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Quizzes > Movies

Goodfellas quiz: How well do you know Joe Pesci and the film?

Quick, free quiz to test your Goodfellas trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Anne Marte SkardingUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Goodfellas trivia quiz on a teal background

Use this Goodfellas quiz to check how well you remember the film's scenes, quotes, and Joe Pesci's best lines. Want more? Try our Goodfellas trivia for a deeper challenge, take on casino movie trivia from another Scorsese classic, or switch gears with My Cousin Vinny trivia.

In what year was Goodfellas released?
1989
1991
1992
1990
Goodfellas premiered in 1990 under Martin Scorsese's direction, marking one of his most celebrated works of the decade. Its release date is often cited in film histories when discussing 1990s cinema. The film was shot in 1989 but officially released on September 19, 1990.
Who directed Goodfellas?
Francis Ford Coppola
Martin Scorsese
Quentin Tarantino
Brian De Palma
Goodfellas was directed by Martin Scorsese, who is widely known for his work in the crime and gangster genres. Scorsese's signature style, including long tracking shots and dynamic editing, is very much on display. The movie sits among his most acclaimed works alongside Taxi Driver and Raging Bull.
Which actor portrays Henry Hill in Goodfellas?
Robert De Niro
Paul Sorvino
Ray Liotta
Joe Pesci
Ray Liotta stars as Henry Hill, the real-life mob associate whose story inspired the film. Liotta's performance anchors the narrative and delivers both the voice-over and on-screen portrayal. His work earned widespread praise and solidified his career in Hollywood.
Who plays Jimmy Conway, one of Henry Hill's closest associates?
Paul Sorvino
Robert De Niro
Frank Vincent
Joe Pesci
Robert De Niro portrays Jimmy Conway, based on the real-life gangster James 'Jimmy the Gent' Burke. De Niro brings a composed menace to the role, depicting a veteran criminal mastermind. His collaboration with Scorsese on Goodfellas continued a long director-actor partnership.
Which comedian-turned-actor plays Tommy DeVito?
Danny DeVito
Robert De Niro
Joe Pesci
Frank Vincent
Joe Pesci, originally known for his stand-up work and supporting film roles, delivers an explosive performance as Tommy DeVito. His portrayal of the unpredictable mobster won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Pesci's rapid-fire delivery and volatility are hallmarks of the character.
What is the name of Henry Hill's wife in the film?
Karen Hill
Tracey Hill
Cathy Hill
Linda Hill
Karen Hill is Henry's wife, portrayed by Lorraine Bracco. Her perspective on the lifestyle and its dangers adds emotional depth to the narrative. Bracco's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Goodfellas is based on which memoir?
Mob Rules
Underboss
Gangland
Wiseguy
The film is adapted from the memoir Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, detailing Henry Hill's life in the Lucchese crime family. Pileggi co-wrote the screenplay with Martin Scorsese. Wiseguy provides the first-person account that informs the movie's structure and voice-over narration.
Who authored the memoir that inspired Goodfellas?
Martin Scorsese
Brian De Palma
Paul Schrader
Nicholas Pileggi
Nicholas Pileggi wrote Wiseguy, the 1985 nonfiction account of Henry Hill's life in organized crime. Pileggi's book became the foundation for Scorsese's screenplay. His collaboration with Scorsese on Goodfellas was the first of several partnerships.
Where does the famous opening tracking shot of Goodfellas take place?
A suburban house
The Copacabana nightclub
JFK Airport
An FBI office
The movie opens with a three-minute Steadicam tracking shot of Henry, Jimmy, and Tommy entering the Copacabana nightclub through the back. This sequence became one of cinema's most iconic long takes. Cinematographer Michael Ballhaus executed the shot to immerse viewers directly into the gangster world.
Which character is NOT one of Henry Hill's three primary mob associates?
Nicky Santoro
Paulie Cicero
Jimmy Conway
Tommy DeVito
Henry Hill works closely with Tommy DeVito, Jimmy Conway, and Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas. Nicky Santoro is a character from another Scorsese film, Casino. Recognizing the main trio is key to understanding the film's relationships.
Which illegal substance does Henry Hill become addicted to, leading to his downfall?
Heroin
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Henry Hill's drug addiction to cocaine drives the latter half of Goodfellas and strains his relationships with the mob. Under federal law, narcotics charges were among the most serious, prompting his decision to cooperate with the FBI. This addiction arc underscores the self-destructive nature of his lifestyle.
Who kills Billy Batts in the film?
Tommy DeVito
Jimmy Conway
Henry Hill
Paulie Cicero
Tommy DeVito executes Billy Batts after an insult about Batts's shoeshine past triggers Tommy's violent temper. This scene exemplifies the unpredictable brutality that defines Tommy's character. It marks a pivotal turning point in the story.
How much money was stolen during the Lufthansa heist depicted in Goodfellas?
$5.875 million
$20 million
$10 million
$1 million
The 1978 Lufthansa heist netted $5.875 million in cash and jewels, becoming one of the largest larcenies in U.S. history at the time. Scorsese dramatizes this caper as the film's centerpiece. The haul's size and aftermath drive much of the plot's tension.
Which song by The Rolling Stones plays over the closing credits?
Paint It Black
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Gimme Shelter
Sympathy for the Devil
Gimme Shelter closes out Goodfellas, underscoring the film's dark themes of betrayal and violence. The Rolling Stones track has become strongly associated with the movie's final images. Its haunting tone complements the film's conclusion.
Who portrays Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas?
Paul Sorvino
Robert De Niro
Frank Vincent
Joe Pesci
Paul Sorvino gives a measured performance as Paulie Cicero, the capped-off boss figure in the Lucchese family. His calm demeanor hides a ruthless authority that the crew respects and fears. Sorvino's portrayal contributed to the character's lasting impact in mob film lore.
Who co-wrote the Goodfellas screenplay with Martin Scorsese?
Oliver Stone
