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What game was Super Mario Bros. 2 built from?

Perhaps even more so than in the movie industry, when a video game does well, you can rest assured that a sequel will follow. And there have been some great sequels in video game history — I mean, the first Grand Theft Auto was fine, but the sequels… Naturally, when Super...

In the video for “End of the Line,” a guitar in a rocking chair symbolizes which Traveling Wilburys singer?

Remember when LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade teamed up? How about Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen? Well, I hate to break it to you, but those athletes got the idea of a super team from musicians. Long before LeBron announced where he was taking his talents,...

Where did Weird Al record My Bologna?

It’s difficult to imagine a world without Weird Al in it. But alas, there was a time when he wasn’t the most-famous parody musician in the world. We owe a huge debt to Dr. Demento for helping to bring Weird Al’s music to the world. After recording...

How many miles did Forrest Gump run?

Run, Forrest, run! It’s one of those lines that even people who’ve never seen 1994’s Forrest Gump shout anytime they see someone running. Besides the double-cassette soundtrack completely rocking, there is indeed A LOT of running in this movie, mostly by Forrest. Even as a child, he...

What was the name of the first handheld electronic game?

Did you own all the Game Boys? Did you cough it up for the PSP (I did – oops)? What about mobile games? Addicted to any? Being able to play video games without being tethered to a TV is pretty damn cool and if you begged your parents to get one...

How many no. 1 Hot Country Songs does Garth Brooks have?

It doesn’t matter where you are, what you’re wearing, or what time of day it is — if “Friends in Low Places” comes on, every single person  — old ladies, infants, social media influencers — sings along. That’s the kind of popularity Garth Brooks enjoys — and for good reason. His...

How fast is warp 1 in Star Trek?

Unlike Star Wars where the distances and speeds are just made up out of other words that maybe mean something, much of the way technology works in Star Trek is actually based on theory — yep, even the holodeck (someone build one already!). As Gene Roddenberry himself wrote in 1966: “Science...

What songs does Ferris Bueller lip-sync to during the parade?

What do you do when you have a day off? Maybe run some errands? Try to grab lunch with that friend you haven’t seen in years? Or maybe just binge some HGTV? Those are all perfectly good ways to spend a day off, even if you called in sick...

Eddie Van Halen named his son after what classical composer?

Name one thing that rocks more than classical music ... I'll wait. Fair enough, you probably named like 12 things. But still, classical music — and those that composed it — is pretty bad A. But you don't have to take my word for it. Just ask Eddie Van Halen, guitar god, who...

What year does Marty travel to in Back to the Future Part II?

The ‘80s truly were a golden era for cinema, in particular movies that bent time and space, from Time Bandits to Terminator. But none did it in such a sneakily terrifying way — watching yourself slowly fade away from a picture. Yikes! When Marty McFly finally travels not just back to...

What pizza chain did the founder of Atari start?

Inventing Atari is a pretty dang cool thing to do. Not only that, but Atari really ushered in the era of Silicon Valley as one of the first workplaces in the area to offer benefits like casual dress and kegs of beer on site. What does one do when you’...

What was the highest-grossing sports movie from the 1970s?

There's nothing quite like a good sports movie — the beaten-down team, the unlikely hero, the winning shot. The '70s gave us some of the all-time great sports movies, championing tropes that still influence film and TV today. Whether we're talking about a ragtag bunch of misfits who find that teamwork...

What is John Wayne’s real name?

John Wayne didn’t only star in Westerns, but there is no other actor more prominently associated with the genre. John Wayne is the American frontier, as far as most people are concerned. But not unlike other stars who rose to fame, he actually used a stage name. In fact,...

What's the name Bastian gives the Childlike Empress in The Neverending Story?

Let's say you're a young kid circa 1984. Not a lot of friends — in fact, bullies often force you to hide inside dumpsters. Not only that, your dad wears suits and has a mustache and just doesn't get you. What do you do? Try to have a heartfelt talk with...

Which classic Disneyland attraction was NOT running on opening day in 1955?

One of my favorite parts of Disneyland is that you can still get those opening day vibes, especially when you visit some of the old-school rides that have preserved much of their original charm — even after decades of refurbishments and small updates. There are some truly iconic attractions that have...

In “I Am the Walrus,” someone sits on a cornflake while waiting for what?

It's hard to believe that as broad and varied as their catalog is, along with significant changes in their style, The Beatles' major releases only span roughly a single decade. The gap from Please Please Me to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is only about four years, yet...

Whose ad slogan in the '80s was "Where's the beef?"

Products of the '80s presented marketing teams with some pretty interesting challenges — New Coke, Crystal Pepsi, Reebok Pumps, and Teddy Ruxpin come to mind as head-scratchers. Some ad campaigns hit the mark, creating seismic, cultural moments. Others ... well, I mean, New Coke. But one phrase that was scripted by some...

What was the first sequel to win an Academy Award when the original had no nominations?

Whenever you see a sequel for a movie you liked is in the works, it's a fine balance between being excited to see more of what you enjoyed and praying they don't just phone it in — as sequels so often do. But every now and then, there's a sequel that...

How many kids does Carla have by the end of Cheers?

Does anyone actually have a bar they go to where everybody knows their name and the same six or seven people are there ... every night? Concerning underlying issues of the characters notwithstanding, Cheers remains one of the most beloved sitcoms ever produced and still acts as a well that new...

What are Sonny and Cher's real first names?

I guess the moment I realized that not every performer uses their real name was around the same time I first saw The Ultimate Warrior without makeup on. Whether it's a stage name, or you just drop your last name, it's a little strange to find out when a celebrity...

What's the name of the pilot from DuckTales?

Racecars, lasers, aeroplanes — life in Duckburg really is a duckblur. If you hummed the theme song to the late '80s cartoon DuckTales while reading that, then we're friends now. Also, you might know the answer to this trivia question. DuckTales hit the airwaves in 1987 and opened up an entire...

What is the river made of in 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory?

