For fans of the 1994 dramedy Forrest Gump, one of the film's most appealing aspects is the plethora of historical and cultural references scattered throughout.

Whether dancing with Elvis or helping to expose Watergate, Forrest contributes to some of the biggest events of the 20th century. In honor of the film's 20th anniversary, take a look at some of our favorites.

  • Forrest inspires Elvis Presley's hip-swinging moves

  • Forrest witnesses Stand in the Schoolhouse Door on June 11, 1963, when Alabama Governor George Wallace tried to block the entry of two black students at the University of Alabama

  • Hospital patients miss the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 because they're watching Forrest play ping-pong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLTk00sAPi0
  • Forrest unknowingly inspires the song "Imagine" after meeting John Lennon on The Dick Cavett Show

  • Forrest witnesses the Watergate Scandal from the Watergate hotel in 1972

  • Lieutenant Dan invests Bubba Gump Shrimp's wealth into a "fruit company" (Apple Computer) in 1976

  • Forrest contributes to making the smiley face a popular symbol in pop culture