Even The Biggest Movie Buffs Can’t Name All 50 Of These Well-Known Movies
- by Jessica Rae
- – on
- in Movies and TV
With the rate that movies are produced these days, it's almost impossible, even for the most dedicated film buffs, to keep up with new releases. The Motion Picture Association estimates that every year 600 new feature-length films are produced, that's almost 50 new movies every month, and that's just from Hollywood! The booming Bollywood film industry is churning out movies too, sometimes up to 1000 of them every year. It would be a full-time job to try and see everything! And with an estimated 500,000 feature-length films already in existence, well, it's safe to say we'll never see them all. But that doesn't really matter because most of us only have certain types of movies that we like to watch anyway.
But it is possible to stay current by making sure that we check out movies that get good reviews and win awards. Film buffs always know what the hottest and most successful movies are, right?
Today's quiz will root out the casual movie-goers from the real film buffs in no time. We've selected 50 of the most popular movies from the last two decades and now we want our readers to see how many they can remember. Can anyone score 100%? We'll have to see!
Name this 2009 science fiction movie:
This 2009 James Cameron epic sci-fi story became one of the most successful movies ever, not to mention the highest-grossing film of all time. It was the first movie to ever gross over $2 billion at the box office, raking in a whopping $2.78 billion off the back of a $237 million budget. Starring amongst others Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver, the movie tells the story of a group of 22nd-century humans sent to colonize a moon called Pandora.
Who remembers this classic stop-motion movie?
In Halloween Town, every single day of the year is devoted solely to planning the next Halloween celebrations. All the townsfolk look up to Jack Skellington to lead them but Jack becomes bored with the constant repetition. He stumbles across a new place called Christmas Town and he's so taken by it that he decides to try and celebrate the holiday in Halloween Town. Unfortunately, despite his good intentions, things go badly wrong. Who can name this 1993 stop-action musical created by Tim Burton?
Match this character to the right movie:
Ryan Reynolds really has come a long way since his appearances in movies like National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Green Lantern, and Blade: Trinity. These days he's a superhero, well almost, he's an antihero and maybe one of the most popular Marvel characters of all time now thanks to this movie. This 2016 film, which tells his origin story and how he came to have mutant powers, also featured Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, and Brianna Hildebrand. What was the name of this movie?
Name this epic James Cameron-directed film:
Anyone who is old enough to remember watching this movie at the cinema might also recall that it was so long that there was actually an interval halfway. With a runtime of 195 minutes, this truly was an epic movie! This James Cameron directed romantic disaster flick quickly became the highest grossing film of all time, and retained that position until it was surpassed by Avatar (also a James Cameron film) in 2009. Who can name this movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet?
In which movie was Heath Ledger this villain?
In this 2008 Christopher Nolan-directed superhero film Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), and Police Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman) are working together to disrupt organized crime in Gotham when a new supervillain suddenly arrives on the scene. His name is the Joker (played by the late Heath Ledger) and he's a criminal mastermind driven by one desire only: to watch the world burn. This was Ledgers last film as he passed away six months before it's release. Name the movie:
Name this 2015 blockbuster movie:
In 1993 the world was invited into a theme park like no other. This was a place where dinosaurs, brought back to life using preserved DNA, roamed freely (well mostly) and it seemed set to become the next big thing. In 2015 the park was back and this time it was open for business. This sci-fi adventure starred Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Ty Simpkins, and became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. What was the title of this movie?
In which movie did Johnny Depp play a chocolatier?
In this film, Freddie Highmore plays the role of Charlie Bucket, a young boy from a poor family who stumbles upon a golden ticket. This ticket allows him to enter one of the most secretive places in the world, which is conveniently located in his hometown. It's a chocolate factory like no other in the world and Charlie and the other winners are allowed a whole day to explore it. What was the name of this 2005 Tim Burton film which also starred Johnny Depp?
What was name of this 2009 family film?
In this 2009 computer-animated film a young aspiring inventor Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) can't seem to make anything useful. That is until he manages to assemble a machine that can convert water into food. Initially, this seems wonderful but when the machine goes haywire and starts developing food storms with massive burgers and pizzas flying all over the place, he needs to stop it in order to save the world. Who remembers the name of this fun little film?