I'll admit it: The whimsical amusement park inside Willy Wonka's factory is exactly how I still imagine every candy factory actually being on the inside — and I've been inside very real candy factories that are nothing like that. The 1971 film version of Roald Dahl's classic book, Charlie and the...

Finish the lyrics: '80s pop edition

There's nothing more humbling than belting out the lyrics to your favorite song in your car, only to find out later you were totally wrong. Pop music from the 1980s was catchy as hell, and there are probably hundreds of tunes you can hum to yourself from memory right now....

What was the best-selling home video game of the '80s?

Today, the video game industry generates hundreds of billions of dollars. But in the 1980s, home video game systems had to go from proving they could even work to becoming the next big thing in home entertainment. Eventually, consumers began to open their wallets — by which I mean kids begged...

In 1987's Spaceballs, how does Pizza the Hutt die?

Someday we will be without the genius of Mel Brooks — the artist who is not only unafraid to satire literally anything, but nails it every damn time. 1987's Spaceballs — a send-up primarily of Star Wars, but really of any space movie of your choice from the 1960s up to the...

Before Heath Ledger, how many actors were offered the role of Joker in The Dark Knight?

From Jack Nicholson setting out to scare kids to Cesar Romero's gleeful trickster, Joker is a role that can make or break your career. Actually, if at you just go down the list, updated with an Oscar-winning performance from Joaquin Phoenix, playing Joker is generally pretty good for your career...

How many people has John Wick killed onscreen?

I love the idea that even the greatest hitmen that ever lived eventually hang it up and simply retire. Of course, then you run the risk of doing something that prompts them to come out of retirement. Here's a little tip — never mess with a retired hitman's puppy. I mean,...

Who won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984?

When I was a kid I looked forward with hushed anticipation to the VMAs every year. I was the perfect target for MTV's incredible marketing engine that essentially controlled popular culture for the better part of two decades. Video of the Year was THE big one, and if the one...

Which legendary musician voiced a character for King of the Hill?

To this day, I can't hear the word "propane" without thinking of one of TV's greatest dads: Hank Hill. Is it possible that King of the Hill is one of the most underrated TV shows ever — and not just animated, but in general? Not that we needed any more evidence...

What does Ariel call a fork in 1989's The Little Mermaid?

Live-action remakes are interesting and all, but personally I prefer the old-school days of hand-drawn animation. 1989's The Little Mermaid was a hit in every way you can possibly imagine — despite the fact that Ariel's knowledge of human artifacts isn't exactly spot on. What did she call a fork?   What...

The actor who played Hodor on Game of Thrones is also a professional what?

This is how bad the wait for Winds of Winter has gotten — all of the actors associated with GoT projects have started taking up other professions. Alright, that joke doesn't really make sense, but I do always love finding out about the secret lives of actors — and I'm not just...

What was the first heavy metal album to hit no. 1?

A few years ago I caught Slayer on one of their "farewell" tours. It was sort of a mini-festival, with like 5 metal bands spanning multiple eras and subgenres. And as much as I do like a couple of Slayer albums, I realized one thing: I am not that metal....

What year did Apple introduce the iPad?

Steve Jobs was really good at introducing things — besides, maybe, possibly, the iPad. I remember it getting pretty much panned by everyone I knew when it was first announced. It wasn't really clear what it was, or why you needed it. Flash forward to today, and those same friends have...

What's the name of the high school in Grease?

Somehow movie high schools never seem to match up with real life — and I'm not just talking about a bunch of 30-year-olds pretending to be 16. Movie high schools always seem to conveniently have everything a film's character (or plot) might need — a big library perfect for detention, a packed...

What's the name of the robot daughter on Small World?

There are those who would say that Small Wonder is clearly an ALF rip-off. A light sci-fi plot where a family has to keep one of the family members secret for whatever reason, there’s a nosy neighbor always about to find out, and the main character learns what it...

Name the movie: "The hardest choices require the strongest wills."

Sometimes I realize just how much of my everyday conversation is comprised of movie quotes. Whether I'm telling my lunch to just "get ... in ... my ... BELLLYYYY" or reminding my kid that, "No, I am your father," movie lines are intertwined with our daily lives. This one isn't quite on that...

How many forms of communication is C-3PO fluent in?

It's really incredible the amount of galactic history that C-3PO has been a part of. Besides being built by THE chosen one, Anakin Skywalker, he has also been present at every single important battle or event that's taken place since Ani powered him up. Not bad for a protocol droid...

Which singer led Woodstock’s opening act in 1969?

If you're talking Woodstock, it better be about two things: Snoopy's bird friend, or the original music festival from 1969 that has become cultural mythology. In this case, we're talking about the latter. Pretty much every big name musician from the time ultimately showed up at Woodstock '69 (yep, even...

Where does Garfield keep trying to send Nermal?

Garfield is my kind of dude: hates Mondays, likes Lasagna, and always has a witty quip for seemingly any situation. On the other hand, he's completely incapable of maintaining any kind of relationship and I'm pretty sure is a narcissist. Unless it's Jon's grandma — in that case, he turns into...

How much was Jon Heder paid for the lead role in Napoleon Dynamite?

I saw Napoleon Dynamite in the theater back in 2004 before anyone really knew what it was. Of course, even after seeing it and following all its success, I'm not sure anyone still really knows what it is. All I know is that I laughed, and I was pretty sure...

What’s the name of the frog in Star Fox?

If you don't remember Star Fox, first of all, shame on you and your family, and second of all, let me refresh your memory. Star Fox premiered on the Super Nintendo as the first game to use the Super FX chip. Yeah, that's right. Seriously, this chip pushed 3D graphics...

In the band Hootie & the Blowfish, who is the Blowfish?

The '90s were an insane time in popular music. Let's take May of 1994 as an example. Among the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 were the following artists: Ace of Base, Prince, Crash Test Dummies, Richard Marx, and Mariah Carey. That kind of broad mix of genre and...

Which is NOT a Garbage Pail Kid?

