Your home should be a gentleman’s retreat that invites friends and family, or even better, your Saturday night date, to come in and bask in the depth of your fascinating personality thanks to your impressive home decor. Each piece in your apartment should be a unique conversation starter that showcases your love of your hobbies, your favorite books, or interesting facts that you love to discuss.

After all, your home is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a reflection of everything that makes you, well, you. Your choice of background pieces, interior design, and forefront displays almost say more about you than you can say about yourself.

This list of interesting apartment decorations for guys is tailored to cover a wide range of styles and tastes to give you the most inspiration possible to create a masculine vibe. You can use the guide to help you transform your humble and boring studio apartment or bachelor pad into a luxurious getaway that displays both your style and status. Choose between steampunk designs and simple wooden displays, functional furniture, whimsical art, or a modern coffee table.

Is your apartment missing out on macho? Are you needing a few tips for sleek and classy decor? Perhaps your apartment has all the warmth of a newly sterilized surgical suite? Whatever your need, we will help you find some of the most interesting accents available so you can share your personality with all who enter your home. Whether you’re a fan of nautical adventures, classic sci-fi, or 1940s cinema, this list will have something to suit your taste and style.

30 Apartment Decorations for Guys

Best Buy

1. 48 Inche Wood Airplane Prop

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Love the aviation look? Then you’ll like this cherry wood brown wood airplane prop by Deco 79. With an antique charm, faded red stripes, and raise black center bolts this propeller adds a touch of masculine decor to any guy’s apartment. Each arrives with a generous length of 48 inches and a width of 5 inches.

2. Abbott Collection Small Gold Twig Wall Hook

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It’s hard to imagine a classier way to hang your keys or display your small trinkets. Measuring a little over half a foot, it would look stunning displayed above your Torre & Tagus Twisted Branch Antique Bronze Tree in a way that really ties the room together.

3. Abstract Canvas Wall Art

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No guy’s apartment is complete without some cool abstract canvas art on the wall. Let’s face it though, it’s tough finding artwork that isn’t too feminine or too bizarre. And if you adult, things like posters of superheroes, cars, and half-naked models, like the ones used to have a college, just like a cut it.

Luckily a little class and fine art aren’t going to cost you too much. Take for instance the Giclee print by Wall 26, at 32” x 48” this piece is rather affordable when you consider it under a hundred dollars and comes with a generous size.

4. Aviation Aluminium Egg Chair

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Add an iconic piece to your apartment interior with the aluminum chair by English Classics. Each arrives with a handsome aluminum aviation frame and supple leather finish. It’s perfect for any gentleman looking for a mix between modern and retro. And while the style swings back and forth in time, so does the chair itself. Each features a 360° rotating action alongside back-and-forth tilting.

5. Creative Co-Op Hand Carved Mango Wooden Dice

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Do you like to gamble? Or perhaps you just want to show off your love of quantum physics by hinting that God really does play dice with the universe? Your friends will love these oversized brown and black solid wooden dice by Creative Co-Op for the Urban Homestead collection.

6. Metal Earth Brooklyn Bridge 3D Metal Model

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Nothing says New York like the Brooklyn Bridge, and now you can bring New York home to you. At just 14 inches tall, the steel replica comes completely assembled, so you can set it up and enjoy it right away.

7. Eames Lounge Chair

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When it comes to creating the ultimate bachelor pad, man cave, or apartment, there are a few items that can top the classic Eames lounge chair. The style is, quite simply put, unforgettable to all wondering eyes.

Each arrives with a beautiful wood grain finish alongside handsome soft leather for the ultimate comfort. Now, there are a lot of reproductions out there making it rather difficult to find one that’s really well-made. That’s why you can’t go past Herman Miller who delivers big on craftsmanship without costing you a pretty penny.

8. LEGO Empire State Building

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Good things do come in small packages. This LEGO miniature of the Empire State Building stands at just over 23 inches but packs all the classy style of downtown New York into your living room. Comprising 1,993 pieces, this is a challenging LEGO set that will bring you much joy once complete.

9. Faux Fur Throw Blanket

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Meet the throw blanket on steroids. This giant throw is absolutely no joke when it comes to manly decorations. In fact, it will most likely be one of the best purchases you ever make.

Not only does it look luxurious, but it’s also downright incredibly comfortable and comes in a wide range of colors, including Arctic Blue, Chocolate, Teal, and Dark Red. It makes for a great decoration for any sofa or bed.

10. Home Organizer Tech Art Half Face Statue

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Partially inspired by Salvador Dali and partly by the Twilight Zone, you can sit and look at this piece from every different angle for hours and never get bored. There is something about this abstract sculpture that lovingly invites you to trip out on its weird outline while trying to figure out just what you are seeing. It makes for a great decoration in any man’s study or living room.

11. Hunter Retro Fan

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Why just use any old fan to cool down on a hot day when you can use a retro room accent? Just one look at this matte black finish vintage fan will take you back to the days of the old-school detective agency. You can imagine you are Mike Hammer waiting for the dame in distress to walk through the door while you cool off in style. And if black isn’t your color, there are several other options available to fit your decor.

12. Decorative Armillary

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This decorative armillary sphere gives tribute to the wonderful world of astronomy while showing your love of fine art. It is a beautifully crafted piece that is a unique replica of the tools that our ancient forefathers used to track the movement of the planets and sun across our sky.

13. Industrial Crate With Metal Frame

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This tiny industrial crate with a metal frame wood planter box is an ideal way to display items you like, house candles or hold small plants while showing your rustic Grizzly Adams side. The light, barn-style wood looks great with any background while the metal frame adds a touch of modernity to keep things interesting.

14. NBA Poster Bundle

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If there is one thing every modern man’s apartment needs, it’s some form of wall art. If you are a basketball fan then you can’t go wrong with this three-poster NBA bundle. The collection includes posters of NBA greats Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant along with their playing career statistics in a retro style that will look incredible in any room of the house.

Just note, the images are digital, so once you make the purchase you will be sent a JPG file which you can download and then frame yourself.

15. Customizable Wood Bar Sign

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Home bar need sprucing up? Get yourself one of these customizable wood bar signs and let everyone know whose bar it is. Available in a wide range of styles and designs, you can get any sort of message you want carved into a sign and display it proudly above your home bar.

16. Marine Searchlight

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Practical meets industrial chic with this classy floor lamp. This handmade replica of a 1940s marine searchlight is an affordable way to add a statement piece to any room. Choose two or three for a black and white movie set feel or one for your living room window so you can “keep the light on” to guide your friends to safe harbor.

17. Black And Gold Iron Decorative Sphere

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This sculpture is reminiscent of the sphere that Atlas holds in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Perhaps when he shrugged it landed in your living room? The black bands of this sphere are touched with gold where they intersect to add even more dimensional depth to this already visually engaging piece. A great statement piece for any living space.

18. Wall Hanging Lifebuoy

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Sometimes you just have to jump ship and go nautical. This lifebuoy will showcase your love of sailing so beautifully that you can almost smell the salt spray on its natural rope and worn white and red finish. It fits beautifully on a bookcase right next to your antique hardback copy of Moby Dick or on a free wall over your sofa.

19. Forest Wall Tapestry

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If you are training on your rock wall and counting the days till you can knock Mount Everest off your bucket list, this is the wall hanging for you. The picturesque tapestry will fill your vision with a breathtaking mountain vista while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee and dream of scaling your next peak.

20. Thinker Statue

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Everyone should have a replica of “The Thinker.” Originally designed to be placed in front of a doorway surround called “The Gates of Hell,” Rodin’s classic sculpture is designed to be gazed at from below as it perches on an elevated surface.

Not only is this replica of the famous statue an amazing piece of art, but it shows your guests you are a deep thinker with an interest in art and culture.

21. Bang & Olufsen A9 Fourth Generation Stand Up Speaker

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You need a good speaker in your living room and they don’t get much better than this beauty from Bang & Olufsen. This three-leg design speaker has Wi-Fi connectivity and customizable sound EQ and not only sounds great but looks fabulous in any corner of your room.

22. White Marble Bookends

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Keep a collection of books organized with MyGift’s cool triangle white marble bookends. Each arrives with a polished, mirror-like finish and securely holds up to eight pounds of books. While this decorative item may be smaller in size, it is certainly big on luxurious style. Of course, if you’re not into the marble finish, you can always elect to go with a pair of agate bookends for a more natural look.

23. Blue Wooden Crates

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These nesting wooden crates can be stacked away in a small space when you don’t need them, but they look just as beautiful on display. Whether empty or full of knick-knacks or fine fruit, the galvanized metal trim on these boxes brings out the natural luster of the wood to bring ambiance to your room.

24. Tree Stump Side Table

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Straight from the design inspiration of pioneers from centuries past, this cedar wood and metal end table gives you points for style and recycling. Each table is beautiful and unique because the wooden top is made from reclaimed cedar stumps. Polished to perfection with a natural lacquer finish, your stylish table will last for years.

25. Warm Tabacco Pipe Candle

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Living room smelling a little too manly? Bedroom starting to be on the nose? One way to solve this problem is by lighting a few candles and giving your home a welcoming aroma. This warm tobacco pipe candle will give your home a masculine scent and send the ladies wild.

26. Pistol Whiskey Decanter Set

Every man needs a decanter set in their home, but if you want to stand out with something unique, then this is the item for you. Shaped like a pistol, it allows you to live like James Bond as you knock back a quiet tipple after a hard day at work.

27. Cantilever Arc Floor Lamp

Add a touch of charm to your living space with this cantilever arc floor lamp. This vintage overhanging lamp creates an air of ambience thanks to its natural light that provides a warm glow. Durable and stylish, this floor lamp from SURAIELEC is also easy to assemble and gives your abode a little extra character.

28. Triangle Billiard Wall Clock

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Every men’s apartment should have a wall clock somewhere, and instead of your standard circular hanging clock, why not go for one that draws a bit of attention to the room it is in? That’s where the triangle billiard wall clock comes into play.

This creative clock is the shape of a triangle with each billiard positioned as a number of the clock. Made from a solid wood frame, this battery-powered clock will look good in a study, living room, or game room and is sure to get a lot of attention from visitors.

29. Yoobure Tree Bookshelf

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Nobody wants a boring bookshelf to show off their collection of classic titles. Instead, get yourself an attractive centerpiece like this Yoobure tree bookshelf. This wooden bookshelf combines modern materials with a retro look and includes six shelves with a small base space for extra storage.

30. Full Length Mirror

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Every home needs a full-length mirror so you can take the perfect selfie. This mirror has dimensions of 65″ x 22″ and can be positioned horizontally or vertically, is easy to install, and is very durable.

So who are the most famous celebrities who reside in his prestigious area? That all depends on your view of celebrity, but the likes of Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Demi Moore, and Eddie Murphy all call the postcode 90210 home. Most of these famous faces live in million-dollar homes behind gated communities where they can’t be bothered by the paparazzi or fans.

While the list of celebrities who live in Beverly Hills is long, this article highlights some of the most well-known who have made the area home. So read on and discover if your favorite celebrity makes the list.

1. Jack Nicholson

85-year-old actor Jack Nicholson hasn’t been seen much of late. While he did appear at the Los Angeles Lakers playoff games this season, The Shining actor is rarely out in public, preferring to spend his retirement out of the spotlight at his Beverly Hills home.

While he has lived on Mulholland Drive since 1969, he first bought his current abode in 2005 for $5 million. It was once the home of Nicholson’s good friend Marlon Brando, who spent most of his final years there.

Built on a hilltop in 1954, the compound has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an outdoor pool and covers just over 3,000 square feet. It is one of several Beverly Hills homes Nicholson owns.

2. Taylor Swift

One of the most successful singers of the modern era, Taylor Swift doesn’t just own one house. The “Bad Blood,” “Karma,” and “Shake It Off,” songstress owns eight different homes across the United States, including four in New York, two in Nashville, and one in Beverly Hills.

