Bloopers and Errors That Even The Biggest Movies Can’t Hide

The Aviator – Chocolate Chip Cookies

In Martin Scorsese’s 2004 film, “The Aviator”, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Howard Hughes set in the 1930s and 40s. In one particular scene, Hughes buys chocolate chip cookies – a seemingly small detail that speaks to a larger error. The problem is that chocolate chip cookies weren’t actually invented until 1938, two years after the movie was set. This scene also raises questions of authenticity in cinema. We watch films to transport ourselves back in time. Though there have been many advancements in special effects since the early days of filmmaking, it is ultimately up to filmmakers themselves to make sure their films are as true to life as possible.

Django Unchained – Sunglasses

In the 2012 hit film Django Unchained, Jamie Foxx’s character is shown wearing sunglasses. While this may seem like a minor detail, the mistake is that sunglasses weren’t prevalent back in the time period in which the movie is set. They were mostly used when prescribed by doctors. This small error could have been avoided with little more research and attention to detail.

Titanic – Lake Wissota

Titanic is a classic film that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. However, in the movie, Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) tells Rose that he and his father used to fish in Lake Wissota. The mistake is that the Titanic sank in 1912, and Lake Wissota wasn’t formed until 1917. This error may have gone unnoticed by many viewers, but it is an example of how even the smallest detail can be historically inaccurate.

Spy Kids – Cameraman In The Way

The 2001 family-friendly movie Spy Kids remains a beloved classic among many fans worldwide. The movie follows the story of the Cortez siblings, who discover that their parents are actually spies and set out to rescue them after they are captured. However, the film is not without its flaws, as many mistakes and bloopers can be spotted with a keen eye. In one particular scene, Carla Gugino is shown sitting in front of a vanity mirror, and a cameraman with a pale purple shirt is clearly visible in the background, obstructing the view. This is just one example of the many errors that can be found throughout the movie.

Braveheart – Wearing A Kilt

A winner of five Academy Awards, the renowned movie “Braveheart” features a major flaw in its depiction of William Wallace, portrayed by Mel Gibson, wearing a kilt. While kilts were a part of Scottish attire, they did not gain popularity until the 17th century, which presents a significant historical inaccuracy in a film set in the 1300s. This mistake could have been prevented with more diligent attention to historical precision, as it detracts from the authenticity of the movie and its portrayal of the era. Despite its flaws, “Braveheart” remains a beloved and significant film in the canon of cinematic history.

The Dark Knight – A Slippery Spelling Error

Nothing is overlooked in Christopher Nolan’s films, except possibly a word. In the 2008 Batman classic “The Dark Knight,” there is an advertisement for a bank heist with an unintended typo: Hiest instead of Heist. This small mistake may seem trivial, but it reminds us that even the most meticulous director can miss a detail. Beyond being evidence of the fallibility of Nolan, this tiny error points to the importance of attention to detail. In any story – be it a film or book – little things can go noticed and have a huge impact on how we perceive it.

Troy – A Misplaced Airplane

Troy, the 2004 historical epic film starring Brad Pitt, was a massive success, but not without its fair share of mistakes. One particular blooper that caught the attention of viewers was an airplane flying in the background during an outdoor scene. While some speculated it was a mistake, it was later revealed to be a photoshopped hoax as part of a contest. Nevertheless, there were other bloopers and inconsistencies in the film that eagle-eyed viewers could spot. Despite its flaws, Troy remains a beloved film for many, showcasing epic battles and an all-star cast.

Spider Man – Self-Repairing Lamp

Spider-Man, released in 2002, is considered a pioneer of the superhero movie genre. The film follows Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire, as he discovers his ability to shoot webs and becomes Spider-Man. In one scene, Parker accidentally breaks a lamp while experimenting with his web-shooting abilities in his room. However, a few moments later, the lamp appears to have magically repaired itself, with no visible signs of damage. This continuity error was likely missed during the editing process and has since been a topic of discussion among fans of the film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – When Ron Slipped for Real

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, there is a moment where Rupert Grint’s character, Ron, slips and falls down a staircase. The blooper was left in the final cut of the film, and it remains one of the most beloved moments of the movie. Despite the retakes and multiple shots of the scene, the mistake was not corrected in post-production, allowing the film’s genuine and candid aspect to shine. The Harry Potter movie franchise continued to be a worldwide success cherished by fans for its authenticity.

