21 Infamous Mistakes in Famous Films

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Movies are a complicated art form. Meticulously crafted by directors, writers, actors, and crew members for months and, sometimes, years to get a film from scrip-to-screen. However, despite their best efforts, mistakes sometimes slip through the cracks, creating unintentional goofs and bloopers that become infamous among eagle-eyed audience members. These mistakes, whether continuity errors, historical inaccuracies, or simple goofs, have a unique charm that adds a certain texture to the film. When you’re watching a film, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that it’s the work of hundreds of hours of human labor. These mistakes help endear us to the films while humbling us to the fact that people ultimately made them. 

Today, we’ll delve into 21 of the most famous movie mistakes. These mistakes are so iconic that they become just as legendary as the films they’re in. Without further ado, let’s get started.  

1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): Stormtrooper Hits His Head 

A film that launched a franchise, this rollicking sci-fi odyssey is heralded as one of the greatest blockbusters ever made. Despite its status in the more significant history of cinema, there’s still room for human error in this iconic film. In one scene aboard the Death Star, a clumsy stormtrooper bangs his head on a doorframe, stopping for a second to recoup. This mistake was so noticeable that it became a beloved Easter egg for fans, giving the fans another reason to rewatch A New Hope.

2. Gladiator (2000): Gas Canister in a Chariot

Ridley Scott is notorious for making movies very quickly. In working this way, you’re bound to make some mistakes, and Gladiator is no exception. During the thrilling chariot scene towards the film’s climax, a gas canister is briefly visible underneath one of the chariots. Given that the gas-powered motor wasn’t invented until 1861, the cylinder is an apparent anachronism in ancient Rome.

3. Jurassic Park (1993): Disappearing Wounds

A true test of a masterful film is whether or not the audience notices egregious continuity mistakes during the climax of your film. Jurassic Park, directed by the great Steven Spielberg, passes that test with flying colors. In the climactic kitchen scene, wounds mysteriously disappear from the velociraptor’s body between shots, showcasing a continuity error that would deflate this tense showdown in a lesser film. Fortunately for us, Jurassic Park is one of the greatest films ever made.

4. Braveheart (1995): Modern-Day Vehicle

In the epic battle scene that concludes Mel Gibson’s classical war opus, Braveheart, a white vehicle is parked in the background—a shocking and jarring anachronism in what is supposed to be medieval Scotland.

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5. Titanic (1997): Mysteriously Switching Hairstyles

James Cameron is a director notorious for completely controlling his grand, epic visions. Titanic is no exception to this, with this sweeping disaster romance going on to be the highest-grossing film ever made at the time of its release. However, Cameron’s control can only go so far. In Titanic, the viewer can see Rose’s hairstyle magically change from a bun to loose hair and back again during a pivotal scene. This is a huge mistake that’s hard to unsee once noticed.

6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Transparent Glass

Another mistake from our pal Steven Spielberg comes during the first film in the Indiana Jones franchise. During the famous truck chase scene, the glass window of the truck inexplicably disappears, revealing it’s made of plexiglass. Removed to promote crew safety, this mistake endears the audience to the film more. 

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002): Running Out of Arrows

In the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Legolas miraculously manages to shoot more arrows than his quiver can possibly hold. This hilarious and charming little mistake takes the audience out of one of the most intense scenes in cinema history.

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8. Gladiator (2000): A Gas Cylinder

Another error from Gladiator involves a gas cylinder visible behind Maximus’ chariot during a gladiatorial fight. It’s incredible how many modern gadgets have found their way into ancient Rome!

9. North by Northwest (1959): Moving Handbag

Even Alfred Hitchcock, the master of cinema, is prone to mistakes! In her introductory train scene, Eva Marie Saint’s character sets her handbag down, but it magically moves to another location in the next shot. It’s not a major error, but interesting, nonetheless.

10. The Terminator (1984): Sarah Connor’s Vanishing Cigarette 

Another one from James Cameron, this mistake involves protagonist Sarah Connor’s cigarette mysteriously disappearing and reappearing during a tense scene. However, this minor mistake doesn’t detract from the film’s intensity.

11. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002): Visible Muggle Extras

Even the Harry Potter franchise can have moments where the magic slips. In a scene set in Diagon Alley, modern-day Muggle extras can be seen walking in the background. 

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12. Back to the Future Part III (1990): Double Moon

During the first nighttime scene after Marty arrives in the Old West, two moons are visible in the sky. While this is a significant scientific inaccuracy that’s easily missed but nonetheless amusing for fans of this franchise.

13. Gladiator (2000): Gas Canister, Again

Gladiator strikes again! Yet another gas canister appears. This time during the iconic ” Are you not entertained?” scene. We need to remove these modern inventions from the Roman Colosseum.

14. The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Magical Beer

In a scene where Andy Dufresne confronts the corrupt warden, the latter’s beer mug magically refills between shots. Though this may make you chuckle, it’s a relatively subtle mistake in an otherwise emotionally charged moment.

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15. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Teleporting Lightsaber

The Star Wars franchise racks up another entry on this list, this time for the film that many consider the best of the series. During the final lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, Luke’s lightsaber mysteriously changes hands between shots. It seems like a pretty big oversight! 

16. Gladiator (2000): A Man in Jeans

Gladiator’s back again! In the arena scenes, a spectator wearing jeans and a t-shirt can be spotted in the crowd. When will it end with this film? 

17. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): Falling Elf

During the Council of Elrond scene, a clumsy elf can be seen tripping and falling in the background. Watch for this funny mistake the next time you watch this fantastic fantasy epic! 

18. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989): Headgear Mishap

Indie’s back on the list! This time, during the motorcycle chase scene, Indiana Jones’ hat magically reappears on his head after he loses it. On top of being an excellent adventurer, it seems like Indie has magic powers, too! 

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19. Gladiator (2000): An Airplane

When will the mistakes ever stop with this film? This time, an airplane flies over all of ancient Rome. Embarrassing.

20. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): Falling Pirate

During a sword fight on the ship’s deck, a pirate falls from the mast and lands on the deck twice—poor guy.

21. Jaws (1975): Vanishing Suntan

In the iconic scene where Brody is chumming the water, his suntan mysteriously disappears between shots. This mistake can be chalked up to this iconic film’s intense and lengthy shooting schedule.

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