The '80s were truly f***ed up. Case in point, the collectible trading cards/franchise based upon the hugely successful Cabbage Patch Kids — whose entire premise was strange enough (cabbages that give birth to dolls) — that provided some of the strangest, most grotesque artwork you will ever see. That's right,...

What does the Scarecrow want in The Wizard of Oz?

We all want things out of life — success, health for our families, a new season of our favorite shows... but for the characters in The Wizard of Oz, their needs are even more simplified than that. Considering it might be the most-famous movie ever made, and one that forever changed...

What's the name of the island in Jurassic Park?

I mean, if I could have the chance to bring dinosaurs back to life, I don't think I'd worry too much about if I should either. One of the things that always made Michael Crichton books so good was their settings — no matter how ridiculous the plot might be, the...

What's the name of the arcade in Wayne's World?

Chances are on this day in 1992, I was loading up the VHS of Wayne's World into my top-loading VCR and watching it for maybe the third or fourth time that day. If you're like me, you can't see the word Milwaukee without pronouncing it like Alice Cooper does in...

What R.E.M. song is about an '80s street attack on journalist Dan Rather?

I was once in a karaoke bar in Athens, Georgia, filming a video for my work, when the bartender politely noted: "If Michael comes in here, you'll have to put that camera down." In Athens, with all due apologies to everyone else with this name, there is only one Michael:...

Who was Marvel Comics first superhero?

Today the MCU is so big that we're debating if it's worth putting out just 20 movies every year instead of like 50. It's no stretch to say that Marvel is one of the most well-known brands in the world. But even Earth's mightiest heroes had to start somewhere. Who...

What does Bill Murray list as his one regret in Zombieland?

Zombieland was one of those movies that really surprised me — it's pretty dang good. And a big part of that was the unexpected cameo from comedy legend Bill Murray. Not only did he show up out of nowhere, he played himself ... well, himself dressed as a zombie in an attempt...

What character from The Simpsons was killed off in the year 2000?

Things that The Simpsons is older than: Daisy Ridley, the iPhone, the first PlayStation, the Soviet Union breaking up, Microsoft.com, Dollar Tree ... you get the idea. And it's already been renewed through at least 2025. In all those seasons, only a handful of Simpsons characters have passed away. In...

What did Andy Serkis base Gollum’s voice on for the Lord of the Rings movies?

Go ahead, you know want to — say "my precious" in your best Gollum voice. Andy Serkis rules. Whether he's acting as a cursed hobbit in a motion capture suit, stealing vibranium, or engineering an escape from an Imperial prison, if he's in something you're watching, you know it's going to...

What game is the French restaurant in The Super Mario Bros. Movie named after?

Look, there's definitely a trivia question (probably several) for the original, live-action Super Mario Bros. movie from 1993. But we're looking to get in on all that cash that the 2023 version, cleverly titled The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is generating. So, just to be clear, this question is about...

What's the name of the beer in Laverne & Shirley?

If you ask me, it's hard to go wrong with a cold beer. In fact, I don't even care if it's a real beer. Fictional beers play an important part in TV, movies, and my dreams. In Laverne & Shirley, beer played a central role. Do you remember what the brew...

What is the name of the serial killer in The Silence of the Lambs?

If you could pinpoint the exact moment when it became acceptable to joke about serial killers who eat people, it was probably when The Silence of the Lambs was released in 1991. From quipping that you'll eat whatever it is with a nice "side of Chianti" to answering every call...

What Aerosmith song was inspired by the L.A. riots?

It feels like Aerosmith has had like 14 careers, and I'm sure they've still got a few more in 'em. Just one look at the band and you can tell they've seen some sh**. Through many historical moments, Aerosmith has been a constant. One such event, the L.A. riots...

Which British rock star had a dinosaur named after him?

Dinosaurs and rock & roll are really no strangers. You've got your musicians (Dinosaur Jr., T-Rex), your songs (B.O.C.'s "Godzilla", "Walk the Dinosaur"), and your — uh, not sure what to call 'em (that Cadillacs and Dinosaurs game for the Sega CD). But things went to new heights when...

Which is NOT a villain in the first Mega Man?

Also known as Rockman in Japan, Mega Man first came on the scene in 1987 for the NES in all of its multi-power glory. About 7,000 or so sequels later, Dr. Wily is still finding robots with very specific abilities that he can turn into killing machines to get...

What crime did Sophia try to jump bail for on The Golden Girls?

Look, we get the joke here — that sweet old lady, a criminal? But of course Sophia Petrillo was anything but sweet, and there were plenty of hints that her family was connected in some way to the Sicilian mafia.  Was she capable of something a bit more sinister, or was...

What is Madonna's last name?

Some people only need one name to get the point across. Among this echelon are some of the greatest within their discipline: Pelé, Slash, Cher, Bono, and Flea, to name a few. But then there's Madonna, who seems to hover above nearly all other one-namers in pop-culture history. And maybe...

When is Bilbo and Frodo's birthday?

Whether you still look forward to celebrating your birthday or it's become a tiresome ritual reminding you of your own mortality, I bet you aren't as old as Bilbo turned in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. You may recall that Bilbo even shares a birthday...

What's the name of the spaceship in Alien?

I know what you're thinking — Alien is in space? Believe it or not, this 1979 sci-fi-horror epic did indeed, take place in space. (I should have worked in a Ripley joke there — the believe it or not thing... get it? Yeah? Fine.) In fact, most of Alien takes place inside...

What ‘90s sci-fi flick was Kaley Cuoco’s theatrical movie debut?

At some point, somewhere, there's something to be said about The Big Bang Theory. But today, there's not much else to say, besides that believe it or not it's not a documentary. They are actors, and they actually all got their start somewhere else. Kelly Cuono, aka Penny, actually got...

What was the name of Stevie Ray Vaughan's favorite guitar?

I'm guessing a few of you have done this, but in my opinion, you need to be a guitar badass to actually name your guitar. I have many guitars, and I have never named a single one. Which explains why I'm writing trivia right now and not touring with a...

Weezer's Rivers Cuomo dropped out of which college in 1996?

