Decades of Dialogue
Dr. Emmett Brown assures Marty McFly that where they're going, they "don't need roads" at the end of this 1985 time-traveling sci-fi comedy.
What is Back to the Future?
In November 1989, joyful crowds gathered to dismantle this massive concrete barrier, signaling the symbolic end of the Cold War.
What is the Berlin Wall?
Opening in London in 1986, this Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-musical features a crashing chandelier and the iconic song "The Music of the Night."
What is The Phantom of the Opera?
We lost this beloved Canadian-born comedic actress in January 2026, known to generations as Kevin's frantic mother in Home Alone and the eccentric Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
Who is Catherine O'Hara?
Formed in Dublin, this rock band spent the 1980s finding what they were looking for with their massive 1987 album "The Joshua Tree."
Who is U2?
Playing astronaut Jim Lovell in this 1995 space docudrama, Tom Hanks famously alerts mission control, "Houston, we have a problem."
What is Apollo 13?
In July 1997, after more than 150 years of British colonial rule, sovereignty over this major financial territory was officially transferred back to China.
What is Hong Kong?
Measuring a year in "525,600 minutes," this 1996 Jonathan Larson rock musical updated La Bohème for New York's East Village.
What is Rent?
In January 2016, the music world lost this chameleonic "Starman" and Ziggy Stardust creator just two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, Blackstar.
Who is David Bowie?
This Seattle grunge trio defined the 90s alternative rock scene after smelling like teen spirit on their breakthrough 1991 album "Nevermind."
Who is Nirvana?
In this 2005 Ang Lee-directed drama, Jake Gyllenhaal's character Jack Twist tearfully admits, "I wish I knew how to quit you."
What is Brokeback Mountain?
On January 1, 2002, banknotes and coins for this newly created physical currency officially entered circulation across 12 European nations.
What is the Euro?
Debuting in 2003, this smash-hit prequel tells the untold story of the witches of Oz and closes its first act with the showstopper "Defying Gravity."
What is Wicked?
The world was shocked in September 2006 when this enthusiastically khaki-clad Australian wildlife expert, famously known as "The Crocodile Hunter," was killed by a stingray.
Who is Steve Irwin?
This Las Vegas rock band came out of their cage and did just fine with their inescapable 2004 debut single "Mr. Brightside."
Who are The Killers?
While navigating a deadly apocalyptic sandstorm in this 2015 sequel, the War Boy Nux excitedly screams, "What a day. What a lovely day!"
What is Mad Max: Fury Road?
In a historic June 2016 referendum, 52% of voters in this country chose to leave the European Union, kickstarting a multi-year political exit.
What is the United Kingdom (or Great Britain)?
(or what is Brexit)
Premiering in 2015, this hip-hop historical phenomenon by Lin-Manuel Miranda told the story of the "ten-dollar founding father without a father."
What is Hamilton?
This highly influential rapper and actor, known for hit songs like "California Love" and the diamond-selling album All Eyez on Me, was tragically killed in September 1996.
Who is Tupac Shakur (or 2Pac)?
Formed on "The X Factor" in 2010, this English-Irish boy band went in exactly that—straight to the top of the charts with hits like "What Makes You Beautiful."
What is One Direction?
Discussing his old-fashioned optimism in this 2025 James Gunn superhero reboot, the Man of Steel muses, "Maybe that's the real punk rock."
What is Superman?
In May 2023, Westminster Abbey hosted the first British event of this kind in 70 years, drawing millions of viewers worldwide following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
What is a coronation (or the coronation of King Charles III)?
Taking home the Tony for Best Musical in 2024, this adaptation of a classic S.E. Hinton novel brings the gritty rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs to the Broadway stage.
What is The Outsiders?
Known for his transatlantic accent and starring in Hitchcock classics like North by Northwest, this suave Hollywood leading man passed away in November 1986.
Who is Cary Grant?
Composed of indie darlings Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, this supergroup won three Grammys in 2024 following the release of their debut full-length album, "The Record."
Who is boygenius?