The 63 Most Unforgettable Movie Mistakes, from ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Jackie Brown’ and ‘The Matrix’

“Home Alone” (1990) – Disappearing Tide Detergent

A children’s Christmas classic, “Home Alone” sees Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin attempt to fend for himself over the holidays when his family accidentally leaves him behind. As part of his routine, he heads to the supermarket himself to pick up groceries, only for the bags to break comically when he walks back home. A few of his purchases apparently got lost in the shuffle — one of the products he buys is a big orange tide laundry detergent case, which isn’t visible at all in the remnants of the groceries that fall on the sidewalk. —WC

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) — Visible Crew

One of the highlights of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” one of cinema’s most beloved cult films, is when Meat Loaf appears for a big show-stopping number, “Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul.” The song is so infectious and Mr. Loaf’s performance is so entertaining, you probably won’t pay attention to the background. But if you pay attention during his big entrance, as he rides his motorcycle down from the lab’s upper level about 44 minutes into the movie, you can spot visible crew members and set equipment just to the top right of the screen. —WC

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002) — Visible Cameraman

The castle of Hogwarts doesn’t have any electricity, but that didn’t stop a camera operator from making it inside. During a scene in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” where Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Draco (Tom Felton) duel, one of the camera operators on the film is visible in a crowd shot. He’s only visible for a second, but can be seen clearly on the left side of the screen. 

“The Graduate” (1967) — Wrong Way to Berkeley

One memorable scene from “The Graduate” follows Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin as he drives across the iconic Bay Bridge to visit his sweetheart Elaine (Katharine Ross) at Berkeley as Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” plays in the background. But as anyone who’s ever used the bridge knows, he’s going the wrong way; the shot sees him driving across the bridge’s top deck, where traffic moves west to San Francisco, as opposed to the lower deck, where traffic moves east to Oakland and Berkeley. —WC

“American Sniper” (2014) — Fake Baby

Clint Eastwood’s 2014 Best Picture contender features sweeping cinematography, sharp sound editing, and the worst fake baby in Academy history. In one notable scene, Bradley Cooper, playing a Navy SEAL and father to a newborn, cradles what is very clearly a chunk of plastic with surprising tenderness — even not-so-slyly puppeteering its fused-shut fists for added awkwardness. 

“Avengers: Endgame” (2019) — Doubling Ant-Man(s)

Phase III of the Marvel Cinematic Universe went out with a bang thanks to the triumphant, crossover-laden finale battle of “Avengers: Endgame.” Unfortunately, in all of the (understandable) excitement, directors Anthony and Joe Russo missed a staggering logic error.

With a gigantic Ant-Man smashing Thanos’ alien army in the background – and a regular sized Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) simultaneously attempting to hotwire a van amidst the action — this scene boasts as many Paul Rudds as the Netflix sci-fi series “Living With Yourself.” Sure, various fan theories have explained this away. But as first presented, the extra Scott certainly seems like a mistake.

“Bad Boys” (1983) — Visible Camera Operator

Sean Penn and Esai Morales play rivals in director Rick Rosenthal’s coming-of-age story set in a juvenile detention center. Hysterically, in a big fight scene between the two, a camera operator appears crouching behind them to get the shot. The crew member obviously doesn’t belong there, but the camera’s presence does add an almost WWE-like quality to the teens’ brawl. 

“Batman Returns” (1992) — Disappearing Eye Makeup

Taking up the mantle of Gotham’s Dark Knight, Michael Keaton sported a cowl and shadowy sockets for much of Tim Burton’s 1989 cultural phenomenon. Unfortunately, when it came time for Keaton’s Batman to meet Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman in “Batman Returns” sans disguise, the director inexplicably opted to remove Keaton’s makeup and create a jarring continuity error. For that reason (among others): Robert Pattinson wins the unofficial eyeliner-wearing Batman contest by a mile.