Name this disaster comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco?
Where would you like to be when the apocalypse comes? Sitting on a yacht somewhere out in the middle of the ocean? At home perhaps? Well in this 2013 disaster comedy a group of friends (Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson, playing fictionalized versions of themselves) are attending a party at James Franco's new house when the end of the world arrives in full force. The actors are then forced to try and save themselves... Name this movie:
In which movie did Jim Carrey play this character?
This 2004 gothic comedy followed the lives of three young orphans who are placed under the care of a nefarious uncle who is only concerned with the money the children will inherit. This film starred Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Catherine O'Hara, Billy Connolly, Jennifer Coolidge, and Meryl Streep. Jude Law also appeared in the film playing the part of the writer/narrator. The movie, which was shot entirely on soundstages and backlots, was a box office success, grossing $209 million worldwide. What was it called?
Name this 2013 Baz Luhrmann film:
Baz Luhrmann is the director responsible for amazing movies like Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge and he is known for his distinctive style. He was also the director behind this 2013 romantic drama flick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Elizabeth Debicki. The story follows a 1920's millionaire ( DiCaprio) who loves to throw extravagant parties. It won Academy Awards for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design and is Luhrmann's highest grossing film to date.
Which movie starred Rosamund Pike as a scorned wife?
Not all relationships were meant to last but there are people who just can't seem to accept when things are over. In this edge-of-your-seat, 2014 thriller flick Rosamund Pike played the role of a woman who plots revenge against her husband (played by Ben Affleck) when she discovers his infidelity. Her plan is to frame him for her disappearance and she schemes down to the very last detail. The movie was directed by David Fincher and based on a novel written by Gillian Flynn.
Name this 2004 Pixar superhero film:
In this 2004 Pixar film, a married superhero couple (voiced by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter) are forced to retire from their crime-fighting adventures when the government bans all super-power related activities. Although the husband enjoys family life he misses the excitement so when he's called to battle an uncontrollable robot he leaps into action. Unfortunately, he runs into trouble and his family needs to band together and rescue him. Here's another hint: the sequel to this film was released in June 2018. Remember it now?
What was the name of this award-winning sports movie?
This award-winning 2004 sports drama starred Hillary Swank as an underdog amateur boxer who seeks out a veteran boxing trainer (played by Clint Eastwood) to help her achieve her dream of becoming a professional fighter. At first, he is relucent but her tenacity impresses him and the two end up forming a close relationship. The film, which was also directed by Clint Eastwood, won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress (Swank). Who remembers the title of this movie?
In which movie was Anne Hathaway a personal assistant?
In this 2006 comedy flick, Anne Hathaway plays the role of Andy, a fresh college graduate who moves to New York and manages to land a job as a prestigious fashion magazine. She's hired as a junior personal assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, a demanding woman who makes Andy's life stressful and miserable. The movie also starred Emily Blunt as co-assistant Emily Charlton and Stanley Tucci as the art director Nigel. What was the name of this movie?
Which movie featured these four characters?
In this laugh-a-minute 2009 comedy film Phil, Stu, and Alan decide to spend the weekend in Vegas to celebrate the marriage of their best friend Doug. The night gets a little out of control and they all wake up the next morning to find their suite has been wrecked and that Doug is nowhere to be found. Between tigers in the bathroom and mysterious babies that just seem to appear from nowhere, the trio must try to piece together the evening and find their friend before the wedding. Name this movie:
Who can name this mind-bending 2010 film?
In this 2010 film Christopher Nolan film, Leonardo DiCaprio played the role of a high-tech thief who specializes in stealing information. He doesn't do this by stealing computer files or notes but rather by using a futuristic device to enter into his target's dreams and steal the ideas straight from the subconscious. In a bid to clear his criminal history he takes on a new job but this time instead of stealing information he is tasked with implanting a new idea. Who can name this film which also starred Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine?
In which movie did Amy Adams attempt to communicate with aliens?
