Alright, this isn’t another article about celeb dating or style tips, rather we have a list of iconic movie moments stars improvised! Many of your favorite movie moments were actually never written in the original scripts! Many lines on our list may take you by surprise…
The Fugitive
Some of the best scenes have come from times when actors completely forgot their script. First, we’re starting with The Fugitive starring both Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Think back to when Ford’s character was running from the authorities like Jones’ character, since he was being pursued for a murder he didn’t commit. At a tense moment, Ford screams out that he never murdered his wife. To that Tommy Lee Jones butchered his line and responded, “That isn’t my problem,” instead of, “I don’t care.”
The Fugitive
Midnight Cowboy
Perhaps, this flawless line slipped right past you during Midnight Cowboy, but sure enough it was actually unscripted. During the shoot, a taxi driver didn’t realize it was a live set and missed the signs warning about the shoot. Next thing they knew, both Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight almost got hit by the taxi! That’s the reason Dustin Hoffman shouted out, “I’m walking here!” The more you know…
Midnight Cowboy
Ghost
Of course, we all remember Academy Awarding Whoopi Goldberg for her role that won her the acclaimed award in Ghost. Goldberg played the psychic that Molly (Demi Moore) used to contact Sam (Patrick Swayze). However, it was all Whoopi when she added in some urgency about Sam’s killer being at large. Going off the cuff, she added in, “Molly, you in trouble, girl!”
Ghost
A Few Good Men
Sure, more than one moment stand out from the incredible film, A Few Good Men. I mean, the film had a whole cast of stars from Demi Moore to Tom Cruise and Kevin Bacon and the legendary Jack Nicholson. Anyway, we have to bring your attention to one particular line from Colonel Nathan R. Jessup (Jack Nicholson). This actor invented his response to the court order of telling the truth with the oh-so famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!”
A Few Good Men
When Harry Met Sally
As far as romcoms go, Rob Reiner made a cult classic with When Harry Met Sally, no question about it. In one scene, Harry (Billy Crystal) tells Sally (Meg Ryan) the following, “I would be proud to partake of your pecan pie.” Turns out that line was not part of Nora Ephron’s original script. However, Meg Ryan cracked up and actually, director Reiner love the improvisation too.
When Harry Met Sally
The Dark Knight
The late and amazing actor Heath Ledger practiced method acting for preparation to play the Joker in The Dark Knight. Now, this one is a bit different than our others. Ledger didn’t exactly improvise a line, it was more of a moment. It came when he heard about Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) getting promoted. At that moment, Ledger began a slow and sarcastic clap all on his own accord! Wow, what a legend!
The Dark Knight
Deliverance
Wow, nothing is quite as chilling as watching Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox play characters who get attacked by violent hillbillies in the deep woods of Georgia. Wow, remember back when Burt Reynolds and Sally Fields were dating? Okay back to Deliverance. Of course, the most intense scene is right when the four of them get surrounded by the wild and aggressive hicks. Just then, one yelled out, “Squeal like a pig,” and Bobby (Ned Beatty) in fact obeys. There’s much argument surrounding who came up with this line, but anyway, it became iconic.
Deliverance
Good Will Hunting
Ah, Matt Damon and the beloved Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting, such a classic! Matt played the janitor Will who turns out to be a genius. Damon and Williams’ characters become so close that Damon goes to him for everything, even dating issues. Anyway, just around the end of the movie, Robin Williams reads out a letter that Damon’s character wrote to him. In it, it reads, “I had to go see about a girl.” Then, Williams himself improvised his witty retort, “Son of a b*tch! He stole my line!” RIP, what a legend!
Good Will Hunting
Being John Malkovich
Yes, Being John Malkovich is a very off-beat film, so it’s not surprising that a really random occurrence made it into the final cut. During one scene, an inebriated extra chucked a can directly at John Malkovich’s head and even screamed, “Hey, Malkovich! Think fast!” Watching how the entire thing went down, the director really liked the way this chance encounter turned out and kept it.
Being John Malkovich
The Usual Suspects
Now, some directors do allow their actors to freely improvise, but others like Brian Singer like to stick to the script. Thus, while he directed The Usual Suspects it was rare he let the actors go off-script. However, there is one iconic scene in which Singer allowed them complete freedom. Think back to the line up scene…it was totally improvised. So yes, even the part where someone farted and then the officer told Del Toro, “in English please.” Amazing.
The Usual Suspects
Goodfellas
Honestly, besides The Godfather trilogy what could be a more classic gangster film than Goodfellas? Also think back to the cast…there was Lorraine Bracco, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and of course, Joe Pesci. Perhaps, the best improvisation came from Pesci in the role of Tommy. During this moment we’re speaking of, Tommy was infuriated that he got called a ‘funny guy.’ Then, Joe Pesci invented his famous line, “Do I amuse you?” Whoa!