Whenever I hear a Weezer song on the radio these days, it's usually one of their newer pop songs. Sure, it's nothing like the band's glory days, but hey, good for them. While you hear about a lot of famous people that dropped out of school and became successful, Rivers...

The stabbing sound effect from Halloween is really a knife stabbing what?

Being a Foley artist seems really fun. For one thing, you're basically just watching movies all day, and you also get to hit random objects with other random objects. It should come as no surprise that for John Carpenter's original Halloween, they didn't actually stab people. Instead, they invoked the...

What year did Disneyland open?

I mean, Disneyland is pretty cool. It's somehow timeless yet always changing and pushing the boundaries of human creativity. Also, the churros. I'm betting you have a vague sense of when this happy place first opened its gates for kids and kids at heart alike, but let's test your memory....

What was the no. 1 movie in April 1982?

The films of 1982 offered everything from adventure to sci-fi to screwball comedy. And since there was no streaming, hitting the theater was the only way to be entertained without having to watch a commercial. But of all the great movies that came out this year, which one would you...

Which cult classic did they pull sounds from for Predator 2?

I think we can all agree: Predators make cool sounds. Not that I would ever want to hear that sound in real life, but still. The sound artists for Predator 2 came up with a clever way to both creep us out AND honor one of my favorite early '90s...

Who wrote "I Will Always Love You"?

There are a lot of songs that I had to be told were covers. From Sinead O' Conner's rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" to Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn", sometimes updated versions simply outshine the originals. Whitney Houston's '90s hit, "I Will Always Love You", was one such case for a...

How many possible combinations does a Rubik's Cube have?

How many sides of a Rubik's Cube can you solve? 1, 2, more? If you're one of those people that can solve the entire thing at all, I'm jealous. If you're one of those that does it in like 30 seconds, well, screw you. The Rubik's Cube was released broadly...

What movie has no Star Trek characters but was voted the 7th-best Star Trek film?

Between the original film series, the Next Generation, and the reboots, it's not too surprising that there are some 13 theatrical Star Trek movies in all (and counting). But what was surprising was when Trekkies got together to rank their favorite Star Trek movies — and somehow this one that doesn't...

What did Kurt Cobain think Weird Al's Nirvana parody would be about?

Weird Al is a genius. That's one of those sentences that almost seems a waste to write, since it's so damn obvious. But sometimes we need to be reminded. Kurt Cobain, the Anointed One of grunge, was clearly no stranger to Al's music. Since Weird Al is a gentleman, he...

What main character died less than halfway through the movie?

I get it — to make a movie exciting, the stakes need to be high. When anyone can just come back at any time (**cough cough** Palpatine **cough**), it takes away from the levity of the story, and frankly the entire experience. But in some cases, folks can go a little...

What famous comedian turned down the role of Winston in Ghostbusters?

I guess I just assume every actor or actress cast in any movie ever was the perfect fit for that role from the get-go. But turns out a lot of classic movies could have been way different had those originally offered the roles actually taken them. I can't imagine Ghostbusters...

What did D.A.R.E. stand for?

I'm not sure how worried I needed to be about some random person offering me free drugs as a fourth grader in a rural town in New Mexico, but the officer who came into our classroom as part of the D.A.R.E. program sure made me fret. It's...

What inspired the Bangles song “Walk Like an Egyptian”?

How songs come to be is a mystical, unknown process for most of us. Unless we're talking about this iconic '80s hit from the Bangles. "Walk Like an Egyptian" actually has a really clear origin story. Any ideas what that story is? Click START to answer.   What inspired the Bangles...

What year did Dungeons & Dragons come out?

While it feels like it's been with us since the time of the ancients, it turns out there was a time when Dungeons & Dragons didn't actually exist. Whether it's informing basically all of Stranger Things, bringing us new movies to look forward to, or giving us a way to stay...

The actor who played Sloth in The Goonies played for which NFL team?

From the rambling tale of One-Eyed Willie (delivered in perfect kid-speak by Sean Astin) to a future Oscar winner blinding bullies, The Goonies truly stands the test of time while serving as a perfect encapsulation of its era. And of course, it wouldn't be nearly as lovable of a movie...

How many Catwoman costumes were needed to film Batman Returns?

Batman movies have really given us a lot, and much of it has centered around the costumes. Whether you're a fan of the Adam West gray, or you like the, er, replica of muscles and nipples, there's a little something for everyone. 1992's Batman Returns allowed Tim Burton to just...

Who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1976?

1975 was a good year for movies: Jaws, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Rollerball — I could go on, but unlike your coworkers, I respect your time. Which meant that the Academy Awards of 1976 had a pretty big pool to pick from. Of all...

How long did the opening action scene from The Matrix take to shoot?

I'm the kind of person who always takes a moment whenever they're holding a spoon, just to see if, you know, there is no spoon. Turns out there always is a spoon, but that doesn't really ruin my enjoyment of  1999's The Matrix, one of those rare movies that somehow...

What old-school 3D game recently sold for $1.5 million?

We all remember it — that game cartridge that we bought with our hard-earned allowance, only to let it go at a garage sale a few years later for a few measly dollars. And today it's worth hundreds of dollars. Well, this game makes that one look like a piece of...

What song does Elton John refuse to play live?

As Elton John winds down what by all accounts is one of the all-time greatest careers of any musician to have ever lived, it's fair to wonder if he'll play one particular song live ever again. Currently embarking on what he's called his final tour (or by the time you're...

What does VHS stand for?

Tyson vs. Holyfield. Celtics vs. Lakers. VHS vs. Betamax. These are the iconic rivalries of a generation. By the time I was really paying attention, the format wars had already been settled, and home entertainment was revolutionized forever when you could watch or record whatever you damn well pleased, all...

How much money do the kids have for supplies in Stand by Me?

I love the entire vibe of Stand by Me, right up to the final moments when the author of the memoir wraps up just in time to head outside and play with his young son. Because that's totally how writing anything goes. How close were you paying attention the last...

