181 movie trivia questions to test your film IQ
What modern-day musical set in Los Angeles stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as star-crossed lovers? It's “La La Land,” of course.
How about this one: What 1963 Western stars John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda and Debbie Reynolds? The answer is ... well, we aren't going to tell you.
That's right, the best way to increase your movie trivia knowledge is to brush up on your skills and we're here to help you do just that with these fascinating film facts that are sure to increase your odds of bringing home the trophy on trivia night.
Whether you're competing with your team of pop-culture experts just testing your movie knowledge, these questions and answers on all things Hollywood will have you calling “Ready, set, action!” by the time you're through.
For instance, the iconic movie “Grease” was nominated for just one Academy Award. Can you recall the category? Do you know the name of the high school Danny and Sandy attended?
Or how about this: What South-Korean movie about wealth and class took home the Best Picture Oscar in 2020?
If you've got the answers, go straight to the head of the class, because, clearly, you know your stuff.
Even you don't, no worries. By the time you're done with this list of movie trivia questions and answers, you'll be a certified cinephile.
Either way, one thing's for sure; with so many film facts at your disposal, you're gonna need a bigger boat.
General movie trivia
Actor Cillian Murphy won a Best Actor Oscar in 2024 for his portrayal of what physicist? Answer: J. Robert Oppenheimer
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell star in what 1993 movie about reliving the same day over and over again? Answer: “Groundhog Day”
John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda and Debbie Reynolds star in what 1963 Oscar-winning Western? Answer: “How the West Was Won”
Kathy Bates imprisons a book author in the movie adaptation of what Stephen King novel? Answer: “Misery”
What year was the Martin Lawrence and Will Smith movie “Bad Boys” released? Answer: 1995
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford portray sisters in what 1962 psychological thriller? Answer: “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”
At the end of the 1968 movie “Planet of the Apes,” what iconic U.S. symbol of freedom is found half-buried on a beach? Answer: The Statue of Liberty
What Quentin Tarantino film features John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson as two hitmen? Answer: “Pulp Fiction”
“I'll be back” is a classic line from what 1984 sci-fi movie? Answer: “The Terminator”
What is the name of the motel in the 1960 horror movie “Psycho”? Answer: The Bates Motel
Jimmy Stewart stars in what Alfred Hitchcock thriller about a wheelchair-bound man who witnesses a murder? Answer: “Rear Window”
Anne Hathaway plays a New York fashion assistant at what fictional magazine in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”? Answer: Runway
What Post Malone and Swae Lee song plays during the opening scene of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”? Answer: “Sunflower”
What modern-day musical features Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as star-crossed lovers? Answer: “La La Land”
What sketch-comedian wrote and directed “Get Out”? Answer: Jordan Peele
What Irish-born actor plays Lawrence in “Lawrence of Arabia”? Answer: Peter O'Toole
What is the name of the talking alien tree in “Guardians of the Galaxy”? Answer: Groot
Harrison Ford stars in this 1982 sci-fi thriller about a bounty hunter on a mission to exterminate rouge replicants? Answer: “Blade Runner”
“You talkin' to me?” is a famous line from what 1976 movie starring Robert DeNiro? Answer: “Taxi Driver”
The 2014 film “Whiplash” features Miles Teller as a driven musician who plays what kind of instrument? Answer: The drums
Chevy Chase, Ted Knight and Bill Murray star in this '70s film about a golf rivalry at a snooty country club. Answer: “Caddyshack”
Halle Berry took home a Best-Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Leticia Musgrove in what 2002 film? Answer: “Monster's Ball”
In the movie “The Princess Diaries”, what fictional country is Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) expected to rule? Answer: Genovia
What is the first rule of Fight Club? Answer: You do not talk about Fight Club
What is the name of the sentient computer in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey”? Answer: HAL 9000