Goodfellas
The Silence of the Lambs
Naturally, when you think of Anthony Hopkins, it’s hard not to picture him as Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs. Hey, it wasn’t just his superb acting that made it such a chilling performance. You probably never realized, but much of his character’s ticks were invented by the actor himself. Of course, we have to point out that moment when he tells Jodie Foster’s character about eating human liver with, ‘fava beans and a nice Chianti.’ While they rehearsed that scene, Anthony Hopkins came up with that frightening hiss. Now, it’s inseparable from his character.
The Silence Of The Lambs
Taxi Driver
Now, this is definitely the line everyone thinks of when they recall Martin Scorsese’s hit film, Taxi Driver. Yes, we’re talking about when Robert De Niro’s character asks, “You talkin’ to me?” That line was not in the script at all. In fact, the script only instructed De Niro to look in the mirror basically. The script read, “Bickle speaks to himself in the mirror.” However, Martin Scorsese let his actor take the reins.
Taxi Driver
The Warriors
Naturally, watching David Patrick Kelly play Luther was one of the highlights of The Warriors. Anyone thinking of the line, “Warriors, come out to play!” you’re exactly correct. Never part of the script. Kelly not only invented that line but repeated it again when he decided to claw three bottles in his hand. Clearly, the director had to keep that in the final cut!
The Warriors
Apocalypse Now
Although Marlon Brando proved himself as one of the greatest actors ever, he was apparently a bit hard to work with on set. Thus, we have one of our more extreme examples of going off-script. Also, Brando famously used method acting and even adopted character quirks in his real life. While acting as Colonel Kurtz for Apocalypse Now, Brando simply refused to learn his character’s lines. Actually, he even jokingly put his script on his head as a paper hat. So by the end of the film, he had improvised close to 18 minutes of Colonel Kurtz’ dialogue.
Apocalypse Now
Blade Runner
Harrison Ford makes our list again for starring in this film, but actually the other star, Rutger Hauer is responsible for this moment. Anyway, this moment happened during the very final scene of Blade Runner. First, Rutger Hauer did not stray from the original script, but then he chose to deviate. Soon, his speech became the now famous ‘tears of rain’ speech, which was totally improvised. Amazing!
Blade Runner
Jaws
There’s really so much to applaud in Steven Spielberg’s critically-acclaimed film, Jaws. However, we aren’t here to celebrate the beautifully composed musical score from John Williams. Let’s focus in on Roy Scheider who played Chief Martin Brody. Scheider improvised the ominous line he tells the Orca crew, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” All Scheider and totally chilling.
Jaws
Raiders Of The Lost Ark
No, we aren’t bringing up Harrison Ford again to chat about how he began dating Calista Flockhart and how happily married the two are now. (Even though we love them together!) Anyway, let’s talk about that epic face-off with the swordsman in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The original script called for some very complex and intense fight choreography. Unfortunately, Ford was sick with a stomach bug only days before they were to shoot the scene. He had to ask Spielberg to tone it down, thus, came that singular shot. Now, everyone celebrates it as one of the best Indiana Jones moments!
Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Director Mel Stuart knew that Gene Wilder would be the perfect Willy Wonka before Wilder even read for the part! Thus, Wilder had some leeway. Before accepting the role, Wilder insisted he would only take it if he could alter his character’s entrance. Seriously, it was Gene Wilder who came up with the wild entrance where Willy limps to the gate with a cane but then stumbles into a lively summersault! He thought this would set the audience up to mistrust his character throughout the film.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
RoboCop
At times, directors feel it’s best to withhold some information from the rest of the cast so that they can capture the most genuine reactions. Thus was the case when Kurtwood Smith told director Paul Verhoeven about improvising a line. Both Smith and his director chose to surprise the cast during the scene where Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) was taken by the police after RoboCop beat Boddicker. So when Kurtwood Smith shouts out, “Give me my f***in’ phone call,” the entire cast was actually in shock.
RoboCop
A Clockwork Orange
Even outstanding and experienced directors like Stanley Kubrick can hit a brick wall sometimes. Well this happened while filming the scene in A Clockwork Orange where Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his friends break into a woman’s home and attack her. Kubrick didn’t love how the scene was coming out, take after take. Thus, he told McDowell, “Just do whatever you want.” That’s when McDowell broke out into the famous, “Singing in the Rain.”
A Clockwork Orange
Full Metal Jacket
Speaking of Kubrick, he adapted his own screenplay to the film, Full Metal Jacket. Things took a bit of a turn from his direction with R. Lee Ermey playing the drill sergeant. Actually, Kubrick knew that Ermey was the perfect fit after Ermey sent in a tape of himself going off on Marines. After Full Metal Jacket came out, Stanley Kubrick revealed that R. Lee Ermey improvised around half of his character’s lines.