Purchased in 2015 for $25 million, Swift’s 1934 Beverly Hills mansion was first owned by film producer Samuel Goldwyn. The lavish 10,982-square-foot estate has been revamped by Swift, who only stays in the mansion when she is passing through Los Angeles, which isn’t all that often these days.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio

While he owns several homes throughout Los Angeles, it’s Leonardo DiCaprio’s most recent purchase that is getting people talking. As Dirt reports, DiCaprio has turned his $9.9 million Beverly Hills mansion into a rental. For the low sum of $32,500 per week, you can live like royalty in this fully furnished four-bedroom, six-bathroom home.

First built in the 1930s, the property has several impressive features, including a large gourmet kitchen, a separate guesthouse, and a statement staircase. While DiCaprio currently resides in the equally prestigious suburb of Bird Streets, we thought it worth mentioning his Beverly Hills home.

4. Jennifer Aniston

Although she now resides in Bel Air just outside of Santa Monica, Jennifer Aniston has previously owned two Beverly Hills mansions. The first was a French Normandy–style home she and her then-husband Brad Pitt purchased for $13.1 million in 2001. The duo spent three years renovating the Edwin Wallace Neff-designed mansion before selling it for $28 million after their divorce in 2006.

The second home was a hillside retreat designed by Harold W. Levitt the Freinds star moved into in 2006. Aniston forked out $13.5 million for the home, telling Architectural Digest in 2010, “I never doubted the house would be mine one day,” after first laying eyes on it. She eventually sold the home in 2011 for $38 million before moving in with her boyfriend at the time, Justin Theroux.

5. Jeff Bezos

It’s only right one of the richest men in the world also owns one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Beverly Hills. Jeff Bezos splashed a casual $165 million on the 10-acre property in 2020, which at that time was the most ever spent on a property in Los Angeles.

The sprawling complex was once owned by former Warner Bros. Entertainment president Jack Warner and is often called the Jack Warner Estate. Movie tycoon David Geffen sold the house to Bezos, who is currently in the process of expanding the love nest he shares with his fiance Lauren Sánchez.

The three-story house features eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a large dining room, a movie room, tennis courts, and two guesthouses.

6. Adele

30 Beverly Park Terrace is the address of British singer-songwriter Adele’s Beverly Hills home. Formerly owned by Sylvester Stallone, Adele splashed a whopping $56 million on the home. It might sound like a considerable sum, but considering the initial asking price was $110 million, Adele got herself a bargain.

Architect Richard Landry is the man responsible for the Mediterranean-style home that was built in 1994. The 21,000-square-foot home includes eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a formal dining room, a home theatre, an infinity pool, and a putting green, but who knows if any of these features will remain.

Adele is currently in the process of revamping the entire home, although she has kept the iconic Rocky statue near the pool. This property is one of three that Adele owns in Beverly Hills, with her two-story Hamptons-style home in Hidden Valley currently on the market.

7. Jessica Alba

Having recently sold one of her Beverly Hills homes, the star of Dark Angel is very happy with her Oak Pass Estate in the affluent neighborhood. Jessica Alba and her family–husband Cash Warren and their three children–have been residing in the rustic home for many years.

With seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and an open plan kitchen, living room, and dining room, the country-style double-story abode has more than enough room for Alba and her brood. As Rethinking the Future reports, Alba’s aim for the interior was “a mix of old French country house meets French city apartment, though it looks more like a natural material-conscious American home.” 

8. Samuel L. Jackson 

Here is someone who needs no introduction. Samuel L. Jackson is Hollywood royalty these days, so it’s no surprise he lives a life of luxury in the trendy suburb of Beverly Hills. Jackson and his wife live on an 11,738-square-foot estate that was purchased back in 2000 from comedian Rosanne Barr.

The home has six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a tennis court, a detached guest abode, and a large outdoor pool. Like many other celebrities, Jackson also owns several properties in New York, although he has recently put them on the market.

9. Jennifer Lawrence

Actor Jennifer Lawrence resides in a luxurious $7 million Hampton-style mansion she acquired back in 2013. The home’s previous owners include the likes of Jessica Simpson and Ellen DeGeneres. The 5,550 square foot home comes with five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a fitness room, and a lap pool.

The gated property is surrounded by trees, keeping prying eyes out and giving Lawrence plenty of privacy. Several other high-profile celebrities live near Lawrence, including Cameron Diza, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and Adele.

10. John Legend

Crooner John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen are raising their two children in a lavish mansion in Beverly Hills. They recently purchased a $23.9 million estate, having spent the pandemic years living in Rihanna’s old three-story home a few blocks away.

The house comes with seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a home theater, a gym, and an outdoor pool. This is one of several homes the couple owns, with the duo having an extensive real estate portfolio that includes two penthouses in New York.

11. Lizzo

Only built in 2019, Lizzo’s Beverly Hills home cost the singer and flute player a cool $15 million. Previously owned by Harry Styles, the modern mansion is relatively small compared to some of the homes on this list, with just three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two powder rooms.

It’s a minimalist’s dream, with large open spaces and lots of ceiling-to-floor windows creating a light and airy feel. The two-story l-shaped home has all the amenities you expect from such a luxurious home, with the 58-foot infinity swimming pool one of the home’s best features.

12. Nicole Kidman

Imagine being so rich that you spend your time living in both the United States and Australia. Well, folks, that’s the life of actor Nicole Kidman and her country-singing husband Keith Urban. The duo and their four children live in both countries throughout the year, riding the wave of the endless summer.

While their Australian properties are impressive, their Beverly Hills home is not to be disparaged. The $4.7 million property boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a jungle gym, a pool slide, and a chic cabana.

From enchanting shoe closets that could rival the allure of Narnia’s wardrobe, to gravity-defying shelves that seem to dance on air, prepare to be swept off your feet by a whirlwind of inventive and oh-so-creative solutions. Bid farewell to the days of tangled laces and mismatched pairs reluctantly shoved into cramped corners. Embrace the possibility of a shoe storage utopia that not only keeps your beloved collection in pristine condition but also elevates your living space to new heights of aesthetic wonder.

So, lace up your imagination and join us on this fantastical journey as we explore the enchanting world of shoe storage, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and every step brings a touch of magic to your daily life. Are you ready to dive headfirst into the realm of shoe storage dreams? Let the adventure begin!

19 Innovative Shoe Storage Ideas

1. Shoe Shelf With Bench 

Try an innovative shoe shelf with a bench instead of a mundane old shoe mat. It combines comfort with convenience and is ideal for storing shoes while also working as a functional bench and decor. They come in various styles but are excellent for storing shoes of all sizes. Stylish, fun, and offering somewhere to sit, a shoe shelf with a bench is a great way to spruce up a room.

2. Shoe Shelf With Silicone Mats

Unsurprisingly, shoe racks have a way of getting messy and dirty. Shoes often attract all kinds of dirt and mud. That’s why so many homes try a shoe shelf with silicone mats. They catch the dirt, keeping the area as clean as possible while protecting your kicks.

3. Dark Wood Shoe Rack

Add character, style, and class to your house with an elegant dark wood shoe rack. It’ll raise the level of your decor with a subtle yet charming appeal. It’s an efficient method for shoe storage with multiple shelves to keep the shoes organized, clean, and neat. 

4. Tiered Enclosed Shoe Cabinet 

It’s common to have more shoes than space. That’s when a tiered enclosed shoe cabinet works out as the perfect solution. These creative storage options take up little space and are movable, allowing you to place them in any room around the house.

They also come in various designs, both vertical and horizontal, depending on the space. This type of shoe storage option is ideal for all types of shoe sizes and large families with a lot of shoes. 

5. Boots Shoe Rack

Boots often create an interesting problem. They’re usually long, take up a lot of space, and have an odd design. Boots have a way of messing up a shoe rack. A simple solution is to purchase an all-boot rack. Boot racks store the shoes in a stylish way and will keep the boots safe, avoiding a big tangled mess. 

6. Repurposed Cabinet

A repurposed cabinet is an excellent way to save money and create an original decor piece. There’s a good chance you’ll be the only person on the block with this type of shoe cabinet. Repaint and distress the cabinet to give it a stylish and rustic look. Since old cabinets usually have a lot of containers, there will be more than enough space for all your shoes. It’s a fun project that’ll make your shoe cabinet the “walk of the town.”

7. Multi-Purpose Entryway Rack

A multi-purpose entryway rack adds class and style to every house. It’s cool, chic, functional, efficient, and simplifies organizing. It has a shelf for shoes and hooks for jackets, hats, and bags. Extra shoe shelves are a great place to store other household items such as books, decor, or accessories. 

8. Built-In Shoe Closet

Small spaces pose many obstacles for homeowners. Shoe storage can be quite a headache when there is little space. A built-in shoe closet can solve that shoe headache within seconds. It frees up a lot of space while adding cool and creative decor to any room.

Additionally, built-in shoe storage reduces clutter while enhancing the openness of the room. Many have cool designs that fit in any room of your house, adding style and creativity. 

9. Closet Door Shoe Rack

The closet door shoe rack is easily the most efficient way to store shoes. In theory, the closet is one of the most organized places in a house. Mounting the shoe rack on the door will keep your shoes clean and organize the closet. It’ll keep everything out of the way while still being easily accessible. 

10. Recessed Shelf

Nowadays, most people have a pair of sneakers, snow boots, fancy kicks, or gym shoes cluttering up their room. This is why people need more space for storage. One option, a recessed shelf, is perfect for large families or people with a ton of footwear.

It makes excellent use of the area by allowing you to store twice as many shoes. It also takes up little space and adds chic and functional decor to the room. A recessed shelf allows for ample space for various shoe sizes and styles. The shelf is the ideal decor for a small space while adding style too. 

11. Shoe Shelf With Counter Space

Many people like to keep their shoes by the door. Since that’s the case, most homes enjoy adding another element to use the space best. For example, a shoe shelf with counter space is chic while freeing up space.

The counter is perfect for storing keys or leaving notes. The extra space will allow you to get creative without worrying about shoes getting in the way. Plus, the shelf is perfect for decorating the room by adding some character. 

12. Shoe Hangers

Take efficient shoe organizing to new places with shoe hangers. Shoe hangers eliminate the need for storage space or boxes. Simply hang your favorite shoes on your wall with mounts. It makes for cool decor, requires minimal setup, and takes up zero floor or wall space. 

13. Doorway Shoe Shelf

Lots of people like to store their shoes near the front door, especially those who don’t like people walking through their house with shoes on. This is why a doorway shoe self is one of the easiest storage options.

They work best in a small apartment or condo that has limited space. The doorway shoe shelf adds style but is often compact. They fit perfectly next to any doorway, taking the decor to new levels.

Another great option is to place the shelf next to the couch. It’ll change the way you put your shoes on. No longer will you need to stand awkwardly against the wall to put on your favorite Jordans. 

14. Vertical Shoe Rack 

Get creative with shoe storage ideas with the vertical shoe rack. The vertical shoe rack is hugely popular and comes in different sizes, designs, and styles. The vertical shoe rack is ideal for a small space and for organizing various shoe types. 

15. Tiered Wall Shelf 

Have a lot of shoes lying around on top of each other? Need a solution fast? Well, look no further than tiered wall shelves. They’ll change the way you store shoes forever.

A tiered wall shelf makes excellent use of vertical space, giving the illusion of ample room. It’s a creative and efficient way to store shoes to decrease clutter. It adds a neat slice of decor to the room without taking up a lot of space. It also makes organizing and selecting shoes much more accessible. It’s impossible to go wrong with a tiered wall shelf. 

16. Shoe Rack With Enclosed Crates

A shoe rack with enclosed crates will change how you store your shoes. The design adds character and chic to any doorway. It’ll always keep your shoes neat, clean, and organized. The crates are big enough for every style and on top of that, the shoe rack slides into any closet or corner. Brilliant.

