lyra’s animal companion is wearing the coolest armor any animal has ever had. This mix of fantasy, mechanics, and wonder makes the Golden Compass steam lover approved.
The Golden Compass Inspired Fashion
This outfit combo honors the films magical moments, yet nods it's hat to the classic pieces featured throughout the film.
This lovely black over bust corset is solid in the bust area with a see through elastic mesh throughout the bodice and has a black ribbon lace up back. If you are feeling a bit modest layer this corset with a tank of your choosing underneath.
Wild Wild West
Next up; an oldie by goody. Will Smith’s 1999, Wild Wild West takes on the western Steampunk movie genre head on. Technically, it's a remake the 1960’s television show – but most would agree this film had little to do with the original inspiration. This rendition is all gadgets, gizmos, and giant mechanical spiders.
A central point of Steampunk is taking the past, and re-imagining with technology from the future. By definition; cowboys + robots = Steampunk.
Wild Wild West is a comedy. Rare, when it comes to Steampunk movies so don’t expect deep thoughts. Instead, sit back and get lost in the steam tankers and flying machines…and cowboys.
Wild Wild West Inspired Fashion
This Steampunk Halter has steel bones and captures the essence of steam with its black and brown steel boned bodice. The faux leather and metal accents will look great with chunky accessories like boots or platform sandals. Heavy cord lace up back, for all you gals who love your tight lacing.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
League of Extraordinary Gentleman is a Steampunk triple threat. Originally a graphic novel, the series boasts mad spin-offs, and of course, the 2003 film. Starring Sean Connery, this was his last performance before entering into retirement. Back in 2003, the world was not yet obsessed with comics turned to film, not just yet. Because of this the movie fared only so-so with viewers.
But that doesn't mean it's not still one fantastic steam movie.On a previous blog we reviewed the series if you’re interested in learning more about the plot – which features beloved characters from the Victorian age, such as Mina from Dracula and Captain Nemo.
The graphic novel series is straight Victorian Steampunk, and the film tried to stay as close to volume one in the series as they could. Great news for Steampunk movie buffs: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 2 is in the works. You can expect more on this later this year.
A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Inspired Fashion
In the film, Mina sports a black metal overbust corset. Since a full-on metal corset might not be the most comfortable, we went for the next best thing. Check out this vegan leather overbust corset, complete with tons of metal.
Haven't heard of vegan leather yet? Check out a past post and learn more about it. This overbust corset can be paired with leather leggings, jeans or your favorite bottoms for fighting crime and saving the world.
Van Helsing
Monsters galore! If you love steam, and you love horror – it should be no surprise Van Helsing made our list.
Van Helsing re-imagines the slaying of Dracula. Only this time, Frankenstein and werewolves are involved. Amazing, right?
Action packed, dark, gothic, and full of Victorian Steampunk nods. Starring Hugh Jackman as the title character and Kate Beckinsale as Anna. This is Kate’s second time being featured here on the Atomic Jane blog. We adored her Underworld corsets in that post and she looks just as amazing in film.
Van Helsing Inspired Fashion
Kate's costume is a super-sexy underbust corset. Underneath she wears a blousy- light, floral top. This brown faux leather underbust would totally get her character's approval.
The side halter design gives extra support. This stunning halter under bust has awesome front buckle details with a front busk closure, and stud details along the edges. The back laces up for cinching and, of course, it's fully steel boned. Take your inspiration from Kate and match with a pop of color and your favorite jeans.
Sleepy Hollow
1999 was a good year for Steampunk movies. Not only did we get Wild Wild West, but Tim Burton brought up Sleepy Hollow. To be fair, pretty much anything Tim Burton touches will usually have Steampunk undertones. Sleepy Hollow, however, is the real deal.
The movie starrs, pretty much, everyone’s favorite actor, the one and only Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. The movie is based on the 1800’s story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Depp plays Ichabod Crane, a police constable investigating a slew of grisly murders and a nightmare invoking bad guy, eloquently known as, the Headless Horseman.
My favorite part of this movie is the fashion. Victorian, corsets, and velvet, mixed with Gothic fashion – give tons of inspiration for your next Steampunk outfit.
Sleepy Hollow Inspired Fashion
A movie about a man without a head totally deserves an outfit with a spooky flair.
The Atomic Black Skull Underbust Corset features an all over skull print, solid black trim, a steel front busk closure and a lace up back. A matching thong is included. Take cues from our outfit combo above and layer over your favorite little black dress.
Robots
It might surprise you that a cartoon made the cut. This isn’t just any cartoon. The adorable and addicting 2005 film, Robots, is amazing. The graphics are terrific. There are tons of inside jokes, only adults could appreciate and it’s seriously steam.
Robot’s introduces us to a world where everyone is…you guessed it! A robot. The main character, Rodney Copperbottom (how cute is that name?) is voiced by Ewan McGregor. Some of the other big names you will recognize; Mel Brooks, Robin Williams, and Greg Kinnear.
Steam powered machines, futuristic technology, and lots of gears make Robots full steam ahead. We highly recommend adding this little gem to the Netflix cue.
Robots Inspired Fashion
If you have ever wanted to be a robot, but worry all those actual gears and metal costume might be a bit confining, this under bust corset is the next best thing.
This stunning Atomic Dark Brown and Black Steam Steel Boned Underbust Corset is a brocade Steampunk underbust featuring 14 steel bones, heavy cording and a modesty panel. That means you can get your tight lacing on to your hearts desire!
It features so many leather accents, four heavy front metal clasp closures, four zip front details, and a long, metal Victoria style chain. The bottom has metal rivet details over triple cascading black faux leather. Let your inner robot our with this super-steam-loving piece.
There you have it, our favorite 7 Steampunk movies. Have you seen them all? Which was your favorite (we're going to guess, it was Mad Max). Go ahead and let us know in the comments. If you're totally loving these corsets and need help choosing the perfect size send us an email at support@atomicjaneclothing.com