Full Metal Jacket
Saving Private Ryan
Naturally, you can’t make a list of best WWII films without including Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan. Now, let’s take you to the part where Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) has that discussion with Private Ryan (Matt Damon) about things left behind. Remember when Ryan talks about seeing his brother kissing a girl? Actor Matt Damon invented that spiel all on his own!
Saving Private Ryan
This is Spinal Tap
A film like This is Spinal Tap wasn’t supposed to be taken so seriously with its fake UK band and Americans pretending to be 80’s rockers. Most of the movie was actually the cast inventing stuff. Since the actors came up with so much of the film, they were credited as writers. So yeah even, “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever,” was improvised.
This Is Spinal Tap
Dr. Strangelove
Apparently, they almost called Dr. Strangelove, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying About the Bomb.” From the very beginning, this film was made as an absurdist piece. The film centered on nuclear war paranoia. Actually, the movie team chose to not write a standard, full script. All of the cast improvised and created something called a ‘retro-script’ where they combined those lines. However, the film’s most iconic thing has to be the Nazi salute from Dr. Strangelove.
Dr. Strangelove
Zoolander
Wow, seeing Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) go through dating life and even delving into non-profit was absolutely hilarous. Stiller was the perfect fit in Zoolander. Anyway, this improvised moment came when Zoolander is with the hand-model J.P. Prewitt (David Duchovny) in the graveyard. Right after Prewitt finished a whole monologue explaining the reason male models are perfect assassins, Stiller accidentally delivered the same line, “Why male models?” So, Duchovny went with Stiller’s error and acted frustrated at Zoolander’s short attention span. The resulting moment came out flawlessly and totally fit Zoolander’s persona.
Zoolander
The Shining
Again, we’ve got a Kubrick classic with The Shining, adapted from the Stephen King novel. Seeing Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) delve into insanity while working as a winter caretaker in an isolated hotel was chilling. Now, this thriller had tons of memorable moments, but we’re talking about the part where Jack axes the door to get to his wife and son. Just as Jack peered into the bathroom in the crack he made, Nicholson adjusted his line to, “Heeere’s Jonny!” Nicholson used this as a little tribute to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
The Shining
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Yet, again, we’ve got Harrison Ford with his role as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Right when Solo is giving himself over, he shares one last moment with his love, Leia. Besides their emotional kiss, she tells him, “I love you,” but Ford didn’t think his scripted response of “I love you too,” felt authentic. Thus, Ford added in something that felt more true to his character, “I know.”
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Young Frankenstein
Another flick with Gene Wilder, we have the hysterical Mel Brooks movie, Young Frankenstein. However, we aren’t here to talk about Wilder this time, but rather actor Marty Feldman. Feldman played Igor in the film, and Brooks was more than happy to let him and the rest of the cast improvise. Thus, Feldman invented the famous, “What hump?” However, the best part had to be that Feldman even adjusted the hump while asking. Brooks loved this addition and kept it in the movie!
Young Frankenstein
Animal House
From National Lampoon to Animal House, it’s really not a surprise that this talented cast got to use their background from improv theater to invent lines. When the legendary actor John Belushi had that scene in the cafeteria, he went off script for the entire thing. It was all Belushi as he shoveled food into his mouth and pressed on his cheeks, squeezing out the food. Then of course, he added, “I’m a zit- get it?”
Animal House
Dumb and Dumber
From their innocent involvement in crime to dating, both Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are hysterical to watch in Dumb and Dumber. Naturally, all fans of the film cannot forget when these best friends decide to play tag in a car while driving to Aspen. It was then that Lloyd decided to make what he thinks is the ‘most annoying sound in the world.’ Turns out Carrey pulled that one off all on his own.
Dumb And Dumber
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Wow, The Lord of the Rings is honestly one of the best franchises to ever exist. Anyway, we’re going to talk about the very first movie, The Fellowship of the Ring. During an intense scene, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) thinks his friends, the hobbits Pippin and Merry, have been killed. After seeing a smoldering body, his grief is ignited. While in the height of his emotions, he even kicked a helmet. However, his screaming was about as authentic as it gets considering the actor actually broke his toe from that kick. OW!
