11 Aug Hollywood Science Labs in Films : Fact or Fiction
Movie Myths, Misconceptions and Real-World Science Labs
From bubbling beakers and crackling machines to walls of glowing screens, science labs in films have always added a touch of mystery and drama. But while movie labs may be great for storytelling, real life laboratories are built with far more precision.
In this post, we are diving into some of Hollywood’s most iconic science labs, exploring the gap between fiction and reality and highlighting how Klick are creating lab environments fit for real innovation (and even the occasional superhero… more on that below!)
1. Frankenstein (1931)– The Movie & the Mad Scientist’s Lab
The Scene:
Dr. Frankenstein’s eerie, lightning powered lair brings his creation to life with dramatic flair.
Read more about the original 1931 Frankenstein film
Klick’s state-of-the-art controlled laboratory environment for Sygnature Discovery
The film opened in New York City at the Mayfair Theatre and grossed $53,000 in one week.
What It Gets Wrong:
Real science does not come with thunderstorms and cluttered desks full of bubbling liquids. Labs today are tightly controlled environments with a focus on sterility, safety and smart design.
Reality Check:
Klick’s laboratory designs are functional, well ventilated and built for consistent scientific results not reanimated monsters.
2. The Fly (1986) – When Movie Laboratory Genetics Go Bad
The Scene:
A teleportation experiment goes gruesomely wrong after a fly sneaks into the chamber.
Read more about The Fly on Rotten Tomatoes
What It Gets Wrong:
Genetic labs do not let untested experiments run wild, especially not on humans. Strict containment procedures are in place to protect both scientists and the integrity of the research.
Reality Check:
At Klick we’ve installed fob entry systems to restrict access to laboratories for a range of clients including Biofortuna, who are a leader in molecular diagnostics. The Biofortuna labs are built to exacting standards to ensure the safe development of life saving medical research.
3. Spider-Man (2002) – Superpowers by Spider Bite
The Scene:
Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically modified spider during a school field trip and wakes up with superpowers.
What It Gets Wrong:
Even if a genetically altered spider did escape, rewriting human DNA in seconds just is not happening. Plus, real labs operate under strict security to prevent exactly this kind of scenario.
Reality Check:
One of our clients in agricultural testing required a lab specifically designed to prevent contamination and safeguard their biological samples. In real world science, it is not about superpowers, it is about precision and integrity.
4. Jurassic Park (1993) – Welcome to the DNA Disaster Lab
The Scene:
This is the ultimate example of crazy science labs in films. Scientists clone dinosaurs using ancient DNA trapped in fossilised amber.
Scientists working in the Jurassic Park laboratory – image source The Guardian
Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext/UNIVERSAL
Bespoke furniture for Aptamer Group’s biotech lab
What It Gets Wrong:
While tantalising, DNA degrades too much over time to make dino cloning feasible. Plus, rebuilding an entire prehistoric ecosystem? Let us just say that is not in this year’s R&D budget.
Reality Check:
Real world genetic breakthroughs focus on the future, not the past. Aptamer Group, for example, develops synthetic antibodies, to be used in diagnosis or to deliver drugs which help to fight a range of diseases including cancer, all from within a lab environment designed by Klick for innovative biotechnology.
5. Iron Man (2008) – The Engineering Lab & DIY Super Suit
The Scene:
Tony Stark builds a near invincible Iron Man suit with considerable flair using AI and robotics, all in his personal laboratory.
The Iron Man suit being created in his laboratory
Image source Marvel Cinematic Universe
What It Gets Wrong:
Advanced prototyping exists, but one person building a functioning flight suit in days is… optimistic, however with technology evolving all the time, building a modern, inspiring lab like this is more possible than ever.
Reality Check:
Klick Technology’s lab fit out service allows real engineers to innovate with technologies like 3D printing and automated testing. Klick worked with AFC Energy to fit out laboratories for their hydrogen fuel cell engineering facility, where developing sustainable energy solutions is a team effort, not a solo superhero sprint.
Klick ‘s Laboratory Tables Hit the Big Screen in Venom 3
Exciting news from behind the scenes! Klick Technology’s very own laboratory tables are making their Hollywood debut in Venom: The Last Dance. Our robust lab furniture is strong enough to support even a full grown antihero.
We were sworn to secrecy until recently, but now it is official: TOM HARDY may have sat on one of our laboratory tables.
- Superhero Ready: Each Klick technology lab table can support up to 250 kg, making them perfect for high action scenes and real life durability.
- Toxic-Resistant: Our labs feature highly resilient Trespa worktops, built to handle harsh spills or symbiote goo, if it comes to that.
So, What Do Real Labs Actually Look Like?
While Hollywood is busy cloning dinosaurs and teleporting flies, real science labs are built on essential principles:
- Safety & Compliance – Preventing accidents and contamination through proper design.
- Collaboration – Scientific discoveries are made by teams, not lone geniuses in secret basements.
- Controlled Environments – Purpose-built laboratory spaces designed with technical features like HVAC systems and laboratory fume cupboards provide the essential infrastructure for accurate, reliable scientific work.
- Robust Design – Breakthroughs take years, not minutes. Labs need to be well designed and built to last with lab furniture constructed from appropriate materials to withstand a harsh working environment
From Fiction to Function
At Klick Technology, we may not create superpowers, but we do design labs that empower real breakthroughs. From diagnostics to renewable energy, biotech to agriculture, our clients are tackling the world’s biggest challenges in the best laboratories possible.
Want to learn more about how we bring labs to life?
Contact Klick Technology to talk about your next project, our consultants would be happy to discuss your brief. Please call 0161 998 9726 or contact us to get things started.
Further Reading on Scintillating Science Labs In Films:-
Has this sparked an interest in how Hollywood’s laboratories compare to reality? Check out our previous blog posts exploring some of the most iconic science labs in films and television: