If you think glass block is just a relic of 80s bathrooms and office lobbies, think again.
This humble architectural element has made some seriously stylish appearances in movies and TV shows—from neon-lit nightclubs to moody villain lairs and dreamy retro kitchens, and it’s always a welcome sight.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my favorite moments where glass block stole the scene, as well as my heart, as originally curated on my Bluesky account.
Come along!
Karate Kid III (1989)
Let’s start off with one of my favorites.
Glass block in Terry Silver’s opulent bathroom where he conducts all his important revenge business.
Three Men and a Baby (1987)
This curvy glass wall greets you in the vestibule of the boys’ swanky NYC bachelor pad that is only affordable on the combined salaries of three attractive, successful white men. They have to keep extra Windex on hand to clean the wall due to so much sperm flying around.
My Stepmother is An Alien (1989)
John Lovitz is hysterical as Uncle Ron in this movie who owns a sweet-ass beach house with GLASS BLOCK EVERYWHERE, drives a Rolls Royce and gets ass like it’s nobody’s business.
Troop Beverly Hills (1989)
When it comes to fashion and decorating, Phyllis Nefler has really earned her merit patches and it shows, as evident by the ever so tasteful glass block walls featured in the massive gym/ballet studio of her Beverly Hills mansion. I just feel bad for her maid.
Beetlejuice (1988)
The deep blue lighting behind the glass block wall of the Deetzes dining room really sets off Delia’s wonderfully bizarre artwork in what is arguably the most memorable scene of the whole film. DAAAAAAAY-O!
Flashdance (1983)
The glass block at the entrance and along the upper walls of Mawby’s Bar lends the exact right vibe for a dingy, smoke-filled titty bar in the 1980s, you just know those things are caked in nicotine. But they were the perfect backdrop to this incredibly famous scene.
Big (1988)
I’m torn between whose 80’s NYC apartment is cooler in Big – Josh’s, with all the toys, or his co-worker turned lover Susan’s, in all its glass block partition glory. I’m awarding her bonus points for pairing it with a tasteful pastel color palette that is oh so chic.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Baby Boom (1987)
Nothing says you’ve made it in life like an impossibly large Manhattan apartment blinged out with glass block, as Diane Keaton soon finds out is about as useful as a poopy-flavored lollipop when it comes to taking care of babies.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Leslie (Ally Sheedy) and Alec (Judd Nelson), despite being hot and rich, are in a relationship that can best be described as a trainwreck wrapped in 80s yuppie angst, which just goes to show money can buy cool glass blocks for your apartment but it can’t buy you happiness.
Saved by the Bell (1989 – 1993)
Any matters of importance that ever happened to the students of Bayside High would happen at The Max, the central hangout spot in this iconic 90s teen sitcom, notable for its almost cartoonish design aesthetic featuring tons of glass block, bright colors and neon.
True Lies (1994)
There’s tons of glass breaking and things crashing through glass all over this movie, but I think the only glass that DOESN’T get broken are these tasteful glass block walls adorning the office of Juno Skinner, who’s hobbies include ancient Persian antiquities and Crimson Jihad.
Stephen King’s ‘It’ (1990)
When you grow up poor like Beverly Marsh but later in life launch a fashion company, you overcompensate by filling your corporate office with glass block as far as the eye can see to project an image of success, because that feeling of insecurity never leaves you.
The Secret of my Success (1987)
When Michael J. Fox goes to work for his distant uncle, the CEO of Pemrose Corporation, he explains that last year the company borrowed more money from banks than Mexico, which we have to assume some portion went toward these sweet-ass glass block walls.
American Psycho (2000)
Patrick Bateman delivers a famously meticulous and obsessive morning routine, which includes his detailed skincare regimen. The routine is both a symbol of his narcissism and a commentary on 1980s materialism and superficiality, which of course includes a glass block shower.
The Fly (1986)
Glass blocks at the doctor’s office provide a dramatic backdrop for Geena Davis to contemplate getting an abortion, knowing she is pregnant with the offspring of a man turned mutant Fly. Moments later Brundlefly crashes through another wall of glass blocks to spirit her away.
Commando (1985)
I would stay in roadside motels more often if they were all blinged out in neon backlit glass block decor like The Sunspot, where John Matrix kills Cooke, one of the mercenaries who kidnapped his daughter.
