Goodfellas (1990), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty, electrifying dive into the world of organized crime. Based on the real-life story of Henry Hill, the film explores the rise and fall of a mob associate over several decades, marked by loyalty, betrayal, and violence.
Think you remember every iconic line, heist, and shocking moment from this crime classic? Take our 10-question trivia quiz and prove you know the world of Goodfellas inside and out. Only true wiseguys will get a perfect score!
Goodfellas Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers to each question, along with detailed explanations about the unforgettable world of Goodfellas (1990):
1) Who directed Goodfellas (1990)?
Correct Answer: Martin Scorsese
Goodfellas was directed by Martin Scorsese, one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. The film is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, showcasing his signature style of kinetic camera work, voice-over narration, and a gripping portrayal of organized crime.
2) Who plays the role of Henry Hill in the film?
Correct Answer: Ray Liotta
Ray Liotta stars as Henry Hill, a real-life mob associate whose life the film chronicles. Liotta’s performance captures Henry’s charm, ambition, and eventual paranoia as he rises through the ranks of the mob and ultimately falls from grace.
3) What is Henry Hill’s profession at the start of the film?
Correct Answer: Mob associate
From a young age, Henry Hill is involved with the mob, starting out as an errand boy for local gangsters. His early fascination with the gangster lifestyle leads him into a life of crime, and he becomes a trusted associate of the Lucchese crime family.
4) What is the name of the mob boss Henry works for?
Correct Answer: Paulie Cicero
Paulie Cicero, played by Paul Sorvino, is the local mob boss and father figure to Henry. He operates the neighborhood’s criminal enterprises and provides protection and opportunities for Henry and his crew, though he later distances himself from Henry due to his involvement with drugs.
5) Which actor portrays the volatile Tommy DeVito?
Correct Answer: Joe Pesci
Joe Pesci’s portrayal of Tommy DeVito is one of the film’s standout performances. Pesci won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. Tommy is unpredictable, violent, and dangerous, with a hair-trigger temper that leads to some of the film’s most shocking scenes.
6) What is the famous line Tommy delivers when joking with Henry?
Correct Answer: “Funny how?”
In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Tommy jokingly confronts Henry with the line, “Funny how? Like I’m a clown? I amuse you?” The tension in this scene is palpable, as it highlights Tommy’s unpredictable nature and the constant threat of violence in the mob world.
7) What major crime does the crew pull off early in the film?
Correct Answer: Lufthansa Heist
The Lufthansa Heist is one of the largest cash thefts in American history and serves as a pivotal event in the film. The heist involves the crew stealing millions of dollars from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at JFK Airport. The aftermath of the crime leads to paranoia, betrayal, and violence within the crew.
8) What addiction leads to Henry’s downfall?
Correct Answer: Drugs
Henry’s involvement in drug trafficking, despite being warned against it by Paulie, contributes to his downfall. His increasing dependence on cocaine and his illegal drug operation lead to his arrest and eventual betrayal of his former associates.
9) What does Henry do at the end of the film to avoid prison?
Correct Answer: Becomes an informant
Facing a lengthy prison sentence and fearing for his life, Henry agrees to testify against his former mob associates. His decision to enter the Witness Protection Program marks the end of his glamorous gangster lifestyle and the collapse of his criminal empire.
10) What is the film based on?
Correct Answer: A true story
Goodfellas is based on the real-life story of Henry Hill, as detailed in Nicholas Pileggi’s book Wiseguy. The film closely follows the events of Hill’s life in organized crime, providing a raw and authentic look at the mob world from the inside.