17. Layered Shelves 

There are several creative ways to store shoes. It’s always great to repurpose an old piece of furniture. However, a new style is repurposing and mismatching old shoe racks. It’s a custom shoe rack that’ll free up lots of space while adding a unique style to the place.

Layered shelves allow you to get a shelf for each shoe design. Stack multiple shelves on top of each other to create a stunning shoe rack tower. The finished product will be a unique piece of decor nobody else owns. You can store rain boots, work shoes, and casual and summer footwear.

18. Shelf Compartment With Coat Hooks

There’s always a solution for a cluttered and small space. A shelf compartment with coat hooks is perfect for a family with many little kids. It’s an open space that adds style and character.

It’s accessible, gives the illusion of a larger area, and adds style and convenience. It’ll keep your shoes and jackets off the floor while at the same time is easy for kids to grab their shoes to go on an adventure. 

19. Vintage Style Shoe Rack

The vintage-style shoe rack isn’t only for the doorway. The chic and classic piece of furniture is ideal for the bedroom or walk-in closet. Vintage style is perfect for every shoe shape and design. Take your decor back in time while organizing your shoes. 

One popular trend in outdoor living spaces is the incorporation of comfortable seating areas. Plush sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a book or enjoying conversations with loved ones. Fire pits and outdoor heaters extend the usability of these spaces, allowing individuals to enjoy the outdoors even during cooler evenings or chilly seasons.

Another exciting idea for outdoor living spaces is the integration of a kitchen or a bar area. Outdoor kitchens equipped with grills, countertops, and sinks make cooking and entertaining a delightful experience. Imagine hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a gourmet meal surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. Similarly, a well-stocked outdoor bar area with a built-in refrigerator and a sleek countertop allows for convenient outdoor entertaining, providing a refreshing space for socializing and mixing drinks.

Gardening enthusiasts can transform their outdoor spaces into stunning botanical retreats. Vertical gardens, hanging planters, and flower beds add color and vibrancy, creating a peaceful oasis. Incorporating water features like fountains or ponds further enhances the tranquil ambiance, providing a soothing backdrop of trickling water and a habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife.

For those seeking a more active outdoor experience, installing a swimming pool or a hot tub can provide the perfect solution. Pools offer a refreshing escape from the heat and serve as a focal point for gatherings and recreational activities. Hot tubs, on the other hand, provide relaxation and therapeutic benefits, offering a serene spot to unwind and melt away stress.

Furthermore, outdoor living spaces can be enhanced with entertainment systems such as outdoor televisions, surround sound systems, and even movie screens. These additions allow for outdoor movie nights, sports viewing parties, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes while basking in the beauty of nature.

In conclusion, outdoor living spaces have evolved beyond a mere backyard or patio. They have become an extension of our homes, offering endless opportunities for leisure, entertainment, and personal enjoyment. Whether you prefer a cozy retreat or an entertainment hub, the possibilities for creating an extraordinary outdoor living space are limited only by your imagination.

Ready to get started? Check out our favorite outdoor living space ideas below. 

1. Backyard

One of the best places to create an outdoor living space is right in your own backyard. Backyard living spaces have become an integral part of creating an oasis at home. These outdoor retreats offer a private sanctuary where one can relax, entertain, and connect with nature.

From cozy patios and decks to lush gardens and swimming pools, backyard living spaces provide endless possibilities. Comfortable seating areas, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits make entertaining a breeze, while greenery, water features, and ambient lighting create a soothing ambiance.

Constructing a concrete slab or paver patio is a great way to create a designated seating area in your yard. Arrange cozy, outdoor-safe furniture throughout the space. Include a table for outdoor dining or for use as a home office during the day.

Any size backyard can be turned into a functional living space. But your lifestyle and household needs pets and children included – will ultimately determine just how much grass you can trade for furniture and decor.

Whether it’s a space for family gatherings, quiet reflection, or lively parties, backyard living spaces allow individuals to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors right in the comfort of their own homes.

2. Deck

Deck outdoor living spaces have become popular extensions of homes, offering a versatile and stylish area for relaxation and entertainment. A deck bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living in more ways than one. Whether you’re a routine sunbather or prefer to sit in the A/C, adapting your deck into the perfect outdoor living space is probably easier than you think.

These elevated platforms provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, allowing individuals to bask in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Decks can be customized with comfortable seating, dining areas, and even outdoor kitchens, creating a perfect setting for gatherings and barbecues.

Comfortable and functional furniture is the first step in making the most of your current deck space. Wicker furniture is a classic choice. But there are patio furniture sets out there suited to all tastes and styles.

Basic amenities like shade sails, ceiling fans, and patio heaters can make your deck enticing even in subpar weather. Be sure to allow a large enough seating area for guests!

Whether it’s a small balcony or a sprawling multi-level deck, these outdoor spaces offer a tranquil retreat where one can unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy breathtaking views in a private and inviting environment.

3. Design 

From furniture layouts to lighting, creating an outdoor living space is not much different than designing an interior space. Many of the design elements that make an appearance in the average dining or living room can also be utilized outdoors.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with decor you don’t normally see outside. For example, an outdoor rug is a wonderful way to tie a patio seating area together. 

When planning out your patio, porch, or deck area, be sure to select items that are built to live outdoors. Otherwise, exposure to rain and sunshine will have them looking worse for wear before you know it.

4. DIY

Your backyard is one of the best locations to test your DIY skills. 

Of course, not everyone can jump straight into building a pergola from the ground up! But with the right tools and materials, you can bring your dream outdoor space to life with little more than your own two hands.

Backyard DIY projects aren’t limited to building things from scratch. A fresh coat of paint or new outdoor fabric is all many secondhand furniture pieces need for a new lease on life (And you can save a pretty penny while you’re at it).

5. Firepit 

For many homeowners, a backyard living space isn’t complete without some sort of firepit. This inventive and handy outdoor feature brings warmth, charm, and a sense of coziness to any backyard or patio.

These gathering spots provide a focal point for socializing and relaxation, allowing friends and family to gather around the dancing flames. Firepits come in various designs, from traditional wood-burning pits to modern gas-powered options, catering to different preferences.  Some people adore the idea of constructing a built-in fire pit to roast marshmallows over. Meanwhile, renters and those looking to add versatility to their outdoor living space should invest in a freestanding fire pit. 

Choosing the ideal fire pit for your outdoor space also means selecting a style that suits the existing decor. Fire pits can be built using natural stone, metal, brick pavers, and a variety of other materials.

With comfortable seating arranged around the firepit, these outdoor living spaces create an inviting and intimate atmosphere for conversations, storytelling, and creating cherished memories. Whether it’s a cool summer evening or a chilly autumn night, firepit living spaces provide the perfect setting for enjoying the outdoors in comfort and style.

6. Fireplace

A more formal outdoor living space might be best served by a traditional fireplace. (Yes, outdoor fireplaces exist!)

An outdoor fireplace can be a wonderful source of heat during the fall or on chilly summer nights. They add a touch of warmth, charm, and elegance to any outdoor area. It also offers soft ambient light that won’t disrupt the cozy atmosphere of your backyard deck or patio.

Outdoor fireplaces are typically built into a large pergola or another type of shelter. Some homes even feature fireplaces that connect to both the interior and exterior living spaces for maximum versatility.

These inviting spaces feature fire pits, fireplaces, or chimneys that provide a cozy and mesmerizing focal point. They create an inviting ambiance and extend the usability of outdoor spaces, allowing individuals to enjoy the outdoors even on cool evenings or during colder seasons.

Whether it’s gathering around the crackling flames with loved ones, roasting marshmallows, or simply enjoying the soothing glow, fireplace outdoor living spaces offer a sense of comfort and relaxation, making them the perfect spot to unwind and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

7. Furniture 

Your outdoor living space may lack walls. But you can still arrange furniture throughout the space as you would a standard living room, dining area, or any other interior room.

Before purchasing furniture for your outdoor living area, you need to have a plan. Will the space contain a dining table for lunch al fresco? Or will it be a comfortable outdoor seating area for relaxing and entertaining?

Once you construct a basic blueprint, you can start narrowing down the type and style of furniture you want to include. Remember, many of the best outdoor living space ideas borrow inspiration from multiple sources.

Furniture for outdoor living spaces is designed to withstand the elements while providing comfort, style, and functionality. Durable materials like weather-resistant wicker, teak, or aluminum are commonly used to ensure longevity and easy maintenance.

Comfortable seating options such as lounge chairs, sofas, and dining sets invite relaxation and socializing. Cushions and pillows made from fade-resistant fabrics add a touch of coziness and can be easily cleaned. Versatile pieces like outdoor ottomans or coffee tables provide functionality and can be rearranged to accommodate various needs.

From sleek and modern designs to rustic and traditional styles, outdoor furniture enhances the aesthetic appeal and usability of outdoor living spaces, allowing individuals to fully enjoy their time in the open air.

8. Garden 

All of the modern comforts in the world can’t replace the peaceful atmosphere of an outdoor room that is one with nature. Garden outdoor living spaces provide a tranquil and immersive experience, blending the beauty of nature with functional and inviting design.

These spaces celebrate the art of gardening and create a serene oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and carefully curated landscapes form a stunning backdrop for outdoor living.

Find ways to incorporate the existing garden landscape into your design – e.g., using a mature tree in place of a shade sail. Select furniture and decor that complements the garden beds surrounding your outdoor living space rather than compete with them. Potted plants can help blur the line between your backyard patio and the garden around it. Hang additional baskets from your pergola, nearby tree branches, or any other available structure. 

Seating areas nestled among the plants offer a peaceful retreat for reading or meditation. Water features like fountains or ponds provide a soothing ambiance, while pathways and trellises add charm and visual interest. Garden outdoor living spaces embrace the harmony between humans and the natural world, inviting individuals to connect with the beauty and serenity of their surroundings.

9. Luxury 

An oceanside view or Olympic-sized swimming pool is sure to give a backyard living space a dose of elegance. But you don’t need to live in a mansion to partake in a bit of luxury.

Luxury outdoor living spaces epitomize opulence, sophistication, and refined comfort. These extravagant retreats offer an unparalleled experience of outdoor living, combining lavish amenities, high-end materials, and impeccable design.

Impeccable landscaping, extravagant water features, and breathtaking views further enhance the luxurious ambiance. Sumptuous outdoor furniture, designer lighting, and state-of-the-art technology elevate the experience, while gourmet outdoor kitchens and dedicated entertainment areas ensure the seamless hosting of lavish gatherings.

Every little detail counts when designing a luxury space. Even one mismatched piece of furniture or out-of-place light fixture could throw off the entire look. For this reason, less is always more.

Crafting a peaceful atmosphere is also crucial. Invest in privacy panels to block unwanted noise and keep prying eyes out of your backyard. A small fountain or garden water feature is a wonderful way to drown out background noise if necessary.

10. Modern

If you think modern decor is best left to the controlled environment inside your home, think again. In fact, modern design is one of the top trends in outdoor living right now.

Modern outdoor living spaces epitomize contemporary design and lifestyle trends, providing a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments. These spaces combine sleek aesthetics, innovative materials, and cutting-edge technology to create a harmonious and functional outdoor experience.

From minimalist furniture to clean lines and geometric shapes, modern outdoor living spaces showcase a sophisticated and streamlined look. Sustainable features, such as eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting, align with eco-conscious values.

With the inclusion of outdoor kitchens, fire pits, cozy seating areas, and smart entertainment systems, modern outdoor living spaces offer a seamless extension of the home, providing a stylish and inviting environment for relaxation, entertainment, and socializing. Select matching patio furniture in muted or neutral tones. For a slightly organic aesthetic, opt for a sofa or chairs made of streamlined wicker or rattan. 

Potted plants contrast perfectly against the sleek lines of modern decor. Structured species of palms, ferns, and other tropical foliage are great starting points. You can also experiment with varieties of cacti and other succulents if your climate permits!