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Bernie Lomax’s lavish beach house in the Hamptons is the exact kind of place where you’d expect to find glass block, and his interior decorator doesn’t disappoint. They blend beautifully with the modern decor, heavy and cold, just like Bernie’s corpse.
Krush Groove (1985)
The Fat Boys can’t resist the allure of the glass block wall adorning the front of the Sbarro in Times Square, though the movie and accompanying rap song would have you believe they go there for the All-You-Can-Eat buffet.
Project X (1987)
The glass block windows and walls at the military research facility in Project X create an atmosphere of cold, unfeeling indifference, which, incidentally, is the attitude you need when euthanizing chimps exposed to nuclear radiation.
The Facts of Life (1979 – 1988)
If you’re shopping for an inflatable cactus or perhaps a giant watch clock and other useless tchotchkes, you’ll find it at Over Our Heads, where this glass block wall attracts new customers like a magnet.
The Cutting Edge (1992)
The hotel where Kate & Doug compete for Nationals is just dripping in icy glass block, which totally works for a film about ice skating. This is the famous scene where Doug talks about foreplay, because glass blocks make him horny.
Bird on a Wire (1990)
This spacious hotel bathroom with its glass block wall, pastel accents and tasteful silk floral arrangements is the stuff 90s bathroom dreams are made of, if your dreams include a fully naked Mel Gibson washing his ass. Man, I really miss the “before” times.
Look Who’s Talking (1989)
You see those gorgeous glass blocks in Albert’s office? That’s why he’s banging his interior decorator, as Molly unfortunately learns in the next scene, causing her to go into labor.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986)
If you ever get a mysterious message on your computer, don’t engage or you could get drawn into a web of international espionage! Sorry, none of that has anything to do with glass blocks. Does anyone beside me even like this movie?
Double Impact (1991)
Perhaps the crown jewel of this thread, the glass block in Double Impact is PEAK. Also there’s some hot twins doing awesome martial arts things, both played by Van Damme, whose ass is the only thing tighter and more solid than the glass block.
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
This opening credits scene just oozes 80s charm, giving us a tour around the glass block-adorned beauty parlor (pastels and perms!) as Roberta obsesses over the personal ads, soon to get involved in a wacky mixup with Madonna.
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) – Part 2
That’s right, friends, there’s so much glass block in this movie, it deserves a second post. And the really hilarious thing is that Mark Blum’s character is named GARY GLASS. Fact!
Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986)
I don’t care how nice the glass block in this parking garage looks, never trust your dad’s car to a greasy dude with a mustache and ponytail.
Body Double (1984)
Great flick and I love De Palma, but I give this usage of glass block a “C” minus for being installed against a wall, thus rendering it dull and opaque. Maybe that should have been Jake’s first clue that something wasn’t quite right about the acting gig.
Back to School (1986)
A glorious example from this Rodney Dangerfield classic. I can think of fewer things more 80s than Oingo Boingo performing “Dead Man’s Party” on a glass block stage, backlit by hot pink & electric blue neon.
Cadillac Man (1990)
The car dealership in Cadillac Man (RIP Robin Williams) is a goldmine of glass block — windows, red backlit panels, even a glass block partition surrounding some of the desks — the perfect setup for a crazy, drawn-out hostage situation & shootout by unhinged Tim Robbins.
The Big Picture (1989)
Another glorious example from the late 80s in this film where Kevin Bacon is an aspiring director who gets eaten up and spit out by the film industry. The dramatic glass block focal point is giving appropriate evil villain vibes, with bonus glowing block under the desk. 10/10
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
To this day I blame this movie for my lifelong fear of dentists and always think of this song before every appointment. The sterile, white-lit glass block reminds me of a perfect row of teeth, which is what I hope the set designer was going for.
Street Smart (1987)
The thing about glass block, it can either look really classy or totally sketch like you see here in this seedy dive bar somewhere in 1987 Harlem. At any rate, enjoy these frames of Christopher Reeve having a beer while he attempts to pick up prostitutes. It’s for RESEARCH!
Intruder (1989)
This little-known horror flick is elevated by its grocery store setting, which is like a perfect time capsule of late 1980s products. The glass block on the front of Walnut Lake Market is just a small tease of what’s in store with this super fun slasher flick.
