Here’s something beautiful about trivia: it’s one of the few things that can connect a teenager in Brazil, a retiree in Japan, and a college student in Germany—all in the same moment.
No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or what your background is, there are certain topics that just… click. Everyone gets excited. Everyone has opinions. Everyone wants to prove they know their stuff.
These are the universal trivia topics—the ones that transcend borders and bring people together.
Whether you’re building a quiz app (like we are with Quizzy), hosting a trivia night, or just curious about what makes people tick, understanding these topics is key to creating connection.
Let’s explore the 15 topics that unite trivia fans worldwide—and why they work so well.
1. Movies & Cinema: The Global Language
Why It Works:
Movies are humanity’s shared stories. Whether you’re in Mumbai or Mexico City, you’ve probably seen The Avengers, debated Star Wars, or cried during Titanic.
What Makes It Universal:
- Hollywood’s reach: American blockbusters play everywhere
- Local cinema pride: People love repping their country’s films
- Nostalgia: Everyone remembers their first movie theater experience
- Awards: The Oscars, Golden Globes, and Cannes are global events
Example Questions:
- “Which film won Best Picture in 2020?” (Parasite—crossing cultural boundaries)
- “Who directed Inception?” (Christopher Nolan)
- “What was the highest-grossing film of all time?” (Avatar / Avengers: Endgame, depending on re-releases)
Why It Brings People Together:
Movies create shared cultural moments. When someone mentions The Lion King or Jurassic Park, people worldwide nod in recognition. It’s a language everyone speaks.
2. Geography: Where We’re From Matters
Why It Works:
Everyone is from somewhere, and people love showing off their knowledge of the world—especially their home regions.
What Makes It Universal:
- Personal connection: “I’m from there!”
- Exploration desire: Wanderlust is universal
- Flags & capitals: Visual and memorable
- Natural wonders: Everyone’s amazed by the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, the Amazon
Example Questions:
- “What is the capital of Australia?” (Canberra, not Sydney—gets people every time)
- “Which country has the most time zones?” (France, due to overseas territories)
- “What is the longest river in the world?” (The Nile / Amazon, depending on measurement)
Why It Brings People Together:
Geography quizzes spark conversations: “Have you been there?” “That’s near my hometown!” “I want to visit!” It turns facts into stories.
3. Sports: The Worldwide Arena
Why It Works:
Sports are passion. Whether it’s football (soccer), basketball, cricket, or the Olympics, competition is a universal language.
What Makes It Universal:
- Global events: World Cup, Olympics, Super Bowl
- Local pride: Everyone roots for their team/country
- Stats & records: Numbers are the same in every language
- Legendary athletes: Messi, LeBron, Bolt—household names globally
Example Questions:
- “How many players are on a soccer team during play?” (11)
- “Which country has won the most FIFA World Cups?” (Brazil—5 titles)
- “What does NBA stand for?” (National Basketball Association)
Why It Brings People Together:
Sports fandom is tribal in the best way. Even rivals respect the game. Trivia lets fans celebrate their heroes and debate greatness.
4. Music: The Soundtrack of Life
Why It Works:
Music is emotion. A song can transport you to a memory, a place, a feeling—no matter where you’re from.
What Makes It Universal:
- Cross-border hits: “Despacito,” “Gangnam Style,” Beatles
- Instruments: Piano, guitar, drums—everyone recognizes them
- Awards: Grammys, Eurovision, MTV VMAs
- Genres: Pop, rock, hip-hop, classical—something for everyone
Example Questions:
- “Who sang ‘Thriller’?” (Michael Jackson)
- “Which band was Freddie Mercury the lead singer of?” (Queen)
- “What instrument has 88 keys?” (Piano)
Why It Brings People Together:
Music trivia often leads to singing, reminiscing, and discovering new artists. It’s joyful and nostalgic at once.
5. Science: How the World Works
Why It Works:
Science is true everywhere. Gravity works the same in Ghana as it does in Germany. The periodic table is universal.
What Makes It Universal:
- Curiosity: Everyone wonders “why?” and “how?”
- Space: Humans everywhere look up and wonder
- Health: Biology affects us all
- Technology: Smartphones, internet—we all use them
Example Questions:
- “What is the chemical symbol for gold?” (Au)
- “How many planets are in our solar system?” (8, since Pluto’s demotion)
- “What does DNA stand for?” (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
Why It Brings People Together:
Science trivia is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter where you’re from—H₂O is water, and that’s beautiful.