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Well, this is not the time to debate if the characters dating life was the right choice by Rowling. Moving on from dating controversy, let’s get to the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during the scene where Molly and Arthur Weasley argue about disciplining the boys after their joy ride in the enchanted car. After Mrs. Weasley yells at them, Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) seems a bit jealous of their joy ride. After the film came out, Rankin revealed that every one of the 13 or 14 takes had a different response from his character. Yet, the one that made it to the final cut was, “What exactly is the function of a rubber duck?”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Ghostbusters
Rick Moranis began his career at Second City, Chicago’s famous improv group that turned out countless SNL stars. Thus, it’s only natural that he improvised in his role for Ghostbusters. It was only after director Ivan Reitman spoke about the process, did we hear how truly talented Moranis was in the role. Apparently, he totally improvised that speech at the party. Director Reitman explained, “Rick just made all of it up as he was doing it.” Such a natural!
Ghostbusters
Caddyshack
Once Bill Murray left SNL, the star continued to make fans laugh with hit movies like, Caddyshack. Remember the amazing monologue about the Dalai Lama in the film? Yes, that whole thing was actually made up on the spot by the comedic genius Murray. Oh and yeah, he also came up with the Cinderella one too. The script simply read, “Carl cuts off the tops of flowers with a grass whip.” Wow, he’s unbelievable.
Caddyshack
Knocked Up
Of course, Seth Rogen got his star from Freaks and Geeks, but he began to gain widespread fame from Knocked Up with Katherine Heigl. That was in 2007, if you can believe it! It feels like he’s been a comedy legend for decades and decades. Anyway, director Judd Apatow allowed the cast to add in whatever they wanted whenever they felt like it. That’s how the movie came out the way it did with hilarious parts like referring to the Spielberg classic, Munich.
Knocked Up
Aliens
What’s rare about Aliens is that even the sequel was so outstanding, many felt it was even better than the original movie. Anyway, actress Sigourney Weaver starred in Aliens with Bill Paxton playing Private Hudson. That famous line of “Game over, man,” was actually never in the script. Clearly, Paxton truly earned that Saturn Award for his role as Private Hudson.
Aliens
Tootsie
Now, this film starred both Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murray so basically it was a guarantee hit. Even though Hoffman was the lead, Bill Murray was an outstanding supporting actor as the roommate named Jeff. Knowing about Murray’s knack for improvisation, director Sydney Pollack let him invent a monologue for the party. There’s no need to tell you that his resulting speech was impeccable. Oh and the whole cast never knew what was coming, which makes it all the better!
Tootsie
The Third Man
Yes, Orson Welles became a film industry legend, but did you realize he often improvised? While acting in The Third Man, Welles invented, “In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed. They produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace. And what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”
The Third Man
The Devil Wears Prada
What do you think…is Miranda Priestly in the top five of Merly Streep performances? Wow, it’s so hard to choose with such an extensive list of amazing performances. Anyway, while Streep was playing Miranda she got completely into her character and invented some of her own lines. It was the actress herself who came up with, “Everybody wants to be us.” Wow, totally iconic.
The Devil Wears Prada
The Godfather
Not many films can compare to the epic gangster film, The Godfather. Of course, we have to focus in on that scene where Paulie Gatto (Johnny Martino) had to go assassinate Don Corleone. Yes, things got a little crazy and Paulie dies. Now, for the mind blowing part…actor Richard Castellano came up with his own special touch to his line, “leave the gun,” when he added in, “take the cannoli.” Iconic.
The Godfather
Casablanca
Speaking of classic movies, you had to guess Casablanca might end up on our list. You remember that line, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” That was never part of the film’s original script. However, actor Humphrey Bogart often said that to his costar, Ingrid Bergman while they played poker on set in-between takes. Those writers sure knew an outstanding line when they heard one!
Casablanca
Titanic
Now to the James Cameron hit, Titanic. The very first scene they began filming was the one where Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) draws a nude Rose (Kate Winslet). Wow, must have been an intense start to their filming! Anyway, it was Leo who messed up his line and made a mistake that Cameron ended up loving. Maybe you forgot but he said, “Go lie on the bed…I mean the couch.” He was just supposed to tell her to go lie on the couch.
Titanic
Lost In Translation
Well, it sure took long enough for fans to finally watch Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray’s characters kiss in Lost In Translation. That last scene was initially supposed to be an embrace, and not a kiss but Bill Murray then chose to whisper something into Scarlett’s ear. That’s when the two costars realized a kiss would be more appropriate. However, no one knows exactly what he even said, since there was nothing in the script. Apparently to honor the film, Bill Murray has since claimed only he and Scarlett will ever know what was said.