The Usual Suspects – Not The Same Plane

The Usual Suspects is a neo-noir mystery movie widely acclaimed for its all-star cast and gripping storyline. In one scene, the characters are preparing to rob a police car near the airport, and two different planes appear within a short period. The first scene features a 747 with four engines, while the next scene displays the back of a 767 with two engines. This inconsistency has been a topic of discussion among viewers, with many attempting to explain how such an error could occur in a high-budget production. The Usual Suspects sure is a classic film loved by many for its complex narrative and standout performances.

American Sniper – Bradley’s Baby Doll

The 2014 biographical war drama film, American Sniper, was praised by critics and audiences alike and received several nominations at the 87th Academy Awards, winning the Best Sound Editing award. However, the movie was not free of errors, and one scene, in particular, caught the attention of many viewers. In the scene, Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper) is holding a baby doll that appears limp and lifeless, instead of a real baby. This was a creative decision made by the director, Clint Eastwood, as working with real babies can be challenging. Nevertheless, the use of a doll in the scene has been criticized by some viewers for taking away from the realism of the movie.

Jurassic Park – Accidental Horror

The movie’s special effects are often cited as a milestone in the history of visual effects, but even the best technology can sometimes fail. In one of the most iconic scenes of the movie, where the T-Rex attacks the car with the kids inside, the animatronic malfunctioned, and its head went through the roof of the car instead of over it. But the filmmakers decided to leave the scene in the movie, and it turned out to be a beloved moment in the film. The blooper adds an element of realism to the scene, making it even more terrifying and memorable.

Lord of the Rings – Gandalf’s Watch

In Lord of the Rings, Gandalf’s watch is a minor mistake that is easy to miss. However, for keen-eyed viewers, the presence of a watch on his wrist during a battle scene can be quite amusing. It is an obvious anachronism in a world where technology and modern gadgets do not exist. While it’s unclear how the mistake made its way into the film, it’s possible that the prop department missed it during production or it could have been added in post-production. Nonetheless, the presence of Gandalf’s watch does not take away from the movie’s overall excellence, and the mistake has become a fun trivia fact for fans of the series.

Anchorman – Real-Life Meltdown

In Anchorman, Will Ferrell’s character Ron Burgundy accidentally reads a typo in the teleprompter during a live broadcast. He proceeds to have an epic on-air meltdown that results in one of the movie’s most memorable scenes. Interestingly, the mistake was not scripted and was instead a spontaneous ad-lib by Ferrell. The filmmakers decided to keep it in the final cut, and it has since become a defining moment of the film. It’s not uncommon for actors to make mistakes during filming, but few are as hilarious and well-received as this one. In the end, the mistake became a key part of the movie’s success, and fans continue to laugh at Burgundy’s meltdown.

The Curse of the Black Pearl – Cameraman In The Frame

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) features a brief moment where a camera can be seen in the background as the camera pans out from Captain Jack Sparrow’s cabin. A crew member is holding the camera, and it’s an accidental inclusion in the shot. It’s challenging to notice without taking a closer look, but for the keen-eyed viewer, the flaw is present in the final cut. This minor but noticeable detail is a common example of a movie error that made it past production scrutiny.

North by Northwest – The Silent Explosion

In North by Northwest (1959), there is an intense scene where a child actor blocks their ears in anticipation of gunfire. Despite a lack of actual gunshots, the actor reacts as though they have been fired. It’s an amusing error that most viewers will not notice, but it’s a continuity and direction mistake that reflects the slip-up at the production stage. Similar blunders in North by Northwest include cabin pressure mishaps and a few film-jumping moments as the heroic characters engage in one of the most exciting movie plots in history.

LOTR The Two Towers – The Plastic Bottle

The Two Towers, a sequel to the Lord of the Rings franchise (2002), is rife with incredible cinematic moments, and amongst all of them is a blooper moment that is easy to see. When the fellowship is crossing through the marshes en route to Mordor, a plastic water bottle is visible in the shot, lying on the ground in the background. With production costs for movies like these so high, one would assume that someone would notice the issue in post-production, but it eventually makes it into the final cut.

