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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Movies

Think You Know Back to School Trivia? Take the Quiz!

Challenge yourself with our Back to School movie trivia quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage of school supplies film reel and comedy icons on sky blue background for Back to School trivia quiz

Ready to relive the laughs and lessons? Dive into our Back to School Trivia Quiz - Can You Ace Every Question? This free back to school trivia challenge is perfect for movie lovers and nostalgia seekers. You'll test your knowledge in a fun back to school movie quiz, recalling iconic lines, memorable scenes and favorite actors. Think you know campus comedy? Our movie trivia quiz is designed to spark your curiosity and sharpen your memory. Plus, explore even more laughs with our comedy movie trivia and dive into educational trivia questions for bonus brain workouts. Ready to prove your mastery? Click to start now and show off your college comedy trivia skills!

Who plays Thornton Melon in the film?
Chevy Chase
Eddie Murphy
Bill Murray
Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield stars as Thornton Melon, bringing his signature stand-up style to the role. He was also a co-writer and executive producer of the film. Dangerfield's performance is widely credited with the movie's box office success. Wikipedia
What year was Back to School released in theaters?
1987
1986
1990
1984
Back to School premiered in June 1986 and became one of the highest-grossing comedies of that year. Its summer release helped it capture a broad audience. The film's humor and star power contributed to its enduring popularity. Wikipedia
Who directed Back to School?
Ivan Reitman
Alan Metter
John Hughes
Rob Reiner
Alan Metter directed Back to School, marking one of his most successful feature films. Metter worked with Rodney Dangerfield to balance slapstick with heartfelt moments. His direction helped showcase Dangerfield's comedic talents to a wider audience. Wikipedia
What kind of educational institution does Thornton Melon enroll in?
Trade School
University
High School
Graduate School
Thornton Melon signs up at a university to set an example for his struggling daughter and to relive his youth. The campus setting drives much of the film's collegiate humor. His misadventures in classes and campus life are central to the plot. Wikipedia
What is the name of Thornton Melon's daughter in the movie?
Jennifer
Christine
Lorraine
Leslie
Thornton's daughter is named Lorraine Melon. Her academic struggles motivate Thornton to return to school. Actress Sally Kellerman provides guidance to Lorraine's character in key scenes. Lorraine's relationship with her father is a heartwarming element beneath the comedy. Wikipedia
Which actor plays Dean Paul Wright, the administrator opposed to Thornton's presence?
John Vernon
Gene Hackman
John Hurt
Richard Widmark
John Vernon portrays Dean Paul Wright, who attempts repeatedly to expel Thornton. Vernon was known for playing authoritative figures, giving this Dean a memorable sternness. His friction with Dangerfield's character fuels much of the film's conflict. Wikipedia
What novelty item is Thornton Melon famously known for inventing?
Rubber chicken
Whoopee cushion
Party horn
Melon baller
Thornton Melon is introduced as the millionaire inventor of the melon baller. This humorous detail underlines his wealth and zany business savvy. The melon baller reference became a running gag throughout the film's promotions. Wikipedia
What is the name of the fictional college Thornton Melon attends?
Northfield University
Belmont College
Eastmont College
Bingham University
In Back to School, Thornton enrolls at the fictional Bingham University. The town and campus set are creations for the film's comedic setting. The name helps ground the collegiate atmosphere without tying to a real campus. Wikipedia
Which actor portrays Jack, Thornton's clever student friend who helps him with coursework?
Anthony Michael Hall
Robert Downey Jr.
Christian Slater
Emilio Estevez
Robert Downey Jr. appears early in his career as Jack, the bright student who tutors Thornton in accounting. His performance foreshadowed his future stardom. Downey's scenes highlight the generational gap in campus life. Wikipedia
What is the name of the Dean who repeatedly tries to expel Thornton?
Dean Edward Applebee
Dean Paul Wright
Dean Michael Fowler
Dean George Harrison
Dean Paul Wright, played by John Vernon, is the primary antagonist on campus. His attempts to oust Thornton create ongoing comedic conflicts. Wright's strict adherence to rules contrasts with Thornton's zany methods. Wikipedia
Which course does Thornton Melon struggle with and eventually ace?
Accounting
Chemistry
English Literature
History
Thornton's biggest academic challenge is an introductory accounting class. With help from student Jack, he goes from failing to top of the class. This journey underscores the film's theme that learning is possible at any age. Wikipedia
How does Thornton Melon make his grand entrance at the college football game?
Riding a horse
Hot-air balloon
Driving a convertible
Parachuting
Thornton surprises the crowd by descending onto the field in a hot-air balloon. The over-the-top stunt showcases his showmanship and spirit. It becomes one of the film's most iconic comedic set pieces. Wikipedia
What unique halftime show does Thornton organize to boost school spirit?
Beer Goggles Contest
Pigskin Revue
Foam Party
Dance Marathon
The Pigskin Revue is Thornton's tongue-in-cheek halftime show featuring costumed students and comedic sketches. It parodies traditional college spectacles and cements Thornton's place on campus. The skit is remembered for its elaborate props and humor. Wikipedia
Who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Rodney Dangerfield?
Pat Proft
John Hughes
Ivan Reitman
Harold Ramis
Pat Proft collaborated with Rodney Dangerfield on the film's screenplay. Proft was known for writing broad comedies such as those by the Zucker brothers. Their joint effort blended Dangerfield's stand-up style with satirical campus humor. Wikipedia
Who composed the musical score for Back to School?
Bill Conti
Danny Elfman
John Williams
Hans Zimmer
Bill Conti provided the film's score, known for integrating orchestral elements with comedic timing. Conti is celebrated for scoring films like Rocky and The Karate Kid. His work on Back to School adds dramatic flair to the comedic scenes. Wikipedia
Which company distributed Back to School?
Universal Pictures
Warner Bros.
20th Century Fox
Paramount Pictures
Universal Pictures distributed Back to School, releasing it widely across North America. Universal was a major supporter of comedies in the 1980s, giving the film a strong marketing push. Their distribution network helped the film reach blockbuster status. Wikipedia
What was the approximate worldwide box office gross for Back to School?
$200 million
$50 million
$120 million
$91 million
Back to School earned roughly $91 million worldwide, making it Rodney Dangerfield's highest-grossing film at the time. The strong box office returns demonstrated the public's appetite for family-friendly comedy. Its success led to further projects for Dangerfield. Box Office Mojo
In what month and year did the film premiere?
May 1985
December 1986
June 1986
January 1987
Back to School premiered in June 1986, positioning it as a major summer comedy release. The timing helped it capture audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment. Summer launches were a common strategy for broad-appeal comedies in that era. Wikipedia
Who served as executive producer on the film?
Alan Metter
Pat Proft
Robert Downey Sr.
Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield was credited as executive producer, giving him creative control over the project. This role allowed Dangerfield to shape both performance and script. His dual contributions helped craft the film's distinctive tone. Wikipedia
Which academic subject does the philosophy professor teach, delivering an inspiring campus lecture?
Physics
Sociology
Economics
Philosophy
The inspiring lecture comes from the philosophy department, where Thornton is challenged to think beyond grades. Philosophy classes in the film emphasize life lessons over rote learning. This scene underscores the film's message that education has deeper value. Wikipedia
Who served as the cinematographer for Back to School?
Roger Deakins
Michael Ballhaus
Vittorio Storaro
David M. Walsh
David M. Walsh handled cinematography, capturing both comedic set pieces and campus ambience effectively. Walsh's framing supports the film's balance of character close-ups and large ensemble shots. His work contributed to the movie's visual clarity and pacing. IMDb
What was the film's production budget?
$5 million
$30 million
$12 million
$20 million
Back to School was made on a budget of about $12 million, modest by mid-1980s standards for a star-driven comedy. The production invested in campus sets and Dangerfield's comedic sequences without extravagant effects. Its budget-to-gross ratio underscored the film's profitability. Box Office Mojo
Which comedian was originally considered for the role of Thornton Melon before Rodney Dangerfield was cast?
Steve Martin
Eddie Murphy
Chevy Chase
Bill Murray
Eddie Murphy was reportedly considered for the lead before Dangerfield was attached. Murphy's box-office appeal was rising in the mid-1980s, but he passed on the project. Dangerfield's eventual casting gave the film its unique stand-up flair. Vulture
Where was the beach party scene filmed?
Daytona Beach
Santa Monica
Malibu
Miami Beach
The beachfront scenes were shot on Santa Monica's shoreline, chosen for its iconic pier backdrop. Filming on location added authenticity to the college beach party. The production team obtained permits to shoot public sequences there. Wikipedia
Which NASCAR driver makes a cameo as the football game's announcer?
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt
Richard Petty
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip appears as the announcer during the big game sequence, lending real sports credibility. At the time, Waltrip was a prominent NASCAR champion. His cameo is a fun Easter egg for racing fans. Wikipedia
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Quotes -

