We All Know These Classic Movies, But Who Can Name Them From Just 3 Clues?
- by Laura Martisiute
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Nowadays there are thousands upon thousands of movies that we can choose from when it comes to movie nights. We can choose a film depending on the movie genre (romantic comedies, thrillers, or neo-noir films for example) that most appeals to us. We can choose a film depending on the director (Quentin Tarantino, Alfred Hitchcock or Steven Spielberg, for example). Or we can even pick depending on the actors starring in it (Renee Zellweger, Scarlett Johansson or Brad Pitt for example). We can also go for movies that are popular among our peers and that are known as blockbusters. Or we can go for cult classics.
Cult classics are movies that are extremely popular among certain groups of people or among certain sections of society. More often than not these movies are not mainstream, meaning that they are not extremely popular upon their initial release (although of course there are countless of exceptions to this) but which over time have gained serious cult following. Cult films are known for their dedicated fans (who have seen a particular movie countless of times and who know both the plot and the dialogue inside out) and for their elaborate subculture.
Quentin Tarantino, Crime, John Travolta
Many consider this movie to be Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece. This crime film – which stars talented actors such as John Travolta, Uma Thurman Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis - came out in 1994 and is one of those movies that one has to watch at least once in one's life. In fact, many film critics deem this film to be one of the best films ever made. The plot of this movie focuses on a number of characters – most of them criminals – whose lives interweave at one point or another.
Chuck Palahniuk, The Narrator, Brad Pitt
This 1999 film – which was directed by David Fincher - was based on a novel of the same name written by the writer Chuck Palahniuk. It starred Hollywood A-listers such as Helena Bonham Carter, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The plot of the movie focuses on a man known as “the narrator” who is bored with his boring life and who spends his time either working or buying home items from catalogues. However, his life becomes much more exciting when he meets a soap maker Tyler Durden.
The Coen Brothers, The Dude, Crime Comedy
The Coen brothers directed this movie which came out in 1998. This film is a crime comedy with a plot that focuses on a man named Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski – played by the actor Jeff Bridges - who is accidentally assaulted instead of a millionaire that shares “The Dude’s” name and who is better known as the “The Big Lebowski” (who is played by the actor David Huddlestone). “The Dude” then decides to help the “The Big Lebowski” out but as is so often the case, complications soon arise.
H.P. Lovecraft, Science Fiction, Medical Students
This science fiction horror movie came out in 1985. It was directed by Stuart Gordon and starred actors such as Jeffrey Combs as Herbert West. The plot of the movie was somewhat based on the short horror story titled “Herbert West-Reanimator” which was written by H. P. Lovecraft. The plot of this film focuses on a medical student named Herbert who comes up with a special reagent that can re-animate those who have passed away. His very first “guinea pig” is a cat.
Stanley Kubrick, Delinquents, Droogs
Stanley Kubrick directed this dystopian crime movie which was released in 1971 and which starred actors such as Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates and Warren Clarke among many others. The film focuses on a young man named Alex, an antisocial delinquent who is passionate not only about classical music but also about committing crime with his gang known as the "Droogs" (which comes from a Russian word that means “friends”). However, he is eventually caught and has to undergo a strange behavior modification technique.
Quentin Tarantino, Heist Movie, Steve Buscemi
A great number of talented actors starred in this movie, including Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, and even the director and actor Quentin Tarantino. This movie – which was directed by Quentin Tarantino - is a heist film and was released in 1992. The plot of this movie focuses on a bunch of thieves who are brought together so as to rob a jewelry store. Unfortunately, their plan goes totally and utterly wrong. While this film was quite successful upon its release in that both critics and viewers praised it, it wasn't until a few years later that it gained a cult following.
Johnny Depp, Artificial, Cut
The actor Johnny Depp plays the role of a special young man in this 1990 romantic dark fantasy movie. However, he is no ordinary man. Rather, he was created by an elderly inventor who, in the midst of finishing the artificial man, passed away, leaving him with rather interesting hands. When he finds himself a member of a suburban family, he is quick to fall in love with the family’s daughter. This film was directed by Tim Burton and apart from Johnny Depp also starred actors such as Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest.