Commando – The Missing Door

The 1985 classic Commando features one of the most memorable scenes in movie history in which Arnold Schwarzenegger blasts his way through downtown LA while trying to save his kidnapped daughter. It is nevertheless surprising to see the production team’s omission of a door missing from one of the vehicles used in the chase scene. A quick edit of this essential detail would have undoubtedly made it a negligible issue, but in the final cut, the missing door is tough to ignore.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – The Puppeteer’s Hand

In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, there’s a scene where E.T. is escaping on a bicycle. During this sequence, a puppeteer’s hand can be seen moving E.T.’s head. This mistake was more noticeable in the original version of the film, but it was corrected in the 2002 re-release. Despite this small blunder, E.T. remains a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.

The Matrix – When Neo Didn’t Even Feel It

During a scene in The Matrix, Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) is fighting Agent Smith, and a piece of debris bounces off Neo’s back but doesn’t hit him. It’s a small mistake, but it’s noticeable and detracts from the realism of the action sequence. Despite this error, The Matrix is still regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking films of its time, revolutionizing the action and sci-fi genres and paving the way for many films that followed.

Back to the Future – Hitting the Wrong Chords

In Back to the Future, an iconic guitar scene features Marty, played by Michael J. Fox, playing Johnny B. Goode at the high school dance. However, those with a keen eye for music will notice that the chord Marty plays doesn’t match up with the beat. While it may not be the most significant error or mistake made during a film’s production, it’s still notable because it’s so visible. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent addition to the film’s rich history and continues to reign as an all-time fan favorite.

Ghostbusters – Crew Member in the Scene

In Ghostbusters, a crew member can be seen in the glass of a painting during the scene where the Ghostbusters are in the mayor’s office. It’s an easy-to-miss mistake in an otherwise solid film, but it’s these kinds of bloopers that keep fans on the lookout for errors. While the mistake can take away from the film’s authenticity, it also serves as a reminder of the human element involved in the art of filmmaking. Overall, the movie remains a standout cult classic embraced by fans worldwide.

Spider-Man – We See The Hero’s Harness

Spider-Man is one of the most beloved superhero movies of all time, with countless thrilling action scenes that have left audiences on the edge of their seats. However, one scene, in particular, has a slightly jarring error. During the scene where Spider-Man rescues Mary Jane from a group of thugs, a safety harness can be seen under the superhero’s suit. While it’s a subtle detail, it distracts from the illusion of the scene and reminds viewers that what they’re watching is a movie, complete with special effects and safety precautions.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – Crew Members On the Window

The much-beloved movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has captivated viewers for years with its fantastical setting, enchanting characters, and thrilling story. Yet, when watching certain scenes in the movie, a small mistake becomes apparent if you pay attention to the details. For instance, during the scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione fly in a car, if you look at the windows, you can catch a glimpse of a camera and crew filming. Despite this slip, the movie remains a timeless classic that will continue to entertain audiences, both young and old, for generations to come.

The Terminator – Fake Driving

In The Terminator, there is one scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is supposed to be driving a car. However, it’s painfully noticeable that the vehicle is being towed. This error was a result of the production team having to shoot the scene without permits while attempting to get an authentic look for the production. Though the mistake was caught post-production, the error managed to make it to the final cut of the movie.

Spider-Man: Homecoming – A Candid Mistake

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, we get a hilarious moment where Tom Holland’s Spider-Man runs straight into a tree branch, an obvious mistake made during the shoot that was eventually included in the final cut. While it’s likely a mistake that was meant to be edited out of the finished product, filmmakers decided to leave it in, giving the scene a comedic twist. With Holland bringing new life to the beloved superhero, it is a standout moment that the audience would appreciate.

Bridesmaids – When Melissa Accidentally Hits Her Own Face

In Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy’s character accidentally hits herself in the face with a frying pan during a street fight scene. Rather than breaking character, McCarthy stays in character and continues with the scene, making it even funnier. The mistake was likely a result of the chaotic nature of the scene, and it adds to the film’s overall humor. It is a testament to McCarthy’s comedic talent that she was able to make a mistake work in her favor.