“Birdman” (2014) — Continuity Mistakes

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2014 Best Picture winner is best remembered for its impressive one-shot approach to tragic dramedy: blurring the lines between reality and fantasy with a haunting emphasis on existentialism and interiority. That ambitious conceit results in a slew of continuity errors that double as Easter eggs for diehard fans of the celebrated masterwork, starring Michael Keaton as a has-been A-lister shadowed by his former superhero self. New York City geography as rendered in the movies frequently requires audiences suspend their disbelief, but locations prove especially fluid for “Birdman.” Keep an eye on the street signs and you’ll experience frequent jumps of a dozen blocks or more. 

“Blade Runner 2049” (2017) — Fake Fight, Real Punch

Harrison Ford brings surprising realism to the sci-fi epic “Blade Runner 2049” when he accidentally punches co-star and fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling square in the jaw. Ford recapped the story for “The Graham Norton Show” in 2017, first joking that he “misread the script” before explaining that on-set strobe lights caused him to misjudge the fight choreography and strike his scene partner.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) — Alternate Timeline

Love it or hate it, “Bohemian Rhapsody” plays fast and loose with the facts surrounding the legendary rock band it spotlights. Not only does it peg song releases to the wrong Queen eras — for example: 1978’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” couldn’t have played during the group’s 1974 inaugural tour, as the film suggests — but the 2018 musical biopic also changes the progression of Freddie Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis as well as invents a storyline about his solo album. (Turns out: No one in Queen had a problem with it.)

“Bring It On” (2000) — Clovers Collide

Director Peyton Reed’s nearly flawless 2000 sports comedy hinges on a highly attended cheerleading competition, during which — spoiler warning — the East Compton Clovers triumph over the Rancho Carne Toros, putting their once undersung squad on the national map. If you look closely, however, you’ll notice two team members collide when one cheerleader takes a hard right instead of marching forward. They definitely should have lost some points for that one.

“Candyman” (2022) — Art Statement Typo

Nia DaCosta’s 2021 “Candyman” remake pruned back the gnarled subtext of Bernard Rose’s original to striking effect: delivering an impactful standalone film that also imbued its 1992 namesake with salient new meaning. Unfortunately, when it came time to do a simple recap of the first movie, the props department fumbled. Pause on the artist’s statement held by a young woman (Heidi Grace Engerman) in an early art gallery scene. It claims “Candyman” heroine Helen Lyle died not by lighting herself on fire (“self-immolation”) but by imitating herself (“self-emulation”).

“Cats” (2019) — Nonsensical Proportions

Where to begin with the intoxicating mistake that is Tom Hooper’s “Cats”? The nightmarish musical experience from 2019 boasts more mistakes than felines have lives, ranging from Judi Dench’s stray wedding ring on Old Deuteronomy’s scarily human paw to continuity errors that multiply like mice.

The most vexing error is an overarching one: The cats of “Cats” appear at bizarre sizes throughout the film and are rarely in proportion with their “real” CGI world. Think a dinner knife the size of a human spine or peas the size of eyeballs.

“Clueless” (1995) – Miraculously Minor Car Crash

When Cher finally gears up to get her driver’s license in Amy Heckerling’s 1995 teen comedy, the road test goes horribly. The “Clueless” heroine has her assessment stopped early after she crashes into a parked car, seemingly damaging her passenger-side mirror. If you watch the clip slowly, you can see the mirror fold into the car — it doesn’t come off — but then appear back in position with no damage a moment later.

“Django Unchained” (2012) — Hand Injury

Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” is a searing emotional epic that reaches its climax in a scene featuring Leonard DiCaprio as a cruel plantation owner threatening to murder an enslaved woman played by Kerry Washington.

DiCaprio famously injured himself while shooting the scene: slicing his hand open on a broken glass and then continuing on with his character’s heinous monologue anyway. There’s some debate whether DiCaprio, who hilariously described the ordeal as “fun,” actually smeared his real blood on Washington while filming. The actress hasn’t spoken about the experience publicly.