What character does Robert Downey Jr. play in “Iron Man” series? Answer: Tony Stark
Finish the tagline from the 1979 horror film “Alien.” In space no one can hear you ________________. Answer: Scream
What is the name of the hobbit chosen to destroy a powerful gold ring in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy? Answer: Frodo
Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci star in what 1990 movie about mafia informant Henry Hill? Answer: “Goodfellas”
After spotting it on his underwear, what does Marty McFly's young mother think his name is in “Back to the Future”? Answer: Calvin Klein
What South-Korean film about money and class took home the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020? Answer: “Parasite”
Neo, Morpheus and Trinity are all characters in what sci-fi movie series? Answer: “The Matrix”
Famous movie trivia
What is Lt.Bradley Bradshaw's (Miles Teller) call sign in “Top Gun: Maverick"? Answer: Rooster
In what movie did actor Tom Hanks make his directorial debut? Answer: “That Thing You Do”
What 1980s TV show did actor Tom Hanks star as Buffy Wilson? Answer: “Bosom Buddies”
In what 1988 movie did Tom Hanks play a young teen who wakes up a grown man after making a wish on a fortune-telling machine? Answer: “Big”
What TV sitcom launched the career of "Big” director Penny Marshall? Answer: “Laverne & Shirley”
After “Big,” Tom Hanks and Penny Marshall teamed up for which popular baseball movie? Answer: “A League of Their Own”
What year was the first “Star Wars” released? Answer: 1977
Which Star Wars actor required plastic surgery to rebuild his face after a 1977 car accident? Answer: Mark Hamill
Who plays the voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise? Answer: James Earl Jones
In “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Indiana Jones suffers from ophidiophobia, which is a fear of what? Answer: Snakes
Based on the Broadway musical by the same name, what 1978 movie features two star-crossed high schoolers who fall in love? Answer: “Grease”
What’s the name of the high school that Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson attend in “Grease”? Answer: Rydell High
Danny Zuko, Kenickie, Sonny and Putzie are all members of what gang in “Grease”? Answer: The T-Birds
“Grease” received one Oscar nomination for best original song. Which song was it? Answer: “Hopelessly Devoted to You”
What’s the name of the T-Birds’ rival gang in “Grease”? Answer: The Scorpions
Prior to “Star Wars”, what film did Harrison Ford and George Lucas work on together? Answer: “American Graffiti”
In “The Empire Strikes Back,” what does Han Solo memorably say to Princess Leia after she confesses to love him? Answer: “I know.”
What year was the film “Gone with the Wind” released? Answer: 1939
What actor played Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind”? Answer: Vivien Leigh
Where does the film “Avatar” take place? Answer: Pandora
What famous theater-writing duo wrote “The Sound of Music”? Answer: Rodgers and Hammerstein
Who played the title character of Maria in “The Sound of Music”? Answer: Julie Andrews
What instrument did Julie Andrews learn to play for her role as Maria in “The Sound of Music”? Answer: The guitar
Which young actor auditioned for a role in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 horror film “Poltergeist” and ended up getting a leading role in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” instead? Answer: Drew Barrymore
What phrase does E.T. famously say? Answer: “E.T. phone home”
The role of Dr. Ellie Sattler in “Jurassic Park,” is played by what actor? Answer: Laura Dern
What kind of container does Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight) use to hide stolen dinosaur embryos in “Jurassic Park”? Answer: A can of Barbasol shaving cream
Who wrote the book that inspired the film “Jurassic Park”?Answer: Michael Creighton
What is the occupation of Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) in “Jurassic Park”? Answer: Paleontologist
Which 1975 film is considered to be the very first summer blockbuster? Answer: “Jaws”
In the movie “Jaws,” the fictional Amity Island is actually what real-life Massachusetts island? Answer: Martha’s Vineyard
What iconic “Jaws” movie quote spoken by Chief Martin Brody was ad-libbed by actor Roy Scheider? Answer: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
In “The Lord of the Rings,” how many Rings of Power are there in total? Answer: 20
What memorable nickname does Gollum (originally Sméagol) give to the One Ring in “Lord of the Rings”? Answer: My Precious
