Even the most professional and talented actors sometimes forget the lines. Nevertheless, most of them have the talent to improvise and deliver the best performance. You'd be surprised to know how many famous movie scenes happened because the actor was ill, accidentally slipped and fell, or simply improvised. And while in movies, everything looks like it happens for a reason, the truth is that a lot of things happen as happy accidents.
We here at Bored Panda gathered a list of some of the most famous movie bloopers and unscripted scenes that made movies better. Scroll below to see them!
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The Godfather (1972)
One of the most memorable scenes where mob boss Don Vito Corleone delivers brutal orders while stroking a cat wasn't scripted to involve a pet. The cute kitten somehow wound up on the set and ended up on actor's lap during shooting helping to create an iconic scene from this famous movie.
Not only is it iconic, it's mimicked all the time. I never realized this was unscripted!
I didn't know that the cat WASN'T supposed to be in this scene until a few years ago myself. The cat just seems right at home in Brando's arms. In fact, the kitty was--it was loudly purring the entire scene.
Load More Replies...I read elsewhere that it purred so loudly that they had to dub part of the dialogue.
I did too. Which I actually find to be rather endearing because that meant that the cat was really content being petted during the scene!
Load More Replies..."Mr. Tiddles is disappointed. You will make amends."
Load More Replies...Its really hard to believe this wasn't scripted because the juxtaposition of his power and strength with his tenderness with the kitten it brilliant!
Funny you should say that. For all his faults, Brando was a cat lover. You can even find pictures of him when he was in his prime (think Streetcar Named Desire era) where he has a cat, often a big beautiful fluffy white cat, near him or even sitting on his shoulders. So, this cat knew who the big cat fan on the set was, and of course gravitated toward him, and why they both look so naturally comfortable.
Load More Replies...The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
While the safest choice for a scene like that is to use special effects and make-up, Steve Carell thought that it would be much better if the waxing was real. The reaction the character is having is completely genuine. Carell said that his experience was so horrible that he promised to never do that for a movie ever again.
The best part of this, the young woman doing the waxing was not an actress and had no clue it was for a movie til after. So her reaction is totally candid
She also didn't know how to wax. At the last minute, someone said, "you're supposed to put vaseline on the nipple"--so she did, luckily.
Load More Replies...You can actually see the blood blooming on his chest from the follicles that are being pulled out
Aww poor baby.😭 Think all about the women who do this on other parts all the time.
Ohhhhhh KELLY CLARKSON!!! He's is probably the most screamed name in history!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
Because she had already waxed below nipple level. He stopped after the third wax strip, so ended up with what looked like a Hallowe'en pumpkin face on his chest.
Load More Replies...That is my most favorite scène ever, can’t help it but I had to laugh so hard that the tears came out of my eyes 😂😂
The Dark Knight (2008)
While it's hard to imagine Jim Gordon's promotion scene without the Joker clapping sarcastically, this scene was never in the script. It is a work of Heath Ledger’s excellent improvisation.
I think he definitely NAILED The Joker. He portrayed him like a real mastermind, someone intelligent with a sarcastic and unique sense of humor. Not just a crazy guy.
He was wonderful. But I saw the movie after his death and can't help thinking his immersion in the character drove him crazy.
Load More Replies...Apparently also the scene where he (dressed as a nurse) fumbling around with the ignition of a bomb, is also is pure improvisation by this great actor. May he R.I.P.! Sad we can't trade him for Bieber & the ENTIRE Kardashian family :-(
It was actually a happy accident, when the bomb wouldn't go off and he started smacking it. Great scene. He is greatly missed.
Load More Replies...After him, no one else can be the Joker. Unless Jack Nicholson comes back to Gotham.
Load More Replies...RIP Heath mate. He was a friend and a truly wonderful man. Gone but never forgotten. Perth crew for ever.
Han, You knew him? He always seem like such a genuine guy.