“Dr. No” (1962) — Screeching Tires, Gravel Road

Director Terence Young’s “Dr. No” is widely regarded among the best James Bond films ever made, and not just because it was the first. Still, a significant error can be found in the sound editing for one of Bond’s car chase scenes. On the way to Miss Taro’s house, Bond is pursued down a gravel road. The tense scene — which culminates in Bond’s pursuers succumbing to a fiery, cliff-side crash — is full of screeching tires. They add to the exhilirating effect, of course. But tires only make that noise on smooth surfaces, such as asphalt.

“Elf” (2003) — Jacket Buttoned to Coat

When Buddy (Will Ferrell) first arrives in New York City in “Elf,” his pointy-hatted head gets the classic city crowdshot treatment — his bright green costuming clashing against a sea of muted streetwear. But the North Pole native isn’t the only one who stands out. Look to his right, and you’ll see a man walking with his suit jacket buttoned to his outer trenchcoat. 

“Fast and Furious 6” (2013) — Disappearing Goatee

“Fast and Furious” movies aren’t exactly known for their realism: what with the franchise’s total disregard for traffic flow, vehicle regulations, and basic laws of physics. Still, with a megawatt star like Dwayne Johnson you’d think “Furious 6” could have paid more attention to consistent grooming. Luke Hobbs appears to mysteriously shave and re-grow a goatee in the span of a single chase scene toward the end of the film, which is — let’s be honest — pretty hot.

“Fight Club” (1999) — Disappearing Bench

Racing against the clock to stop a series of terror attacks, the Narrator of “Fight Club” attempts to break into a building by ramming a large metal bench into a glass door. Moments later, after it occurs to him that he can use the gun he’s holding to break the glass, he crouches into the shot-out panel and the bench has mysteriously disappeared from view.

“Final Destination 2” (2003) — Poorly Proportioned Dummy

This deeply funny “Final Destination 2” flub is easy to miss because it occurs in the middle of a jump scare. If you can keep your eyes on the screen, watch Tim when he gets crushed by a glass panel leaving the dentist’s office. It’s not only tremendously apparent that the “body” getting mangled is a prop dummy, but it’s also terribly constructed with arms dangling just above its knees.

“Frozen” (2013) — Elsa’s Physics-Defying Braid

Considering its earworm centerpiece, “Let It Go” may very well be the most rewatched musical number in Disney princess history. Too bad it includes a sneaky animation mistake. When Elsa begins her transformation by letting her icy blonde hair out of its regal up-do, the majestically quaffed braid inexplicably appears to phase through her arm. There’s been some debate whether this is a full-blown mistake, but it at least looks “off.”

“Gladiator” (2000) — Visible Stunt Equipment

Ridley Scott’s 2000 Best Picture winner is decidedly ambitious, bringing to life the ruthless world of the ancient Romans as anchored by an all-time great performance from Russell Crowe. (Crowe took home the Best Actor Oscar that year as well.)

It makes sense that the hugely involved “Gladiator” would have a handful of anachronistic moments, including a modern airplane flying overhead and visible crew members. But the most memorable mistake appears when modern stunt equipment can be seen in a toppled horse-drawn carriage.

“Gone with the Wind” (1939) — The Miracle of Light

Anachronistic mistakes have been largely excluded from this list, since catching an errant brand name or logo too often veers toward nit-picking. We’ll make an exception for “Gone with the Wind”: an expansive historical epic set against the American Civil War with a number of continuity mistakes but an especially striking factual error. In a street sequence in Atlanta, you can see lightbulbs in what should be gas fixtures. That part of the movie is set in 1861. Lightbulbs wouldn’t even be invented until 1879.

“Goodfellas” (1990) — Falling License Plate Cover

An infamous prop mishap from “Goodfellas” has been cut out of most streaming versions of the film. But if you’re catching the 1990 crime caper on cable, focus in on the parked cars on the left side of the street when Karen drives away from Jimmy frightened. The brown sedan in front of her blue car has a fake New York license plate taped over a second license plate. It falls off.

