10 Small But Important Details in Movies That Were Missed During The First Viewing

Filmmaking is truly a dynamic craft with multiple layers to its planning and execution. For a movie, directors, filmmakers, and actors invest a remarkable amount of effort into guaranteeing everything on screen to help establish their world. But, it’s easy to miss hidden details because of the sheer amount of action that can happen at any given moment.
In the first viewing, almost viewers can spot all details and this is understandable. Even eagle-eyed fans watch the movie multiple viewings to realize where the Easter egg is. These difficult-to-notice ones often hold a special significance within the film. They may predict a future event, provide clues into a mystery, or express a message.

#1 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Source: © Spider-Man: Far From Home, © Spider-Man: No Way Home

MJ wears a broken necklace featured with a black dahlia. This is the present that Peter gave her at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).

#2 Lightyear (2022)

Source: © Lightyear / Pixar Animation Studios

In the movie, there is a scene where a vending machine sells Wade Water. This is a reference to Pixar’s next movie Elemental (2023).

#3 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Source: © Prestige / Touchstone Pictures, © The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Andy Serkis’s character mentions a magic trick to guess what item is in a person’s pocket. The same trick fooled Gollum in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012).

#4 Coraline (2009)

Source: © Coraline / Focus Features

Coraline’s dad puts on a sweater that has the line “Michigan State” on it. Producer Bill Mechanic added this detail to pay tribute to his alma mater.

#5 Field of Dreams (1989)

Source: © Field of Dreams / Gordon Company

Joe says “the thrill of the grass” after Ray asks him what he likes about playing baseball. Many might not know that it is the title of W.P. Kinsella’s 1985 book of short stories about baseball.

#6 Toy Story 4 (2019)

Source: © Toy Story 4 / Pixar Animation Studios 

Some viewers spotted VHS tapes that have the names of several Pixar films like Knick Knack (1989) and Lifted (2006).

#7 Do Revenge (2022)

Source: © Do Revenge / Likely Story

The sign saying “Horowitz Hall” was spotted in the scene where Russ offers Drea a motorcycle ride. This is a reference to the movie Clueless (1995).

#8 Jaws (1975)

Source: © Jaws / Universal Pictures

Hooper removes the license plate from the shark’s body. Notice the number 007, it’s a reference to Steven Spielberg having the desire to direct a James Bond film. In fact, he is a huge fan of the franchise.

#9 The Mask (1994)

Source: © The Mask / New Line Cinema

When Milo is stealing keys for Stanley to help him break out of jail, you can see a scene of “Ren & Stimpy” cartoon series on TV. In this episode, Stimpy is trying to escape from his cell.

#10 Blonde (2022)

Source: © Blonde / Plan B Entertainment

Norma Jeane’s father appears briefly at the premiere of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. He wears the same hat and coat throughout the film. He also stands behind a waving gentleman.