Buzz
Can't remember the name of a movie? No worries! We've got your back. We'll guide you through finding any movie, even if you can't recall the title. There are plenty of simple techniques to narrow it down and locate the movie you're after, especially if you remember a couple of key details. In this guide, we'll walk you through leveraging every available resource to uncover the movie's name.
Steps
Try a Google search.
Provide as much detail as you can about the movie. Enter the names of actors, characters, or memorable lines from the movie. If you're unsure of the year, try to pinpoint the decade or general time period. Include the film's genre and relevant plot keywords if possible, then sift through the search results. Your desired movie might appear in a list, discussion forum, or analysis in the search results!
- For instance, you could search for “black and white movie Humphrey Bogart detective,” “David Lynch rabbit film,” or, “movie where old man coaches female boxer.”
- Refine your search using a “-“ to exclude specific keywords and narrow down results. For example, “dinosaur movie -Jurassic -Park” will display dinosaur movies other than Jurassic Park.
Try a movie search engine.
Several websites are dedicated to assisting you in recollecting a movie. One highly effective option is MovieSearch (https://www.moviesearch.online/). This platform allows you to find a movie based on its description. Input any details, actors, or keywords you remember to generate potential matches. You can also explore All Movie, which offers search filters to refine your quest and pinpoint your movie.
- Possible Movie Search queries might include, “romance Brad Pitt,” “two students adventure in woods,” or, “horror movie 80s guy in mask.”
Explore IMDb to uncover the title.
The International Movie Database hosts a wealth of lists and search results. IMDb boasts information on virtually every movie ever made, so your desired film is likely listed. Users curate easily accessible lists categorized by genre, critical acclaim, personal preference, or cast. If you remember even a single detail but struggle with the movie's title, search IMDb to retrieve relevant listings. IMDb also offers the option to search by plot.
- For instance, if you recall a movie's title contained the word “king,” simply input “king” into IMDb's search bar and browse the results.
Consult an actor's filmography.
If you recall a single actor or actress, explore their filmography. If you remember that Jordan Peele appeared in a movie, search “Jordan Peele filmography” online. Browse through the results until you find the movie you're seeking!
- You can access a comprehensive list of an actor's or actress's work by visiting their personal page on IMDb.
- If you can't recall any cast members but you remember their appearance, conduct an online search for the actor or actress first. You could initiate an image search by describing their physical attributes, such as “white actress tall big nose,” to locate them.
Try posting on Filmfind.
Filmfind is a dedicated community aimed at assisting individuals in remembering movies! Create a free account and click the “post” button at the top of the page. Then, provide as much information as you can recall about the film. The supportive community of film enthusiasts on Film Find will continue suggesting options until you identify the film.
Seek help on Reddit.
There are several subreddits where users help each other remember things. If you're unfamiliar with Reddit, it's a social media platform centered around various communities, known as subreddits (always prefaced with r/NameOfSubreddit). Post on one of the following subreddits to request assistance in finding your movie. Provide as much information as you can recall about the film.
- r/TipOfMyTongue – This subreddit is dedicated to helping individuals remember anything they've forgotten!
- r/WhatIsThatMovie – Similar to r/TipOfMyTongue, but exclusively focused on movies. You might receive better results here, although r/TipOfMyTongue has a larger user base.
- r/Movies – While widely used, this subreddit is generally focused on all things related to film. However, you may still receive some assistance here.
Consult with a friend.
If you watched the movie with someone else, inquire if they remember the title. For widely-known films, you could ask around or post on social media seeking assistance. Alternatively, if you have a friend who's a movie enthusiast, describe the film to them to see if they recognize it.
- You could say, “Hey, can you help me find a movie? We watched it together a while back—it was about a guy stranded on an island with a volleyball as his friend. Ring any bells?”
Review your viewing history.
If you recently watched the movie online, check your browsing history. For theatrical viewings, examine your browsing history—chances are you looked up reviews or showtimes. If you viewed it on Netflix, click here to access your watched list. For Amazon Prime, click here.
- On Hulu, your watch history can be found in the “Keep Watching” section on the home screen.
- Regrettably, Max (formerly HBO Max) and Disney+ don't provide access to your viewing history.
Browse through a streaming platform's library.
If Netflix or Max doesn't have it, give your memory a nudge. Browse through any streaming service available to you and scan through the movie selections. With thousands of films on platforms like Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime, and others, you might stumble upon the movie you're searching for as you browse. Even if you don't find it, you might encounter a similar movie, actor/actress, or keyword that triggers your memory and helps you recall the movie's name!
- Even just looking at the thumbnails of movie posters can jog your memory.
- Finding a movie becomes easier if you recognize an actor or actress in it since you can access their filmography. Keep an eye out for familiar faces on the thumbnails—you might spot someone you know.
Recall the plot mentally.
Quiz yourself by mentally retracing the plot, which can aid in jogging your memory. Visualize the opening scene and then continue asking yourself, “What happened next?” Revisit the storyline in your mind, and you may uncover the movie's title. If that doesn't work, try summarizing it aloud or discussing it with a friend. The more detailed your description, the better your chances of remembering.
Reflect on the circumstances when you watched it.
If you only have a faint memory, this technique might help you recall more. Try to recall specific details. Where were you seated? How old were you? Who accompanied you? What emotions did the movie evoke? Close your eyes and try to sense the atmosphere when you first watched the movie. Revisiting the experience may unearth forgotten details.