Load More Replies...Rocky (1976)
The movie had a small budget so most of the people you see in the background are not extras, they are regular people who had no idea they were being filmed. So the scene where Rocky runs through a market and a man throws him an orange was completely unscripted.
check out imdb trivia pages then (I think I fullfilled almost half of them :D)
Load More Replies...I wonder if any of them were asked to sign releases? 1970s...probably not.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
During the scene where Eowyn stares into the distance, we can see a flag being ripped off a pole and flying away. While this scene may look intentional and metaphorical, the flag flew away by accident but it fit so well with the scene, that it was kept in the final cut of this popular movie.
So many moments of dumb luck that turned into brilliance in these movies. The scene where Aragorn blocks the knife thrown at him? Well..."After being stabbed in the leg, the orc pulls the knife out of his leg and throws it at Aragorn, who deflects it with his sword. Apparently, the dagger was supposed to have been thrown past Aragorn and into a tree. However, the actor playing the orc had vision troubles with his mask, and accidentally threw the knife directly at Viggo Mortensen, who was forced to deflect it in desperation. The director liked it, and thus kept it in the movie."
The scene where Aragon, Legolas and Gimli go through the pile of burnt Uruks and Aragon kicks away the helmet and screams that awesome scream? Was the third (or so) take and Viggo Mortensen actually broke his thumb. But the scream was awesome and portrayed pain (duh), so it stayed in the final cut^^
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
The scene where Mrs. Doubtfire had to cover her face with icing didn't go as planned. When the icing started dripping down the actor's face because the heat from set lights made it melt, Robbie Williams had to improvise. At the moment when the icing dripped into Mrs. Sellner’s tea, he decided to say, “There you go, you’ve got your cream and your sugar now.”
Robin Williams was known for improv, this doesn't surprise me at all.
Robin Williams always makes me laugh. He was truly one of the great comics and performers of the 20th century. Most people forget he was a serious actor too. 1 hour photo was awesome and creepy as hell.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)
The scene where Indiana Jones meets a warrior armed with a sword was scripted to be an intense duel. However, the actor Harrison Ford was ill from food poisoning and didn't have the strength to perform, so the director made a small change - instead of dueling, Indiana pulls out the revolver and shoots the villain. The scene became one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
I saw this in the theater with my dad. He laughed so hard at this. One of my favorite memories.
Reminds me of the scene in Crocodile Dundee where the punk pulls a knife on him: Now that's a knife.
That too was a great scene, had me in stitches.
Load More Replies...Because he is Indiana Jones and Han Solo in one person.
Load More Replies...Actually what really happened is an extra said what wouldn't he just shoot him? He has a gun.
But it was still planned. Yes, at the last minute and it was a change of plan but it's not a blooper or improv.
The story I heard, many years ago, was that Ford asked "why would he mess around with a sword when he's got a gun" and they went with it.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
The moment when Peter drops the orb was not scripted. The clumsy actor Chris Pratt accidentally dropped it but quickly picked the orb up. Since Chris didn't break character and the scene looked good it stayed in the film.
I still can't get over how good he looks. Fat sloppy Andy to HOTHOTHOT.
I remember thinking what a good actor he was but I guess it was real! And he stood in character!! Just awesome!
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
The scene where Thor hangs his hammer on a coat rack was so good that everyone probably thought it was scripted, however, it was not. Chris Hemsworth was just trying to be funny but his improvisation was so good, the scene was put into the final cut.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
In the scene, when Princess Leia tells Han Solo that she loves him, he was supposed to respond by saying "I love you too". However, Harrison Ford felt that this response wasn't suitable for his character, so instead, he improvised and responded by saying "I know".
And by that he created one of the most iconic moments in the movies; it wouldn't have been as memorable if he had just replied "I love you too" back
And triggered numerous products - t-shirts, coffee mugs, memes with the phrase!
Load More Replies...Partly true. He didn't actually improvised on the spot. He changed the line in the script with Lucas consent.
Not during this movie, they had an affair during the first movie
Load More Replies...That's probably what Harrison Ford said to Carrie Fisher during their affair, too.
Forrest Gump (1994)
The line "My name’s Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump" wasn't scripted, Tom Hanks said the last bit by accident.
Also: Tom based his movie-voice on the young boy (who played his younger self) because it was difficult for the boy to speak without an accent :-)
One of my fav movies of all time, absolutely amazing.