The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989-1996)
The neon-lit glass block on the bar inside the Clubhouse created such a fun vibe and served as a central backdrop for many kid-centric versions of popular Top 40s hits performed by young MMC stars before they got famous (see: Britney, JT, Christina, etc.)
Ghost (1990)
The modern glass block that surrounds the entrance to Sam and Molly’s artsy NYC apartment not only looks beautiful, but also makes a visually striking conduit for ghosts to pass right through! Glass block WILL NOT protect your home from ghosts, is my point.
The Client (1994)
This is a great movie and you should watch it, not just because of the formidable glass block wall that embodies the inflexible, cold professionalism of the FBI, but because you get to see Tommy Lee Jones drink from a tiny milk carton.
Darkman (1990)
You know what sucks worse than being brutally attacked, disfigured and left for dead in an explosion? Well, nothing. But here’s some pretty glass block to admire, since nobody will be admiring Liam Neeson’s face anymore.
Cindy Valentine – “In Your Midnight Hour” (1987)
I’m branching out into music videos! The glass block is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
The dramatically-lit glass block of the WTRL News building sets such a vibe for this opening scene, as April leaves their safe glow only to be attacked moments later. Cut to Raph’s sai crashing through the street lamp, which gives me goosebumps to this day.
Loser (2000)
Not much to write home about here, just a simple glass block window that isn’t very exciting. Incidentally I feel the same way about the chemistry between Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari.
Wayne’s World 2 (1993)
Drew Barrymore as the hot Swedish receptionist is one of the funniest cameos in this movie, as we see Wayne get to flex his knowledge of her homeland. Fun fact: glass block in Swedish is GLASBLOCK.
Secret Admirer (1985)
Another fine example of the winning combination that is glass block and neon lighting, this time in the bar where Michael realizes his true feelings for Toni. I’m not suggesting glass block has the power to make people fall in love, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
Crocodile Dundee II (1988)
Pro tip: offering your woman a whole raw fish for breakfast is guaranteed to get her in the mood.
“Just admiring the view,” says Dundee, who is clearly referring to the gorgeous glass block walls of this shower and not the very voluptuous and very naked Linda Kozlowski.
The Running Man (1987)
The gorgeously-lit glass block in Amber’s apartment gives the whole place an ultramodern feel, along with the slew of futuristic (for the time) voice-activated home tech solutions that are now commonplace. Just like Ben Richards, we’re speed-running our dystopian future.
Pacific Heights (1990)
This film starts off with a bang as we see the shit getting beaten out of Michael Keaton by his lover’s husband, giving us some insight into what kind of person he really is. We get a really cool shot of Keaton being slammed into the glass blocks.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Samantha’s best friend Randy has made innovative use of glass block to create her bedframe / side table situation, earning her the prestigious ‘Raddest Bedroom of the 1980s Award’, which is an accolade I just made up. 🏆
Miami Connection (1988)
The mean streets of Miami have been overrun by a gang of drug-dealing motorcycle ninjas, and the only thing that can stop them is the power of taekwondo…and friendship!
Here’s some glass block for your enjoyment, along with a brutal nut-stomp / leg twist combo.
Blind Fury (1989)
As tragic as it is to lose your sight in combat, it’s even more tragic to have an epic sword fight in a room with gorgeous block walls that you’ll never be able to see. Thanks to @vcreedsabretooth.bsky.social for reminding me that this amazing scene exists.
Doppelganger (1993)
Who can resist the allure of Drew Barrymore making love to herself on the dance floor against a tastefully-lit glass block window? Certainly not George Newbern. Just look at him sweat.
Wait—was that really Drew, or her doppelganger?!
American Streetfighter aka American Streetwarrior (1992)
I don’t know why this movie has two names. I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to plant explosives in the jukebox. I’m just here for the glass block.
Shootfighter II (1996)
The world of illegal shootfighting, where contestants must fight to the death, is full of rich, powerful men who own swanky, palatial estates–like this pastel pink beauty in Miami that is STACKED with glass block, even around the pool.
Mighty Aphrodite (1996)
I’m not really a Woody Allen fan but there are some totally unhinged knickknacks in this movie that are worth a closer look. Like I’m just NOT going to talk about that clock of two pigs doing it, or those phallic cacti.
Oh yeah, here’s some glass block, too.
Rich Girl (1991)
Rich people of the 80s/90s and glass block, name a more iconic duo.
