Meet the Parents (2000) is a cringe-comedy classic about every boyfriend’s worst nightmare — impressing the in-laws. When Greg Focker heads to meet his girlfriend’s parents, he quickly finds himself in a spiral of awkward mishaps, all under the watchful eye of ex-CIA operative Jack Byrnes. Between lie detectors, lost cats, and blown-up wedding plans, the pressure is hilariously real.
Do you remember every toe-curling moment from this iconic comedy? Take our 10-question trivia challenge and see if you’d make it through the weekend — or be placed on the no-Focker list.
Meet the Parents (2000) Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who plays the role of Greg Focker in Meet the Parents (2000)?
Correct Answer: Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller shines as Greg Focker, the well-meaning boyfriend whose every move seems to go wrong. His ability to embody awkwardness and desperation makes the comedy hit home in every cringe-worthy moment.
2) What is Greg’s profession in the film?
Correct Answer: Male nurse
Greg’s job becomes a running joke — not just for being non-traditional, but for how it’s judged by Jack and others. It also reinforces Greg’s sensitive, caring nature in contrast to the hyper-masculine expectations of his would-be in-laws.
3) Who plays Jack Byrnes, Greg’s intimidating future father-in-law?
Correct Answer: Robert De Niro
De Niro brings his intense, no-nonsense energy to Jack Byrnes, turning mundane activities like gardening or casual conversation into full-blown interrogations. His performance adds gravitas to the comedic chaos.
4) What is the name of Greg’s girlfriend in the movie?
Correct Answer: Pam
Pam Byrnes is the supportive bridge between Greg and her stern father, trying to smooth over disaster after disaster. Her calm presence helps anchor the madness surrounding Greg’s visit.
5) What kind of animal is Mr. Jinx, the beloved pet in the Byrnes household?
Correct Answer: A cat
Mr. Jinx, or “Jinxie,” is Jack’s prized Himalayan cat who’s been trained to flush the toilet and obey commands. The cat becomes an accidental antagonist, especially when Greg’s efforts to recover or replace him lead to more disaster.
6) What embarrassing mistake does Greg make at the dinner table?
Correct Answer: He breaks the family heirloom urn
Greg’s accidental destruction of Jack’s mother’s ashes — after a clumsy champagne pour — is the comedic climax of the dinner scene. It’s one of the film’s most painfully awkward and iconic moments.
7) What former profession does Jack claim to have had?
Correct Answer: CIA agent
Jack’s CIA past gives him a built-in excuse for paranoia. He conducts background checks, installs surveillance, and grills Greg like he’s hiding state secrets — all in the name of protecting his daughter.
8) What is the name of Pam’s ex-boyfriend who seems to do everything perfectly?
Correct Answer: Kevin
Kevin (Owen Wilson) is Greg’s ultimate foil — charismatic, successful, and beloved by Pam’s family. His perfect persona only increases Greg’s insecurity and Jack’s passive-aggressive comparisons.
9) Why is Greg constantly under suspicion by Jack?
Correct Answer: All of the above
Jack doesn’t trust Greg from the beginning. Whether it’s his name, his profession, or his behavior, everything about Greg is a red flag in Jack’s CIA-trained mind. His suspicion borders on obsession.
10) How does Jack secretly keep tabs on Greg during the visit?
Correct Answer: He uses a lie detector test
In one of the most famous scenes, Jack hooks Greg up to a polygraph to gauge his honesty. The humor comes from Greg’s unease, Jack’s cold delivery, and the absurdity of using spy tactics at a family gathering.