Nicholas Pileggi
Paul Schrader
Quentin Tarantino
Nicholas Pileggi adapted his own book Wiseguy into the film's screenplay alongside Scorsese. Their collaboration blended Pileggi's journalistic detail with Scorsese's cinematic style. The result is a tightly written narrative faithful to real events.
What is Henry Hill's daughter's name?
Mary
Lisa
Karen
Tracey
Henry and Karen Hill name their daughter Tracey, portrayed by Jennifer Graf. Tracey's presence underscores the domestic aspects of Henry's double life. Her scenes bring emotional stakes to the story.
Which airline's cargo building is robbed in the film?
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United Airlines
Lufthansa
The Lufthansa cargo building at JFK Airport is the target of the centerpiece heist in the film. Scorsese uses this event to showcase the planning, execution, and betrayal within the crew. The real 1978 robbery was one of the largest in American history.
Why was Henry Hill never offered 'made' status in the Mafia?
His mother was Irish
He refused the offer
He wasn't trusted
He left the country
Under traditional Mafia rules, full membership was restricted to men of Italian descent. Henry Hill's mother was Irish, which disqualified him despite his father's Italian heritage. This half-heritage is a recurring tension in his criminal career.
Jimmy Conway's character is based on which real-life gangster?
James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke
Vincent Gigante
Roy DeMeo
Carlo Gambino
Jimmy Conway is the cinematic representation of James 'Jimmy the Gent' Burke, who orchestrated the real Lufthansa heist. Burke's methods and personality were adapted for Robert De Niro's portrayal. The historical connection adds depth to the film's crime narrative.
Who was the cinematographer responsible for the Copacabana tracking shot?
Michael Ballhaus
Freddie Young
Roger Deakins
Gordon Willis
Michael Ballhaus, known for his Steadicam mastery, shot the famous Copacabana scene in one continuous take. His collaboration with Scorsese delivered the film's most iconic tracking shot. Ballhaus's work here influenced countless filmmakers.
Approximately how long is the Copacabana tracking shot in Goodfellas?
3 minutes
2 minutes
7 minutes
5 minutes
The single Steadicam shot lasts roughly three minutes, guiding viewers from the street entrance through the kitchen and into the main club. Its length and fluidity highlight character and setting in one take. Film schools often study it for its technical ambition.
Which of these songs is NOT featured in Goodfellas?
My Way by Frank Sinatra
Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters
Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett
Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
Goodfellas employs a rich soundtrack of period songs, but 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra does not appear. 'Rags to Riches,' 'Mannish Boy,' and Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' are among the featured tracks. Recognizing the period selection reveals Scorsese's meticulous music choices.
Henry Hill agreed to become an informant to avoid prison for which crime?
Arson
Fraud
Extortion
Drug trafficking
Faced with severe sentences for trafficking cocaine, Hill chose to cooperate with federal authorities. His testimony led to multiple convictions, reflecting the seriousness of narcotics offenses under RICO statutes. This decision propels the film's final act.
Who edited Goodfellas, forging a long partnership with Scorsese?
Thelma Schoonmaker
Sally Menke
Dede Allen
Walter Murch
Thelma Schoonmaker's sharp editing is central to Goodfellas' pace and rhythm, especially in the montage sequences. Her collaboration with Scorsese spans decades and includes some of his most celebrated films. Schoonmaker won multiple Academy Awards for their work together.
For which Academy Award did Joe Pesci win recognition for his role in Goodfellas?
Best Screenplay
Best Supporting Actor
Best Director
Best Actor
Joe Pesci won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Tommy DeVito. His performance is celebrated for its intensity and unpredictability. Pesci's win marked his first Academy Award.
In what year did the real Lufthansa heist, featured in Goodfellas, occur?
1980
1978
1982
1975
The Lufthansa heist took place in December 1978 at JFK Airport, resulting in the theft of nearly $6 million. Scorsese's depiction remains one of the most detailed cinematic portrayals of a real-life crime. Understanding the timeline helps place the film in historical context.
Tommy DeVito's character in Goodfellas is based on which real-life mobster?
Carlo Gambino
John Gotti
Thomas DeSimone
Mickey Cohen
Tommy DeVito is modeled after Thomas DeSimone, a New York mafia figure known for his violent outbursts. Joe Pesci's performance captures DeSimone's volatile nature. The real DeSimone's fate mirrors the film's depiction of unpredictable mob justice.
At which film festival did Goodfellas have its world premiere?
Venice Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
Berlin International Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
Goodfellas premiered out of competition at the 47th Venice Film Festival in August 1990. The festival screening helped build early buzz for the film before its theatrical release. Such premieres are common for high-profile art-house and auteur-driven pictures.
Which editing technique does Scorsese employ frequently in Goodfellas to create sudden disjunctions between scenes?
Jump cuts
Cross dissolves
Match cuts
Fades to black
Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker use jump cuts to accentuate the film's kinetic energy and convey abrupt shifts in time or mood. These cuts break continuity in a stylized manner, reflecting the chaos of mob life. Jump cuts are a known signature in Scorsese's visual language.
Which type of lens did cinematographer Michael Ballhaus use to achieve the distorted, dizzying effect during the film's drug montage?
Fisheye lens
Telephoto lens
Macro lens
Wide-angle lens
Ballhaus used a fisheye lens during the cocaine montage to create a warped, disorienting perspective that mirrors Henry's drug-fueled state. The extreme wide angle exaggerates movement and space, intensifying the visual impact. Filmmakers often choose this lens for surreal or subjective sequences.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Goodfellas Quotes -