Actor Bill Pullman notably plays President Thomas Whitmore in what 1996 summer blockbuster? Answer: “Independence Day”
The movie “The Shawshank Redemption” is based on a short story written by which horror writer? Answer: Stephen King
In “The Shawshank Redemption,” what is inmate Andy Dufresne’s (Tim Robbins) occupation? Answer: A banker
Who plays the role of Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding in “The Shawshank Redemption”? Answer: Morgan Freeman
In 2005, Morgan Freeman won an Oscar for best actor for his role as Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris in what film? Answer: “Million Dollar Baby”
'80s and '90s movie trivia
In the 1995 movie "While You Were Sleeping," Sandra Bullock portrays a ticket booth operator in what city? Answer: Chicago
In what 1981 movie did Tom Cruise make his film debut? Answer: “Endless Love”
In what 1983 movie does actor Tom Cruise dance in his underwear to the song “Old Time Rock & Roll”? Answer: “Risky Business”
What song do Meg Ryan and Anthony Edwards sing together in “Top Gun?” Answer: “Great Balls of Fire”
What is the name of the 1989 baseball movie starring James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner? Answer: “Field of Dreams”
What's the name of the priceless necklace Rose throws at the end of "Titanic"? Answer: Heart of the Ocean
Only one of the movies from the Indiana Jones movie series has been nominated for best picture at the Oscars. Which one? Answer: “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Which legendary director and producer teamed up to make “Raiders of the Lost Ark”? Answer: Steven Spielberg and George Lucas
In “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” which archeological treasure are Indiana Jones and his father trying to find? Answer: The Holy Grail
Which child actor from “The Temple of Doom” won a Golden Globe for his role in the 2022 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once”? Answer: Ke Huy Quan
Who recorded the song “Danger Zone” from “Top Gun”? Answer: Kenny Loggins
The “Top Gun” song “Take My Breath Away” won an Oscar for best original song in 1987. Who recorded the song? Answer: Berlin
Which Michael Myers and Dana Carvey sketch from SNL was turned into a successful movie and sequel? Answer: “Wayne’s World”
In “Wayne’s World,” what Queen song do Wayne and Garth rock out to while driving in their car? Answer: “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Aside from “Titanic,” what other film do Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio notably share the screen? Answer: “Revolutionary Road”
In the movie “Dirty Dancing,” what is Baby’s real first name? Answer: Frances
What’s the name of the Catskills resort where Baby Houseman and her family stay for the summer in “Dirty Dancing”? Answer: Kellerman’s Mountain House
Jerry Orbach, who played Baby’s father in “Dirty Dancing,” starred in what popular crime TV series? Answer: “Law & Order”
In what movie does “Dirty Dancing” star Patrick Swayze, play a bouncer at a bar? Answer: “Road House”
“Dirty Dancing” took home an Oscar in 1988 in what category? Answer: Best Original Song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life”
Which 1990 movie did Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore star in? Answer: “Ghost”
Which “Ghost” actor won an Oscar for best supporting actress in the film? Answer: Whoopi Goldberg
In the movie “Indecent Proposal,” how much money does John offer Diana Murphy to spend one night with him? Answer: $1 million
In which 1988 movie did Julia Roberts play Daisy, a waitress at a pizza shop? Answer: “Mystic Pizza”
Julia Roberts received her first Oscar nomination for her role in what 1989 movie? Answer: “Steel Magnolias”
Which country music legend stars alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Julia Roberts in “Steel Magnolias”? Answer: Dolly Parton
What’s the name of the beauty parlor in “Steel Magnolias”? Answer: Truvy’s salon
What 1980 movie does Dolly Parton star in with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, as well as sing the Oscar-nominated title song for? Answer: “9 to 5”
What two movies do Richard Gere and Julia Roberts star in together? Answer: “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride”
What Prince song does Vivian (Julia Roberts) sing while taking a bath in “Pretty Woman”? Answer: “Kiss”
How much money does Edward Lewis pay Vivian to spend the week with him in “Pretty Woman”? Answer: $3,000