“Grease” (1978) — Missed Light Switch

When Frenchy (Didi Conn) stays late at the diner with waitress Vi (Joan Blondell), the two discuss the uncertain future of the legendary “beauty school dropout.” Before Frankie Avalon serenades the unlucky-in-academia teen, however, Vi wanders around cleaning up after patrons. With her hands full, she goes to turn off a light switch with her elbow — and misses. Regardless, the light turns off seconds later.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) — Flying Bike Seat

To bring the wizarding world to the big screen is no small feat. And for the most part, Chris Columbus’ franchise-establishing “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” casts a powerful, special-effects spell. Just don’t pay too much attention to the visible bicycle seats on Harry and his classmate’s broomsticks, appearing throughout the Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor.

“Hot Tub Time Machine” (2010) — Nonsense Drink Label

“It’s like the Russian Red Bull,” claims Rob Corddry’s character Lou in “Hot Tub Time Machine”: a goofy time travel comedy featuring a dangerously powerful energy drink that’s “got stuff in it that’s not even legal here.” Our heroes never do get to the bottom of what’s in “Chernobyl,” but Russians were quick to point out that the label of the can is nonsense only partially written in Cyrillic.

“Jackie Brown” (1997) — Rewinding to Fast-forward

When Ordell (Samuel L. Jackson) and Louise (Robert De Niro) are watching a girls-and-guns tape in the beginning of Tarantino’s beloved “Jackie Brown,” you’ll hear the suggestion to fast-forward it. Then, if you’re paying close enough attention, you’ll catch Ordell actually hitting rewind during a close-up on the remote — despite the video skipping ahead.

“Little Women” (2019) — Surprise Hydro Flask

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 “Little Women” adaptation is as fastidious as it is loving. That’s why it’s so funny to learn not one, but two modern-day water bottles appeared in the background of a pivotal scene. You can clock both a plastic water bottle and what looks like a Hydro Flask behind Laurie when the March sisters first come to his home.

“Notting Hill” (1999) — Changing Shirt Stain

The atrocious orange juice stain on Will’s blue button-up never entirely disappears in the “Notting Hill” scene to which it is pivotal. However, the abnormally impressive splash does change shape and severity with remarkable frequency in the flirty scene that follows. The color is especially notable, getting lighter and then darker despite the lighting remaining the same.

“Never Been Kissed” (1999) — Wrong Value for Pi

“Never Been Kissed,” the underrated 1999 rom-com directed by Raja Gosnell and starring Drew Barrymore, includes a scene where protagonist Josie joins a math club known as “The Denominators.” In the sequence that follows, there’s a bakesale sign featuring the incorrect digits for Pi. It should be noted that some argue the mistake is an intentional joke, but the context leaves room for debate. (The real value of Pi is ~3.1415926535…)

“Nightcrawler” (2014) — Creeping Crew Member

In the scariest scene from Dan Gilroy’s “Nightcrawler,” Lou Bloom wanders onto the scene of a multiple homicide that’s still in progress. We watch in horror as the ruthless stringer documents the carnage without calling the police. The dramatic question — will he get caught — is complicated by this exquisite mistake: Watch behind Lou after he takes footage of the shotgun on the front steps. You can see a crew member hiding in the shadows, who quickly ducks behind a wall.

“North by Northwest” (1959) — Kid Extra Covers His Ears

Being a kid in Hollywood is tough no matter the era. Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary “North by Northwest” culminates with a tense scene between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint during which a gun is fired. Watch the rest of the patrons in the Mt. Rushmore visitors center cafe closely, and you’ll see a young extra covers his ears a full five seconds before the weapon goes off.

“Oppenheimer” (2023) — 50 State Flag

Christopher Nolan’s soul-shaking J. Robert Oppenheimer biopic is undoubtedly inspired and an overall triumph for the filmmaker and star Cillian Murphy. But it is a historical epic and, for that reason, we’re going to nitpick on anachronisms. Although the ’40s-set film includes American flags with 50 stars, neither Alaska nor Hawaii would join the United States until 1959. 