Which sci-fi superstar voiced The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series?

Have you ever watched a really good voice actor, who you don't recognize as a cartoon character, as they speak in your favorite character's voice? It can actually be pretty unsettling. And of course, it also seems like a pretty sweet gig. Apparently, it must be, because celebrities have been...

Complete the lyrics: "I Will Survive" edition

This 1979 hit from Gloria Gaynor has been the anthem to a lot of things in our lives — getting over breakups, quitting a job, beating Ninja Gaiden, and so on. Surely you've belted the chorus to this song hundreds of times. So this one should be a breeze. See if...

Which iconic '90s TV character was supposed to be a one-off?

I'm not sure how to adequately explain to a young person today what it was like when a TV character would get popular back in ye olden days. Sort of like going viral, except instead of them filling up your social media feed the local Kmart would be flooded with...

In what Tarantino movie did actors have to wear their own clothes?

With word spreading that Quentin Tarantino could be prepping to direct his 10th — and according to his own promises, final — film, it's time to look back at his humble beginnings. He wasn't always just ringing up Brad Pitt whenever it damn well pleased him. He started as an indie darling...

What was the first movie to make over a billion dollars?

Movies entertain us. They inspire us. They allow human creativity to reach new, unforeseen heights. And they make a small group of people super rich. While it seems like anyone can basically sneeze out some CGI and rake in oodles of cash these days, someone had to be the first...

What video game was proven to increase brain power?

Video games are good for you. I'm not sure how many times I made that argument to my mom (and still do), but it's a high number. And now, thanks to science, we can say it's been proven true. Take that mom! Of course, it was just one study about...

Who played the leprechaun in ... uh, Leprechaun?

What would you do if you found a pot of gold? I mean, an actual, real little black cooking pot, full of gold coins? Well if you've ever seen 1993's Leprechaun, you immediately shouted "LEAVE IT ALONE" at your screen. This movie gave us many things — including a masterful performance...

How long did it take John Hughes to write the screenplay for The Breakfast Club?

There's a family legend that my older brother loved The Breakfast Club so much that as soon as he left the theater he turned right around, bought another ticket, and watched it again. There's no question that The Breakfast Club is one of the most iconic films from the 1980s,...

What else is the Atari logo called?

Atari was a revolutionary company in more ways than one — from making home video game systems a reality to creating the original "let's drink beer and play ping pong" culture in Silicon Valley. I still don't understand why wood paneling on consoles didn't become the norm. Did you know? Atari...

Which color of M&M was outlawed by Van Halen on tour?

Let's face it — there's a reason the term "diva" originated with musicians (referring to opera singers). Over the years we've heard about the ridiculous demands of musicians, from Madonna wanting new toilet seats at each venue to Justin Timberlake allegedly getting his clean-freak on by demanding doorknobs be disinfected every...

How many seasons of Mr. Bean are there?

Tea. Soccer. Mr. Bean. Of all the things we've imported from Britain in modern times, Mr. Bean belongs right at the top of the list, if not at the very top. As I often do, I like to muse about how the pitch for this show went down. It must...

Which Princess Bride actor made Rob Reiner nauseous?

If your life hasn't been spent watching 1987's The Princess Bride roughly twice a year, then I honestly feel sorry for you. Although, maybe not as sorry as I feel for Rob Reiner, who directed Princess Bride but had to leave the set whenever this actor filmed their part. Why?...

Who was the original voice of Captain Planet?

Ever seen a Millennial shudder when someone throws a plastic bottle into the trash instead of recycling? Yeah, that's the Captain's fault — Captain Planet, that is. Somehow this early '90s show became a cultural phenomenon that every adult remembers to this day. What's it about? Glad you asked. Our world...

What was the first music video aired on MTV?

There was a time when MTV was more powerful, in theory, than any other organization in the world. Yes, I'm counting the U.S. government. I mean, even if he had wanted to, Reagan couldn't just point at a musician and say "You're the next big star!" and have it...

What Pixar movie was almost lost forever when someone accidentally deleted it?

We've all done it — closed the wrong browser window, saved over the wrong thing, or replied to the wrong email. But I highly doubt any of your workplace blunders compare to what nearly happened to this beloved Pixar movie. As one of the most successful and loved animated film companies...

Which movie won the most Oscars?

At the 2023 Academy Awards, it sure did seem like the cast of Everything Everywhere All at Once was, well, you know, what the title says. It was pretty cool to see such a weird, sci-fi-inspired movie that also featured some nerd-favorite cast members do so well. But did Everything...

What N64 game caused Nintendo to offer free gloves to prevent injuries?

There's something sort of satisfying about watching all those videos where people accidentally throw their Wii controller into their TV or punch something with a VR headset on. Although if I were a PR person for gaming companies in the videos, I would probably like it less. We've all had...

What was Elijah Wood's first movie?

Frodo and Samwise. Go ahead, put 'em up there with some of the all-time classic film duos: * Harold & Maude * C-3PO & R2D2 * Abbot & Costello * Beavis & Butt-Head If Elijah Wood and Sean Astin aren't weirdly close in real life, I might cry. But even Frodo himself had to start somewhere — and of...

What was the highest-grossing movie from 1978?

It was the year of the Jonestown Massacre, but also the first Garfield comic strip. Will that help you answer this question? We’re about to find out. Between all the feathered hair and Argentina winning the World Cup, sometimes I feel like I’m right back in ‘78. And...

What model of car is KITT from Knight Rider?

There are those of us that simply chuckle every time someone gushes about how impressive ChatGPT is. Why? Because long before OpenAI was ever a thing, there was a far superior artificial intelligence: KITT. The Knight Industries Two Thousand, frankly, makes ChatGPT look like a toddler whose only word is...

What 1991 movie was the most expensive ever when it was released?

When you hear James Cameron going around saying his movie needs $2 billion just to break even, it starts to lose meaning. At this point someone could say a movie cost a zillion trillion dollars, and I’d just be like, OK, sure. It’s all funny money to me....