6. History: Our Shared Past
Why It Works:
Every country has history. And many historical events shaped the entire world.
What Makes It Universal:
- World Wars: Global conflicts that touched every continent
- Ancient civilizations: Egypt, Rome, China—fascination worldwide
- Exploration: Columbus, Magellan, da Gama—discovery stories
- Revolutions: French, American, Industrial—pivotal moments
Example Questions:
- “In which year did World War II end?” (1945)
- “Who was the first emperor of Rome?” (Augustus)
- “Which ancient wonder is still standing?” (Great Pyramid of Giza)
Why It Brings People Together:
History connects us to our ancestors and to each other. Learning about other cultures’ histories builds empathy and respect.
7. Food & Drink: The Universal Joy
Why It Works:
Everyone eats. Everyone has a favorite dish. And food is culture.
What Makes It Universal:
- Cuisines: Italian, Chinese, Mexican—globally loved
- Ingredients: Rice, bread, spices—basics everywhere
- Celebrations: Food is central to every holiday
- Famous dishes: Pizza, sushi, tacos—instant recognition
Example Questions:
- “Which country is the origin of sushi?” (Japan)
- “What is the main ingredient in guacamole?” (Avocado)
- “Which fruit is known as the ‘king of fruits’?” (Durian or mango, depending on region)
Why It Brings People Together:
Food trivia makes people hungry, curious, and nostalgic. It’s an instant icebreaker: “Have you tried that?”
8. Animals & Nature: Our Planet’s Wonders
Why It Works:
Animals are adorable, fascinating, and everywhere. Nature is awe-inspiring.
What Makes It Universal:
- Cute factor: Everyone loves baby animals
- Pets: Dogs, cats, birds—common companions worldwide
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, pandas—iconic creatures
- Conservation: Environmental care is a global concern
Example Questions:
- “What is the largest land animal?” (African elephant)
- “How many legs does a spider have?” (8)
- “Which bird is known for its impressive tail display?” (Peacock)
Why It Brings People Together:
Nature trivia connects us to the planet we share. It’s a reminder that we’re all inhabitants of Earth.
9. Technology: Our Digital World
Why It Works:
Technology is how we communicate, work, and play—globally.
What Makes It Universal:
- Brands: Apple, Google, Samsung—everyone knows them
- Internet: The web connects us all
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—global platforms
- Innovation: AI, space travel—exciting for everyone
Example Questions:
- “What does ‘WWW’ stand for in a website address?” (World Wide Web)
- “Who co-founded Microsoft?” (Bill Gates and Paul Allen)
- “What year was the iPhone first released?” (2007)
Why It Brings People Together:
Tech trivia feels current and relevant. It’s about the tools we use every day, which creates instant familiarity.
10. Literature: Stories That Endure
Why It Works:
Great books transcend borders. Harry Potter, 1984, One Hundred Years of Solitude—they’re read everywhere.
What Makes It Universal:
- Classics: Shakespeare, Austen, Hemingway—taught globally
- Fantasy: Tolkien, Rowling—beloved worldwide
- Themes: Love, loss, heroism—human experiences
- Authors: Nobel laureates from every continent
Example Questions:
- “Who wrote ’To Kill a Mockingbird’?” (Harper Lee)
- “Which book series features a character named Frodo Baggins?” (The Lord of the Rings)
- “Who is the author of the Harry Potter series?” (J.K. Rowling)
Why It Brings People Together:
Literature trivia sparks book club-style discussions. “Have you read it?” “What did you think of the ending?”
11. Art: Beauty in Every Form
Why It Works:
Art is visual, emotional, and transcends language barriers.
What Makes It Universal:
- Famous works: Mona Lisa, Starry Night, The Scream—instantly recognizable
- Museums: Louvre, MoMA, Uffizi—cultural treasures
- Movements: Renaissance, Impressionism, Modernism—historical significance
- Artists: Da Vinci, Picasso, Frida Kahlo—household names
Example Questions:
- “Who painted the Mona Lisa?” (Leonardo da Vinci)
- “Which artist is famous for cutting off his own ear?” (Vincent van Gogh)
- “What art movement is Salvador Dalí associated with?” (Surrealism)
Why It Brings People Together:
Art trivia celebrates human creativity. It’s aspirational and inspiring for everyone.
12. General Knowledge: The Catch-All
Why It Works:
General knowledge is delightfully random—anything goes!
What Makes It Universal:
- Variety: Keeps things unpredictable
- Discovery: “Huh, I didn’t know that!”