“Pitch Perfect” (2012) — Aubrey’s Changing Hair

Everyone loves a costume change, but Aubrey’s hairstyle practically gets its own choreography in the final competition sequence from “Pitch Perfect.” At the start of the Barden Bellas’ performance, Anna Camp’s character has a tight bun — reflective of her uptight persona — that she lets down in a big reveal at the end of the song. Along the way, however, she sports an inexplicable half-ponytail in a handful of shots that soon snaps back into the sculptured updo.

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987) — Person Walking Backwards

When used well, manipulated footage can help create the illusion of events the cinematographer couldn’t capture on film. Toward the end of “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” there is a clip of a slowly departing train that’s reversed and sped up to make it appear as though the train is arriving. Beneath the platform, however, you can see a passerby walking backwards as a result.

“Pretty Woman” (1990) — Croissant/Pancake Swap

The morning after meeting the “Pretty Woman” of the title, Edward Lewis (Richard Greer) orders a mouthwatering breakfast buffet to his hotel room. Pay attention to what Julia Roberts is eating between the lines “I only got through 11th grade” and “Your folks must be pretty proud, huh?” She speedily switches from eating a croissant to a pancake. It’s not that fans take issue with the carb-heavy combo. (That sounds delightful!) It just doesn’t seem like something Vivian would actually do.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994) — Miraculous Bullet Holes

The philosophy of “Pulp Fiction” is conveyed primarily through hitman Jules’ (Samuel L. Jackson) intensely spiritual reaction to a brush with death. So it’s no wonder that fans drove themselves nuts trying to figure out why there were errant bullet holes visible in the wall behind Jules and Vincent (John Travolta) before they were shot at by “the fourth man” hiding in the bathroom. Tarantino has never commented on the apparent error.

“Quantum of Solace” (2008) — Extra Sweeping the Air

There’s plenty that’s disappointing about Daniel Craig’s second outing as James Bond, but as far as phoning it in is concerned: No one beats the extra who can be seen awkwardly sweeping away air in the background of a scene featuring Bond on a motorcycle at a shipping bay. The broom doesn’t touch the ground at all.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) — Disappearing Fly

Paul Freeman swears he didn’t eat that fly. And yet, for “Raiders of the Lost Ark” diehards, there will always be a tiny part of us that feels like he did. Watch René Belloq’s mouth when he’s negotiating with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford, obviously) in the standoff with that grenade launcher. A fly can be seen buzzing from Freeman’s eyebrow to his chin to his lip to…nowhere.

“Scream” (1996) — Crew Member in the Closet

An unclaimed pair of human hands double as both a movie mistake and phenomenal red herring in the final act of Wes Craven’s innaugural “Scream.” In the wake of Sidney Prescott unraveling the horror comedy’s main mystery — and killing [SPOILER ALERT] both Ghostfaces — her father Neil Prescott bursts out from a closet. You can clearly see a crew member’s hands flinging extra objects into the hallway to make his entrance more dramatic.

“Sixteen Candles” (1984) — Grandma Crouches Behind the Car

In this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it mistake, the late Billie Bird follows some truly silly blocking advice as Grandma Dorothy on her way to a wedding. Watch the scene of the Baker family pulling out of the driveway and you’ll see Grandma Dorothy crouch behind — but not actually enter — a sedan packed with other relatives dressed in their Sunday best. Guess she isn’t going?

“Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” (1977) — Clumsy Stormtrooper

Sci-fi fans’ first trip to a galaxy far, far away wouldn’t be the same without that one clumsy stormtrooper. Whether you’re watching “A New Hope” for the umpteenth time or catching up on the legendary franchise, take some time to really appreciate seeing — and hearing — an Imperial warrior from the Dark Side smack his helmet straight into a spaceship doorframe. Multiple actors have been credited with the hilarious mishap over the years, but the legend’s true identity remains a cosmic mystery.