Lost In Translation
40 Year Old Virgin
Of course, when it comes to a comedy like 40 Year Old Virgin, it’s hard to pick just one favorite moment. Everything was hilarious! Anyway, much of the cast were professional improvisation artists. That’s why they really took things into their own hands and played with the script while filming. One scene that stands out is when Carrell gets his chest waxed. Well, they actually did wax the actor! That’s why his reaction is so authentic! Ouch…
40 Year Old Virgin
Clueless
Does it get more classic 90’s than Clueless with Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd? Let’s not forget Donald Faison! Naturally, no one can forget when Cher (Silverstone) goes to that Valley party. At the party, we see Murray (Faison) decide to get his head shaved. Someone asks if he’s certain and Faison went off script when he said, “I’m just keepin’ it real.” The actor had heard one of his younger neighbors say this phrase and gave it a try.
Clueless
Bridesmaids
Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy…need we say more? Yeah, Bridesmaids truly lived up to all the hype. Also it’s one of the most quotable comedies. Anyway, we have to relive that food poisoning/dress shopping scene for a minute. Yes, we know that scene is probably forever burned into your memory. So, it was Maya Rudolph who decided to just drop to the ground in the street while in her wedding gown to relieve herself. Turns out, that was never in the script.
Bridesmaids
Pretty Woman
Julie Roberts truly became a star once she starred in Pretty Woman with Richard Gere. No need to rehash the plot of this classic film, but maybe you forgot the scene where Edward (Gere) gifts Vivian (Roberts) with a necklace. At first, when he is presenting it to her, Vivian reaches out but then Edward just shuts the box really fast. Well, the actor Richard Gere actually did this as a bit of a prank on his costar. Roberts loved the way it turned out and thought his little improvised move was hilarious!
Pretty Woman
Forrest Gump
Yet another movie that’s classic and oh so quotable! There’s probably too many memorable scenes for you to guess which moment was improvised. Well, it’s the scene where Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) meets Bubba (Mykelti Williamson). On the spot, Tom Hanks just said, “My name is Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump.” Sure enough, the director, Robert Zemeckis, loved this stroke of genius and kept it in the film.
Forrest Gump
American Beauty
Sam Mendes, who directed American Beauty, really gave his actors freedom while shooting. Believe it or not, that famous dinner scene was completely unscripted. Sure, the stars got a rough frame, but they truly took the reigns with the scene. Thus, all the flying plates and shocked reactions were pretty authentic!
American Beauty
Reservoir Dogs
Whenever we hear “Stuck in the Middle With You” we always think about Reservoir Dogs. So, yeah about that graphic scene where Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) cuts of the ear of Nash (Kirk Baltz). It was all Maden with, “Can you hear that?” and witty retorts and even bizarre dancing. He improvised that whole thing, including speaking into the ear.
Reservoir Dogs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
With a hugely talented group of actors like in the Harry Potter, it’s only expected that some moments were made up on the spot. Within Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, there was one scene in particular that Ralph Fiennes played around with while portraying the evil Lord Voldemort. As he gave that last speech, he kept changing it every rehearsal, in order to elicit different but genuine responses from the cast every take.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
The Terminator
Back to James Cameron, with his movie, The Terminator. Just one small little thing that Cameron allowed to stay in the final cut, despite being unscripted, became inseparable from the film. Back when Arnold Schwarzenegger goes to the police station, the script only read that the cyborg should leave, disappointed. Well, it was the actor himself, Schwarzenegger, who added in, “I’ll be back.” Sure enough, Cameron love the line and ended up including what was intended to be just a minor character in the rest of the movie and sequels.
The Terminator
Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane is the father of all films. It defined the entire film industry. Yes, Orson Welles not only directed and wrote the movie, but he starred in the movie, too. Thus, it’s understandable that with so much on his plate he butchered his opening line in the film. Instead of saying, “No, my sled…” Orson Welles said, “Rosebud.” Of course, the genius that Welles was, he recognized the tension and overall intrigue this line brought. The rest was history.
Citizen Kane
The Wizard Of Oz
Listen, without this unscripted line, The Wizard of Oz wouldn’t have been and that means no Wicked either! It was the moment that actress Judy Garland invented, “I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” that the entire film changed. Even Bert Lahr, who was the Cowardly Lion, explained, “Before that, everyone on the project understood it was set in Kansas—certainly a very strange part of Kansas, but Kansas nonetheless. I think even Judy was surprised to hear herself saying those words, but as soon as she did, it made so much sense that we were all on board with setting the film in a magical foreign land.” Thus, rewrites were ordered so that the magical, fantasy land of Oz could be constructed. They changed the name from After The Tornado to The Wizard of Oz.
The Wizard Of Oz
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
In order to play Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp needed to get very deep into his drunken pirate character. Much of his work on the franchise was him improvising. Now, to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, there was that particular scene in which Sparrow taunts Davy Jones. We see Sparrow singing, “I got a jar of dirt!” If you look at both Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom’s faces, they seem really bewildered. Well, the reason for that is Johnny Depp improvised this nonsense right there and then.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Can you think of a better actor for Count Olaf than Jim Carrey? Us either! Anyway, when he acted in this film adapted from the books, something unplanned happened. While filming, Carrey was out of character asking the crew, “Wait! Let me do that one more time! Give me the light again. Quickly, while it’s fresh in my mind!” Even this bizarre off-script request for another take fit Olaf, the crazy narcissist in A Series of Unfortunate Events. If it works, it works!