The state-of-the-art computer used for 1982's Tron had how much memory?

1982 was a time when computers were seemingly on the verge of making lots of jobs obsolete and possibly even taking control of humanity in some very sinister ways. Luckily, today we’re totally past that! Even though it’s still full of practical effects, Tron was one of the...

What were the first words Mickey Mouse ever spoke?

It’s a simple fact that I’m just not very good at a Mickey Mouse impression. It ends up sounding like some kind of tortured cat. Of course, that’s only if we’re talking about Mickey once he got into his talky days. If we’re focused on...

Which movie was the first from a female director to break $100 million?

I wonder what $100 million looks like? If you were to break it out into individual $1 bills, would you be able to Scrooge McDuck it and go for a cash swim? Anytime I hear about that kind of money, I want to ask them to give me like $10,...

What arcade game was the first to save a high score?

Video games were always about getting the highest score, even from the early days of Pong. But, while it’s hard to believe, there actually was a time when your highest scores were only recorded in your head (or on film if you thought to bring a camera along and...

Who turned down the role of Yoda for The Empire Strikes Back?

You can go on and on about how much you hate the Special Editions, but we all know if you were in a room with George Lucas there isn’t a single damn thing you wouldn’t do if he asked you. But in the annals of Star Wars history,...

Which sci-fi star filmed a cameo in E.T. that was cut before release?

Steven Spielberg holds a lot of sway in Hollywood. I mean, who else could pull off a power move like getting a movie star to make a cameo in your new movie, and then cut the scene entirely? Spiels does not give an eff, and he will clearly steamroll anyone...

What was the name of Screech’s dog on Saved by the Bell?

When it comes to TV pets, there’s no shortage of furry (or not-so-furry) friends that have graced our screens. You’ve got your cats (Salem from Sabrina), horses (take your pick of westerns, we’ll go with Silver), monkeys (Marcel from Friends), dinosaurs (Dino from The Flinstones), bears (Ben...

What's the name of Holly's cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most romantic movies of all time — as long as you consider sordid affairs, lying, and backstabbing romantic. Whatever romance means to you, 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s occupies an honorable place in the history of American cinema. I’m guessing because...

Which ‘90s cult classic has a Starbucks cup hidden in almost every scene?

Ahh, ‘90s movies — the only decade when being a slacker with no motivation in life was gloriously celebrated onscreen over having a stable income. From Tarantino to Parker Posey to the Coen Brothers, the 1990s were truly a great time for film — and many moves from that time  have gone...

Who gets murdered in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Who is murdered in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Rewatching Who Framed Roger Rabbit as an adult is a fascinating experience. The number of jokes and innuendo that went way over my head in 1988 is pretty impressive. And while the mix of live action with animation was certainly nothing new...

Who is the protagonist in The Secret of Monkey Island?

George Lucas is a damn magician. Let’s consider the things that have been invented if not directly by him, then because of him: basically every innovation in special effects; Pixar; digital filmmaking; and, perhaps most importantly, the point-and-click adventure game. That’s right, Lucasfilm Games was behind 1990’s...

Who directed Big Trouble in Little China?

Pulling from a genre known as Wuxia — famous for telling tales of ancient heroes that both know martial arts and often have supernatural abilities — Big Trouble in Little China is just some good ol’ fashion beat ‘em up fun. Plus, ‘80s-era special effects from the Industrial Light & Magic tree (Richard...

What was the best-selling rock album from the 90s?

Sometimes I think Spotify is pretty novel, but then I remember when I signed up for Columbia House. 5 CDs for a penny! Then forget to cancel and buy three more CDs for $80 each. Spotify is really just a glorified, if somewhat less malicious, mail-subscription music company. The five...

What was the first full-length animated movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios?

Founded in 1923 by ol’ Walt and ol’ Roy, Walt Disney Animation Studios is iconic. And they’re still churning out top notch stuff. When their full-length movies first came out, they were truly revolutionary. I’m assuming people just wept and fell to the floor when this movie came...

Name the quote from Field of Dreams

It’s not that often that a movie can inspire a bunch of professional athletes to walk out of a cornfield, but that’s the kind of power Field of Dreams wields. Beyond getting MLB teams to play out of scenic Dyersville, Iowa, this is a movie full of memorable...

What's the name of the town in Jaws?

You know what ticks me off? Great white sharks who don’t give a damn about the local economy and scare all the tourists away from the beach. Jaws is an iconic film that not only put a youngster named Stephen Spielberg on the map, but also terrified many children...

What type of animal is Knuckles?

The world of Sonic is a strange, fantastical place that will break your mind if you think about it for too long. Luckily, the live-action movies cleared most stuff up. Right? But there’s still one thing tugging at our minds: What is Knuckles, anyway? Click below to submit your...

Classic sci-fi books

There's nothing more enjoyable than opening up a good book and reading about the genocide of an alien species from a distant planet. Sci-fi books fuel our imaginations, our movies, and our dreams. You might say all of civilization would probably fall apart without them. You'd be wrong, but hey,...

Which is NOT a name for a Jedi?

Whether you're talking some Obi-Wan, some Qui-Gon, or even good ol' Yoda, you have to admit that Jedi get to have all the cool names. Thanks for nothing mom and dad! In fact, Jedi names are so interesting you can kind of just mumble some random sounds and end up...

90s TV

It was a time when boys met worlds, friends hung out in coffee shops, and the truth was totally out there. Television in the '90s was the last great era of TV before the internet came in and started effing with everything — the last era of everyone watching the same...

What was the first feature-length movie directed by James Cameron?

Call us shrewd, but requiring nearly $1.5 billion just to break even on a movie seems like a risky business model. Still, that’s exactly how much James Cameron has said Avatar: The Way of Water needs to make to do just that. But there’s no doubting this...

What was the last no. 1 song from 1984?

The end of a year is a time to reflect — on the news stories that shaped the headlines, the personal milestones we achieved, the hard-fought victories, and the bitter defeats — and take a moment to learn from it all. Or if you were a certain artist in late 1984, it...