When choosing a movie it doesn’t matter if it’s a box office smash, an indie art flick, a foreign movie, or a B-grade 80s horror – as long as you and your friend love it then you’re on a winner. The whole point of watching a movie with your friends is so you can bond and laugh or cry at what is happening on the screen. Ultimately, the best movies to watch with friends are the ones that everyone enjoys and can engage with. 

So whether you’re in the mood for a classic drama, a buddy cop flick, or a romantic tear-jerker, there is sure to be a great movie out there that will bring you and your friends together for a fun and memorable movie night. And with so many streaming sites, from Amazon Prime Video to Disney+ to Apple TV, you are sure to find something that suits your taste. 

14 Movies To Watch With Friends

MovieBestBits/YouTube

1. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is a modern comedy classic about a bachelor party gone wrong when the groom disappears. Turning Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis into stars, the Todd Philips comedy is rude, crude, and chock full of hilarious cameos, including Mike Tyson and a then-unknown Ken Jeong. A great movie if you want to laugh the night away while knocking back some beers on the couch. 

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Relive your high school years with this 80s classic starring Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, and Anthony Michale Hall. The five actors, then up-and-comers, play stereotypical high school students (the Princess, the Athlete, the Basket Case, the Criminal, and the Brain) who spend Saturday detention together and learn they aren’t all that different from each other. 

Written and directed by the late, great, John Huges, The Breakfast Club will make you laugh, cry and remember the good old days when life was much simpler. 

Watch on Prime Video

3. Stand By Me (1986)

Here’s one movie that will have you crying by the time the credits roll and Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” starts playing. Based on Stephen King’s terrific novel of the same name, this coming-of-age drama finds four friends (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell) embarking on a weekend-long hike to see a dead body.  

One of the few King adaptations he approves of, Stand By Me gives you all the feels and is a great way to bond with your bestie in front of the television. 

Watch on Apple TV

4. Deadpool

Superhero movies are still going strong so we thought it best to include one on this list. Of all the films released, Deadpool is easily the funniest that appeals to even non-comic book fans. Ryan Reynolds has never been better and helps make Deadpool a sympathetic character, despite being a bit of a dick. 

It might not be on the level of some other more serious comic book movies, but Deadpool does provide plenty of laughs. It’s also the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, so if you like swearing and rude humor, you can’t go past this one. 

Watch on Disney+

5. Step Brothers (2008)

When it comes to smash hit comedies you can enjoy with your mates, look no further than Step Brothers. If you don’t find this movie funny you might need to see someone and get help.

Will Ferrell and John C. Riely are two 30-something losers whose parents get married, causing them to become step-brothers. Enemies at first, the two soon discover they have a lot in common and find themselves getting up to all sorts of mischief. 

The humor is low-brow at times but Step Brothers is one of those movies where the laughs never stop coming. The one-liners are spectacular and the chemistry between Ferrell and Riely is magic. Adam Scott also deserves a mention for his portrayal as Ferrell’s douce bag brother who loves car karaoke. 

Watch on HBO Max

6. Thelma & Louise (1991)

One of the great road trip movies finds Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis embarking on a cross-country journey that suddenly takes a turn for the worse after the two are involved in a murder. On the run from the cops, they encounter several interesting characters (including a young Brad Pitt) and situations as their friendship flourishes and their bond grows. 

Watch on Prime Video

7. Scarface (1983)

If you want an endlessly quotable movie you and your buddies can enjoy together, look no further than this 80s great. Written by Oliver Stone and directed by crime film legend Brian De Palma, the film stars Al Pacino as the aggressive Cuban criminal Tony Montana.

A cold-blooded killer who becomes a drug kingpin in Miami, Scarface details his rise and fall as greed, paranoia, and his addiction to cocaine bring about his downfall. A stone cold classic best enjoyed with pizza and beer. 

Watch on The Roku Channel

8. Bridesmaids (2011)

The Hangover for women, Bridesmaids is a riotous comedy starring Kristin Wiig as Annie, a single lass struggling with life who is asked to be the maid of honor in her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. As she tries to plan a successful hens party, things go from bad to worse as she deals with all sorts of problems, including a memorable bout of food poisoning. 

A box office hit making over $306 million, Bridesmaid will have you and your friends rolling around the floor with laughter as you both agree Brazilian steak restaurants can be bad for your health. 

Watch on Hulu

9. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Strap in for an action-packed thrill ride with Gareth Evans’ spectacular marital arts epic The Raid: Redemption. An elite police squad is tasked with infiltrating an apartment building where a known drug lord lives. Once inside all hell breaks loose as they find themselves up against an army of bloodthirsty criminals. 

Helping turn Indonesian actors Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim into international stars, the movie is one martial arts fight scene after another. If it’s non-stop violence you are after, The Raid: Redemption will satisfy your cravings. Makes for a great double bill with the equally as impressive sequel, The Raid 2. 

Watch on Netflix

10. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Comedies dominate this list, so it’s no surprise Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy makes its presence felt. Written by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell, with McKay also directing, this wild flick set in the 70s follows famous anchorman Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) who works for Action News in San Diego. When female anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) is employed to work with Burgundy, he does all he can to make her quit, leading to several hilarious scenes. 

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Vince Vaughn, Danny Trejo, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and many more, Anchorman is another contender for best comedy of the 00s. Just give the sequel a miss, it’s terrible. 

Watch on Paramount+

11. Toy Story (1995)

Have a nostalgia-filled evening with the Pixar and Disney favorite Toy Story. Set in a world where toys come to life, cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) soon finds himself on the outs with his owner Andy after he gets new toy Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Enemies at first, the two soon grow close and become best friends over the course of the film as they try and escape Andy’s evil neighbor who enjoys destroying toys. 

As far as animated films go, Toy Story still ranks as one of the greats and is just as fresh today as it was when released almost three decades ago. If you want a movie marathon you can stick on the three sequels, although we suggest staying away from the spin-off Lightyear. 

Watch on Disney+

12. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Here’s a romantic comedy that everyone can enjoy. Ali Wong and Randall Park play childhood friends who fall out after an encounter in the back seat of Park’s car. Fast forward 16 years and Wong is a successful chef who seems to have it all, while Park lives at home with his widowed father and plays in an unsuccessful band. When the two bump into each other and reconnect, sparks fly, but both live in different worlds and must agree to make the necessary sacrifices to make things work. 

This flick has plenty of laughs with Wong and Park in top form. There’s also a brilliant cameo from Keanu Reeves playing an over-the-top version of himself that is worth the price of admission alone. 

Watch on Netflix

13. Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

If it’s fun and adventure you are after, tee up Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark. The best movie in the franchise finds Dr. Indiana Jones (peak Harrison Ford) galavanting across the world in search of the Ark of the Covenant. Directed by Stephen Speilberg from a script by Lawrence Kasden based on a story by George Lucas, this movie has it all. 

Lovable characters? Check. Evil Nazis? Check. Witty one-liners? Check. A sexy romantic interest? Check. Incredible set pieces? Check. This movie really does tick all the right boxes and is the ideal film to use the watch party feature with so your buddies that can’t make movie night can still feel like they are there. 

Watch on Paramount+

14. Scream (1996)

Keen to watch a horror movie everyone can enjoy? Look no further than Scream. This is Wes Craven’s attempt at reenergizing the horror genre and he hits all the right notes with the violent killer Ghostface becoming a horror icon.

Leaning into slasher cliches while also parodying stereotypes of the genre, Scream is one of the first meta-horrors with a spectacular cast that includes Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, and Jamie Kennedy. And who can forget Drew Barrymore’s opening cameo that sets the scene for this wonderful 90s horror. 

Watch on Pluto TV

Many famous entertainers and artists struggle with depression and anxiety, and battle various addictions. Thankfully most get the help they need, but sometimes it comes too late and these famous people end up taking their own lives. From the shocking deaths of Robin Williams and Kurt Cobain to the recent loss of model Stephen Boss, the impact of celebrity suicides extends far beyond the entertainment industry.

In this article, we will detail some of the tragic suicides that have plagued Hollywood celebrities and the factors that contributed to these unnecessary deaths in hope of raising awareness and promoting mental health support for everyone.

15 Celebrities Who Committed Suicide 

1. Robin Williams

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Robin Williams‘ legacy lives on in his critically acclaimed roles, such as Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, and Mrs. Doubtfire. The 63-year-old actor and comedian tragically committed suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in Paradise Cay, California. The coroner later ruled the suicide death from “asphyxia due to hanging.”

At the time of his death, Williams was struggling with severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia. The autopsy revealed Williams had Lewy body dementia, causing insomnia, delusions, and memory loss. Before his death, doctors misdiagnosed his illness as Parkinson’s. After his cremation, Williams’ family spread his ashes in the San Francisco Bay. 

2. Marilyn Monroe

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The iconic Marilyn Monroe is a Hollywood sex symbol that transcends time. Part of her continued fame is due to her heartbreaking suicide at the age of 36. Before her death, Monroe was struggling with depression, substance abuse, career setbacks, and relationship problems.

On the evening of August 4, 1962, Monroe likely committed suicide by overdosing on barbiturates as police discovered an empty bottle next to her body. While there are no signs of foul play, the coroner could only rule the cause as “probable suicide.” Despite the ruling, numerous debunked conspiracy theories suggest her death was an accident or murder involving either then-President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, union leader Jimmy Hoffa, or mob boss Sam Giancana. 

3. Kurt Cobain

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Regarded as the voice of his generation, Kurt Cobain became world-famous as the lead singer of Nirvana. In the years leading up to his death, Cobain battled chronic depression and heroin addiction. He also felt an added strain from his tumultuous marriage to Courtney Love. The pressure from his newfound fame also added to his mental health issues.

On April 8, 1994, a VECA electric employee discovered Cobain’s body in his greenhouse in Seattle. Despite several conspiracy theories, investigators determined the 27-year-old legend committed suicide with a shotgun on April 5th. He had a visible gunshot wound to the head and a gun lying on his chest. Investigators also found a suicide note in a flower pot. 

4. Sylvia Plath

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In the 1960s, American poet Sylvia Plath helped usher in confessional poetry allowing the writer to describe taboo topics regarding trauma, mental health, and sexuality. Throughout Plath’s life, she struggled with severe depression and intense anxiety. Since her college years, she attempted suicide numerous times. Plath even took the drastic measure of undergoing electroconvulsive therapy to help with her mental illness.

Nothing seemed to work and as her depression and insomnia worsened, her doctor prescribed her antidepressants. On February 11, 1963, Plath sealed her kitchen with tape, towels, and clothes to protect her children. She then committed suicide at the age of 30 by putting her head in the oven. The official cause of death was suicide due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Tunisha Sharma

Tunisha Sharma/YouTube

The suicide of 20-year-old Indian actress Tunisha Sharma on December 24, 2022, sent shockwaves throughout the country. At the time of her death, she was starring in the series Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul with Sheezan Mohammed Khan. Reportedly, Sharma and Khan were in a romantic relationship, although Khan recently ended it.

Sharma committed suicide by hanging herself in Khan’s dressing room on the set of Ali Baba. Later, investigators arrested Khan for abetment to suicide after Sharma’s mother filed a suit. Sharma appears posthumously in her final role in 3 Monkeys. 

6. Anthony Bourdain

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Celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain traveled the world embracing new cultures, enjoying the finest cuisine, and examining the human condition. Bourdain was also a recovering addict who suffered from depression, although that was not widely known. During the filming of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown season 12, the crew traveled to France. Sadly, Bourdain committed suicide on June 8, 2018, in his room at the Le Chambard Hotel at 61.

Bourdain’s friend and collaborator Éric Ripert became concerned when Bourdain failed to show up for dinner and breakfast. He found Bourdain hanging in his hotel. After cremation in France, his ashes returned to the United States. 

