12 Hidden Nods in Movies That No One Notice But Loyal Fans

There are some movies that we remember long after we've seen them. Their plots, characters, and images all work together to make them our favorite films as soon as we see them. That is why they become classics, cult series, and films that arouse not only public interest but also unconditional support and fervor. This same audience enjoys watching them as much as they enjoy searching for hidden messages.
Some small hidden signs in films can be as meaningful as what's in the script, and can even help audiences in understanding the plot. Finding these small nods and tributes can be entertaining for the eager viewer. It can also provide more information about the creators of our favorite films to the audience than any biography.
We went looking for some and were surprised to discover that there were still many secrets to be revealed. Read all the way through and tell us when you thought, "How have I not seen this before?"

#1 The familiar alien language in Men in Black

Source: © Men in Black / Amblin Entertainment and co-producers

In the Men in Black pantry scene, worm-like aliens grabbing cups of coffee can be heard speaking in "Huttese," a language spoken by Jabba the Hutt from the Star Wars franchise.

#2 The hidden Star Wars symbols in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Source: © Raiders of the Lost Ark/Paramount Pictures, © 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection/Everett Collection/East News

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, when Indiana Jones was lifting the ark, a pillar with ancient symbols could be seen next to him. Fans who were keen-eyed noticed that a doodle of the robots R2-D2 and C-3PO was engraved. This was a dig at Harrison Ford's Han Solo from the Star Wars movies.

#3 The perfect timing in Doc and Marty’s shot

Source: © Back to the Future Part III/Amblin Entertainment, © Back to the Future/Amblin Entertainment

The time was 08:08 when Doc and Marty posed for a picture with the new clock for the clock tower in Back to the Future Part III. This was a subtle nod to the 88 mph the DeLorean must reach to travel through time.

#4 The Shakespeare bust in The Batman (2022) and Batman (1966)

Source: © The Batman/Warner Bros. Pictures, © Batman/ABC

William Shakespeare's bust can be seen at Wayne Manor next to Alfred in the movie The Batman (2022). This was a subtle allusion to the 1966 Batman television series, in which Shakespeare's head had a hidden button that, when pressed, opened the entrance to the Bat Cave.

#5 The sweet tribute to Stan Lee in Spider-man: No Way Home

Source: © Spider-Man: No Way Home/Sony Pictures Entertainment

One Easter egg in Spider-man: No Way Home was about Stan Lee, one of the Spider-man comic book creators. Stan Lee's birthday, December 28 or 12-28, can be seen on top of the taxi in the scene where Spider-Man was about to face Doc Ock.

#6 This clever callback in Bullet Train

Source: © Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief / Fox 2000 Pictures and co-producers, © Bullet Train / Sony Pictures Entertainment and co-producers

In Bullet Train, Lemon referred to the beloved Percy Jackson character played by actor Logan Lerman by labeling "The Son" as a "Percy" and applying a Percy sticker from Thomas and Friends to his forehead.

#7 This fantastic pantheon in Thor: Love and Thunder

Source: © Thor: Love and Thunder / Marvel Studios and co-producers

Other mythological ps from the Marvel Cinematic Universe were brought to life in Thor: Love and Thunder, in addition to the Greek and Norse Gods. You can see Bast, the Wakandan panther goddess, and Kukulkan, the Mayan winged wind serpent deity, sitting in front of Thor and his friends.

#8 This playful homage in Frankenweenie

Source: © Frankenweenie / Walt Disney Pictures and co-producer

In Frankenweenie, when all animals change into Kaiju-like monsters, Shelley the pet turtle can be seen destroying the town. This could be understood as a tribute to Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, on whose work the film is based. It could also be a nod to Shelley Duvall, who starred in the same-named short in 1984.

#9 This shoutout to a high school icon in Do Revenge

There are many 1990s movie references in Do Revenge, but one, in particular, caught our eye: "Horowitz Hall," the structure's name. It might be a nod to Alicia Silverstone's portrayal of teenage icon and Clueless queen bee Cher Horowitz in the 1990s.

#10 This subtle Wolverine Easter egg in The Greatest Showman

When the credits roll in The Greatest Showman, a nice detail can be seen tucked in the corners of executive producer James Mangold's frame. Mangold is also the director of Logan, a box office hit starring both films' stars, Hugh Jackman.

#11 This tribute in Top Gun: Maverick

Source: This tribute in Top Gun: Maverick

Lt. Jake "Hangman" Seresin can be seen dialing "86" to play Foghat's Slow Ride in Top Gun: Maverick's jukebox scene. This appears to be a throwback to 1986 when the first Top Gun film was released.

#12 This university shoutout in Coraline

Bill Mechanic, the film's producer, paid tribute to his alma mater by having the blue-haired heroine's workaholic father wear a green Michigan State University sweater. The mechanic even returned to campus to watch the film.