In what 1972 film does Marlon Brando utter "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse?" Answer: "The Godfather"
What author wrote the book "The Godfather," in which the movie is based? Answer: Mario Puzo
In "The Godfather," who is killed by a car bomb intended for Michael Corleone? Answer: His wife, Apollonia
What 1984 Oscar-winning movie also features a character named Apollonia? Answer: "Purple Rain"
Where does the movie "Purple Rain" take place? Answer: Minneapolis, Minnesota
The recipient of a Best Music Oscar for "Purple Rain," what is Prince's full name? Answer: Prince Rogers Nelson
2000s movie trivia
In which street-racing movie did Gal Gadot make her film debut? Answer: “Fast & Furious”
Gal Gadot played “Wonder Woman” on the big screen, but which actor played the DC Comics superhero on television from 1975 to 1979? Answer: Lynda Carter
How many Infinity Stones are there in “Avengers: Endgame”? Answer: Six
What colors are the Infinity Stones from “Avengers” Endgame?” Answer: Blue, yellow, red, purple, green and orange
In the Marvel movies, what do the letters of the law-enforcement agency S.H.I.E.L.D. stand for? Answer: Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division
Which vampire movie did Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in? Answer: “Twilight”
As a child, Kristen Stewart starred in a thriller with Jodie Foster. Which one? Answer: “Panic Room”
What town does “Twilight” take place in? Answer: Forks, Washington
In “Twilight,” Bella moves to Washington from which state? Answer: Arizona
What sport do the vampires in “Twilight” enjoy playing? Answer: Baseball
What actor plays Lt. James Gordon in "The Dark Knight"? Answer: Gary Oldman
Russell Crowe plays a captive Roman General who must battle opponents to the death in what Oscar-winning film? Answer: "Gladiator"
What 2008 movie revolves around a Mumbai orphan who's accused of cheating on a television trivia show? Answer: "Slumdog Millionaire"
In the film "There Will Be Blood," what actor portrays greedy oilman, Daniel Plainview? Answer: Daniel Day Lewis
"A Beautiful Mind" chronicles the life of what real-life mathematician? Answer: John Nash
What is the name of the dog in the animated movie "Up"? Answer: Dug
What actor won an Oscar for his portrayal of a Polish classical pianist desperate to survive during WWII? Answer: Adrien Brody
Kate Hudson stars as a magazine writer who tries to ditch her new flame through a series of zany stunts in what 2003 rom-com? Answer: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
What is the name of the whisky Bill Murray is promoting as a washed up movie star in the movie "Lost in Translation"? Answer: Suntory
Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line" chronicles the life of what country singer? Answer: Johnny Cash
What movie starring George Clooney and John Turturro as prison escapees spawned a chart-topping soundtrack by the same name? Answer: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
What song does Olive (Abigail Breslin) dance to in the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant? Answer: "Super Freak"
Denzel Washington plays a high school football coach in what inspiring football movie? Answer: "Remember the Titans"
What are the names of the star-crossed lovers played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in "The Notebook"? Answer: Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton
Kirsten Dunst stars as a high school cheerleader in what 2000 movie? Answer: "Bring It On"
The song "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" is from what 2002 movie starring Britney Spears? Answer: "Crossroads"
America Ferrera stars in this 2005 film about best friends based on the young-adult book by the same name. Answer: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"
Inspired by real life, what actor plays Vince Papale, a teacher who becomes a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles in the movie "Invincible"? Answer: Mark Wahlberg
Disney movie trivia
What are the names of the meerkat and the warthog in “The Lion King”? Answer: Timon and Pumbaa
In the animated film “Sleeping Beauty,” what does Princess Aurora prick her finger on? Answer: A spinning wheel
In the 1964 movie “Mary Poppins,” what helps make the “medicine go down?” Answer: A spoonful of sugar
What are the names of Cinderella’s two stepsisters? Answer: Drizella and Anastasia
What “Murder She Wrote” actor plays the voice of Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast”? Answer: Angela Lansbury
