1970s Trivia Questions That Will Stump Your Friends

With incredible movies, films, music, and iconic celebrities, the 1970s are arguably the most important decade in 20th-century pop culture. It was also packed with pivotal historical events, from the Vietnam War to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It’s a decade that many generations know a lot about, from those who lived it to young adults who have geeked out over their heroes. But they might struggle with this quiz, because it’s not made to be easy!

This is a real test — a test of your memory and general knowledge. Think you’ve got what it takes?

70s General Trivia

Engage your brains, people. We’re taking you back to the 1970s with a fun general knowledge round. Just for fun, if your friends are really bad at this, then give points to whoever gets the closest answer. And remember, no cheating!

What Was Significant About the Apollo 13 Mission?

• The oxygen tank in the service module ruptured just two days into the mission.

The lunar space mission was a “successful failure” after all electrical and life-support systems were cut off. Luckily, NASA and its astronauts managed to safely bring the crew back to Earth with no fatalities. The mission was famously recreated in the 1995 movie of the same name, starring Tom Hanks.

In What Year Did Richard Nixon Resign as U.S. President?

• 1974.

Richard Nixon resigned as president of the United States following the Watergate scandal, after a tape recording of a conversation involving Nixon was released and revealed he had been involved in a cover-up and obstructed the FBI’s investigation. Nixon was pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford, in 1974.

What Toy Was Released in 1977, Featuring a Cube Shape With Colored Tiles?

• The Rubik’s Cube.

The Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian architect Erno Rubik in 1974, but released three years later. It became a huge commercial success in the 1980s and has since sold around 500 million units.

Today, robots can complete a Rubik’s cube in under a second, while the human record of 3.13 seconds was set by Max Park, aged 21, in 2023.

What $400 Million Attraction Opened in the U.S. In 1971?

• Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Opening on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World was a huge undertaking that began in 1967. It was designed to be larger and more ambitious than California’s Disneyland and now welcomes over 58 million visitors per year.

Today, there are a total of 12 Disney theme parks, including in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

How Fast Did Concorde Travel on Its First Commercial Flight?

• 1,354 mph.

In January 1976, Concorde flew from London to Paris on its first-ever commercial flight, breaking the sound barrier and rapidly improving travel times across the Atlantic. This stunning feat of engineering would only ever see 20 planes in commercial use, before retiring in October 2003 due to high operating costs and complaints over extreme noise pollution.

Who Was the Final President of the 1970s?

• Jimmy Carter.

The son of a peanut farmer, Jimmy Carter, became the 39th President of the United States in November 1976, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. His legacy includes creating the Department of Energy and the Department of Education. Carter’s presidency would eventually end after one term in office, with the 1980 election defeat to Ronald Reagan.

Who Were the Two Co-founders of Apple Computers?

• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Steve and Steve launched Apple Computers in 1976, with Wozniak providing the technical genius for the Apple I and Apple II computers, while Jobs provided the vision and crucial guidance in Apple’s strategy. Today, Apple is worth approximately $3.43 trillion. Steve Jobs passed away in October 2011. He was the visionary behind major Apple products like the iPhone and iPod.

What Was the Nickname 1977 Serial Killer David Berkowitz?

• Son of Sam.

David Berkowitz was arrested in August 1977 after shooting and killing six people and wounding seven more while on a crime spree that gained national coverage. The nickname arose from a series of letters he sent to the police and media, signed with “Son of Sam.” Berkowitz is still imprisoned at a maximum security prison in upstate New York

What Was the Name of the First Arcade Game, Released in 1972?

• Pong.

In 1972, Pong was developed and released by Atari. This relatively simple table-tennis-themed game was a huge success and helped establish the video game industry. Its players use paddles to hit the ball back and forth across the extremely rudimentary yet addictive pixel screen. Pong was created by Allan Alcorn during a training exercise that had been assigned to him by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell.

Which Tower Became the World’s Largest in 1973?

• The Sears Tower (or, Willis Tower).

In 1973, the Sears Tower was opened in Chicago to beat the World Trade Center as the world’s tallest building. It is now called the Willis Tower and is ranked 25th in the world and 2nd in the U.S. (behind the new, One World Trade Center). If you’ve seen the 2008 film The Dark Knight’ you may have seen it as part of Gotham City.

’70s Movie Trivia

Cinema in the 1970s was a big event. There wasn’t streaming and even VHS releases were extremely limited. If you wanted to see a new film, it was at a movie theater. So, show some respect for the time you spent at the movies by showing how much you remember.

Who Directed The Godfather?

• Francis Ford Coppola.

The Godfather was the first of three Godfather movies to be directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He won several Academy Awards in March 1973, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film featured James Caan, Al Pacino, John Cazale, and Marlon Brando (who won an Oscar for Best Actor).