Everyone is always quick to chime in with what they would do if aliens ever actually landed on Earth but the reality would probably much different than we think. For example, would we even be able to communicate with them? In this movie that is the question being asked. Amy Adams plays the role of an expert linguist who is called upon to try and communicate with mysterious alien visitors. This 2016 sci-fi drama also starred Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.
Who remember this movie?
This 2010 computer-animated superhero movie told the story of a supervillain who, after years of battling his nemesis Metro Man, finally manages to get rid of him. At first, he is elated, at last, he has the city all to himself but as time goes on he begins to feel bored because he has no-one to fight. He decides to create a new superhero but ends up creating a supervillain instead, meaning that he needs to become the hero for the first time ever.
Which film featured the song "Everything Is Awesome"?
In this 2014 animated comedy, a regular Lego mini-figure (Chris Pratt) is tasked with saving his world when the tyrannical businessman who designed it (Will Ferrel) plans to glue everything together to achieve perfection. The little mini-figure needs to team up with a host of new friends in order to stop him. This movie also featured the voices of Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. Who remembers the name of this film which featured the song "Everything Is Awesome"?
Name this space-based movie with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney:
Anyone who loves a good space thriller wouldn't have missed this 2013 film. In this movie, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star as two astronauts who find themselves stranded in space after their space shuttle is destroyed and must find a way to return to Earth. The film received ten Oscar nominations winning for Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, and was the eighth highest-grossing film of the year, pulling in $723 million in box office receipts off the back of a $100 million budget.
Who remembers this 2017 monster flick?
In this 2017 film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a group of army soldiers, scientists, and adventurers band together to explore an uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. But once they arrive on the island they find creatures unlike any they've ever seen before, including a colossal ape-like monster. It's a primal world, more dangerous than anything they could imagine and they must work together in order to get home safely. What was the name of this movie starring Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, and John C. Reilly?
In which Darren Aronofsky movie was Natalie Portman a dancer?
In this 2010 Darren Aronofsky flick, Natalie Portman plays the role of a dedicated ballerina who lands the coveted Swan Queen part in her companies production of Swan Lake. She finds herself under intense pressure from her overbearing mother and her lecherous studio head as she tries to perfect the moves for both the White Swan and the Black Swan. It's this intense need for perfection that eventually drives her over the edge. Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this portrayal.
Who can name this action-packed Keanu Reeves movie?
Keanu Reeves starred as a retired hitman in this 2014 action thriller flick. While still grieving over the loss of his wife, his vintage car is stolen by a trio of Russian gangsters after he refuses to sell it to them. They do this without knowing who he is and as a result, they have no idea what he is capable of. He decides to take revenge and teach them a lesson they will never forget. What was the name of this film?
Match this picture to the right movie:
This 2012 sci-fi comedy was the third movie in its franchise and starred Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin as agents of a top-secret government organization tasked with controlling the movement of aliens on planet Earth. In this installment, Will Smith's character is forced to travel back in time and hook up with the younger version of his partner to stop an alien attack. It was the making it the 10th highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film (so far) in the franchise.
Name this 2010 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio:
In this 2010 Martin Scorsese thriller flick (based on a novel by Dennis Lehane) Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels who is tasked to investigate the disappearance of a female patient from a psychiatric facility located on an island. He and his partner (played by Mark Ruffalo) are forced to stay at the facility after an intense storm blows in and the more they try to unravel the mystery the crazier things seem to get. Who remembers this movie?
Who remembers this comedy starring Michael Cera?
This 2010 action comedy starred Michael Cera as a slacker musician who is forced to battle the seven evil exes of his girlfriend Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in order to win her heart. The film, which is based on a graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. Although it received some positive reviews but was still a box office bomb, only making $47.7 million on the back of a $90 million budget. Who can tell us the name of this movie?
In which movie was Hugo Weaving a masked vigilante?
This movie is set in a dystopian post-war future where London has become a police state ruled by a controlling fascist government. While walking home one night Evie (Natalie Portman) is accosted by the special police but saved when a mysterious masked vigilante arrives on the scene. This character (played by Hugo Weaving) longs to overthrow the oppressors and finds in Evie the ally he needs. What was the name of this 2005 political thriller which also featured Stephen Rea, John Hurt, and Stephen Fry?