“Taxi Driver” (1976) — Visible Bald Cap

Most “Taxi Driver” audiences never would have known Robert De Niro wore a bald cap for the legendary Martin Scorsese film. Unfortunately, a last act snag of latex skin sees Travis Bickle grabbing at his neck and creating a bizarre wrinkle that reveals the otherwise impeccable makeup job amid the climactic shootout with Harvey Keitel’s character.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1990) — Human Actor Visible in Turtle Suit

Jim Henson’s creature costumes in the 1990 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie are generally dazzling and some of the artist’s last film work before his untimely death at 53. The cult favorite features a number of errors, however, mostly involving visible puppeteers. The scariest of the bunch involves an actor’s glinting teeth and eyes appearing from within the mouth of Donatello.

“The Cabin in the Woods” (2011) — Teleporting Towel

Marty Mikalski — stoner icon and “The Cabin in the Woods” deuteragonist — lets his personality quirks spice up countless scenes from Drew Goddard’s brilliant scary movie send-up. But watch carefully in the scene and you’ll notice something extra strange. After Curt pushes Jules into the water, Marty is wearing a blue-green towel around his neck. When Curt jumps in after her, the towel inexplicably appears by Marty’s feet on the dock.

“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) — Newspaper Typo

Researching Selina Kyle, Bruce and Alfred stumble onto a typo/accidental pun in “The Dark Knight Rises.” An old newspaper headline reads: “Police Suspect ‘Cat’ Burglar in Jewelry Hiest.” Of course, it should read “Jewel Heist,” but let’s just pretend the copy editor was aiming for a cat hissing pun and missed.

“The Goonies” (1985)

Ever wondered what supposed octopus Ke Huy Quan’s Data was babbling about at the end of “The Goonies”? The unexplained line — “The octopus was really scary!” — is delivered to a reporter, and references a deleted scene from the film that was added back in for Disney’s televised cut. You can see the sequence as a clip on YouTube or in extended versions of the film. It was reportedly cut for its lackluster special effects. There’s a campy quality to the practically rendered, bacon-colored squid thing, but…it’s not great. Star Sean Astin said as much to Insider in 2017.

“The Hateful Eight” (2015) — Destroyed Guitar 

Jennifer Jason Leigh described herself as “heartbroken” upon realizing a one-of-a-kind guitar had been destroyed while filming a scene for “The Hateful Eight.” In Quentin Tarantino’s dark Western, Kurt Russell yanks a 150-year-old Martin guitar — on loan from the company museum — out of Leigh’s hands and smashes it against a pole. The guitar was supposed to be swapped out for a fake one before the smashing scene, but the real destruction and Leigh’s actual reaction made the final cut.

“The Hunger Games” Franchise — Amateur Archery Technique

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence deserves serious props for the myriad skills she picked up anchoring the four-film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ YA book series. (She even agreed to sing for the movies: something so terrifying to the actress she later told reporters one such scene made her cry on set.) Still, archery pros have some notes about Katniss’ bow-handling technique.

“It’s hard to tell from the short clips, but the bottom line is there is too much movement,” explained archery teacher Van Webster to Vanity Fair in 2012. “There are people that can shoot that well, but not with the kind of movement portrayed in the film. All of that is computer-generated. We had the same problem in ‘Avatar.'” Others have pointed out Lawrence’s pointer grip as having too much of a hook: a small detail that would significantly impact her character’s aim and accuracy. 

“The Last Samurai” (2003) — Extra Kicked by a Horse

You just gotta hold it together for Tom Cruise. In Edward Zwick’s historical drama “The Last Samurai,” Captain Nathan Algren dismounts a horse in front of his troops — and one warrior swiftly gets kicked in the nethers. It must be said: The extra takes it like an absolute champion and doesn’t miss a beat getting back in formation.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989) — Changing Cloches

It’s common for backgrounds in animated films to appear more detailed than the moving elements that animators puppeteer in the foreground. In “The Little Mermaid,” that creates a continuity error during Ariel’s first dinner at Eric’s seaside castle. The handles of the meal covers, also known as cloches, change depending on whether or not a character is interacting with them.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001) — Car in the Shire

A motorized vehicle would have made the first “The Lord of the Rings” considerably faster, and thanks to this hilarious mistake, that technology was seemingly available in-universe. When Sam (Sean Astin) and Frodo (Elijah Wood) walk across a field with a scarecrow, you can see a car driving in the background.