Which Famous Hong Kong-American Actor Died in 1973?

• Bruce Lee.

Known for his iconic martial arts films, Bruce Lee tragically passed away in July 1973 at the age of just 32. His death has been widely speculated ever since after his death was attributed to a reaction to pain medication. Lee’s most notable films include ‘Return of the Dragon‘, ‘Fist of Fury’, ‘The Chinese Connection’ and ‘Marlowe’.

In 1975, the Movie Jaws Was Released. But What Was the Name of the Shark?

• Bruce.

Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster hit featured a shark called Bruce. He was a great white shark that would trigger the iconic line “We’re going to need a bigger boat.” Fun fact: the shark in ‘Finding Nemo’ is also called Bruce, although that version of Bruce was working hard to clean up his fish and man-eating desires.

What Was the Name of the 1977 TV Series That Told the Story of an African Boy Sold Into Slavery in the u.s.?

• Roots.

Roots attracted a record number of viewers at the time, telling the story of a boy sold into slavery and the following generations of this family. It was based on Alex Haley’s novel of the same name and starred Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou. At the time of its release, the series was considered controversial for being “too horrific” in nature.

In What Year Did Star Wars First Release?

• 1977.

Released in 1977, George Lucas’ Star Wars: A New Hope launched a new era of sci-fi fandom. With a budget of $11 million, it made a huge box office receipt of $775.4 million. There have since been 11 Star Wars live-action movies, totally a length of 25 hours.

Which Actor Played James Bond in the 1973 Bond Film, Live and Let Die?

• Roger Moore.

Roger Moore debuted as James Bond in this 1973 classic and would reprise his role of Bond for a total of seven films. Moore passed away in 2017, having acted in around 48 movies. The title track of the film was written by Paul McCartney and performed by his band Wings.

What Notable Haircut Did Robert de Niro Have In ‘Taxi Driver’ in 1976?

• A mohawk.

Travis Bickle (De Niro’s character) shaved a mohawk as he became increasingly unhinged during the film. The film is considered a classic of the neo-noir genre and was directed by Martin Scorsese. It featured a memorable performance from then-15-year-old Jodie Foster.

The 1979 Movie Apocalypse Now Was Inspired by Which Novel?

• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie is a loose adaptation of Conrad’s novella, but shifts the setting from the Congo River to the Vietnam War. The movie stars Marlon Brando, a rogue colonel who has gone mad. The movie won two Oscar awards (for Best Cinematography and Best Sound) after eight nominations.

Who Was the Very First Host of Saturday Night Live?

• George Carlin.

In 1975, Saturday Night Live aired for the first time and was hosted by comedian George Carlin. 50 years later SNL is still running. It has been the breeding ground for some of the most famous comedians and comedy actors. At the time of writing in 2024, there have been 970 SNL episodes.

Who Directed 1973’s The Exorcist?

• William Friedkin.

The American supernatural horror movie followed the demonic possession of a young girl, as her mother tried to free her through exorcism. With a budget of $12 million, it made $441.3 million at the box office. It became the first horror film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, but took home the Best Adapted Screenplay.

70s Sports Trivia

There’s always one friend who thrives in the sports round of quizzes. So now it’s your turn, sports buff. Don’t let yourself down. And this a quiz for a true sports geek, so we’re not limiting it just to U.S. sports. It won’t be easy. Ok, the whistle has been blown. Get going!

The Rumble in the Jungle Boxing Match in 1974 Involved Which Boxers?

• Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

This legendary heavy-weight match-up was held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Ali deployed his now-famous ‘rope-a-dope, resting against the ropes while Foreman tired himself out.

Ali knocked out Foreman to reclaim his heavyweight title in the eighth round. Ali died in 2016, aged 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest sportsmen of all time.

Where Was the 1972 Olympic Games Held?

• Munich, West Germany.

The 1972 Olympic games were notable following the Munich Massacre that occurred during the second week, where eleven Israeli athletes and coaches and a West German police officer were murdered. The attack was motivated by the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. It was famously recreated in the 1976 television drama, 21 Hours at Munich.

Which Formula One Driver Survived a Terrifying Fire That Would Later Be Depicted in the Film Rush?

• Niki Lauda.

The Austrian racing driver survived a near-fatal accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, where his Ferrari burst into blame. After recovering from severe internal and external burns, he incredibly returned to race just six weeks later.

Ron Howard’s 2013 film Rush portrayed the story, including Lauda’s battle with World Champion, James Hunt.

What Did the Miami Dolphins Achieve in 1972 and 1973?

• They won an NFL championship with an undefeated record.

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins became the only NFL team in history to win a championship without losing a game after winning Super Bowl VII. They were coached by Don Shula. He is one of only six coaches in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowls.

What Was The Battle of the Sexes?

• A televised tennis match between former world No.1 male player, Bobby Riggs and top female tennis player, Billie Jean King.