Three questions about Die Hard

We're not going to stoop to the level of debating whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. What are we going to question next, whether Indiana Jones actually affected the outcome of Raiders of the Lost Ark? (Don't answer that.) Released in July of 1988, test your knowledge of this...

What's the name of Star-Lord's ship in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie?

Guardians of the Galaxy, despite a dubious past of sci-fi franchises doing it wrong, took the bold step of releasing a holiday special. And like most things Guardians, it's really entertaining. Not only that, but hype is building for the third and final film in the MCU trilogy. What do...

What's the name of the movie from Home Alone?

If you were a kid and you suddenly had an impossibly huge suburban Chicago house all to yourself, what’s the first thing you would do? Yeah, I said “watch violent movies” too. And that’s exactly what Kevin McCallister does in Home Alone. But do you remember the name...

Which movie won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture?

Even with viewership falling off a cliff, winning an Academy Award means something. This movie paved the way for all others to follow. See if you can guess which one it was...   The Academy Awards Which movie won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture? You're banned from the Oscars....

Who won the main event at the first Wrestlemania?

The first Wrestlemania marked a turning point, not just in the realm of professional wrestling, but for society as a whole. Ushering in the era of the Rock N' Wrestling Connection in earnest (aka, the crossover of pro wrestling and pop culture), Wrestlemania remains a cultural force to this day....

Which team was NOT playable in Tecmo Bowl?

Tecmo Bowl is simultaneously the first football video game many of us played and the first true rage game. 90% of every play I made — of which there are only four to choose from to begin with — was either the other team getting a touchdown or me throwing an interception...

Name the no. 1 song from November 1993

Chances are on this day in November 1993 you turned on MTV and this video played ... AGAIN. According to the Billboard Top 100 charts, what song was it? Play interactive trivia now to see if you know the answer...   90s Jams What was the no. 1 one song in November...

How many Godzilla movies are there?

November 3 marks Godzilla’s birthday, marked by the premier of 1954’s Godzilla. In 2022, that makes Gojira 68 years old. Must say, Godzilla looks spry for his age. How many Godzilla movies are there? Press START to answer.   The Godzilla Franchise How many Godzilla movies are there? You...

When was Dune published?

Long before Timothy Chalament was tasked with carrying on the legacy of House Atreides, Dune was a breakout science fiction novel. When was it first published? Dune When was the original Dune novel published? You let the Harkonnens take control of the spice. Now you have to see Sting in...

Who was originally cast to play Marty in Back to the Future?

Look, it’s difficult to imagine anyone besides Michael J. Fox squeaking their way through Back to the Future — I get that. But the fact is, he very nearly was never in this movie. So who was originally cast as Marty? Click START to submit your answer.   Back to the...

How many endings does the original Metroid have?

It was a challenge only for the courageous of heart and spirit. How many endings did the original Metroid, released for NES in 1987, actually have? Click Start to play.   NES Games Upon its release in 1987 for the NES, how many endings does the original Metroid have? You don’...

What is Blink-182's only top 10 hit?

Dads everywhere recently rejoiced when Blink-182 announced a reunion tour and new album. When you think of ’90s pop punk, you can’t help but think of how Blink-182 dominated the doofier side of the spectrum (not a bad thing). Yet, our faces were recently melted when we learned that...

Who created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

They’re mean, green, and each one has a unique personality that is relatable to our innermost selves. But do you know who came up with this unlikely set of superhero teenage reptiles?   Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Who created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? You pushed the franchise too far....

When did the X-Files premiere?

The truth is out there … but can you remember that truth without looking it up? No pressure, but Mulder and Scully are counting on you.   The X-Files When did the X-Files premiere? They’re coming for you.  The truth WAS out there. Turns out you put it in the fridge...

What was the no. 1 song in September, 1988?

Where were you in September of 1988? If you’re like me, probably sitting in the way back of a station wagon jamming out to the no. 1 song of the moment. Can you name what that song was without looking it up? You have 15 seconds to answer. Click...

When was the Sega CD released?

I wanted the Sega CD so bad that I essentially bullied my parents (er, I mean, Santa) into giving me one. My memory is pretty hazy in terms of what year that was—but maybe you remember.   Classic Video Games: Sega What year was the Sega CD released in North...

What is the date of Judgement Day in Terminator 2?

Judgement Day lands on a specific day....

How many Oscars did Star Wars win?

In a galaxy far, far away—aka Hollywood—movies of the science fiction genre rarely get their due recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Sure, they’ll get a token “best sound and visual editing that’s mixed and then re-edited” type of technical award, sometimes...

What was the no. 1 song from August 1991?

In August 1991 this song dominated radio, MTV, and your brain. Do you remember what the top song from this time was?   90s Music What was the no. 1 song from August 1991? Your heart will be cut out with a dull spoon. You proved that you are the best...

Name the movie: "If it bleeds, we can kill it."

Being cornered by something that seems downright invincible is not an uncommon theme in many of the great sci-fi movies of yesteryear. Do you remember this quote?   Sci-fi Movie Quotes Name the movie: "If it bleeds, we can kill it." You were easy prey. You got to the chopper....

What year was the Atari 2600 released?

Pretty sure I remember a sort of radioactive hum coming from this thing whenever I turned it on as a kid. Oh well, I’m sure there’s no way they would have released it if it wasn’t completely safe for children.   Old School Video Games What year was...

What was the top-grossing movie of 1992?

The decade was still new, meaning most of us were just trying to figure out if we should go acid-washed or tie-dye. In many cases, we chose both. Test your ‘90s movie knowledge by clicking below—and try it without Googling first.   90s movies What was the top-grossing movie from...

Name the no. 1 song from July, 1984

Chances are really good that exactly 38 years ago, you heard this song on the radio in the backseat of your mom’s station wagon on the way to the bank. According to the Billboard Hot 100, do you know what the number 1 song was in July 1984? Submit...

What is the best-selling Super Nintendo game of all time?

