9 timeless movie shopping scenes and what they teach us about life

It’s pretty much the go-to with any romantic comedy, but there’s a lot more to the shopping scene in movies than we give it credit for.

Apologies if we’ve left out any of your favourites (there are actually soooooooo many movie shopping scenes!), but we chose these based on the lessons they teach us about navigating through the trials of life.

For the day that's in it...

1. Pretty Woman

The scene: Julia Roberts stole our hearts as prostitute Vivian Ward. The poor girl was treated so unkindly by the shop assistants who she only wanted to buy some new clothes from, but she gets her own back by shopping elsewhere.

The lesson: Since there are two scenes, we get two lessons for the price of one – 1. Never judge a book by its cover, and 2. Karma stings, bitch.

2. Confessions of a Shopaholic

The scene: Lead character Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is trying desperately to control her shopping addiction but can’t resist a sample sale.

The lesson: Want to see women ruthless? Take them sale shopping.

3. Big

The scene: In one of the most iconic of Tom Hanks’ scenes ever, he meets Mr. MacMillan while messing around toy store FAO Schwarz. The two have an absolute ball playing with the giant piano.

The lesson: Shopping can lead to employment opportunities.

4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The scene: Over the opening credits of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn walks across the screen in a dazzling black number, adorned with a pearl necklace and black gloves.

The lesson: Even window shopping can be an opportunity to dress up and look utterly fabulous.

5. Legally Blonde

The scene: It’s our first proper look at Elle Woods, brought to life by Reese Witherspoon. One of the sales assistants tries to sell her a dress that is marked down at full price, but Elle already knows the product has been problematic hence why it's in the sale.

The lesson: Know your stuff and demand respect for it.

6. Love Actually

The scene: One of the film’s multiple characters, Harry (Alan Rickman) is trying to buy a necklace for Mia (Heike Makatsch) who he intends to have an affair with. The scene is in equal parts horrifying, suspenseful, and hilarious, thanks to a great performance by Rowan Atkinson as the salesman Rufus.

The lesson: Good things come to those who wait - well, according to Rufus, anyway.

7. Clueless

The scene: ‘All By Myself’ plays as Cher (Alicia Silverstone) admits to being ‘clueless’ as she ponders the messiness of her life right now. Mid-way through her walk around town, she has a wee shopping trip, and finds herself thinking increasingly about Josh (Paul Rudd)…

The lesson: Shopping can lead to epiphanies - who knew?

8. Elf

The scene: Having just travelled from the North Pole to New York, Buddy (Will Ferrell) is still getting his bearings in The Big Apple. He decides to visit Gimbles, the toy store.

Lesson: Even if you’re an awkward shopper, you’ll never be Buddy the Elf awkward at shopping.