Ryo Bakura what is wrong with you? Take your meds, please.
Load More Replies...Avengers
The director could not stop Robert Downey Jr. from sneaking snacks behind the scenes, so he had no other choice but to make his snacking habit a part of his character. So all the scenes of Tony Stark eating are probably not scripted.
This is all Great, except for ONE thing! This is "Iron Man" not the "Avengers". I understand that he does his "snackings" throughout the rest of his other movies and such, but let's give credit where credit is due, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man one, the beginning of the franchise, the tip of the sword.
That bit where he;'s eating freeze dried buleberries and offers Banner some? Yeah that's just him. Unscripted munching.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
In this film, Anne Hathaway portrayed an awkward and geeky girl who finds out she's heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. While filming a scene where the character was supposed to walk on bleachers with her friend, Anne took a pretty nasty tumble. However, it fitted so well with the clumsy character that this unscripted accident was left in the film.
this scene was hilarious! it's awesome it wasn't scripted, but also...ouch!
I remember this scene, In my opinion it looked unscripted so I'm glad they kept it, it made it more interesting
Django Unchained (2012)
Leonardo DiCaprio is an excellent actor who doesn't break character even when he hurts himself. He proved that during an intense scene when he hurt his arm with a shard of glass and blood started gushing from his wound. This scene wasn't scripted and the blood was real, it was left in the final cut because of the amazing acting.
Seriously - every time I read this little anecdote, it's about what a great actor Leo is, and I'm not arguing that. But no one ever mentions that Kerry Washington had some dude rubbing his own, real blood all over her face and she also stayed in character and went with it. Props. I don't know if I could have done that. I mean if nothing else, it was kind of a health hazard.
Load More Replies...Props to Kerry Washington for not freaking out when he smeared her face with his blood.
That wasn't his blood though, that was a different cut and they used fake blood. It would've been incredibly unhygienic and irresponsible to do that to another actor, so the blood in that is fake
Load More Replies...It wasn’t cool for him to rub his blood on his co-stars face. That was a big overstep. She doesn’t have the clout to do anything about it.
Agreed. I always see people praising this improv but to me the actress, Kerry did not consent to that. If I was here I would be pretty upset he just did that.
Load More Replies...I would watch it just for Jamie Foxx. Handsome as well as talented.
Load More Replies...The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
In this movie, Anthony Hopkins only had 25 minutes of screen time, however, it was enough time for him to create one of the most chilling performances of all time. One of the most iconic scenes was when Dr. Hannibal Lecter is talking about his crimes with an FBI agent and starts to hiss. It was completely improvised and the reaction on Foster's face is genuine.
And if you believe what you read on the internet: “I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” Great line from Silence of the Lambs everyone knows. But most people don’t realise Dr Hannibal Lecter is making a medical joke. Lecter could be treated with drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors – MAOIs. As a psychiatrist, Lecter knows this. The three things you can’t eat with MAOIs? Liver, beans, wine. Lecter is a) cracking a joke for his own amusement, and b) saying he’s not taking his meds.
My mouth was open for like a minute after reading this.
Load More Replies...Fun fact: Human flesh does not actually go well with fava beans, and Chianti. It's best served with chili fries, and a Merlot.
Wow! I didn’t even realise it was just 16 min of screen time.. just superb
I like it best in a nice stew with cornbread and a beer. Great on a snowy day
Titanic (1997)
The famous line "I am the king of the world" wasn't scripted, it was made up on the spot by the director. After trying several different lines, James Cameron realized that nothing was working and told Leo to just say "I am the king of the world" and really sell it. This scene became probably the most iconic part of the movie.
I think everyone who has ever been on a boat or a mountain top says this. You just have to.
But still. Eeeeeeeeverybody on a ship does it or secretly wants to do it
Load More Replies...I wonder what the non-working lines were? "YEAH HIT ME ICEBERG.....I DARE YA..."
And this is where i fell in love with Leo.. sigh. Watched Titanic in theater for 7 times just to see him hehehehe
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The line-up scene where we see characters laughing was supposed to be a serious one. The director was angry at the actors for cracking up, but they said they couldn't keep a straight face on because one of them was farting during filming.
