Since 1992, a movie has been scheduled prior to the contest as a kickoff event. The movie is shown approximately a week before the contest at a local Stevens Point theatre. The teams know that questions will be asked about the movie, so the attendees furiously take notes during the showing rather than just sitting back and enjoying the show.

The movies tend to be non-mainstream and unavailable to buy or rent prior to the contest. That means teams need to show up for the movie in the theatre and not stay at home watching the same thing on their rented DVD. In 2001, Bridget Jones's Diary was shown in Stevens Point as one of two national premiers of the movie.

Here is a movie timeline for each contest year:

• 2008 - Special (2006)
• 2007 - Live Free or Die (2006)
• 2006 - Side Effects (2005)
• 2005 - Martin & Orloff (2002)
• 2004 - Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
• 2003 - Tribute (2001)
• 2002 - Amélie (2001)
• 2001 - Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
• 2000 - Being John Malkovich (1999)
• 1999 - The Imposters (1998)
• 1998 - The Ice Storm (1997)
• 1997 - Swingers (1996)
• 1996 - Georgia (1995)
• 1995 - The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
• 1994 - Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993)
• 1993 - Simple Men (1992)
• 1992 - Slacker (1991)

Related Information:

• History: First kickoff movie