Science Fiction, Frank, End Of The World
Jake Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Katharine Ross, and Drew Barrymore (among many others) starred in this 2001 science fiction movie which was directed by Richard Kelly. The film focuses on a young man who starts experiencing strange visions. At the center of his visions is a figure clad in a rabbit costume who goes by the name of Frank. Frank insists that the world will soon end and even goes so far as to give the main character of this movie the exact date and time that this will happen.
Tim Burton, Jack Skellington, Halloween Town
In this animated movie, citizens – such as ghosts, zombies, and vampires - of a fantasy world known as Halloween Town are preparing for their annual celebration of Halloween. However, when the leader of the town named Jack Skellington accidentally stumbles upon a portal to Christmas Town, he decides that this year, the inhabitants of Halloween Town should celebrate Christmas instead. This unique animated dark fantasy horror movie was directed by Henry Selick (but the man who came up with the idea for the film was Tim Burton).
Lindsay Lohan, The Plastics, High School
It’s hard to believe that this iconic teen comedy came out more than ten years ago, all the way back in 2004. This movie was directed by Mark Waters and starred actors such as Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey to name just a few. The plot of this movie focuses on a girl named Cady Heron who after years of being on the road in Africa – and years of being homeschooled by her zoologist parents – comes back to the United States where she attends a high school and soon becomes a member of the popular girl clique known as the Plastics.
Replicants, Harrison Ford, Rick Deckard
This movie, which stars actors such as Harrison Ford and Sean Young, was released in 1982 although its sequel – starring Ryan Gosling - came out quite recently. In fact, most people watched the original movie only after they viewed the sequel. This film falls into the neo-noir science fiction movie genre and is known for being set in a dystopian future (or, more specifically, in 2019 Los Angeles). The plot of the movie focuses on a cop named Rick Deckard who is tasked with “retiring” replicants (synthetic human beings that are created by a powerful corporation).
Transylvania, Brad and Janet, Musical
As many as 43 years have passed since this strange musical was released. The film focuses on a recently engaged couple Brad and Janet whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere during a heavy storm. Luckily for them, they come across a castle and ask to use the owner’s telephone. However, leaving the castle proves to be far more challenging than entering it and Brad and Janet soon find themselves among a number of strange characters who have gathered to celebrate the Annual Transylvanian Convention.
New Identity, Puppets, Filing Cabinet
When an unsatisfied and unemployed puppeteer named Craig Schwartz finds a job as a file clerk, he comes across a secret door behind a filing cabinet that leads him into the body and the mind of another man. This fantasy drama movie, which was directed by Spike Jonze, came out in 1999 and starred actors such as Cameron Diaz, John Cusack, and Charlie Sheen (who played himself). This film was well-received both by critics and the audience alike.
Haunted House, Fantasy Comedy, Tim Burton
When a young couple – Barbara and Adam Maitland – pass away, they find themselves stuck in their former house. When a new – and very annoying – family moves into their house they attempt to scare them off. These attempts however also attract the attention of another spirit who is more than happy to help the Maitlands. This comedy fantasy movie came out in 1988. It was directed by Tim Burton and starred Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder and Jeffrey Jones among many others.
Golden Tickets, Charlie, Adventure
This film here was based on a popular story (whose name is obviously the same as the title of the film) that was written by the writer Roald Dahl. Dahl wrote the original screenplay which was eventually modified by David Seltzer, much to Dahl’s disapproval. This musical fantasy film was released in 1971 and focuses on a young boy who is one of the five lucky winners of a “Golden Ticket” competition. These Golden Tickets allow the winners to visit a magical world of sweets.
Jim Carrey, Investigation, Dolphin
In this 1994 movie the comedy actor Jim Carrey plays the role of a private detective who specializes in finding missing animals and who is tasked with locating a missing dolphin. However, this dolphin is no ordinary dolphin but the mascot of the Miami NFL team. Things get even more serious – as well as ridiculous - when members of the NFL team start disappearing too. This comedy, which was directed by Tom Shadyac, was released in 1994. Interestingly, Jim Carrey co-wrote the screenplay.
