Relive the ups and downs of one of the most unique and heartfelt love stories in modern cinema with our (500) Days of Summer (2009) trivia quiz! Directed by Marc Webb and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, this indie favorite explores love, heartbreak, and the gap between expectations and reality — all told through a clever non-linear narrative.
Think you can recall every moment of this bittersweet romantic journey? Test yourself with these 10 trivia questions and find out if you’re a true fan of this iconic film.
(500) Days of Summer (2009) Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers to each question, along with detailed explanations to deepen your understanding of (500) Days of Summer (2009) and its unique love story:
1) Who plays the role of Tom Hansen in (500) Days of Summer (2009)?
Correct Answer: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt captures the heartache and naivety of Tom, a hopeless romantic who believes in fate. His nuanced performance helps ground the film’s emotional highs and lows.
2) Who plays the role of Summer Finn in the film?
Correct Answer: Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel brings charm and complexity to Summer Finn, who openly admits she doesn’t believe in love. Her character challenges the audience’s and Tom’s expectations of the “perfect girl” trope.
3) What is Tom Hansen’s profession in the film?
Correct Answer: Greeting card writer
Though passionate about architecture, Tom works as a greeting card writer. This creative but unfulfilling job symbolizes how far he’s strayed from his dreams — mirroring his journey in love.
4) In which city is (500) Days of Summer primarily set?
Correct Answer: Los Angeles
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the film uses the city’s architecture and romantic settings to visually echo Tom’s love for design and his emotional state throughout the relationship.
5) What is Tom’s passion outside of his job?
Correct Answer: Architecture
Tom dreams of becoming an architect. His passion represents his desire to build meaning in his life — both literally and emotionally — and serves as a symbol of his growth and change.
6) What iconic building do Tom and Summer visit during their date?
Correct Answer: Angels Flight
One of their romantic outings includes a visit to Angels Flight, a historic L.A. landmark. Their shared appreciation for the city’s architecture reinforces their early connection.
7) What narrative structure is used in (500) Days of Summer?
Correct Answer: Non-linear timeline
The film jumps between different points in Tom’s 500-day relationship with Summer. This disjointed structure mirrors how memories work — often jumbled, emotional, and non-sequential.
8) What song does Tom associate with his relationship with Summer?
Correct Answer: “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths
Their mutual love of The Smiths becomes a symbolic bond between Tom and Summer. The song marks their initial connection and becomes a recurring motif throughout the story.
9) What is a central theme of (500) Days of Summer?
Correct Answer: Expectations versus reality
The film examines how idealized expectations can distort real relationships. Through split-screen scenes and Tom’s inner journey, the story critiques the tendency to project fantasy onto others.
10) What is the name of the woman Tom meets at the end of the film?
Correct Answer: Autumn
The final scene introduces Autumn, symbolizing renewal and the natural cycles of love and life. Her name poetically follows Summer, suggesting hope after heartbreak.
