Making movies is hard business, and making good movies even more so. That’s why, when movies have mistakes, we are willing to overlook them in favor of a good story, no matter how fun they are to point out. Besides, these are errors that are incredibly difficult to catch on a first-time watch, unless you’re looking for them.
Of course, we point them out not because these movies need to be scolded, but rather the opposite: we celebrate movies, mistakes and all, since that’s what shows that they were made by real people. It was their passion that brought these stories to theatres, and we appreciate them for it.
Jurassic Park
During the T. rex attack, the paddock fence is shown as broken in one shot but intact in another shortly after. The inconsistency is noticeable on rewatch, but the scene’s tension and effects easily overshadow the continuity slip.
Aliens
When Ripley fires the flamethrower in the finale, the weapon’s fuel tank appears and disappears between cuts. The fast-paced editing masks the mistake, and most viewers remain focused on the confrontation with the Queen.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
During the mine cart chase, Indy’s shirt goes from soaked to dry between shots. The continuity error is easy to catch on repeat viewings, but the sequence’s speed and chaos make it largely irrelevant.
The Maltese Falcon
A boom microphone shadow briefly appears on a wall during an interior scene. It’s a classic early filmmaking slip that modern viewers might catch, though it doesn’t impact the film’s atmosphere.
Clueless
During a driving scene, the rear-view mirror disappears and reappears between shots. The continuity error is minor but noticeable, though it’s overshadowed by the film’s dialogue and pacing.
Blade Runner
When Deckard pours a drink, the liquid level in his glass changes between shots. The small continuity error is easy to miss, especially given the film’s strong visual atmosphere.
The Terminator
During the truck explosion, the windshield damage appears differently in consecutive shots. The inconsistency is noticeable on rewatch, but the action sequence’s pace makes it easy to ignore.
Braveheart
In a battle scene, a modern car can briefly be seen in the background. The anachronism is obvious once spotted, but the scale of the battle keeps viewers engaged.
The Matrix
In the doorknob reflection scene, the camera and crew are briefly visible. The reflective surface gives away the production setup, though it doesn’t detract from the film’s impact.
Pulp Fiction
Bullet holes are already visible in the wall before the gun is fired during the apartment scene. The continuity mistake is widely known but rarely affects how viewers experience the moment.
Spider-Man
In the famous upside-down kiss scene, Mary Jane’s wet hair changes position between shots. The continuity slip is subtle, and the moment’s impact keeps audiences from focusing on the mistake.
Titanic
As Rose prepares to jump, the sky behind her shows stars that don’t match the real 1912 night sky. The inaccuracy was later acknowledged and corrected in subsequent versions of the film.
Star Wars
In the Death Star escape sequence, a stormtrooper hits his head on a low doorway. The mistake was left in the film and has since become one of its most famous and beloved goofs.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
When Hermione punches Draco, his head position changes between shots, making the hit look inconsistent. The continuity slip is subtle but noticeable.
Back to the Future Part II
During the hoverboard chase, Marty’s hoverboard changes size between shots. The inconsistency is minor but visible once you know to look for it.