There are many gems from the 16-bit glory days of the Super Nintendo, but only one sold more than all the others. Which one was it?   SNES games What is the best-selling Super Nintendo game of all time? SNES time, baby. You're dead, no continues. Take off the damn cape....

What was the name of the arcade in TRON?

Get this right or Master Control Program will – you know, do the thing.   80s sci-fi movies What's the name of the arcade in TRON? We're talking the original 1982 movie. Master Control Program defeated you and now has control of all nuclear weapons in the world. Not good. Users are...

What is the Super Nintendo called in Japan?

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, goes by many names, depending on where you bought it. Let’s travel back in time and across the sea — what was it called in Japan?   Classic video game trivia: SNES What is the Super Nintendo called in Japan? You lost the console...

How many NBA MVPs does Larry Bird have?

Growing up in the 80s, and in an Irish-Catholic family, Larry Bird was basically another deity for me. But how many regular season MVPs did he win? Click START to play.   NBA MVPs How many regular-season MVPs did Larry Bird win? Aaaaiiirbaaaaalll. Don't quit your day job for the NBA...

What does ALF stand for?

You may already be aware of my take on ALF, so I’ll leave you to it. Let’s see what you know about this ‘80s sitcom from a golden era of TV.   80s TV shows: ALF What does ALF stand for? You let ALF eat the cat. But at...

What was the highest-grossing movie of the 1990s?

Think you know all there is to know about ’90s movies, huh? WELL LET’S FIND OUT.   Movies from the 1990s Things got weird in this decade. What was the highest-grossing movie of the 1990s? You failed to recoup the cost of your film. This doesn't bode well for a...

Name this TV show: "And to our future. No matter who it may take us up against or where."

There’s nothing quite like staying up until 2 a.m. on a random night in the middle of summer binging reruns of a classic sci-fi show. Can you name this TV show based on a quote?   Name the TV show. What 80s show is this quote from? "And to...

Name the release date of this Sega Genesis game

What do you remember about this home console? Click Start to play Classic Nerd Trivia.   Classic Video Games Trivia: Sega Genesis The Console Wars represented a golden age for home video games. What year was Sonic the Hedgehog released for Sega Genesis? You lost all your coins. Try again. You...

6 questions about the Jurassic Park films

The first time I heard about Jurassic Park was from my science teacher in sixth grade. He told us about this novel, written by this guy, where these scientists did this thing … with DINOSAURS. Being an annoying overachiever, I found the hardback edition of Michael Crichton’s iconic novel at...

Which Mario character is this?

Nintendo has produced many lovable characters. I mean, even Bowser is likable on some level. See if you can name this Mario character.   Classic Video Games Trivia: Mario Characters Name this character. Yeah, you're dead. No more lives, no continues. Unlimited 1UPs. Go ahead, knock yourself out on these coins....

What type of spaceship is the Millennium Falcon?

Ahhh, Star Wars. Will it ever stop simultaneously spoiling us with its riches and ruining our childhoods? Not likely. Click START to play.   Star Wars Vehicles What type of spaceship is the Millennium Falcon? That's no moon... You allowed an entire planet to be destroyed. Oops! The Force is strong...

Star Wars Trivia: Obi-Wan edition

The man, the myth, the miniseries. Answer three questions about Obi-Wan Kenobi.   Star Wars Trivia: Obi-Wan Kenobi edition Who is Obi-Wan's master? Who does Obi-Wan cut in half? Where was Obi-Wan born? You were turned to the dark side.  Not wizard. You became one with the Force. But why leave...

Where does Mork & Mindy take place?

Star Wars inspired a litany of sci-fi themed TV shows and episodes in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Let’s see if you know much about this one. Today’s theme is sci-fi TV shows of the 1970s.   Sci-fi TV shows Where does Mork & Mindy take place? You laid...

Movie quotes: Name the sci-fi movie

Name the movie based solely on a quote. Can it be done?   Sci-fi movie quotes Name the movie: "The unknown future rolls toward us. I face it, for the first time, with a sense of hope." The robots won. Thumbs up, human. You stopped Skynet ... for now....

Who was the first athlete to appear on the cover of a Madden video game?

This is Classic Sports Trivia, powered by Classic Nerd. Today's topic is: Sports Video Games.   Sports video games Get outside and play! But only if it's on a video game... Who was the first athlete to appear on the cover of a Madden video game? Hit for a loss! M-V-P!...

When was 'Nevermind' released?

Did Nirvana kill hair metal? That’s an important question, but not the one we’re actually asking you to answer today…   90s Music: Alternative Throw on your flannel and and practice your running man—it's '90s music time. What year did Nirvana's Nevermind come out? Not super great Nice....

What does 'Nintendo' translate to?

This means something … See if you know this obscure fact about Nintendo.   Classic Nerd Trivia: Nintendo What does "Nintendo" translate to in English? You didn't even hit the goose. You didn't do that well ... oh wait, no you got it! Nice job....

What was the highest-grossing movie of the 1980s?

Think you know all there is to know about ’80s movies, huh? You probably do, but good luck anyway.   Movies of the 80s What was the highest-grossing movie of the 1980s? You got slimed. You saved E.T. Also, sweet bike....

Guess the Star Wars movie line

You quote Star Wars to your friend and on Twitter ad nauseam, so this should be easy for you.   Guess the movie line Which line is said in Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back? Seriously, you were brought down by a tow cable? The Force is with you,...

What 80s show does 'and knowing is half the battle' come from?

Back in the ‘80s, TV liked to teach kids stuff about life. BOOORRRING! But, if you were paying attention it will help you answer this trivia question. Click START to play Classic Nerd Trivia.   80s TV shows What show is this line from?  "And knowing is half the battle." Cobra...

Which is NOT a call sign from the original Top Gun (1986)?

Billion dollars, schmillion dollars. The original Top Gun is all that matters. Can you answer this trivia question about Top Gun without looking it up?   Top Gun Trivia Which is NOT a call sign from the original Top Gun (1986)? You need some more practice. And please stop singing. Try...