Inspired by the classic board game and infused with explosive action, Battleship (2012) pits Earth’s naval forces against a powerful alien invasion. With a surprising cast, massive set pieces, and a salute to military service, the film dives headfirst into sci-fi spectacle on the high seas.
Do you remember which ship saved the day, how the aliens arrived, and which pop star joined the crew? Fire away with this 10-question trivia challenge and prove your knowledge of this action-packed blockbuster!
Battleship (2012) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays Lieutenant Alex Hopper, the film’s main protagonist?
Correct Answer: Taylor Kitsch
Taylor Kitsch stars as Alex Hopper, a reckless and undisciplined naval officer who is forced into a leadership role during an alien invasion. Kitsch, known for his role in Friday Night Lights, brings intensity and charm to the role, showing his character’s evolution from immature troublemaker to courageous leader.
- Which real-life pop star plays a weapons specialist in the film?
Correct Answer: Rihanna
Rihanna makes her acting debut as Petty Officer Cora Raikes, a sharp-shooting, no-nonsense weapons specialist. Her performance was a standout surprise for fans, and she held her own alongside seasoned action stars. Her presence added both star power and diversity to the cast.
- What prompts the arrival of the alien ships on Earth?
Correct Answer: A signal sent to a distant planet
The film’s plot kicks off when scientists send a powerful signal into deep space to a potentially habitable planet, dubbed “Planet G.” The signal attracts the attention of an alien race, who then travel to Earth — not as friendly visitors, but as a technologically superior threat. This premise reflects themes of unintended consequences and human curiosity.
- Where does most of the film’s action take place?
Correct Answer: Off the coast of Hawaii
The majority of the film is set in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, particularly around the area used for the RIMPAC naval exercise. The island setting allows for dramatic seascapes, isolated conflict, and large-scale naval warfare — a nod to both real-world naval operations and blockbuster spectacle.
- What branch of the military is primarily featured in the film?
Correct Answer: U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy takes center stage in Battleship, with the story focusing on ships, submarines, and crew members as they face an overwhelming alien force. The film pays homage to naval strategy, camaraderie, and tradition, especially through scenes that involve veterans aboard the historic battleship.
- What is the name of the international naval exercise disrupted by the alien arrival?
Correct Answer: RIMPAC
RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) is a real-life biennial naval drill involving dozens of countries. In the film, the exercise is underway when the alien ships arrive and disrupt communications, leaving a handful of vessels to defend Earth. Using this real military backdrop adds authenticity to the otherwise fantastical premise.
- What do the alien ships use to create a communication barrier around the area?
Correct Answer: An energy dome
The aliens deploy a massive energy dome that cuts off a section of the ocean from outside communication. This isolation sets the stage for the humans to fight without backup, creating tension and urgency. The dome acts as both a physical and symbolic representation of the divide between Earth’s defenses and the unknown alien threat.
- What classic battleship is reactivated to fight the aliens?
Correct Answer: USS Missouri
In a key turning point, the retired World War II-era battleship USS Missouri is brought back into service by Hopper and a group of Navy veterans. This moment pays tribute to naval history and patriotism, blending old-school firepower with modern stakes. The scene is both emotional and epic, giving the film its most triumphant sequence.
- What unique method do the humans use to track the alien ships?
Correct Answer: Buoy sonar grid
Unable to use standard radar due to alien interference, the crew resorts to an ingenious alternative — using ocean buoys as a sonar grid. This low-tech workaround mimics the mechanics of the original Battleship board game and reinforces the film’s theme of resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds.
- What theme underlies the final battle between the battleship crew and the aliens?
Correct Answer: Teamwork, sacrifice, and redemption
At its core, Battleship is about people rising to the occasion — overcoming personal flaws and rivalries to fight for a common cause. Hopper’s transformation, the collaboration between old and new Navy members, and the crew’s willingness to risk everything all highlight themes of redemption, courage, and unity in adversity.
