Prepare for an alien invasion like no other with War of the Worlds (2005) — a gripping, intense sci-fi thriller directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on H.G. Wells’s classic novel, the film follows Ray Ferrier, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances as he fights to protect his family during a ruthless extraterrestrial attack on Earth.
Think you can remember every heart-stopping escape, terrifying encounter, and emotional twist from this blockbuster? Test your survival skills with our 10-question trivia quiz. Only true sci-fi fans will make it to the end with a perfect score!
War of the Worlds (2005) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who directed War of the Worlds (2005)?
Correct Answer: Steven Spielberg
Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg directed War of the Worlds, bringing H.G. Wells’s classic alien invasion story to modern audiences. Spielberg’s direction emphasizes the human element of the disaster, focusing on the survival of one family amidst global chaos and destruction.
- Which actor plays the lead role of Ray Ferrier?
Correct Answer: Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise stars as Ray Ferrier, an everyman dockworker and divorced father who must step up to protect his children during the alien invasion. Cruise’s performance highlights Ray’s transformation from an irresponsible father to a determined protector.
- What is the relationship between Ray Ferrier and the two children in the film?
Correct Answer: He is their father
Ray Ferrier is the estranged father of two children, Rachel and Robbie. Much of the film’s emotional weight revolves around Ray’s attempt to reconnect with and protect his children during the catastrophic events.
- What kind of alien machines attack Earth in the film?
Correct Answer: Tripods
The alien invaders use massive, three-legged war machines known as Tripods to annihilate human civilization. These towering machines emit destructive heat rays and are nearly unstoppable, creating a terrifying visual of humanity’s helplessness.
- What is the name of Ray Ferrier’s daughter?
Correct Answer: Rachel
Rachel Ferrier, played by Dakota Fanning, is Ray’s young and vulnerable daughter. Her fear and innocence provide a human perspective on the incomprehensible horror of the invasion, and her relationship with her father drives much of the film’s emotional core.
- What natural element ultimately defeats the aliens?
Correct Answer: Earth’s bacteria
In keeping with the original novel by H.G. Wells, the aliens are ultimately defeated not by human weapons, but by Earth’s bacteria and viruses. Their immune systems cannot handle Earth’s microorganisms, and they die off naturally, underscoring humanity’s small yet significant place in nature.
- In which U.S. city does the film begin?
Correct Answer: Bayonne, New Jersey
The story begins in Bayonne, New Jersey, where Ray Ferrier lives and works. The sudden and violent alien attack quickly disrupts the quiet suburb, forcing Ray and his children to flee in search of safety.
- What is the source material for the film?
Correct Answer: A novel by H.G. Wells
War of the Worlds is based on the 1898 science fiction novel by British author H.G. Wells. The book is one of the earliest works to depict an alien invasion and has been adapted into various media over the years, including radio, television, and film.
- What is one of Ray’s main goals during the invasion?
Correct Answer: To reunite his children with their mother
Throughout the film, Ray’s primary objective is to keep his children safe and return them to their mother, Mary Ann. This personal mission gives the story an emotional anchor amid the widespread devastation and chaos of the alien invasion.
- What is one of the key themes of War of the Worlds?
Correct Answer: Survival and family
The film explores themes of survival, fear, and the resilience of the human spirit. At its heart, it is a story about family — about a flawed father’s struggle to protect his children and the lengths people will go to preserve their loved ones in the face of unimaginable danger.