7. Hana Kimura

Recreation705/YouTube

Japanese joshi puroresu professional wrestler Hana Kimura was best known for her time with Stardom and Wrestle-1. The second-generation wrestler also appeared in Fuji Television and Netflix reality series Terrace House. After an incident in the series, Kimura began receiving death threats and endured relentless cyberbullying.

On the morning of May 23, 2020, fans and friends became concerned when Kimura shared hateful comments she received and posted images of self-harm on social media. Later that day, 22-year-old Kimura committed suicide by inhaling hydrogen sulfide. Several individuals who participated in the online abuse face legal charges and lawsuits from her family. 

8. Jiah Khan

Eros Now Music/YouTube

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan had a short career but left a lasting impression with roles in Ghajini, Nishabd, and Housefull. Shockingly, Khan died on June 3, 2013, at her parent’s home in Mumbai. They found the 25-year-old actress hanging from the ceiling fan in her bedroom.

Due to the circumstances, police ruled her death suicide by hanging. Khan’s mother disagrees, insisting that her daughter’s boyfriend, Sooraj Pancholi, killed Khan. Khan left behind a note that detailed Pancholi’s abusive nature. The case continues to work its way through the courts. 

9. Kate Spade

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In the 90s, fashion designer Kate Spade changed the industry with her groundbreaking line. She quickly became a household name through her various products. Kate was married to the brother of comedian David Spade, Andy. Her daughter is actress Rachel Brosnahan, who uses her mother’s maiden name.

Kate struggled with depression and anxiety for most of her life. A few months before her death, Kate and Andy separated. On June 5, 2018, Kate’s housekeeper discovered the 55-year-old hanging in her Manhattan apartment. She left behind a note for her daughter. Kate Spade stores paid tribute to the late owner with plans to release Kate’s unfinished work. 

10. Chris Cornell

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For much of his life, legendary musician Chris Cornell struggled with depression, anxiety, and isolation. He had a long and successful career as a member of Soundgarden and Audioslave, but despite his fame, Cornell battled with mental health issues every day.

After performing with Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, Cornell took his own life at 52 in the bathroom of his MGM Grand hotel room. His bodyguard found him lying on the floor with an exercise band around his neck. Doctors pronounced him dead on May 18, 2017. Cornell’s heartbreaking death made headlines around the world and was another cautionary tale of depression and the devastating impact it can have on people. 

11. Goo Hara

Nars Hama/YouTube

South Korean singer Goo Hara gained fame as a member of Kara and later with a solo career. Sadly, the end of her life was full of pain and lawsuits. In 2018, Hara filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend Choi Jong-Bum for sexual assault and for secretly filming her in a sexual act.

Once news of the video went public, Hara endured online bullying and harassment. On November 24, 2019, Hara committed suicide by hanging herself in her apartment. Her tragic death at 28 resulted in changes to South Korean laws involving secretly recording a sexual act and inheritance laws. 

12. Stephen “Twitch” Boss

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Hip-hop dancer and TV personality Stephen “Twitch” Boss gained widespread fame for appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Disney’s Fairytale Wedding, and So You Think You Can Dance. It’s common for someone struggling with mental health to hide it from everyone.

For instance, Boss appeared to have high-functioning depression and dealt with his issues behind closed doors. Tragically, Boss committed suicide at the age of 40 by hanging on December 13, 2022. 

13. Silk Smitha 

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Known for her sex appeal and mesmerizing eyes, Silk Smitha wowed Indian audiences with her incredible dance numbers in the 1980s. The 34-year-old actress stunned fans when she supposedly committed suicide by hanging in her hotel room on September 22, 1996.

Early that night, Silk called a friend to discuss an important matter. She had high levels of alcohol in her body, leading some to assume it was a suicide. She also left behind a note that authorities failed to decipher. While officers assume it was a suicide, her case remains a mystery.

14. Avicii

Avicii/YouTube Music

In 2011, Swedish DJ Avicii rose to fame and began touring around the globe. Better known as Tim Bergling, he struggled with depression since childhood and started seeing a therapist at 14. He developed health issues related to excessive drinking. Bergling then became addicted to painkillers after surgery. Eventually, he decided to retire from touring in 2016.

The pressure to return to touring from fans and his management, along with hate mail, added to his fragile state. At 28, Bergling committed suicide in Muscat on April 20, 2018, by cutting himself with a broken piece of glass. 

15. Guru Dutt

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In Indian cinema, few directors compare with the legendary Guru Dutt. While he only completed eight Hindi films, each achieved widespread success or cult status. At the time of his death at age 39, Dutt and his wife had recently separated due to problems in the marriage. Additionally, he often drank and smoked heavily.

Dutt was found dead on October 10, 1964, in his bed in Mumbai. He appeared to mix sleeping pills with alcohol, but his children claim that was common. The coroner ruled his death as probable suicide, although it could have been an accidental overdose. 

The internet is littered with different types of movie-related trivia, so to make it easier for you we have gathered together some of the best questions in one place. These movie trivia questions cover a wide range of topics and will have even the most fervent film buffs scratching their heads. 

Movie trivia questions are a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge and learn more about the movies you love. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard movie lover, there’s always something new to discover in the world of cinema when answering a movie trivia question. So why not start exploring today with these awesome movie trivia questions? 

164 Movie Trivia Questions To Test Film Buffs

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1. What is the name of the computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Hal 9000.

2. Who actually drew the sketch of Rose in Titanic?

Director James Cameron. 

3. What animal is the fictional character Indiana Jones named after?

A dog. 

4. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan starred in three hit movies together in the 90s. Can you name all three?

Joe Versus the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail. 

5. What flavor Pop Tarts does Buddy the Elf use in his spaghetti in Elf?

Chocolate.

6. Inigo Montoya is a character from which 1987 iconic Rob Reiner film?

The Princess Bride.

7. Who plays Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men?

Robert Redford.

8. The code in The Matrix comes from what food recipes?

Sushi. 

9. In Back to the Future, what speed does the DeLorean have to reach to experience time travel?

88 mph.

10. What was the first James Bond movie ever made?

Dr. No.

11. Where do Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton meet in The Notebook?

A carnival. 

12. What is the first movie in the Austin Powers franchise?

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

13. What actor has been killed by a Terminator, Alien, and Predator?

Bill Paxman. 

14. What is the full title of the first Star Wars movie?

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

15. Who starred as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s twin in the 1988 movie Twins?

Danny DeVito.

16. What is the name of Meatloaf’s character in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?

Eddie. 

17. Which literary icon reviews Gil Pender’s manuscript in Midnight in Paris?

Gertrude Stein.

18. What city is overrun with ghosts in Ghostbusters?

New York.

19. In Breakfast At Tiffany’s, what is the name of Holly Golightly’s cat?

Cat.

20. What seasonal fictional character have Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, and Paul Giamatti all played?

Santa Claus. 

21. When was the first Academy Awards held?

May 16, 1929. 

22. Which animal is killed in Fatal Attraction?

A bunny.

23. What does Clark Griswold get as a bonus in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? 

A one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.

24. Whose corpse is famously said to have been cryogenically frozen on their death bed?

Walt Disney. 

25. What is the name of the fictional place where Frozen takes place?

Arendelle.

26. Who is the villain in A Nightmare on Elm Street? 

Freddy Kruger. 

27. What was the name of the movie created in Bowfinger?

Chubby Rain.

28. The mask worn by Michael Myers in Halloween is actually a mask of which famous actor?

William Shatner. It’s a mask of his character James T. Kirk from Star Trek. 

29. What are the five student stereotypes in Breakfast Club?

“A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel, and a recluse.”

30. In the movie, City Slickers, what did Mitch Robbins call the calf he helped deliver?

Norman.

31. What is Bill Murray’s occupation in Groundhog Day?

Meteorologist.

32. True or false: Janet Jackson turned down the role of Lisa McDowell in The Nightmare Before Christmas?

False.

33. Who was the first character to speak in the first Star Wars movie?

C3PO.

34. What were the first words the Disney character Mickey Mouse ever spoke?

“Hot dog.”

35. The Departed is a remake of what Hong Kong movie?

Infernal Affairs. 

36. What famous NFL quarterback plays Mary’s former love interest in There’s Something About Mary?

Brett Favre.

37. In The Matrix, what color are the two pills that Morpheus gives Neo to choose between? 

Red or blue.

38. What is the last word in this famous Toy Story quote: “To infinity and ____!”

Beyond. 

39. Who voices Joy in Pixar’s Inside Out?

Amy Poehler. 

40. What was Scream originally called?

Scary Movie.

41. Which horror movie is this quote from: “Sometimes, dead is better”?

Pet Sematary 

42. What is the name of the spaceship in Alien?

USCSS Nostromo.

43. Where were the Lord of the Rings movies filmed?

New Zealand. 

44. What song do Meg Ryan and Anthony Edwards (Goose) sing together in Top Gun?

“Great Balls of Fire.”

45. Which holiday do Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal celebrate at the end of When Harry Met Sally?

New Year’s Eve.

46. What is the name of the fashion line named after Derek Zoolander in Zoolander?

Derelicte.

47. Which Star Wars actor required plastic surgery to rebuild his face after a 1977 car accident?

Mark Hamill.

48. Where does Hugh Grant’s character work in Notting Hill?

A travel bookshop.

49. Which country does Forrest Gump travel to as part of the All-American Ping-Pong Team?

China. 

50. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor travels to which planet to create Stormbreaker?

Nidavellir.

51. Which movie won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture?

Wings. 

52. What actor played the President of the United States in Independence Day?

Bill Pullman.

53. Who is the youngest Oscar winner of all time?

Tatum O’Neal.

54. What year was the classic movie White Christmas released? 

1954.

55. Who plays the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise?

James Earl Jones.

56. Which Sylvester Stallone starring 1976 flick once Best Picture?

Rocky. 

57. How long is Gone with the Wind?

238 minutes or almost four hours.

58. Which famous Pulp Fiction scene was filmed backward?

Mia’s overdose scene.

59. Cool Runnings tells the story of which country entering a bobsleigh team into the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary?

Jamaica.

60. What substance is Han Solo frozen in during The Empire Strikes Back?

Carbonite.

61. Who was the first Black person to win an Oscar?

Hattie McDaniel.

62. Which movie has the tagline: “The true story of a real fake?”

Catch Me If You Can.

63. What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT in Legally Blonde?

179. 

64. Heath Ledger won a post-humors Oscar for his performance as the Joker in which film?

The Dark Knight. 

65. Which Indiana Jones movie stars Sean Connery as Indy’s father?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 

66. What does Zach Galifianakis’ character Alan call the baby in The Hangover?

Carlos.

67. Which movie is this famous line from: “I wish I knew how to quit you.”

Brokeback Mountain. 

68. What language do the inhabitants of Pandora speak in the movie Avatar?

Na’vi.

69. Prior to Star Wars, what film did Harrison Ford and George Lucas work on together?

American Graffiti.

70. Which Russell Crowe starring movie won Best Picture at the 2000 Academy Awards?

Gladiator. 

71. Who directed It’s a Wonderful Life? 

Frank Capra,

72. What gift does Rose receive from her fiancé in the movie Titanic?

A necklace.

73. How many Harry Potter movies are there?

Technically eight as the seventh, Deathly Hallows, is split into two parts. 

74. While preparing for his role as Michael Oher in The Blind Side, Quinton Aaron trained with what college football team?

Georgia Tech.

75. Which famous British comedian voiced Zazu in The Lion King?

Rowan Atkinson. 

76. How old was Stockard Channing when she played high school student Rizzo in Grease?

33.

77. What item is in every Fight Club scene?

A Starbucks cup. 

78. Which child from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory found the first Golden Ticket?

Augustus Gloop.

79. How many Oscars did the movie Titanic win at the 70th Academy Awards in 1998?

11. 

80. What is the name of the first movie Steven Spielberg directed?

Duel. 

81. Which Christmas movie is about a boy left home alone?

Home Alone. 