“The Martian” (2015) — Scientist Slips in His Office

Although his part is somewhat limited, Donald Glover shines as astrodynamicist Rich Purnell in Ridley Scott’s “The Martian.” In the scene that introduces his character, Purnell rushes around his office and slips in a comedic beat that seems intentional but wasn’t actually planned. Glover said in a 2015 “Conan” interview: “When you see me in the movie and I eat it, that’s really eating it.”

“The Matrix” (1999) — Sunglasses Reflecting the Crew

It’s most noticable during the sunny rooftop fight toward the end of “The Matrix,” but you can spot crew members and cameras in the sunglasses of Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus throughout the Wachowskis’ 1999 sci-fi triumph. Over the years, fans of the meta masterpiece have argued the production Easter eggs are intentional, but the filmmakers haven’t officially set the record straight. 

“The Princess Diaries” (2001) — Princess Slips on the Stairs

In the late Garry Marshall’s “The Princess Diaries,” eventual Oscar winner Anne Hathaway suffers for her art and brings even more adolescent charm to heroine Mia Thermopolis when she accidentally falls on wet bleachers. Despite the very real slip, Hathaway and co-star Heather Matarazzo powered through the scene and the fall made it into the movie.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) — Janet Steps on Brad’s Foot

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” boasts tons of fun mistakes, meticulously pointed out by the horror musical’s decades of theater-going fans. (You can spot crew members in the lab and it’s got continuity mistakes galore!) The best by far occurs after “Rose Tiny My World,” during the final face-off between Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, and Riff Raff. As Brad and Janet back away from the tense situation, you can see actor Barry Bostwick in serious pain when co-star Susan Sarandon accidentally stepped on his foot.

“The Shining” (1980) — Helicopter Shadow

The majestic eeriness of Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant opening to “The Shining” is tarnished by just one flaw: The helicopter tracking the Torrance family’s car casts a shadow on a rock face in the bottom right of the screen. Most streaming versions of “The Shining” have cut out the mistake — and it never did appear with the aspect ratio used in theaters — but camera operator Jeff Blyth did say he was “personally horrified to see the shadows on the first video release.”

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) — Wicked Witch’s Trap Door

The visible trap door that swallows up the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz” may not be convincingly fantastical, but there’s something to be said for enjoying the error as a piece of movie magic. The panel that actor Margaret Hamilton descends into behind a puff of red smoke begins opening well before the witch casts her teleportation spell.

“Titanic” (1997) — Flustered Line Flub

Here’s an adorable bit of behind-the-scenes trivia: Jack was initially supposed to instruct Rose to simply “lie on that couch” in the super romantic scene where the young artist paints the beautiful heiress. But actor Leonardo DiCaprio became so flustered in one take that he accidentally said, “Over on the bed… the couch!” Director James Cameron enjoyed the genuine moment so much that it made the final cut.

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018) — Inside Out Sweater

The fashion industry’s ongoing fascination with “deconstructed” clothing could be to blame for Lana Condor’s wardrobe continuity error in Netflix’s 2018 rom-com. Enjoying dinner with lovable dad Daniel Covey (John Corbett), protagonist Lara Jean seems to repeatedly flip her sweater inside-out over the course of the meal. It’s worth noting that what’s seemingly a mistake could be the result of the same right side-out sweater appearing from different angles. Still, it’s clock-ably funky either way.

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) — Candy Counter Chin Collision

Midway through his iconic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” number, the late Aubrey Woods invites a hoard of kid candy patrons to explore his character’s rainbow stocked shelves. Lifting the heavy wooden bar gate to welcome them behind the counter, however, the melodious candyman accidentally smacks a little girl in the chin. She recovers fairly quickly and still receives a better fate than four out of five Golden Ticket winners.