    Accurately cite famous lines from the film to demonstrate mastery in goodfellas trivia and enhance your movie trivia prowess.

  2. Identify Key Characters and Their Relationships -

    Match principal figures like Henry Hill, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy DeVito with their roles and connections to understand character dynamics.

  3. Describe Pivotal Scenes and Their Context -

    Summarize the setting and significance of memorable moments - such as the Copacabana tracking shot - to grasp why they're celebrated.

  4. Analyze Henry Hill's Rise and Fall -

    Break down the narrative arc of Henry Hill to recognize how his decisions drive the plot and reflect real mob life themes.

  5. Distinguish Fact from Fiction -

    Differentiate between true events and dramatized elements to appreciate Scorsese's storytelling choices versus historical accuracy.

  6. Apply Your Knowledge in a Quiz Setting -

    Use insights gained from the trivia challenge to confidently answer goodfellas movie trivia questions and compete with friends.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Henry Hill's Real-Life Origins -

    Based on Nicholas Pileggi's 1985 book Wiseguy (New York Times bestseller), Henry Hill was an Irish-Italian mob associate whose rise from petty crimes to major heists anchors the film's authenticity. Remember "Hill = Pileggi" by picturing a hill on a pile of books to link the character to the source. This real-world grounding comes from interviews archived by the American Film Institute.

  2. Scorsese's Signature Cinematic Style -

    Goodfellas is famed for its one-shot Copacabana tracking sequence and strategic freeze frames, illustrating Scorsese's dynamic visual storytelling (American Film Institute archives). Use the mnemonic "Track - Stop - Speak" to recall the long take, freeze frame, and voice-over combo. Film studies at UCLA highlight how these techniques draw viewers into the mob world.

  3. Memorable Quotes & Their Contexts -

    The film opens with "As far back as I can remember…" which sets Henry's reflective tone (Oxford University Press analysis). To memorize key lines, use the acronym "ARES" (As, Real, Every, Scene) to recall four major quotes. Quoted examples are cataloged in the AFI's "100 Years…100 Movie Quotes" registry.

  4. Core Character Dynamics -

    Understanding relationships - Henry Hill, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy DeVito - reveals the trio's shifting loyalties (Journal of Film and Video). Recall them with the simple "HJT" mnemonic. Research from the Cinema Studies Dept. at the University of Southern California underscores how each character's arc drives the plot's tension.

  5. Historical Timeline & Key Events -

    The film spans 1955 - 1980, charting major events like the 1978 Lufthansa heist (Smithsonian Institution's crime archives). Use the "5 - 8 Timeline Trick" by linking '55 with '75 heist and '80 legal fallout. University of Chicago Press publications on organized crime provide detailed chronology.

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