Attracting serious media attention, the 1973 match was played after Riggs declared all female tennis players would fail to beat him. King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and claimed a $100,000 prize.

Where Was the 1970 Fifa World Cup Held?

• Mexico.

The 9th FIFA World Cup was held in Mexico during June and July 1970. It was the very first to be held in North America and was won by Brazil. They beat Italy 4-1 in the final before Pele lifted the trophy for the third time. Mexico will play co-host to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, for the first time since 1986.

How Many Home Runs Did Hank Aaron Hit in His Career?

• 755.

Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s career home record of 714 home runs with his 715th at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium in April 1974. Aaron would end his career on 755, a record that would last until Barry Bond broke it in 2007. Today, Bond’s record still stands at 762.

Who Was the First Black Man to Win Wimbledon?

• Arthur Ashe.

Arthur Ashe made history in 1975 by becoming the first black male tennis player to win the Wimbledon championship. He defeated Jimmy Connors. He would retire from tennis in 1980, becoming a spokesperson for HIV and AIDs, before sadly passing away from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993. To date, Ashe is still the only black male player to win Wimbledon, the US Open, or Australian Open.

Which England and Manchester United Legend Retired as a Player in 1973?

• Sir Bobby Charlton.

Charlton retired after becoming Manchester United and England’s all-time appearance top goal scorer. His career saw him survive the Munich air disaster and win the World Cup and the European Cup. He did, however, continue to play as a player-coach. Before passing away in 2023, Charlton witnessed the remaining of the South Stand at his beloved Old Trafford, in his honor.

Where Was the 1976 Olympic Games Held?

• Montreal, Canada.

The 1976 games were the first to be held in Canada and are remembered for being one of the most expensive Olympics up to that time. It was marred by 22 African nations boycotting as a protest against the fact the New Zealand rugby team had recently toured Apartheid South Africa.

70s Music Trivia

Few decades have been as important or loved in popular music as the ’70s. It was the peak of rock music and saw the introduction of electronics via synthesizers and all sorts of other fancy gear. But what we care about is how much you paid attention to it over the years. You might be surprised how much you remember!

What Was the Name of the Beatles’ Final Studio Album, Released in 1970?

• Let It Be.

Released in 1970, “Let It Be” is the final Beatles studio album, although it was actually recorded before “Abbey Road”, which was released in 1969. 1970 was also the year Paul McCartney announced he was leaving the band. The album has sold over 4 million copies in the UK.

What Was the Name of John Lennon’s 1971 Hit Single?

• “Imagine.”

“Imagine” was the lead single from the album of the same name and has since become a timeless anthem for peace. It is John Lennon’s best-selling single and is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time. In 2017, Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono was given a song-writing credit.

Can You Name a David Bowie Studio Album From the ’70s?

• “The Man Who Sold the World”, “Hunky Dory”, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, “Aladdin Sane”, “Pin Ups”, “Diamond Dogs”, “Young Americans”, “Station to Station”, “Low”, “Heroes”, or “Lodger”.

David Bowie’s prolific release of albums in the 1970s is widely considered the greatest run of albums of all time. Covering glam rock, progressive rock, folk, pop, soul, funk, ambient, and art rock, his work has gone on to influence generations of musicians.

Who Wrote and Performed the Hit Single “Y.M.C.A” in 1978?

• The Village People.

As disco soared into the mainstream consciousness, The Village People found huge success with “Y.M.C.A,” It went to No. 1 worldwide (except for the U.S., where it was 2nd) upon release. Today it is still a fan favorite at major events.

How Old Was Elvis Presley Upon His Death in 1977?

• 42.

Elvis passed away at the age of just 42 in August 1977. The cause of death was a heart attack, triggered by a combination of prescription drugs and underlying health issues. Presley was found dead at his Graceland mansion on his bathroom floor. Responders attempted to revive him before announcing his death at 3:30 pm later that day.

Can You Name a No. 1 Single From 1977’s Saturday Night Fever?

• “Stayin’ Alive” – The Bee Gees
• “How Deep Is Your Love” – The Bee Gees
• “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees
• “Love Is Thicker Than Water” – Andy Gibb
• “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman

Saturday Night Fever was a huge commercial success, especially so for its soundtrack, which spent six months at the top of the album charts.

Which Queen Song, From 1975, Includes the Lyrics, “Galileo, Galileo, Galileo Figaro Magnifico”?

• Bohemian Rhapsody.

One of Queen’s most iconic songs, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was released on their 1975 album “A Night at the Opera”. Unique in structure and performance, it is irresistible to want to join in once you hear the first few lyrics. To date, it has sold over 10 million copies in the U.S.

What Was the Name of Paul McCartney’s Band After He Left the Beatles?

• Wings.

