Movies are known for their immersive storytelling and attention to detail, transporting viewers to different worlds and times. However, even the most skilled filmmakers can let slip some mistakes, often unnoticed by the general audience but highly noticeable upon closer inspection. These errors, ranging from historical inaccuracies to small continuity glitches, show that no production is perfect. Let’s explore some of the most notable movie mistakes that somehow managed to find their way onto the big screen, despite meticulous editing and production efforts.
First on the list is The Spanish Princess (2019-2020), which recounts the life of Catherine of Aragon. While the show has been praised for its narrative, one glaring issue stood out for historical enthusiasts: the armor Catherine dons in one scene was completely inaccurate for the time period. Armor, especially during the Tudor era, had very specific designs, and this particular piece seemed out of place, raising eyebrows among history buffs. This kind of error makes one wonder how much creative liberty productions take with historical representation.
Next, we move to House of Gucci (2021), where the mistake lies in something as minute as lipstick. In one scene, Lady Gaga’s character is seen switching between two different lipstick shades within moments, which disrupts the continuity of the scene. Though minor, such errors are often spotted by eagle-eyed viewers, especially in a high-budget movie like this, where the tiniest detail matters to maintaining the film’s immersive feel.
War & Peace (2016) is another historical drama that fell victim to a similar issue. The dress worn by the female protagonist was strikingly anachronistic. Costumes in period dramas are crucial for authenticity, and while the production excelled in many areas, this particular choice in attire for a scene was jarring. Wearing a gown that didn’t align with the early 19th century showed that even in an otherwise well-executed series, small slip-ups can break the immersion for some viewers.
A different sort of error occurred in Cruella (2021). As the story is set in the UK, where cars are driven on the left side of the road, this mistake is pretty noticeable to anyone familiar with driving laws. In one scene, the driver is shown seated on the left side, which is typical for American vehicles but not for British ones. Given the meticulous nature of this film, this oversight sparked conversation among fans of the film who know how important such details are, especially for a movie rooted in British culture.
Then, in the beloved fantasy film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), there is a continuity mistake involving Frodo and Sam. The scene where both characters fall asleep while on their journey to Mordor reveals an inconsistency in their positions when they wake up. While it doesn’t take away from the grandeur of the film, such a visible shift in their sleeping posture pulls more attentive viewers out of the experience, showing that even classics can have their imperfections.
In the quirky show New Girl (2011-2018), viewers noticed a strange disappearance. During one episode, Zooey Deschanel’s character starts with brightly painted nails, but in the very next scene, her nail polish is mysteriously missing. It’s a small detail, but for a show built around quirky and eccentric humor, these inconsistencies can catch the eyes of diehard fans who are used to the details of the character’s appearance.
A surprising slip-up can be seen in Gladiator (2000), one of the most iconic historical epics ever made. Amidst the intense battle sequences and captivating performances, a modern-day crew member accidentally made his way into a shot, wearing jeans and a T-shirt no less. In a film set during the Roman Empire, such an oversight is hard to ignore, especially for those who replay the scene and catch the odd sight of a contemporary man in the background.
Meanwhile, in Pirates of the Caribbean (2003-2017), a mistake involving fruit snuck past the eyes of the filmmakers. In one of the films, Jack Sparrow is seen holding a bowl of fruits, including certain types that weren’t available in the Caribbean during the time period the movie is set. Historical accuracy is often relaxed for the sake of visual appeal, but this mistake was picked up by sharp-eyed viewers familiar with botany and history.
A famous error appears in The Matrix (1999), where a doorknob reflection captured a crew member holding a camera. For a film that was groundbreaking in terms of visual effects and storytelling, this small reflection error is an amusing reminder that even tech-heavy movies are prone to small slip-ups that reveal the very human nature of filmmaking.
One of the most popular films ever made, Titanic (1997), also has its fair share of mistakes. In one scene, Jack’s suspenders keep appearing and disappearing, depending on the camera angle. Continuity issues like these are always entertaining for movie buffs, especially when spotted in such a big-budget blockbuster. While it certainly didn’t detract from the love story or the grandeur of the sinking ship, it’s a fun detail to point out when rewatching.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018), yet another period drama, featured a costume blunder that left historians shaking their heads. The character, played by Margot Robbie, was seen wearing asymmetric earrings, which is not at all in line with the fashion norms of the time. While this might seem trivial to a casual viewer, it’s the kind of thing that can feel jarring to those who have a deep understanding of the era’s clothing styles.
An iconic moment in The Godfather (1972) involves a cat on Don Corleone’s lap. What many might not realize is that the presence of the cat wasn’t planned. It just wandered onto the set and made its way onto Marlon Brando’s lap during the filming. This unscripted moment became iconic but is, in itself, a fascinating behind-the-scenes mistake that somehow added to the scene’s charm and character.
Finally, Legends of the Fall (1994) gives us one more anachronism. Brad Pitt’s character appears with a hairstyle that simply doesn’t match the time period in which the movie is set. Though Pitt’s look in the film became iconic, the historically inaccurate appearance still made it stand out to those familiar with the era’s fashion standards.
These are just a few examples of how even the most well-regarded films and series are not immune to mistakes. Whether due to time constraints, sheer oversight, or decisions made in post-production, these errors serve as a reminder that perfection in filmmaking is often elusive. For viewers who enjoy hunting down these small slip-ups, they add an extra layer of fun to the movie-watching experience.