Matrix Reloaded – Camera Rig Says Hello

In The Matrix Reloaded, a camera rig is visible in the reflection of one of the cars during a fight scene between Neo and the multiple Agent Smiths. The mistake is a classic case of a technical error that slipped past the filmmakers’ attention. Despite the production team’s best efforts, mistakes like this can happen, and it is up to the filmmakers to decide whether to leave them in or edit them out. In this case, the mistake has become a fun fact for fans of the movie, and it does not detract from the film’s overall quality.

Pulp Fiction – Sudden Makeover

In Pulp Fiction, Mia’s hair changes between shots during a scene where she is dancing with Vincent. The mistake is a continuity error that can be jarring for viewers who are paying close attention. Despite the mistake, the scene is still memorable and is considered one of the film’s highlights. Such errors are not uncommon in movies, as they involve a lot of intricate details that can be difficult to keep track of.

Jurassic Park – Stuntman’s Hand In Dino’s Mouth

One of the most well-known movie mistakes occurred in the iconic film Jurassic Park, during the scene where the T-Rex attacks the cars. In one shot, a stuntman’s arm can be seen inside the T-Rex’s mouth, a glaring continuity error that stands out to attentive viewers. Nevertheless, the film’s overall quality remains exceptional, and it remains one of the most beloved films in cinema history. Mistakes like this are a natural occurrence during the filmmaking process, and the production team does their best to avoid them. However, even with the best intentions, errors can happen, and in some cases, they can add a bit of humor to a scene.

The Empire Strikes Back – Lightsaber Took a Break

One of the most iconic scenes in The Empire Strikes Back features Darth Vader engaging in a lightsaber duel with Luke Skywalker. However, keen-eyed viewers may notice a mistake during the battle: Vader’s lightsaber blade momentarily disappears in one shot. This error is a continuity issue, which can disrupt the flow of the scene for those who catch it. Despite this mistake, the fight sequence is still widely regarded as one of the most thrilling moments in the Star Wars franchise. The intense back-and-forth between the two adversaries, combined with the reveal of Vader’s true identity, make it an unforgettable scene. While the lightsaber mistake may be a blemish on the film, it ultimately does not detract from its overall impact.

Raiders of the Lost Ark – A Fly Crawls into a Someone’s Mouth

Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, is undoubtedly a cinematic classic that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. The movie is not without its flaws, however, as evident in the scene where Indy is fighting a swordsman. During this iconic scene, a fly lands on the swordsman’s face and crawls into his mouth, despite it likely being an unplanned occurrence. While not intentional, the mistake makes the scene more memorable and adds to its chaotic and unpredictable nature. Though the fly’s appearance was a genuine mistake, it remains an excellent example of how errors can sometimes work out in a film’s favor.

Jurassic World – The Dinosaur Operator

In Jurassic World, there’s a scene where a dinosaur is attacking a control room. While the action is happening, eagle-eyed viewers noticed that a crew member’s hand can be seen operating the dinosaur’s tail. It’s a small but noticeable mistake that detracts from the otherwise thrilling scene. Despite this mistake, though, the film was still a huge box office success and received generally positive reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Die Hard 2 – Crew Member Reflected on the Window

Die Hard 2, starring Bruce Willis as the iconic John McClane, is an action-packed sequel that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. One scene, however, stands out for all the wrong reasons. In a fight scene between McClane and a terrorist, a crew member is reflected in a car window, taking away from the authenticity of the moment. While it’s a minor slip-up that is easy to miss, it’s still noticeable and can be distracting for some viewers.

The Patriot – Literally Ageless

The Patriot is a 2000 historical fiction war film that follows the story of Benjamin Martin, a former soldier who leads a militia against the British during the American Revolution. The movie spans several years, but none of the characters, including the children, seem to age. This mistake may seem like a minor detail, but it can impact the audience’s immersion in the story. Aging is an essential part of the human experience, and when movies fail to show it realistically, it can be jarring for viewers.

In conclusion, movie mistakes can happen to even the most high-budget productions. While they may seem like small errors, they can take you out of the story and ruin the immersion of the film. It’s important for filmmakers to pay attention to the details, no matter how small they may seem, to ensure that their films are the best they can be. And for movie lovers, these mistakes can add a bit of fun to the viewing experience as we hunt for them.