A Series Of Unfortunate Events
Inglorious Basterds
Of course, when we think back on Inglorious Basterds, we can’t help but hear the hysterical accent that Brad Pitt put on. Yet, for this moment, we aren’t focusing on Pitt. Remember when Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) begins to choke Bridget (Diane Kruger)? Well, that’s not exactly what happened…Turns out, that the hands we see choking actress Diane Kruger were the hands of director Quentin Tarantino! It was Tarantino who wanted to demonstrate to Christoph Waltz on how to do the scene. Maybe that’s why Kruger’s fear was so authentic. In fact, she did faint after the scene. Must have been a bit scary to get strangled by her director!
Inglourious Basterds
Foxcatcher
Channing Tatum really needed to go to a dark place in order to play Mark Schultz for Foxcatcher. Of course, one of the harder scenes was to portray Schultz having his mental breakdown. Therefore, Tatum wanted to fully embrace the scene and decided to beat himself up. Actually, he totally went off script and somehow wound up breaking the mirror with just his head. That entire scene was not scripted. Yet, the resulting scene was so powerful, it was the perfect fit for the movie.
Foxcatcher
The Wolf of Wall Street
Lots of parts in The Wolf of Wall Street were actually unscripted. Director Scorsese envisioned something entirely different when it came to that intimate scene between Margot Robbie and Leonardo DiCaprio’s characters. Actually, he even offered up a robe to Margot Robbie for filming. Yet, it was Robbie herself that insisted that since her character was all about her body and the physical, she must get into that mindset. Thus, she decided to film without a robe, but she did take three shots of tequila first! We don’t blame her!
The Wolf Of Wall Street
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Of course, there have been many Spider-Man movies, but we’re here to talk about The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. Ugh, we loved when they were dating off-screen too. Anyway, remember when Spider-Man is leaving Gwen to save the city? Okay, yeah that kinda happens a lot. Well, Emma Stone accidentally yelled, “Peter!” and instinctively covered her mouth because of the mistake. Well, that little mess-up fit perfectly with Spider-Man’s whole hidden identity thing. So, they ended up keeping it.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
All along Henry Jones (Sean Connery) tried to convince his son (Harrison Ford) that the lovely Elsa is actually a Nazi spy. At last, when Indiana Jones faces the truth about her in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, he can’t help but wonder how his dad knew. At this moment, Sean Connery had a stroke of genius and added the line, “She talks in her sleep.” The whole crew loved this addition and it fit seamlessly with the character of Henry Jones.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
Thor: The Dark World
Remember that iconic entrance from Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor: The Dark World where he hangs up the hammer on the ordinary coat hook? Well, that moment was not part of the original script. Yet, director Alan Taylor saw what a hit this could be and how perfect it would be for Thor. Thus, they reshot the entrance for the movie and that’s why we have that genius moment. Now, everyone gets to enjoy that hilarious moment that Chris Hemsworth invented.
Thor: The Dark World
Inception
Now, let’s take you to that scene in Inception where Eames (Tom Hardy) speaks with Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) but randomly pulled out that huge firearm. Actor Tom Hardy added a little of his own spin. The script did not have darling, but the actor slipped that in. Thus, Eames (Hardy) said, “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” Everyone was on board with this addition.
Inception
The Incredible Hulk
Think back to The Incredible Hulk bar scene with William Hurt and Robert Downey, Jr. So, none of that scene was in the script at all. So, yes even that one powerful line no one could forget that Downey says to the drunk Ross (Hurt) was just Downey improvising. Yeah, Iron Men comes up to Thunderbolt to say, “I hear you have an unusual problem. What if I told you we were putting a team together…”
The Incredible Hulk
The Hangover
Of course, Zach Galifianakis was incredible in The Hangover, but did you know he improvised one of the most iconic parts? Yes, he did some obscene and crazy things to that baby. Actually, Galifianakis was a bit embarrassed saying, “The one improv that will haunt me for the rest of my life, is the [ scene where I ] make the baby [unknowingly mimic a sexual act].” At least it was only a doll and not an actual baby. Well, the director kept it in the final cut since it was so hysterical.
The Hangover
Shaun of the Dead
During Shaun of the Dead, much of the cast fully improvised. However, we have to point out just one special moment in the pub. While Ed (Nick Frost) tried to console his depressed friend Shaun (Simon Pegg), he got into some intense stories about the regulars. Maybe you recall something about a female that looked like a former porn-star. Well, everything they said was made up on the spot. All the script said was for the friends to meet at the pub.
