"What have you watched recently?"
Open-ended enough that anyone can answer, regardless of taste.
Movies and music: an almost universal conversation starter.
Nearly everyone has an opinion on a show, a film, or a song. It's one of the easiest topics to bring up with a stranger because there's almost always something to react to.
Start chattingSpecific questions to try
"What's a song stuck in your head lately?"
Light, specific, and easy to answer without much thought.
"Any show you'd actually recommend?"
Invites a genuine opinion rather than small talk.
"Favorite movie from when you were a kid?"
A nostalgic angle that often leads to a longer story.
When tastes don't overlap
Not every match will know the same shows or artists you do, especially across different countries. If a specific title doesn't land, widen the question: ask about a genre, a mood, or what they listen to while working, instead of a single named title.
More topics to try
If this one runs dry, see chatting about travel for a different angle, or the general conversation tips guide.
Questions
What if my match hasn't seen the movie I mention?
Ask what they have watched recently instead, or switch to music, which tends to have broader common ground across regions.
Is music a safer topic than movies for international matches?
Music often travels across borders more easily than regional TV or film, so it can be an easier shared topic with someone from a different country.
What if the conversation stalls after a few messages?
Switching to a related but different question, like a favorite soundtrack or a show you're currently watching, can restart the exchange without starting over completely.