The actor closest to the camera looks like he's covering his nose with his fingers tho XD
Why do you say that? Spacey's films are not denied to anyone.
Load More Replies...Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
During the scene where a character played by Kate Winslet disappears, the look on Jim Carrey's face is genuine. He wasn't told that Kate will disappear, so he was really trying to find her.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
R. Lee Ermey, who played Gny. Sgt. Hartman, was a real-life Parris Island Marine drill instructor during the war. At first, he was hired as a technical adviser but later was given a part in the film and improvised all training scenes himself.
Reportedly he's been shouting in Kubrick face while evaluating if he was enough suitable for the part, for some long time straight (can't recall without checking if 10 or 15 minutes) when at a point Kubrick stand up and he was invited without variation in the tone to sit back down, that secured the part.
He then became forever famous as that really angry sounding guy who almost always played drill sargents.
Including Sarge in Toy Story. Shame he won't be in #4.
Load More Replies...Sweetest thing I ever heard my wife say, Ermey died several months before Barbara Bush because the 1st lady needed her military escort to heaven.
Story goes he really was an a*****e when he was a drill instructor.....amazing actor though! RIP
Dirty Dancing (1987)
The scene in Dirty Dancing where Johnny and Baby are crawling towards each other on the floor wasn't scripted. They were just warming up before filming, but the director loved it, so it was kept in the film.
I miss Swayze. He was an amazing dancer and person. Imagine Ellen and Swayze dancing together during one of her interviews.
Also the main characters Grey & Swayze apparently had an extreme dislike for each other on set.
Yeah, it's true. Swayze wrote it in his memoir, that she acted all girly, giggling through scenes, and causing numerous re-takes.
Load More Replies...I LOVE the movie and have watched it so many times I have it memorized. The reason being Patrick reminds me of a guy that was crazy about me but I didn't have the same feelings. Turned out he was a great guy and I should have given him a chance! The one that got away! My loss!!!!!
A dirty child molester? What the f*ck is wrong with you??? He died years ago of cancer. No one ever said a bad word about Patrick Swayze!!!!
Load More Replies...Rain Man (1988)
While filming, Dustin Hoffman accidentally passed gas, however, he and Tom Cruise made it look like it was part of the scene. Actors managed to stay in character and spontaneously created such a good scene that it became a fan favorite.
The people who downvoted your comment must not have seen the movie.
Load More Replies...If it was broccoli they wouldn't have been able to keep in character. Let me outta here!
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
Al Pacino prepared for his part by not allowing his eyes to focus on anything. He got so good at simulating blindness, that he could barely see anything. The scene on the street, where the actor fell over a garbage can, happened by accident because of his bad vision.
caught myself doing that so many times...just zoning out
Load More Replies...Daredevil actor Charlie C*x also went to great lengths to successfully portray a blind person, including learning to pour tea or cross the street with a blindfold. He does a fantastic job of never looking in quite the "right" place during his scenes.
Fast And Furious 6 (2013)
Do you remember one of the funniest scenes in the movie, when Roman said "Hey Mia, You better hide your baby oil" and Hobbs responded with "You better hide that big ass forehead"? Well, actor Dwayne Johnson came up with this comeback on the spot because in the script his character wasn't supposed to respond at all.
Blade Runner (1982)
The scene where actor Daryl Hannah runs away panicking, but along the way slips and shatters a window of the van with her elbow looks completely scripted, however, it was an accident. Turns out Hannah slipped accidentally and was taken to the hospital because she broke her elbow.
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
It's probably not so surprising that cringy scene in which Matthew McConaughey is banging his chest wasn't in the script. Matthew revealed that he was doing it before each take as a relaxation technique. Leonardo DiCaprio suggested using in the scene and it fit perfectly.
Cringey, that was one of the most memorable scenes in the movie and he wasn't in most of it. It fit the character perfectly.
Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
The famous scene where Nick the Greek breaks the coffee table with a juice glass wasn't scripted. In fact, it was an accident and the shocked look on the actor’s face is genuine.