John Travolta, Tracy, Broadway
This particular film – which came out in 2007 and which starred such talented actors as John Travolta, Amanda Bynes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron and Christopher Walker to name just a few - was based on a Broadway play, which, funnily enough, was based on a 1988 comedy. This romantic comedy also falls under the musical genre. The plot of this movie focuses on a good-natured teenager named Tracy who lives in Baltimore and whose greatest dream it is to become a famous dancer on a local TV show.
Seth Rogen, Dale Denton, Witness To A Crime
It’s hard to believe that this movie, directed by David Gordon Green and starring actors such as Seth Rogen (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Gary Cole, James Franco, Danny McBride, and Rosie Perez, came out exactly ten years ago, in 2008. This film focuses on a guy named Dale Denton who witnesses a serious crime and is forced to go on the run. This film was praised both by the critics and the audience alike although its reviews are fairly average.
Ford Brody, Japan, Monster
Gareth Edwards directed this 2014 movie which is actually a reboot of an earlier movie franchise. The plot of this particular film focuses on a man named Ford Brody who has no other choice but to go to Japan so as to help his father. However, Ford’s life – and the lives of many others – are thrown into chaos when the King of the Monsters emerges from the sea. This iconic movie starred talented actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe and Bryan Cranston among many others.
Helmet, Planet, Parody
This 1987 science fiction film was not only directed by Mel Brooks but also starred him too, alongside actors such as John Candy, Rick Moranis, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman among many others. The plot of this film focuses on a man known as the Dark Helmet who is tasked by Skroob – the leader of a planet – to kidnap Princess Vespa and hold her hostage until Planet Druidia provides his planet with enough air. This film is considered to be a parody of other science fiction films, such as Star Wars and Alien.
Jack Torrance, Hotel, Stanley Kubrick
This horror movie was directed by Stanley Kubrick and was released in 1980. It was based on a novel by Stephen King and starred actors such as Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall (who, it is said, found the filming process incredibly stressful), Scatman Crothers and Danny Lloyd. The plot of this film focuses on a writer named Jack Torrance who takes the job of a caretaker at an isolated hotel – known as the Overlook Hotel – and moves there with his wife Wendy and his son Danny. However, it soon turns out that the hotel has a mysterious and creepy past.
Space, George Lucas, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Most people will probably know the title of this movie from the image alone and if not, it will probably suffice for us to mention that it is an epic space opera. This movie was not only directed but also written by George Lucas and starred actors such as Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen to name just a few. This film is a sequel and focuses on the Jedi Knights (and the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi) who are fighting against the Separatists.
Johnny Depp, Solitary Tear, The Drapes
Lovers of musicals will no doubt know the name of this film here which is not only a musical but also a romantic comedy. This 1990 film was directed by John Waters and starred actors such as Johnny Depp and Amy Locane. The film focuses on two rival groups: the delinquents that are better known as “The Drapes” and the “Squares”. However, when the leader of “The Drapes”, “Cry Baby” Walker, falls in love with the “square” Alison, tensions between the two groups intensify.
Social Outcasts, Friendship, Scarlett Johansson
Terry Zwigoff directed this 2001 black comedy movie which starred Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro, and Bob Balaban, as well as many others. The primary focus of this movie is the friendship between two teenage girls – and social outcasts - named Enid and Rebecca. After graduation, the two pursue different things and as such, drift apart. While initially this film received little attention from both the critics and the audience (although it did win quite a few awards and award nominations), it has since become a cult classic.
Hitchcock, Psychological Disorder, Secretary
This is one of those classic movies that everyone has to watch at least once in their life. It was directed by the talented Alfred Hitchcock and came out all the way back in 1960. Today this movie is considered to be Hitchcock’s masterpiece. Based on a novel by Robert Bloch, it starred Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins as the film's protagonists. This movie focuses on a secretary – named Marion Crane - who goes on the run after stealing money from her employer. Unfortunately for her, she ends up in a secluded motel that is run by a man named Norman Bates who suffers from a split personality disorder.
Escape, Prison, Money Laundering
When Andy Dufresne is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit, he gets sentenced to a life in prison. He is sent to prison where he quickly makes plenty of friends – one of them being Ellis "Red" Redding – as well as plenty of enemies. It is also in prison that Andy helps the prison warden Samuel Norton launder money. This 1994 drama movie was directed by Frank Darabont and starred Tim Robbins as the protagonist.