Name this 2005 science fiction comedy:
In this 2005 science fiction comedy, a shy Englishman named Arthur Dent is shocked to discover that one of his closest friends is actually an alien and even more shocked to find out that the world is about to end. Luckily for him, his buddy knows how they can escape and so the adventure begins... This movie was based on the novel series by Douglas Adams and the movie is dedicated to him. What was the name of this movie which starred, amongst others; Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, and Zooey Deschanel?
In which Martin Scorsese movie was Jack Nicholson a mob boss?
In this 2006 crime drama, a Boston mob boss plants one of his crew within the Massachusetts State Police as a mole. He hopes to gain inside information about their investigation into his activities but what he doesn't know is that they have managed to insert their own mole into his organization. This Martin Scorsese film starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, and won four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Who can name it?
Which film starred Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as magicians?
This Christopher Nolan film told the story of two rival stage magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, and how their attempts to outdo each other shape the course of their lives. The film starred Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as the illusionists with Scarlett Johansson, and Michael Caine in supporting roles. The film also featured David Bowie playing the role of Nikola Tesla. Although the film did not win any Oscars it was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. What was it called?
Match this character to the right movie:
In this 2010 Tim Burton fantasy adventure Mia Wasikowska plays the part of a curious young girl who slips down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a strange world called Underland. The film also starred Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway as The White Queen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Crispin Glover, and featured the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen. The storyline is loosely based on a novel written by Lewis Carroll back in 1865. What was the name of this movie?
Who can name this award-winning romcom?
This 2016 musical romcom starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as aspiring performers who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. But as their dreams slowly begin to materialize and they find success their relationship is tested. The film was a massive success, grossing $466 million at the box office and receiving a record-breaking 14 nominations at the Academy Awards and winning six: Best Director, Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Production Design.
Match this picture to the right Leonardo DiCaprio film:
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his amazing real-life character portrayals and in this 2013 film, he played the role of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Belfort was the type of man who was willing to do whatever it took to get ahead and he did, in a big way. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, who DiCaprio has worked with on many projects, and also featured Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley and Jean Dujardin. What was it called?
Match this picture to the right film:
In this 2010 computer-animated comedy a grumpy supervillain by the name of Gru (voiced by Steve Carell ) decides to adopt three little girls with the intention of using them to steal secrets from his arch-rival Vector (Jason Segel). His ultimate plan is to one-up Vector, who just stole the Great Pyramid of Giza, by shrinking and then stealing the moon. The film was the start of a franchise which now includes four movies in total. What was the name of this movie?
Which is the highest-grossing animated film of all time?
This 2013 Disney film featured the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana. It told the story of a brave young princess who sets out on a dangerous journey (accompanied by an iceman, a reindeer, and a snowman) to find who estranged sister and bring an end to the perpetual winter that her kingdom is trapped in. It took a whopping $1.27 billion at the box office and now ranks as the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Who can match this character to the right movie?
In this gripping 2015 semi-biographical flick Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who almost lost his life following a bear attack, only to be deserted by his fellow hunters. But this was a man with a will of steel and what followed was a survival tale like nothing before. The film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and won for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography. Who remembers the name of this epic movie?
Who remembers this Disney movie?
In this 2012 animated Disney film, an arcade game villain by the name of Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) grows tired of his bad-guy persona and decides to make it his mission to become the hero. The movie also featured the voices of Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch and was directed by Rich Moore, who is known for his directorial work on shows like The Simpsons and Futurama. A sequel to this movie is set for release in November 2018.
Name this Tom Cruise movie:
In this 2014 action sci-fi flick, Tom Cruise is once again tasked to save the world but this time he needs to do it while living the same terrible day over and over again. The film is set in a future world where aliens have invaded the planet and all but decimated the human population. Cruise plays a greasy public relations official who is forced onto the battlefield by his superiors and then finds himself trapped in an inexplicable time loop. Who can name this movie?
What was the name of this 2017 superhero comedy?
Will Arnett returned once more as the voice of Batman for this 2017 superhero comedy. In this story, Batman is forced to pair up with his arch-rival the Joker as well as a league of other villains in order to defeat a greater enemy. The film also featured the voices of Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, and Ralph Fiennes. The movie was a commercial success raking in $312 million off the back of an estimated $80 million budget. Who can name this one?