Well done, you’ve been paying attention to the facts we gave after the James Bond question — or you just know your music. Wings were active between 1971 and 1981 and featured McCartney’s wife, Linda, on backing vocals and keyboards. Famous hits include “Silly Love Songs”, “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die.”

What Does the French Punk Hit “Ça Plane Pour Moi” Translate as in English?

• “It’s flying for me”.

Effectively meaning, “Everything’s going great for me”, this punk (or pop, really) hit is instantly recognizable, even to non-French speaking music fans.  Countless bands have covered it since, from U2 and Metallic to Vampire Weekend and Sonic Youth. Joe Strummer of The Clash said of the song, “It will get any comatose person toe-tapping.”

Who Was ‘Pink’ From the British Rock Band, Pink Floyd?

• Trick question, there isn’t a ‘Pink’!

Ha, got you! Pink was not named after anyone, but instead came from a combination of names from Syd Barrett’s record collection — Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. In the lyrics for Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” (released in 1975), David Gilmour asks, “By the way, which one’s pink?” in reference to the common questions the band would face from record industry executives.

Bonus Round — Quick Fire

Ok, fingers on your buzzers. And if you don’t have buzzers, you’ll just have to make some noises yourself. This is our quick-fire round, which covers general knowledge-type questions. It’s a little bit of everything. You should have no longer than 30 seconds to throw an answer out. This could define the winner!

Gary Dahl Sold Inanimate ‘Pets’ of Which Object?

• Rocks.

Gary Dahl became a millionaire by selling pet rocks, just ordinary stones sold in a small box with air holes and straw. This crazy idea was a huge success with people buying in on the joke and taking good care of their rocks.  Selling over 1 million rocks for $4 each, it was a genius commercial ploy.

What Catchphrase was Famously Used in The Sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter?

• “Up your nose with a rubber hose!”

Vinnie Barbarino (played by John Travolta) frequently used this phrase during this sitcom about a high school teacher. It was one of many other catchphrases that became a part of popular culture. The series saw 95 episodes released over 4 seasons, airing from 1975 to 1979.

Who Modeled in a Red Swimsuit for an All-Time Bestselling Poster?

• Farrah Fawcett.

Before starring in ‘harlie’s Angels’ Fawcett was photographed in a red swimsuit that became an iconic poster. Commissioned by the Pro Arts poster company, more than 12 million copies have been sold since. The poster is considered a prime example of the changing beauty standards of the late 20th century.

Which Car Became the Most Produced Car in the World in 1972, Surpassing Ford’s Model T?

• The Volkswagen Beetle.

Offering simple designs, reliability, and a great price, the Beetle overtook the Model T’s record of 15 million units of production. The final original Beetle rolled off the assembly line in 2003 in Mexico, with more than 21 million units produced. The car is still a collector’s dream, with its cute, reliable, and fun charm alive.

What Was the Name of the 1979 Film Starring a Ginger Cat Named Jones?

• Alien.

Often called ‘Jonesy’, the cat from this sci-fi horror lives onboard a spacecraft that is also housing a terrifying alien. The cat played a crucial role in building tension. The cat was actually played by four different identical-looking ginger cats. Alien was directed by Ridley Scott and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

What Phrase Accompanied the Smiley Face Logo, Designed in 1971?

• Have a Happy Day.

Graphic artist Harvey Ball’s smiley face logo became very popular in the 1970s, on t-shirts, stickers, and posters. It featured the phrase ‘Have a nice day’. Ball never trademarked the design and reportedly only made $45 from it. Ball passed away in 2001, having spent his latter year opening the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation in 1999, in support of children’s causes.

How Old Was Jimmy Hendrix When He Died in 1970?

• 27.

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Jimmy Hendrix passed away at the age of just 27, with the post-mortem revealing that he choked after taking a large amount of barbiturates. He left the world with iconic songs such as “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady.” He is widely considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time.

What Stunt Did Philippe Petit Perform In 1974?

• A tightrope walk.

French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed the “art crime of the century” by traversing the two towers on a high-wire, with no support. Surviving and stunning the world, he was promptly arrested. His feat was recreated in the 2015 film, The Walk. Petit does not consider himself a dare-devil, but instead an artist who saw a beautiful opportunity.

In What Year Did The Muppet Show First Air?

• 1976.

Starring Rita Moreno, the first ever Muppet Show premiered on September 20, 1976, in New York. There have been a further 120 episodes since its release. Henson would go on to create other iconic films such as Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. He died in May 1990 at age 53.

Who Was the Frontman for the British Punk Rock Band The Clash?

• Joe Strummer

Born in 1952, John Graham Mellor, aka Joe Strummer, was the frontman and lead singer of the iconic British punk group. Fan favorite songs include “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” “Rock the Casbah,” and “London Calling.”” Strummer passed away in December 2022 with an enduring legacy.