Quentin Tarantino, War, Paris
Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Christoph Waltz and Eli Roth are just a few of the talented actors that starred in this movie which was directed by none other than Quentin Tarantino. This war film came out in 2009. It focuses both on a young woman named Shosanna Dreyfus (the owner of a French cinema) who loses her family as a result of a powerful political regime and who as a result harbors a desire to seek revenge, as well as on Jewish U.S soldiers who plan to overthrow the powerful political party’s leadership.
Slasher, Freddy Krueger, Johnny Depp
This terrifying slasher film – which was directed by Wes Craven - came out in 1984 and starred the young Johnny Depp as well as John Saxon, Renee Blakley, Amanda Wyss and Nick Corri, among many others. The plot of the film focuses on a group of teenagers whose life is mysteriously taken when they are asleep. This in turn means that they pass away in real life too. The evil figure behind this is a disfigured man – or rather, a disfigured evil spirit of a man – known as Freddy Krueger.
Bank Robbers, Vampires, Mexico
When two bank robbers take the lives of several people, they go on a run to the Mexican border, taking a preacher named Jacob Fuller and his kids along with them. In Mexico however they hide in a bar that turns out to be a haven for vampires and must then try and escape the terrifying beasts with fangs. This black comedy movie came out in 1996. Its script was written by Quentin Tarantino whereas the movie itself was directed by Robert Rodriguez. The film starred Quentin Tarantino, George Clooney, Juliette Lewis and Harvey Keitel.
Coming-Of-Age, Summer, Stephen King
When a writer named Gordie Lachance reads in the newspaper about the passing of his childhood best friend, he is immediately transported back to one of his childhood summers during which him and his Oregon friends went on an adventure to find the body of a missing boy hoping to become known as local heroes. This coming-of-age movie was released in 1986. The film was directed by Rob Reiner and its plot was based on a short novel by Stephen King.
Steven Spielberg, Orphan Girl, Giant
This fantasy adventure film, which was directed by Steven Spielberg, came out only two years ago, in 2016. The plot of the movie - which was based on a Roald Dahl novel - involves an orphan girl named Sophie and a friendly giant who try to stop man-eating giants from taking over the human world. This feel-good movie starred Mark Rylance (who played the role of the friendly giant), Ruby Barnhill (who played the role of Sophie), Penelope Wilton, Rebecca Hall, Bill Hader, and many others.
High School, Friends, Social Pressure
Lisa Kudrow, Mira Sorvino, Alan Cumming and Janeane Garofalo all star in this 1997 comedy movie that was directed by David Mirkin. The film focuses on two young women – Romy and Michele - in their late 20s who are invited to attend their high school reunion. Initially they are excited to see their old classmates but eventually they begin to dread the event in fear of being ridiculed for not having achieved much in their life. As such, they invent fake careers in the hopes of impressing their former classmates.
Wes Anderson, Max Fischer, Teenage Love
The director Wes Anderson directed this comedy drama movie that was released in 1998 and which starred actors such as Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel and Mason Gamble. The plot of this film focuses on a quirky teenager named Max Fischer who befriends Herman Blume, the rich industrialist and father of his school friend. However, their friendship is threatened when both of them fall in love with the new teacher Rosemary Cross. This film has been chosen for preservation.
Road Trip, Brad Pitt, Friendship
This 1991 road film is a classic. It was directed by Ridley Scott and starred actors such as Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, Harvey Keitel and Brad Pitt (in fact, this was the role that launched him into stardom). This film focuses on two friends who decide to go on a short road trip so as to take a break from their everyday lives. However, a moment of rage results in them running from the law with a young thief named J.D joining them briefly before making away with all their money.
TV Show, Producer, Wayne and Garth
Two best friends and fans of rock and roll host a TV show that is eventually bought by a TV producer Benjamin Oliver. In the end, the two friends not only have to save their show, but also one of their girlfriends Cassandra. This comedy movie was released in 1992 and has since become a cult classic. It was directed by Penelope Spheeris and stars Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Tia Carrere as Cassandra and Rob Lowe as the evil TV producer Benjamin.