Anika Noni Rose is the voice of Tiana in which animated Disney film? Answer: “The Princess and the Frog”
The movie “The Mighty Ducks” is about what kind of sports team? Answer: Hockey
In “Freaky Friday,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, what food item causes the mother and daughter to switch bodies? Answer: A fortune cookie
Which rock guitarist does Johnny Depp say inspired his portrayal of Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean”? Answer: Keith Richards
What blockbuster sci-fi movie did Keira Knightley appear in prior to “Pirates of the Caribbean”? Answer: “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”
In “Pirates of the Caribbean,” what’s the name of Captain Barbossa’s monkey? Answer: Jack
Shia LaBeouf and Sigourney Weaver star in what 2003 movie about a boy sentenced to work at a desert camp? Answer: “Holes”
Who plays the voice of Dory, a memory-challenged fish in “Finding Nemo?” Answer: Ellen Degeneres
What is the name of the snowman in “Frozen”? Answer: Olaf
The movie “Frozen” is based on the book “The Snow Queen” written by what Danish author known for penning fairy tales? Answer: Hans Christian Andersen
What is Helen’s superpower in the movie “The Incredibles”? Answer: She’s Elastigirl
Who plays Fairy Godmother in the 1997 live-action TV movie “Cinderella”? Answer: Whitney Houston
What is the name of Jafar’s parrot in the 1992 animated feature “Aladdin”? Answer: lago
What 1996 Disney movie won an Oscar for the original song “Colors of the Wind”? Answer: “Pocahontas”
What utensil does Ariel use to comb her long red hair in 1989 animated movie “The Little Mermaid”? Answer: A fork
What actor voices the wisecracking dragon, Mushu, in the 1998 movie “Mulan”? Answer: Eddie Murphy
Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana star in what 2014 intergalactic Disney movie? Answer: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Peter, Lucy, Susan and Edmund Pevensie crawl through a wardrobe and find what magical land on the other side? Answer: Narnia
Kuzco, Pacha, Yzma and Kronk are all characters in what 2000 animated feature? Answer: “The Emperor’s New Groove”
Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths and Brian Cox star in this 2002 Disney movie about baseball. What is it? Answer: “The Rookie”
Harry Potter movie trivia
What are the names of Ron Weasley’s twin brothers in the "Harry Potter" series? Answer: Fred and George
What animal is Harry Potter’s Patronus? Answer: A stag
Which British actress plays the role of Bellatrix Lestrange in the "Harry Potter" movies? Answer: Helena Bonham Carter
Who does Kenneth Branagh play in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”? Answer: Gilderoy Lockhart
In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” what’s the name of the potion that turns Harry and Ron into Crabbe and Goyle? Answer: Polyjuice Potion
What does the Hogwarts’ motto “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus” mean? Answer: Never tickle a sleeping dragon.
What’s the name of Argus Filch’s cat from the "Harry Potter" movies? Answer: Mrs. Norris
Actor Ralph Fiennes plays what role in the Harry Potter movie franchise? Answer: Voldemort
What is the name of the bothersome ghost who haunts the girls' bathroom at Hogwarts? Answer: Moaning Myrtle
Which Harry Potter candy comes in spinach, liver and booger among other flavors? Answer: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans
What actor played the role of Dumbledore in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"? Answer: Richard Harris
What is the name of Draco Malfoy's father? Answer: Lucius
What are the four houses at Hogwarts? Answer: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin
Before “Twilight,” Robert Pattinson appeared in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” as what character? Answer: Cedric Diggory
Professor Severus Snape was fueled by his unrequited love for who? Answer: Lily Potter (Harry's mother)
What position does Harry Potter play in Quidditch? Answer: Seeker
Actor Imelda Staunton plays what smug villain in Harry Potter? Answer: Dolores Umbridge
What is the name of Ron Weasley's rat? Answer: Scabbers
Which aunt does Harry Potter turn into a balloon? Answer: Aunt Marge
Which American composer and conductor composed "Hedwig's Theme," otherwise known as the "Harry Potter Theme"? Answer: John Williams
In "The Goblet of Fire," what Olympics-style competition is Harry Potter competing in? Answer: The Triwizard Tournament
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