Shaun Of The Dead
Good Morning Vietnam
Yet again, we have comedic genius, Robin Williams. Remember his role as the charismatic host for Good Morning Vietnam? Well, most of those radio broadcasts were invented on the spot by Williams. Yes, that includes his iconic, “Gooooood morning Vietnam! Hello campers, remember Monday is Malaria day! That’s right, time to take that big orange pill.” Wow, Williams was a true legend.
Good Morning Vietnam
Crazy Stupid Love
Remember that scene in Crazy Stupid Love where Hanna (Emma Stone) claims that Jacob (Ryan Gosling) probably uses this trick on all his dates he brings home. Indeed, we’re referencing when he does the Dirty Dancing lift. Well, none of that was in the script. Much of that adorable scene was actually improvised by the two actors. When Gosling was asked where he came up with it, he said, “Well when I go out dancing with my friends and we get drunk, we try and do the Dirty Dancing lift. That’s where it came from and it seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Crazy Stupid Love
50/50
Most people would not be as committed to a role as Joseph Gordon-Levitt was in 50/50. Well, if you’ve seen the film, you know his character gets cancer. Thus, he decides to shave off his hair. His costar, Seth Rogen, later explained that the script didn’t include that head shaving, but they came up with it during the shoot. So, with an electric razor and one take later, they had their iconic scene. That’s why Rogen’s reaction appeared so genuine.
50/50
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Unsurprisingly, most of Borat was improvised and not scripted because…well, that’s Sacha Baron Cohen for ya! Anyway, let’s highlight that hysterical conversation he has with the feminists. Remember he talks about some scientific proof that women have a “brain the size of squirrel,” thus, they are the inferior of the sexes? Believe it or not, all Sacha!
Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan
Annie Hall
Who couldn’t relate to dating troubles? There was a moment when Annie (Diane Keaton) said to Alby (Woody Allen), “You never want to try anything new.” Then, they get offered some cocaine and something totally unexpected to the audience and film crew alike happened. Alby (Allen) sneezes after inspecting it and the powder flies everywhere. Woody Allen accidentally sneezed but the crew and cast could not stop laughing!
Annie Hall
The Departed
Next up, this unscripted moment was invented by Jack Nicholson. During The Departed, he played Frank Costello. Remember when Frank sits with Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio)? Seemingly out of nowhere, we see Frank whip out a gun, pointing it at Billy. Of course, Billy reacts with complete surprise. Well, most of this surprise came because Nicholson didn’t tell DiCaprio ahead of him that he came up with this addition.
The Departed
Wonder Woman
Both Chris Pine and Gal Gadot used some improvisation during their boat scene. While Pine interviewed with Entertainment Weekly, he applauded Gadot’s impressive performance. Pine said, “She’s delivering lines like, ‘My father is Zeus’ — shit that is just so ridiculous. And she has to say it with a straight face, with a certain amount of innocence and earnestness. I get to react like any human being would to hearing something as ridiculous as that. So I had it easy.”
Wonder Woman
Mars Attacks!
Wow, Mars Attacks! from Tim Burton had quite the cast. There was Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Natalie Portman and even Sarah Jessica Parker. Well, we’re here to talk about Frank Welker. It was Welker, the voice actor, who came up with the Martians’ “ack! ack! ack!” barking without any direction from the script.
Mars Attacks!
Tarzan The Ape Man
We want to take you back all the way to the 1932 version! This film starred Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan. In the film, the script just said Tarzan would call to his jungle friends. Weissmuller was apparently an excellent yodeler and thus, he invented what became Tarzan’s signature echoing cry! Can you believe that?
Tarzan The Ape Man
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
There’s one point during Terminator 2 that Schwarzenegger looked beaten up. He “looks like he needs a vacation.” It was actually the improvisation of Schwarzenegger who decided to add in the line, “I need a vacation.” Everyone thought it was so perfect, and we do too!
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The Jazz Singer
This film made its debut in 1927 and is not regarded as one of the best films ever made! It was pretty revolutionary, after all. The star, AL Holson came up with his most famous line while filming: “Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”
The Jazz Singer
Django Unchained
This is another epic Quentin Tarantino film. Django Unchained, of course, starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx. Kerry Washington and Christoph Waltz. If you remember the bloody hand ordeal, DiCaprio cut his hands on the table. One unknown fact is he did really cut himself while filming, but he continued the scene anyway!