82. Who played Elliot Page’s love interest in the movie Juno?

Michael Cera.

83. In the Marvel movies, what do the letters of the law-enforcement agency S.H.I.E.L.D. stand for?

Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division.

84. How many horses played the role of the four-legged star in Seabiscuit?

10. 

85. Who plays Harry Potter in the Harry Potter franchise?

Daniel Radcliffe. 

86. What is in the box in the movie Se7en? 

Mills’s wife’s head. 

87. How many Infinity Stones are there in Avengers: Endgame?

Six.

88. “Yippy ki yay motherfucker” is the classic one-liner first uttered by Bruce Willis in which movie?

Die Hard. 

89. If you watch the Marvel movies in chronological order, which movie would you watch first?

Captain America: The First Avenger. 

90. What Michael Crichton novel about dinosaurs was turned into a blockbuster motion picture by Steven Spielberg? 

Jurassic Park. 

91. Who is the first Disney princess?

Snow White. 

92. “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” is from which Patrick Swayze starring movie? 

Dirty Dancing. 

93. What campus was depicted as Harvard in A Beautiful Mind? 

Manhattan College.

94. Who played Obi Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy? 

Sir Alex Guinness. 

95. Some of the velociraptor noises in Jurassic Park are actually which animals mating?

Tortoises. 

96. Which actor – in one of their first roles – played a young Wendy Darling in Hook?

Gwyneth Paltrow.

97. Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix voiced all the songs themselves in what 2005 film? 

Walk the Line.

98. What book is A Christmas Story based on? 

Jean Shepherd’s semi-fictional 1966 novel In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.

99. In which country was the 2017 movie Call Me By Your Name filmed?

Italy. 

100. What is the name of the camp where counselors are terrorized by a slasher in Friday the 13th?

Camp Crystal Lake. 

101. Julia Roberts played a character playing herself in which movie?

Ocean’s Twelve. 

102. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe what magical country does the White Witch put a spell on so that it is always winter but never Christmas?

Narnia.

103. What instrument did Julie Andrews learn to play for her role as Maria in The Sound of Music?

The guitar.

104. Which two actors have played Hannibal Lecktor in adaptations of Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon? 

Brian Cox in Manhunter and Anthony Hopkins in Red Dragon. 

105. Who directed the 1960 movie, Psycho? 

Alfred Hitchcock. 

106. What was the first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars?

Beauty and the Beast.

107. Who played Peter Pan in the movie Hook?

Robin Williams. 

108. What object was Toy Story’s Woody originally?

Ventriloquist dummy.

109. Which 90s movie featured the songs “My Guy (My God)” and “I Will Follow Him?”

Sister Act.

110. What is the dog’s actual name in The Sandlot?

Hercules, but the kids call him “The Beast.”

111. Which song does Jenna Rink perform to in 13 Going On 30?

“Thriller.”

112. What kind of container does Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight) use to hide stolen dinosaur embryos in Jurassic Park?

A can of Barbasol shaving cream.

113. Which 1975 film is considered to be the very first summer blockbuster?

Jaws.

114. What kind of pet did Norma Desmond have in Sunset Boulevard?

A chimpanzee.

115. Stephen King directed what film based on his own novel?

Maximum Overdrive.

116. What is the name of Kevin Costner’s character in Field of Dreams?

Ray Kinsella.

117. Jordan Belfort works for which firm in The Wolf of Wall Street?

L.F. Rothschild.

118. What is the call sign of the character Tom Cruise plays in the movie Top Gun?

Maverick. 

119. In Citizen Kane, what was “Rosebud” a reference to?

His childhood sled.

120. What iconic Jaws movie quote was ad-libbed by actor Roy Scheider?

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

121. Which professional athlete was considered for the lead in The Terminator?

O.J. Simpson. 

122. In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, who does Ferris claim to be at the door of the restaurant?

Abe Froman, Sausage King of Chicago.

123. Who voiced Victor Van Dort in Corpse Bride?

Johnny Depp.

124. What is the name of the magazine Jenna edits in 13 Going On 30?

Poise.

125. In the film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, who do Lock, Shock, and Barrel mistakenly kidnap before they grab Santa Claus?

The Easter Bunny.

126. What brand of underwear does Marty wear in Back to the Future?

Calvin Klein.

127. Who plays lawyer-turned-youth-hockey-coach Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks franchise?

Emilio Estevez. 

128. In The Lord of the Rings, how many Rings of Power are there in total?

20.

129. Who is the main character in A Christmas Carol?

Ebenezer Scrooge.

130. What was the original working title of Independence Day?

Doomsday.

131. In Coming to America, what does Semmi get installed in the cheap apartment that he and Prince Akeem rent?

A Jacuzzi.

132. What song plays in the tunnel scene in Perks of Being a Wallflower?

“Heroes” by David Bowie. 

133. In The Ring, how long do people have to live after they watch a cursed videotape?

Seven days. 

134. What is the first animated movie made entirely by CGI?

Toy Story.

135. How many tributes survive the first day of The Hunger Games?

11. 

136. In which street-racing movie did Gal Gadot make her film debut?

Fast & Furious.

137. Who plays Captain Steven Hiller in the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day?

Will Smith. 

138. In Bambi, what is the name of Bambi’s skunk friend?

Flower. 

139. What villain threatens the entire LEGO universe in The LEGO Movie?

Lord Business.

140. Which actor was cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future before being let go and replaced by Michael J. Fox?

Eric Stoltz.

141. What karaoke song does Cameron Diaz’s character sing in My Best Friend’s Wedding?

“I Just Don’t Know What I’d Do With Myself.”

142. Which film showcased both Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey’s debut acting performances?

The Color Purple.

143. In Clueless, how does Cher choose her outfits?

With a computer program. 

144. What did Sean Connery always wear in James Bond movies? 

His toupee. 

145. Phil, Stu, and Alan spend all of The Hangover looking for their friend Doug. Where do they eventually find him?

On the roof. 

146. Which actor plays Private Ryan in Saving Private Ryan?

Matt Damon. 

147. Including the 2018 film, how many versions of A Star Is Born are there?

Four. 

148. Which animated Disney movie was remade in 2019 by Jon Favreau?

The Lion King. 

149. Who was originally cast to voice Shrek?

Chris Farley. 

150. Which rock star does Johnny Depp say inspired his portrayal of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl?

The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards.

151. What is the name of the chainsaw-wielding maniac in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

Leatherface. 

152. In Mean Girls, what’s the name of the restaurant that Cady receives gift certificates to when she wins Spring Fling Queen?

Walker Brothers Pancake House.

153. What is Meg Ryan’s username in You’ve Got Mail?

Shopgirl. 

154. Which character in The Godfather is nicknamed “The Turk?”

 Virgil Sollozzo.

155. What is Jason Bourne’s real name?

David Webb.

156. Who played Officer Slater in Superbad?

Bill Hader. 

157. What novel does Rusty give to his girlfriend Kate in Stuck in Love?

It by Stephen King. 

158. Which song does Joanna sing at the holiday concert in Love Actually?

“All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

159. In The Hunger Games, who does Katniss volunteer to replace after their name is drawn from the reaping bowl?

Primrose. 

160. Which movie musical stars Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried as a musical mother and daughter living on a Greek island?

Mamma Mia. 

161. What Disney movie was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won five?

Mary Poppins.

162. In the movie Speed, why was Annie (Sandra Bullock)’s driver’s license suspended?

She was speeding.

163. Which child actor from The Temple of Doom won a Golden Globe for his role in the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once?

Ke Huy Quan.

164. In Slumdog Millionaire, what is the grand prize question Jamal is asked?

“Who is the third musketeer?”

These challenging puzzles and mysteries put your deduction skills to the ultimate test as you try and solve the murder mystery. These fun riddles are designed to make you think outside the box and often center on scenarios revolving around a murder, with you having to find out the who, what, why, and where of everything that happened to the victim. 

Figuring out these riddles is as satisfying as watching a true crime documentary or reading the latest detective novel in your favorite series. These murder mystery riddles engage your brain on another level and will put your problem-solving abilities to the ultimate test. Nothing beats putting together the pieces from the clues offered and cracking the case. 

These mystery riddles are great brain teasers that can be completed solo or in a group setting with friends and family. So grab your magnifying glass, get your mind ready, put on your best Sherlock Holmes impression, and see how many of these murder mystery riddles you can solve. 

18 Murder Mystery Riddles for Amateur Sleuths

1. Science Case

Tonhom1009/Shutterstock

Riddle: A chemist was murdered in his own lab one night. The only evidence was a piece of paper that had the names of several chemical substances written on it. The substances were nickel, carbon, oxygen, lanthanum, and sulfur. The chemist only had three people come by his lab on the day of his murder: fellow scientist Claire, his nephew Nicolas, his wife Sarah, and his friend Marc. The police arrested the murderer right away. How did they know who it was?

Answer: There was a very obvious clue on the piece of paper. If you combine the abbreviations of the chemical substances on the paper, you get the name Nicolas (Ni-C-O-La-S).

2. The Cassette Tape

faridan hadi rukmana/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man was found dead in his apartment. When the police came, they saw a cassette recorder in his left hand and a gun in his right. The police officer pressed the play button on the cassette. In the tape, the man said, “I can’t live anymore. I don’t have anything else to live for, I’m done!” and then the sound of a gunshot. As soon as the cassette ended, the officer knew it was not a suicide but a murder. How did he come to this conclusion?

Answer: If it had been a suicide, how is the cassette recorder playing from the start? Someone else rewind the tape and kept it there.

3. Adrian’s The Killer

Iri_sha/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man named Adrian went on a hiking trip with his fiancé Lisa and his best friend Ben. Soon after, both Lisa and Adrian were found dead at the bottom of a cliff. Both were fully dressed in warm clothes, including several layers of jackets, mittens, woolen trousers, and hiking boots.

The police interrogated Ben to know what exactly happened. Ben told the police that Adrian and Lisa had a big fight and Adrian got so angry he picked up a rock and smashed it on Lisa’s head. Ben continued, “Then Adrian threw her off the cliff. But when he turned around, he saw me and got so startled that he also jumped off the cliff.”

The police found the rock which Ben said Adrian used to hit Lisa and sent it to the lab. The lab test confirmed Adrian’s fingerprints on the rock. Still, the police arrested Ben. Why?

Answer: If Adrian was wearing mittens, how did his fingerprints end up on the rock? Ben was lying and was the one who killed both Lisa and Adrian.

4. Jessica’s Killer

Stokkete/Shutterstock

Riddle: A lady named Jessica was found dead in her house one morning. The police have already got a list of five suspects – Marcus, Nancy, Kevin, Sheena, and John. The killer has left notes at various places in the house as hints and police are studying them. The first note was in the makeup room. The second note was found in the art room. The third one in the restroom. The fourth in the compound. The fifth in the underwater room and the final note in the shared room.

All of the hints have only one line written on them – “The clues are where you find the notes.” Still, nothing was found in the rooms. Can you help the police?

Answer: The clue is the first letter of the rooms where clues were found. Makeup room. Art room. Restroom. Compound. Underwater room. Shared room. Hence, the killer is Marcus

5. Suicide or Not?

Grand Warszawski/Shutterstock

Riddle: A dead female body lies at the bottom of a multistory building. It looks as though she committed suicide by jumping from one of the floors. When the detective arrives, he goes to the first floor of the building, opens the closed window, and flips a coin toward the floor. He goes to the second floor and does the exact same thing. He continues to do this until he gets to the top floor of the building. When he comes back down, he states that it was a murder and not a suicide. How does he know that?

Answer: She couldn’t have jumped from any of the floors because when the detective went to each floor, all of the windows were closed.

6. Making Tracks

trambler58/Shutterstock

The cops found a dead man lying in the snow. They saw the tracks of a footprint pair in between two parallel lines a few feet away from the dead body. Who should be on their radar as a possible suspect?