Nice! Didn't know this. Indeed that is a pretty good scene :-) I think this movie is better then Snatch or RocknRolla!
that's one of the best scenes ever. in fact, you re gonna have to work real hard to stay alive ,nick.
Scream (1996)
The line “Ah... Houston, we have a problem” which Matthew Lillard says in the scene where his character Stuart realizes that the gun is missing was improvised and not scripted.
The 'Burbs (1989)
The scene where Tom Hanks picks up the gurney himself and throws it into the ambulance wasn't scripted, he thought of doing it that on the spot.
It's the best part of the whole movie! Hilarious! A genuine Tom Hanks freak out "Take me to the hospital I sick."
The Other Guys (2010)
Remember the scene where Terry says that if he were a lion and Allen were tuna, he would swim into the ocean and eat Allen? Well according to the script, Aleen wasn't supposed to respond, but the actor decided to improvise by explaining why a swimming lion is a stupid idea.
Such a good movie. And Will Ferrell is in it so it has to be funny
Load More Replies...Lions actually can and do swim. They don't like it the way tigers do but they can swim.
American Beauty (1999)
The epic plate throwing scene in this movie was improvised. In the script, Lester Burnham throws the plate at the floor, however, Kevin Spacey decided to violently throw it into the wall right behind Thora Birch's back, landing genuine reactions from the actors in the scene.
It's a shame he's another example of a great actor who in real life is a monster. It's like he is two different people.
it is not proved. no one is guilty until the judge says so. Presumtion of innocence still exists you know.
Load More Replies...Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is one of my favorite movies Being a great actor doesn't mean you are are a good person. Western history is full of artists who in their private lives were complete tools.
You forgot the one where Roger Moore, aka James Bond, is confronted by a tiger protecting the bad guy's villa. As the trained animal is about to pounce on the actor, he unexpectedly shouts, ''Sit!'', and the huge feline does. The script called for a wrestling match between man and tiger, but Moore, an experienced animal lover, knew instinctively how badly things could have gone wrong. Out of concern for the tiger (!) he spontaneously came up with an alternative. the director decided to forego a second take,
That made him look so much more bad a*s by telling a tiger to sit! instead of trying to outfight it. I can't get my own cats to sit on command.
Load More Replies...In lord of the rings: the two towers Viggo Mortensen kicks a helmet and yells because the kick broke his toe, and that take was kept in the movie because the yell fit well with the scene
When ever I watch that scene I always point it out. He’s such an amazing actor.
Load More Replies...In The Princess Bride nearly everything Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) says is improvised. The part about the MLT? Not scripted.
Rob Reiner, the director, had to leave the room when the Miracle Max scene was being filmed because he couldn't stop laughing at Billy Crystal's lines.
Load More Replies...I love how many time Leo shows up on this list! Just shows how awesome an actor he really is.
Your leader had an event - 2 women in LOTR - that didn't show up here.
You forgot the one where Roger Moore, aka James Bond, is confronted by a tiger protecting the bad guy's villa. As the trained animal is about to pounce on the actor, he unexpectedly shouts, ''Sit!'', and the huge feline does. The script called for a wrestling match between man and tiger, but Moore, an experienced animal lover, knew instinctively how badly things could have gone wrong. Out of concern for the tiger (!) he spontaneously came up with an alternative. the director decided to forego a second take,
That made him look so much more bad a*s by telling a tiger to sit! instead of trying to outfight it. I can't get my own cats to sit on command.
Load More Replies...In lord of the rings: the two towers Viggo Mortensen kicks a helmet and yells because the kick broke his toe, and that take was kept in the movie because the yell fit well with the scene
When ever I watch that scene I always point it out. He’s such an amazing actor.
Load More Replies...In The Princess Bride nearly everything Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) says is improvised. The part about the MLT? Not scripted.
Rob Reiner, the director, had to leave the room when the Miracle Max scene was being filmed because he couldn't stop laughing at Billy Crystal's lines.
Load More Replies...I love how many time Leo shows up on this list! Just shows how awesome an actor he really is.
Your leader had an event - 2 women in LOTR - that didn't show up here.