Django Unchained
The Dark Knight, Again
Some movies are so great, they need to be praised time and time again. In the film, Heath Ledger obviously does an amazing job as the Joker. At the hospital, his character is seen leaving after his encounter with Harvey Dent. The script required the Joker to climb onto a bus and drive it from the hospital as it burst into flames. When the movie was filming, Heath actually took a moment to pause to fuss with the detonator. The explosion was therefore delayed and he is seen happily strolling towards the bus.
The Dark Knight, Again
Home Alone
Home Alone launched Macaulay Culkin to fame during the 90s. He pulled the most hilarious and elaborate pranks on burglars as they tried to rob his family. One of the most famous lines was invented by him on the spot. He said, “You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?”
Home Alone
This Is 40
In this hilarious movie, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann play a cute married couple with kids. Paul Rudd accidentally farted during one scene, but producers thought it fit his character and the vibe of the movie perfectly so they decided to keep it. His co-star, Lesli Mann, was less than thrilled.
This Is 40
Pulp Fiction
Many regard Pulp Fiction as Tarantino’s masterpiece. It, of course, starred Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Ving Rhames and Bruce Willis. Do you remember the famous hamburger scene? What happened was actually not in the script. Jackson took it upon himself to flip the table. The other actor’s stunned reactions make more sense now. They weren’t totally acting!
Pulp Fiction
Guardians Of the Galaxy
Chris Pratt is basically a comedic genius. He is responsible for one of the funniest parts of Guardians of the Galaxy. The director only told him to add an apology at the end of a scene. Chris Pratt came up with a hysterical and obscene gesture that appeared as the focus of a trailer! Pratt was obviously perfect as Star-Lord.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Superbad
If this movie didn’t have you rolling on the floor with laughter, then perhaps you should buy yourself a new sense of humor. When the group meet up after Fogell gets his fake ID card, he chooses a new name – McLovin. The group start giving him a hard time for choosing a single name, with Evan improvising an hilarious line: “What? One name? ONE NAME? Who are you? Seal?”
Superbad
His Girl Friday
“The last man who said that to me was Archie Leach!” Cary Grant threw out this funny line during the filming of His Girl Friday. The irony is that Grant’s actual name was Archibald Leach.
His Girl Friday
Frozen
No doubt Josh Gad had a good time in the recording studio for Frozen. Fans probably found it hysterical (and surprising) when the snowman remarked, “I’ve been impaled!” That was not in the script.
Frozen
The Godfather, Again
Luca Brasi as played by Lenny Montana is seen rehearsing his lines before speaking to the Godfather. He is visibly nervous, after all the Godfather was a man of immense power. In reality, the former wrestler was actually afraid of messing up his lines in front of the brilliant Marlon Brando. His mistakes were actually a bonus to the film and his character.
The Godfather, Again
The Wolf Of Wall Street
What an epic movie! With the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, who couldn’t love this movie? Remember that hilarious scene when Leo and McConaughey met to eat lunch? Matthew McConaughey’s chest beating routine was completely improvised, and DiCaprio actually had to hold himself back from bursting out laughing.
The Wolf Of Wall Street
The Fast And The Furious
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson really made fans happy when he joined The Fast and the Furious movie series. He also made fans and actors alike laugh out loud when he made up a line as he went along. When The Rock arrived at a barbecue, Tyrese Gibson remarked, “Mia, you better hide your baby oil!” But The Rock had a better response when he snapped back with, “You’d better hid that big *ss forehead!” Ludacris literally spat out his drink since it wasn’t a scripted line.
The Fast And The Furious
Trainwreck
What’s better than having LeBron James in a movie? Not much, really. During a scene when Amy Schumer asks him what’s so great about Cleveland, LeBron answers, “You know what they say, Cleveland rocks!” Bill Hader asks him, “Who says that?” And when LeBron answers, “I do!” they all burst out laughing.
Trainwreck
Spiderman
Talented actor Denis Leary pulled one out of his hat when Peter Parker is trying to tell him of the danger the city could face. Referring to King Kong and his constant attacks on Tokyo, Leary asks Spiderman, “Do I look like the mayor of Tokyo to you?” That wasn’t in the script.
Spiderman
Dirty Dancing
It wasn’t a line, per se, but when the actors started shooting the first dance scenes of Baby and Johnny, Baby couldn’t help but burst out laughing each time he ran his hand down her arm. You can even see her trying to keep it together during the scene.
Dirty Dancing
Titanic, Again
Leonardo DiCaprio’s iconic moment of shouting, “I’m the king of the world!”, was actually an improvised line! It goes to show that sometimes the best lines are those not written down on paper.
Titanic Again
The Avengers
Do you remember the scene at the end of the movie where Marvel heroes eat shawarma after saving the world? This happened only due to an improvised line. Robert Downey Dr. said, “what’s next,” before coming up with the idea they should go for shawarma.
The Avengers