Social Outcasts, Virtual Girlfriend, Comic Science Fiction
When social outcasts – Gary and Wyatt - design their perfect virtual girlfriend named Lisa, they do not expect her to come to life. However, Lisa is no ordinary girl and possesses quite a few powers, such as the ability to conjure up a Cadillac which instantly makes Gary and Wyatt look cooler than they are. With Lisa’s help, Gary and Wyatt stand up to school bullies but at the same time, they are petrified that Wyatt’s older brother Chet will find out about her. This comic science fiction movie was released in 1985.
DreamWorks, Bees, Renee Zellweger
This animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation focuses on a young male bee named Barry B. Benson who has just graduated and who is about to enter the bee workforce. However, upon befriending a human he learns that all the honey that has been collected by the bees is eventually stolen for the consumption of humans. Barry is furious and is determined to get justice for his kind. This film came out in 2007 and starred actors such as Renee Zellweger, Jerry Seinfeld, Matthew Broderick and Chris Rock.
Street Gangs, Street Wars, Revenge
This action thriller came out in 1979 and was directed by Walter Hill. The plot of this film focuses on a number of rival street gangs and the war between them. One of the gangs is falsely accused of taking the life of another gang leader. Every gang wants revenge and the Warriors must make it back to their home turf or else risk their lives. This movie stars Michael Beck, Deborah Van Valkenburgh and David Harris among many others.
Social Outcasts, High School, Voting
A social outcast played by the actor Jon Heder lives with his grandma and his older brother. However, his awkward life is further made awkward after his grandma injures herself in a quad bike accident and his uncle comes over to keep an eye on him and his brother. Luckily however things are going slightly better in school than they are at home when he befriends a foreign student named Pedro and the two join forces in a school campaign. This 2004 comedy was directed by Jared Hess.
Friendship, Billy Crystal, Romantic Comedy
This romantic comedy, which came out in 1989, was directed by Rob Reiner and starred the actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the protagonists. This iconic movie focuses on a young woman and a young man who, after they graduate, share a drive from Chicago to New York City. They initially don’t get along but over the years – and after a number of accidental encounters – they warm up to one another. This film basically attempts to answer the question “can men and women be friends?” but it also looks at other relationship-related themes.
Roald Dahl, Wes Anderson, Family
This animated comedy film was based on a novel by Roald Dahl whose name is the same as the title of the movie and thus cannot be revealed here. This quirky movie was directed by Wes Anderson and its voice actors included George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson. The plot of the film focuses on a fox who constantly steals food from three mean farmers. Eventually the farmers have enough of the fox’s behavior and decide to invade its home.
Quentin Tarantino, Black Comedy, On The Run
Quentin Tarantino wrote the screenplay for this movie and Tony Scott directed it. This movie falls into romantic black comedy movie genre and stars a number of talented actors, including Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, Gary Oldman and Brad Pitt. The plot of this film focuses on a young man named Clarence who falls for a girl named Alabama. However, when Clarence takes Alabama’s boss’s life, they have go on a run to California, with the mob right at their heels.
David Lynch, Laura Palmer, Cult TV Show
This film – which was directed by David Lynch and which came out in 1992 - was meant to be a prequel to a cult TV series of the same name (which was released between 1990 and 1991). This film focuses on the passing away of a young girl named Teresa Banks as well as on the life of Laura Palmer who, as fans of the cult TV show will recall, passed away in the original series. Not all the original cast returned to this movie and some - such as Kyle MacLachlan who played the role of the lovable Agent Cooper - returned in a significantly smaller role.
Coen Brothers, Hollywood, Writer
The talented Coen brothers directed this 1991 period film that won the Palme d’Or as well as numerous other awards and award nominations. The plot of this movie focuses on a man who works as a script writer for a Hollywood studio as well as on an insurance salesman named Charlie who lives right next door. The underlying themes of this movie include the process of writing as well the far from perfect working conditions of those employed in this demanding creative industry.
David Lynch, Henry Spencer, Deformity
The master of suspense, David Lynch, directed the black and white movie which can be seen in the image to the right. In fact, this movie was Lynch’s first feature-length film ever. It was released in 1977 and starred actors such as Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, and Jeanne Bates among many others. The film’s plot focuses on a man named Henry Spencer who is forced to take care of his disfigured child after his girlfriend - and the mother of the child - leaves him.