Answer: A person in a wheelchair.

7. Poisonous Drinks

New Africa/Shutterstock

Riddle: Marissa and Juliana went out for drinks together. They ordered the same drink. Juliana was really thirsty and finished five in the time it took Marissa to finish one. The drinks were poisoned, but only Marissa died. How?

Answer: The poison was in the ice. Since Marissa’s ice had time to melt, she was poisoned but Juliana wasn’t. 

8. Love At a Funeral

Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Riddle: A girl was attending the funeral of her mother. While there she met a nice guy that she didn’t know who also was at the funeral and they hit it off. She was busy at the funeral and didn’t have time to ask him for his number before he left. She tried really hard to track him down, but no one knew who he was or how to contact him. A few days later her sister dies and the police believe it’s a murder. Who killed her sister?

Answer: She killed her sister. She was hoping that if someone else in her family died, the man she met at her mother’s funeral would show up again.

9. Rich Man’s Murderer

Rainer Fuhrmann/Shutterstock

Riddle: A wealthy man was found dead in his room on a Sunday morning. His wife called the police and explained the scenario. The police came and investigated the man’s wife and his staff. They gave the following responses when asked where they were when the murder occurred: 

Wife – “I was sleeping.”
Butler – “I was cleaning the closet.”
Maid – “I was getting the mail.”
Cook – “I was preparing breakfast.”
Gardener – “I was picking fresh vegetables from the garden.”

After their interrogation, police arrested the murderer. Who was it and how did they find out?

Answer: It was the maid. There is no mail on the weekend. 

10. Pill Popper

Alina Kruk/Shutterstock

Riddle: A killer gives his victims two pills to play a game. One of the pills is a vitamin pill, and the other is deadly. The victims choose one pill and gulp it down with a glass of water, and the killer swallows the other at random, yet every one of the victims dies. How?

Answer: The water is poisoned.

11. Honeymoon Mystery

soft_light/Shutterstock

Riddle: A couple went to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Unfortunately, the husband returned home alone because his wife had died in a horrible boating accident. The police contacted the travel agent he booked the trip with and arrested him for murdering his wife. How did they know he did it?

Answer: After chatting with the travel agent he revealed that the husband had only booked a one-way ticket for his wife.

12. Murder At School

Dm_Cherry/Shutterstock

Riddle: On the first day of school, someone murdered a history teacher. There were four people at the school that the police suspected had done it: the landscaper, a math teacher, a basketball coach, and the principal. These were their alibis:

The landscaper said he was outside mowing the lawn.

The math teacher said he was giving a mid-year test.

The basketball coach said he was running practice drills with his players.

The principal said she was in her office.

After giving their alibies, the police arrested the killer immediately. Who killed the history teacher and how did the police know?

Answer: The math teacher killed the history teacher. He claimed that he was giving a mid-year test, but it was the first day of school.

13. Hangman

Aquarius Studio/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man is found hanging in a room four feet off the floor. There is nothing else in the room except for a large puddle of water below him. The police do not see anything the man would have climbed on to hang himself. Did he commit suicide and, if so, how did he do it?

Answer:  He stood on a block of ice and put the noose around his neck. Once the ice melted, he was hung, and all that was left was a puddle of water on the floor.

14. Poisoned Apple

Ollyy/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man invited his friend for dinner, and they both had a meal of mashed potatoes and chicken nuggets. For dessert, he cut an apple in half and gave one to the man, and ate the same apple’s other half. How did his friend die?

Answer: Only one side of the knife was poisoned.

15. Wife Killer

Nixx Photography/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man killed his wife, and even though people watched him do so, no one could accuse him of the murder of his wife. Why?

Answer: The was an executioner and his wife was receiving the death penalty. 

16. Guilty in Court

Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Riddle: A woman was standing trial for killing her husband. She said she wasn’t guilty and that she dearly missed him. In the closing statement, the woman’s lawyer stands up and says, “Her husband was just missing. Everyone look at the doors. He’s going to walk through them in about 30 seconds.”

The entire jury turned and stared at the doors waiting for the woman’s husband to walk through the doors. The lawyer and the woman stared at the jury. The lawyer concluded by saying, “See! If you were so sure she killed her husband, you wouldn’t be watching that door!”

The jury immediately gave a guilty verdict. Why?

Answer: The woman was watching the jury and not the doors because she knew that her husband wouldn’t walk through them because she really had killed him. If she missed him as much as she claimed, she would have been watching the doors and not the jury. 

17. Horrible Morning 

M.Pakats/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man eats dinner, goes up to his bedroom, turns off the lights, and goes to sleep. In the morning he wakes up and looks outside and is horrified at what he sees. He then jumps through his window to his death. Why does he do this?

Answer: The man was a lighthouse operator. When he went to bed he turned off his lights for the entire lighthouse. When he woke up in the morning, he saw a ship has crashed into the land, causing a major disaster. Unable to go on, he decided to take his own life.

18. Who Shot the Wife?

Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Riddle: A man entered his house and was about to hang up his coat when he heard his wife shout, “No John! Don’t do it!” There was a shot and the man could hear his wife fall to the ground. When he entered the kitchen, he saw his wife and the gun lying on the floor. There was a police officer, a doctor, and a lawyer standing next to her. Who killed the man’s wife and how did the man know who it was?

Answer:  The man knew it was the police officer as he had on his name badge that read John.

For instance, a picture of a kind-looking man might actually be a notorious serial killer or contain pieces of an atomic bomb. Indeed, these horrifying images feature backstories that only make the pictures scarier. A simple photo can transcend time throughout history due to its haunting nature, as you will discover below. 

13 Photos With Disturbing Backstories 

1. Harold Agnew Carries the Plutonium Core of Fat Man Atomic Bomb

Wikimedia Commons

In 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs, “Little Boy” and “Fat Man,” over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The nuclear detonations killed roughly 129,000 to 226,000 people. The destruction resulted in the Japanese surrendering, ending World War II.

Earlier that same year, physicist Harold Agnew worked with a large team to create the two atomic bombs. While at Tinian, a photographer snapped an innocent-looking picture of Agnew smiling on a warm, sunny day. Upon close inspection, observers noticed Agnew was casually carrying the plutonium core of the “Fat Man” bomb. Agnew was a scientific observer for the Hiroshima mission, witnessing the devastating detonation that killed thousands. 

2. Tyler Hadley and Friend Take Picture at Party With Parent’s Dead Bodies in the House

Reddit

In 2011, teenager Michael Mandell attended a party at his 17-year-old friend Tyler Hadley’s house. Like the other 60 party guests, Mandell noticed an odd smell in the air. Tyler then confessed that he had murdered his parents, Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley, hours earlier with a claw hammer.

Mandell investigated and saw the bodies in the master bedroom. Instead of leaving, Mandell stayed at the party, hanging out with Hadley. Mandell even snapped this eerie and disturbing selfie on his phone that night. He later admitted to taking it because he knew he wouldn’t see Hadley again. After leaving the party, Mandell informed the authorities with an anonymous tip. Hadley was found guilty and received a life sentence for the murders. 

3. Blanche Monnier Was Photographed Shortly After Being Discovered in a Secret Room

Wikimedia Commons

In 1876, Blanche Monnier defied her mother and wished to marry an old lawyer. Her French aristocratic mother, Louise, refused and locked her daughter in a small room for 25 years. Louise and Blanche’s brother, Marcel, acted like Blanche had suddenly disappeared.

In 1901, the Paris Attorney General received an anonymous letter revealing Blanche’s captivity. Authorities ran over to the location and discovered Blanche, now middle-aged, sitting in her own filth and suffering from several mental health issues. Authorities snapped a photo of Blanche moments after they found her, showing her emancipated body. It’s a disturbing and heartbreaking image. 

4. Spanish Tourists Take Picture Next To Car Bomb Moments Before Detonation 

justsomeirishbloke/Reddit

On August 15, 1998, a family of Spanish tourists visited Omagh, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland. While walking down Omagh’s Market Street, the family decided to stop in front of S.D. Kells’ shop to take a few pictures. The father and child pose on the street near a 1991 maroon Vauxhall Cavalier.

They were unaware that the car contained a bomb that detonated seconds after the photographer took the picture. The IRA had parked the car in the spot 40 minutes earlier. The bombing killed 29 people, including the photographer. The father and child survived the bombing, as did the haunting image. 

5. The Last Photo of Michael Rockefeller

Reddit

Michael Rockefeller was a member of the world-famous Rockefeller family. Rockefeller mysteriously disappeared on November 19, 1961, while on an expedition to Asmat of Netherlands New Guinea, present-day Papua, Indonesia. He was with Dutch anthropologist Rene Wassing when their canoe overturned near the shore. Rockefeller managed to swim to shore and went for help.

A search team saved Wassing the next day, but Rockefeller had disappeared. One theory suggests he didn’t actually make it ashore and drowned, while another points the finger at the local Otsjanep tribe, with people believing they killed and ate Rockefeller. The last photo of Rockefeller and a tribe member with a sinister grin takes on a whole new eerie meaning since his disappearance. 

6. The Final Moments of Regina Kay Walters

Robert Ben Rhoades

This creepy and disturbing photo of Regina Kay Walters captured the final moments of her life. As you can see, she was in intense fear and horror because of the man holding the camera: serial killer and rapist Robert Ben Rhodes. The Truck Stop Killer murdered, raped, and tortured more than 50 women between 1975 and 1990.

In early 1990, Walters and her boyfriend, Ricky Lee Jones, had run away from home. Tragically, Rhodes murdered Jones and abducted Walters before killing her. He was caught later that year and received a life sentence without parole for his heinous crimes.  

7. The Most Beautiful Suicide 

Reddit

On May 1, 1947, bookkeeper Evelyn McHale left her fiancé’s residence in Pennsylvania and took a train back to New York. She walked over to the world-famous Empire State Building, taking the elevator to the 86th-floor observatory deck. She neatly folded her cloth coat, placing it next to her pocketbook containing her suicide note. Moments later, her body landed on a parked car in front of the building.

Four minutes later, photography student Robert Wiles snapped the hauntingly beautiful picture of McHale’s lifeless body on the vehicle. Dubbed “the most beautiful suicide,” the image of McHale peacefully lying on the roof of the car became an iconic image published in Life magazine. 

8. The Amityville Ghost Boy

Reddit

The Amityville Horror is one of the most famous paranormal cases in history. Located at 112 Ocean Avenue in New York, the Dutch colonial suburban home had its fair share of strange occurrences. The tale began in 1974 when Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his parents and four young siblings with a shotgun while they slept.

In 1975, the Lutz family moved into the residence and began experiencing paranormal activity. Not sure what to do, they turned to Ed and Lorrain Warren, who brought an investigation team to the home to find out what was going on.

On March 6, 1976, Gene Campbell took a series of infrared shots, revealing a “ghost boy“ with glowing eyes. Many critics have attempted to disprove the image, but have been unable to do so. Some speculate the ghost is Ronald DeFeo’s younger brother and victim, John DeFeo.

9. John Lennon’s Last Photo Includes His Killer

Reddit

On the evening of December 8, 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono exited The Dakota Hotel in New York City. Fans stopped the former Beatle as he headed to the studio. Amateur photographer Paul Goresh took a few quick pictures of Lennon as he signed autographs for fans.

Goresh would take Lennon’s last photograph as he stood next to a fan and signed his album, Double Fantasy. Later, Lennon’s final photo became infamous with the revelation that the fan in the picture, Mark David Chapman, was the man who murdered Lennon that same night in front of The Dakota. 

10. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold Pose in Class Pictures Making Shooting Gestures Two Weeks Before Columbine Massacre

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Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold entered Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and committed one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. They targeted their own classmates, killing 12 students and a teacher while injuring several others. Evidence suggests they had planned the attack for a year and hoped to kill as many classmates as possible.