Who remembers this Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller?
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to stop crime altogether? To somehow know before the crime takes place and be able to stop it? It sounds amazing but the moral question arises: is it wrong to arrest someone and punish them for something they haven't done yet? In this sci-fi thriller, Tom Cruise heads up an elite police unit who specializes in arresting future criminals. The system seems to keep everyone safe until one day it predicts that Cruises character is going to be the next perpetrator.
Which 2002 musical starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger?
In this musical film, two women (Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger) find themselves awaiting trial together during the height of 1920's jazz fever. In order to get a not guilty verdict they both know what they need to do: win over the public and obtain the legal services of the smooth-talking Billy Flynn (played by Richard Gere). The film went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress (Zeta-Jones). Who can name this 2002 musical crime comedy?
Who remembers this 2005 romantic drama?
This romantic drama told the tragic story of two cowboys who fall for each other but are never able to be together due to the circumstances of their lives. The film, which is based on a short story written by Annie Proulx, starred Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, with Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams in supporting roles. This 2005 film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. What was the name of this ground-breaking film, directed by Ang Lee?
Name this 2009 sci-fi film starring Sharlto Copley:
In this 2009 science fiction film, written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, an alien ship arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa, packed with malnourished insect-like aliens. The government sets up a camp for the interstellar refugees but this soon becomes a more of a prison for the creatures than anything else. The film starred Sharlto Copley as Wikus van der Merwe; a government bureaucrat tasked with maintaining order in the camp. Although this film, which was produced by Peter Jackson, did not win any Oscars it did receive four nominations, including Best Picture. Name it:
Who remembers the name of this movie?
So what should you do if you just happen to come across a suitcase full of money in the middle of the desert, under very, very bad circumstances? Well, anyone who decides to take it would have to be crazy to think that someone won't come looking for it. In this 2007 Coen brothers crime thriller, the person sent to recover the dough is Anton Chigurh, a cold-hearted hitman played by Javier Bardem. The film also starred Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin.
What was the name of this 2001 heist film?
This 2001 heist film was actually a remake of a 1960 film of the same name. In this movie, a sauve professional thief ( George Clooney) starts to plan the casino heist of the century, and put together a crew, within hours of being released on parole. The film was the fifth highest-grossing film of the year and featured an ensemble cast which included Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, and Julia Roberts. Who remembers the name of this movie?
Name this Bond movie:
In this 2012 Bond film, Daniel Craig once again took on the leading role of super spy James Bond. In this film, the 23rd in the Bond film series, he is tasked with investigating an attack on the MI6 headquarters. This leads him to Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem), a former agent who plans to take out M as revenge for her betrayal. The film also featured Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Judi Dench as M.
Name this 2013 science fiction movie:
In this 2013 sci-fi flick, the lead character (played by Matt Damon) finds himself living in a dystopian future world where almost all the resources of Earth have been depleted. In order to escape from the over-crowded planet the elite build themselves a new home - an orbiting space habitat. When he is injured at work he makes it his mission to reach this habitat in order to save himself. The film also starred Jodie Foster, Alice Braga, and Sharlto Copley. What was it called?
Match this character to the right movie:
In this 2004 biographical film, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Howard Hughes; an aviation magnate and film producer. The film, which was directed by Martin Scorsese, told the story of his rise to fame amidst his own mental health struggles. It also featured Cate Blanchett (as Katharine Hepburn) and Kate Beckinsale (as Ava Gardner) as well as John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Gwen Stefani, Matt Ross, and Willem Dafoe. This film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won five: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Cate Blanchett), and Best Costume Design.
In which movie was Jake Gyllenhaal a freelance cameraman?
It takes a talented actor to pull off creepy but in this 2014 thriller, Jake Gyllenhaal made it look easy. In this movie, he plays the role of a petty criminal who stumbles into the world of freelance videography and begins to sell his footage to a local TV station. He cruises the streets at night looking for fresh crimes and accidents, eventually going to greater and greater lengths to try and get more exclusive footage. Who can remember the name of this one?