- Accessibility: Something for everyone
- Fun facts: Shareable and surprising
Example Questions:
- “What is the smallest country in the world?” (Vatican City)
- “How many continents are there?” (7, though some models say 6)
- “What is the fastest land animal?” (Cheetah)
Why It Brings People Together:
General knowledge is the great equalizer. No one can be an expert in everything, so everyone’s on a level playing field.
13. Mythology & Legends: Ancient Stories
Why It Works:
Every culture has myths. And many share similar themes (creation, heroes, monsters).
What Makes It Universal:
- Greek/Roman myths: Taught in schools worldwide
- Cultural stories: Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, Chinese—rich traditions
- Heroes: Hercules, Thor, Rama—archetypal figures
- Fantasy influence: Modern books/movies draw from mythology
Example Questions:
- “Who is the Greek god of the sea?” (Poseidon)
- “What is the name of Thor’s hammer?” (Mjölnir)
- “In Roman mythology, who is the god of war?” (Mars)
Why It Brings People Together:
Mythology trivia connects ancient wisdom with modern storytelling. It’s timeless and fascinating.
14. Languages & Words: How We Communicate
Why It Works:
Everyone speaks at least one language. And language itself is endlessly interesting.
What Makes It Universal:
- Word origins: Etymology fascinates people
- Translation challenges: “This word doesn’t exist in English!”
- Alphabets: Cyrillic, Arabic, Kanji—visual curiosity
- Common phrases: “Hello,” “Thank you”—learning basics is fun
Example Questions:
- “Which language has the most native speakers?” (Mandarin Chinese)
- “What does ‘Hakuna Matata’ mean?” (No worries, from Swahili)
- “Which language uses the Cyrillic alphabet?” (Russian, among others)
Why It Brings People Together:
Language trivia celebrates diversity. It’s a gateway to learning about other cultures.
15. Pop Culture: The Zeitgeist
Why It Works:
Pop culture is now. It’s what’s trending, what’s viral, what everyone’s talking about.
What Makes It Universal:
- Memes: Internet culture is global
- TV shows: Game of Thrones, Squid Game, Stranger Things—worldwide phenomena
- Celebrities: Social media makes stars accessible
- Trends: Viral challenges, dances, catchphrases
Example Questions:
- “Which TV series features a character named Walter White?” (Breaking Bad)
- “What social media platform is known for short-form videos?” (TikTok)
- “Which streaming service produced Stranger Things?” (Netflix)
Why It Brings People Together:
Pop culture trivia feels relevant and fun. It’s about shared experiences happening right now.
The Common Thread: Curiosity
So what do all these topics have in common?
They tap into universal human curiosity.
We all want to:
- Learn (Science, History)
- Explore (Geography, Nature)
- Celebrate (Sports, Music, Movies)
- Create (Art, Literature, Technology)
- Connect (Food, Language, Pop Culture)
Trivia isn’t just about knowing stuff. It’s about belonging to the global conversation.
Building Community Through Trivia
Here’s what we’ve learned from years of studying trivia communities:
The Best Trivia Topics:
- Have clear answers (no debate about correctness)
- Balance difficulty (not too easy, not impossible)
- Spark conversation (“Did you know…?“)
- Respect all skill levels (everyone can contribute something)
- Reflect shared values (curiosity, respect, fun)
What Kills Community:
- Obscure, gatekeeping questions
- Topics that exclude (only for experts)
- No variety (repetitive and boring)
- Unfair advantages (pay-to-win knowledge)
Why This Matters for Quizzy
When we set out to build Quizzy, we knew we couldn’t just throw random trivia questions into an app and call it a day.
We had to ask: What topics will bring people together?
That’s why Quizzy is launching with 100+ topics that span these universal categories:
- 🎬 Movies & TV
- 🌍 Geography & Travel
- 🏀 Sports & Games
- 🎵 Music & Entertainment
- 🔬 Science & Nature
- 📚 History & Culture
- 🍕 Food & Drink
- 🎨 Art & Literature
- 💻 Technology
- 🦁 Animals & Wildlife
- 🗣️ Languages & Words
- 🎭 Mythology & Legends
- 🎮 Video Games & Pop Culture
- 🧠 General Knowledge
- …and many more
Available in 10 languages because trivia should be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Your Turn: What Topics Connect You?
We want to hear from you:
What’s your favorite trivia topic? Why? Let us know at info@joinquizzy.com — your answer might inspire the next topic we add to Quizzy.
Because in a world that often feels divided, trivia reminds us we have more in common than we think.