Two weeks before the massacre, Harris and Klebold posed with the rest of the 12th-grade class for a school picture. The image includes the students they would target and kill 14 days later. Harris and Klebold appear in the upper left-hand corner, making shooting and gun gestures with their fingers, hinting at the carnage that was to come. 

11. The First Lady Meets Killer Clown 

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On May 6, 1978, the then-First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter, met a popular children’s entertainer, John Wayne Gacy, at the White House. As Patches or Pogo The Clown, he performed at kid’s parties across America. Carter and the rest of the world were unaware that Gacy was a deadly serial killer who murdered and raped 33 men and boys between 1972 and 1978.

When he met Rosalyn Carter, Gacy had already killed more than 30 men. In December of that year, authorities arrested Gacy for the murder of teenager Robert Priest. The unsettling image of the First Lady and the Killer Clown became an embarrassment for the Carter administration and a photo with one of the most disturbing backstories. 

12. The Murder of Tina Watson

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On October 22, 2003, American newlyweds Tina and Gabe Watson went scuba diving on their honeymoon off the coast of Queensland, Australia. At the same time as the Watson’s were exploring the ocean, Gary Stempler and his wife were also part of the group scuba diving in the area. Taking several photos of his wife, Stempler was unaware that he also snapped a picture of Tina Watson’s lifeless body on the seafloor.

Authorities initially assumed she drowned, but her husband’s changing story made him the prime suspect. Then there was an eyewitness who claimed to have seen Gabe struggling with Tina underwater at one point. Gabe would eventually plead guilty to manslaughter charges. A few weeks after the murder, Stempler realized he had taken a picture of Watson once he had developed the images. 

13. The Lipstick Killer’s Message

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In the mid-1940s, a violent serial killer began terrorizing the women and girls of Illinois. On December 10, 1945, the killer murdered Frances Brown in her apartment. The killer left behind a chilling message written in lipstick on the mirror stating, “For heaven’s sake catch me before I kill more I cannot control myself.” A photograph of the eerie message became an iconic image.

It also resulted in the murderer gaining the name the “Lipstick Killer.” The killer continued his murderous rampage until 1946 when authorities arrested 17-year-old William Heirens for the murders. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming officers coerced him into a false confession, he was convicted and sentenced to prison, passing away behind bars in 2012.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the most intriguing and unexpected backstories behind beloved songs. You won’t believe the twists and turns that led to these musical masterpieces, and you’ll never hear them the same way again. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the often-unexpected world of songwriting with these incredible songs with backstories you won’t believe are true. 

14 Songs With Backstories You Won’t Believe Are True

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1. Deep Purple – “Smoke on the Water”

Featuring one of the most famous riffs in rock history, the story behind “Smoke on the Water” is just as incredible as the song itself. The tune tells the true story of a fire that burnt down the Montreux Casino in Switzerland in 1971. Deep Purple was there to record their album Machine Head while the casino was closed for the winter. 

The night before they were due to begin recording, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention played a show at the casino. During the performance, a fan let off a flare that started a fire. While nobody was injured, the fire burned down the casino, inspiring Deep Purple to write a song about it. 

The line “smoke on the water” has been attributed to bassist Roger Glover and is a description of the smoke that gathered over the nearby Lake Geneva. “Smoke on the Water” has gone down in history as one of the greatest rock songs of all time with a riff almost anyone with a passing interest in music knows. An absolute classic. 

2. Dolly Parton – “Jolene”

“Jolene” is inspired by two real-life women Dolly Parton interacted with in the 70s. The first woman was a red-headed bank clerk who worked at the local bank and often flirted with Parton’s husband. Parton would tease her other half about the woman, leading her to write what would become one of her best songs. The second woman to influence the title of the song was a young fan Parton met who had flaming red hair and was named Jolene. 

Fun fact: Parton claims she wrote “Jolene” the same day as her other most well-known track, “I Will Always Love You,” which became a massive hit when covered by Whitney Houston. Not a bad day’s work. 

3. The Rolling Stones – “Can’t Get No Satisfaction”

The initial demo of “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” was written by the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards in his sleep. In his memoir, Life, Richards explains how he was staying in his flat in Carlton Hill, St. John’s Wood when he woke in the middle of the night with an idea for a song. Grabbing his guitar and a tape recorder, Richards laid down his idea on tape before dropping his pick and falling back to sleep.

The next morning he listened back to the random notes he had recorded and composed the song, with Mick Jagger writing the lyrics four days before they went into the studio and laid down the track. Released in 1965, the song became one of the Stones’ biggest hits and went to #1 in 11 countries. 

4. Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven”

The backstory to this Eric Clapton hit is about as tragic as it gets. The sublime guitarist’s 4-year-old son was killed on March 20, 1991, when he fell from an open apartment building in New York. The death of his son hit Clapton hard and he took a short hiatus from music before scoring the movie, Rush. 

It was during these recording sessions that Clapton came up with “Tears in Heaven.” Written with help from Will Jennings, the song became a worldwide hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hott 100 charts. Clapton initially didn’t want to release the song but was persuaded to do so because of the impact it might have on people struggling with the death of a family member.

“It was in the back of my head but it didn’t really have a reason for being until I was scoring this movie… then it sort of had a reason to be,” Clapton said about the song in a 1992 interview. “And it is a little ambiguous because it could be taken to be about Conor but it also is meant to be part of the film.” 

5. Ray Charles – “What’d I Say”

The origins of Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” lie in an improvised jam the jazz artist took part in during a concert in December 1958. According to Charles’ biography, he and his band had exhausted their set list but still had around 12 minutes to kill. So Charles took to the piano and told his backup vocalists, the Raelettes, “Listen, I’m going to fool around and y’all just follow me.”

The song received rapturous applause from the audience who wanted to know where they could buy the single. Realizing he had a hit on his hands, Charles quickly entered the studio to record the song. “What’d I Say” came out six months later and was a hit, but not without controversy. The sexual nature of the song and Charles’ use of gospel tropes got the song banned from several radio stations, but that didn’t stop “What’d I Say” from becoming Charles’ first top ten hit. 

6. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “I Shot the Sherrif”

There are several different accounts of the true meaning behind “I Shot the Sheriff.” In an old interview, Bob Marley claimed the song was about justice, remarking; “I want to say ‘I shot the police’ but the government would have made a fuss so I said ‘I shot the sheriff’ instead… but it’s the same idea: justice.”

Many believe the song is about fighting against injustice and standing up for your rights, but Esther Anderson, a former girlfriend of Marley, has said the song has a much darker meaning. Anderson, who co-directed the 2011 documentary Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend, says the song is about birth control, something Marley did not believe in.

This gives the lyrics “Sheriff John Brown always hated me/For what, I don’t know/Every time I plant a seed/He said kill it before it grow” an entirely new meaning. 

7. The Beach Boys – “Never Learn Not To Love”

The story behind this song is a little creepy. “Never Learn Not To Love” is a reworked version of “Cease To Exist,” a song written by Charles Manson. Yes, that Charles Manson. In the late 60s, Manson struck up a friendship with the Beach Boys Dennis Wilson and was looking for a way into the music business. He wrote “Cease To Exist” for the band to record, with the original lyrics describing the tension between Dennis and his brothers Brian and Carl Wilson.

The Beach Boys changed Manson’s version quite a lot, adding more instrumentation and changing the lyrics. This was a sticking point for Manson, who was enraged that the band did away with his lyrics. This created a rift between Dennis and Manson, with Manson failing to receive credit for the song and Dennis eventually ending their friendship when he realized Manson wasn’t on the level. 

8. Katy Perry – “Firework”

Katy Perry’s massive hit “Firework” is partially inspired by Jack Kerouac’s novel, On the Road. While dating U.K. comedian and lothario turned revolutionist Russell Brand, he recommended she read On the Road. It turned out to be a good decision as it resulted in “Firework.” 

In an interview about the song, Perry said “the line ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework/Come on, show ’em what you’re worth/Make ’em go, awe, awe, awe’ is based on Kerouac’s line ‘burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!'”

9. Neil Diamond – “Sweet Caroline” 

This song will forever be linked with American crooner Neil Diamond. Released in 1969, “Sweet Caroline” never reached the top of the charts, finishing as high as #4 on the Billboard Chart 100. Diamond has given several explanations for the meaning of the song over the years.

He has said that the name Caroline is inspired by Caroline Kennedy after he saw a picture of the then 7-year-old Kennedy, while also claiming the song is about his then-wife Marcia, with the name Caroline used because it fits the melody. Either way, the song is a much-loved classic now synonymous with sporting teams across America. 

10. The Beatles – “I Am the Walrus”

It probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise that the lyrics to “I Am the Walrus” are inspired by LSD. The song combines three different compositions John Lennon was working on, with several lyrics written while he taking acid. Along with LSD, Lewis Carroll’s 1871 poem The Walrus and the Carpenter and Procol Harum’s hit 1967 track “A Whiter Shade of Pale” influenced the writing of the song. 

Lennon wanted to confuse listeners with “I Am the Walrus.” At the time of its release in 1967, Beatlemania was fever pitch and people were doing deep dives into their lyrics and what they meant, so Lennon gave them this nonsense to try and figure out. Despite confirming the song is made up, people are still trying to figure out the song’s true meaning some five decades later. 

11. Bob Dylan – “Key West”

“Key West” is inspired by both Key West, Florida, and one of the city’s most famous residents, Jimmy Buffett. The song references several landmarks and has been called a metaphor for the afterlife.

It’s also not the first song Dylan has written about the state of Florida, with the singer-songwriter penning the lyrics to “Florida Key” in 1967. It wasn’t until 2004 when the lyrics were put to music for the release of The New Basement Tapes project that the public actually got to hear the song. 

12. Carl Perkings – “Blue Suede Shoes”

Made famous by Elvis Presley, there are two backstories to this hit song written by country legend Carl Perkins. In Johnny Cash’s, Cash: The Autobiography, the “Ring of Fire” singer explained how he came up with the idea for “Blue Suede Shoes.”

While on tour with Perkins and Presley in 1955, Cash told them about an airman he met while serving in the military who referred to his shoes as “blue suede shoes” and demanded that nobody step on them. Cash told Perkins to write a song about the shoes, to which he replied, “I don’t know anything about shoes. How can I write a song about shoes?”

The other version of events was discussed in Go Cat Go! The Life and Times of Carl Perkins. In the autobiography, Perkins claimed he got the motivation to write the song while observing a crowd during one of his shows. He recalled hearing a boy telling off his partner for stepping on his suedes, which Perkins discovered were blue. This amused Perkins who began work on the song that night. 

13. Aerosmith – “(Dude) Looks Like a Lady”

“(Dude) Looks Like a Lady” came under fire when it was first released for being transphobic, but the song has nothing to do with transexuals or non-binary people. It is actually written about Mötley Crüe frontman, Vince Neil. Steven Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith went to a bar and mistook Neil for a woman due to his long blond hair and feminine appearance (makeup on guys was big in the 80s). 

Aerosmith joked about Neil looking like a lady and the seeds for the song were sown. The song appears on the band’s 1987 album Permanent Vacation and became one of their biggest hits and a live favorite. 

14. The Beastie Boys – “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)”

“(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” is the song that got the Beastie Boys noticed when it dropped in 1986. Written as a parody of frat boy culture and meant as a joke, this was lost on audiences who adopted the song as a party anthem. “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” now holds an interesting place in the group’s history, as it’s one of their biggest releases but also a tune they really don’t like. 

“The only thing that upsets me is that we might have reinforced certain values of some people in our audience when our own values were actually totally different,” commented Mike D. “There were tons of guys singing along to ‘Fight for Your Right’ who were oblivious to the fact it was a total goof on them.”

While the backstory behind “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” might not be that exciting – it was written in just five minutes with the group’s best friend Tom “Tommy Triphammer” Cushman while they were waiting to meet producer Rick Rubin – this is a great example of how a song can mean one thing to the artist but be interpreted differently by the audience.