    Accurately remember and distinguish memorable lines from Back to School, strengthening your back to school trivia recall.

  2. Identify Characters and Actors -

    Match beloved college comedy characters to their actors, improving your ability in the back to school movie quiz.

  3. Analyze Key Scenes -

    Examine the comedic timing and context of classic moments, deepening your understanding of movie trivia quiz mechanics.

  4. Compare Trivia Performance -

    Evaluate your quiz results against common college comedy trivia benchmarks to gauge your expertise.

  5. Apply Movie Trivia Insights -

    Use your newfound knowledge to spark discussions and challenges with friends who love nostalgic film quizzes.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Iconic One-Liners -

    Back to school trivia champions often nail Rodney Dangerfield's "I must die for you, woman!" - a quip listed among the film's top IMDb quotes. Use the "Die 4 U" mnemonic to lock in this line before any back to school movie quiz.

  2. Memorable Key Scenes -

    The tailgate-cum-physics lecture and the ski-jump experiment rank high on AFI's list of campus comedy classics. Apply the "Scene → Theme → Impact" recall trick: name the scene, note its comedic theme, then state its standout moment for your college comedy trivia advantage.

  3. Character-Actor Matchups -

    Recognize Thornton Meloni (Rodney Dangerfield), Dr. Philip Barbay (Norman Fell), and Alex Meloni (Sally Kellerman) by linking each role to the actor's most famous trait. Try the "Face-Fact-Flash" method: face (actor's photo), fact (signature role), flash (imagine them delivering a line) to boost retention.

  4. Behind-the-Scenes Facts -

    Directed by Amy Heckerling and shot on the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus in 1985, the film's production details often pop up in advanced movie trivia quizzes. Chart a quick "Who-What-Where" table - director, year, location - to breeze through any back to school movie quiz round.

  5. Cameos & Easter Eggs -

    Spot Robert Downey Jr.'s uncredited frat member role and subtle nods to 1980s pop-culture posters in Dean Suggs' office. Jot the acronym "RED" (Robert, Easter-egg, Dean's office) in your notes to recall these tidbits instantly during college comedy trivia.

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