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These films kicked things off with a bang! For this list, we’ll be looking at the best opening scenes in movie history. Our countdown includes “Scream”, "Drive", “No Country for Old Men”, "The Dark Knight", and more! Which film do you think has the best opening scene? Let us know in the comments!
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It doesn’t get any better than _Dark Knight,_ _A New Hope,_ and _Raiders._
HEY WATCHMOJO... can you do a top 20 darkest Samurai Jack moments list, please?
TV Time is better
Ahem Saving Private Ryan
the end from apocalypse now
Joker's bank robbery will always be an iconic opening, that unmasking combined with the low sinister chord really set the tone for the ride to come. RIP Heath Ledger.
also really silly in almost every respect - as if they concocted a heist with which no-one could actually get away
@@bheast86 your saltiness is too strong.
@@skaaya1 Another really silly opening - a big aircraft can't fly with a smaller one hanging from it nose-down - the tonnage of the smaller aircraft would be added to the bigger one's payload - and in this case the smaller one's engines were still going, driving however many horsepower towards the ground
It wasn’t all that. Just an unrealistic rip off of Heat
I've always thought everything about that movie has been overrated. It bored me to tears, disappointing acting, and yes, much silliness.
Where's "Saving Private Ryan?" That is the greatest opening of any movie ever.
I thought that was going to be first too! Although all entries in this list were great too.
My guess is that they only consider the scene with the old Ryan and his family at the cemetery the opening scene and not the storming the beaches of Normandy because if you do include that then it most certainly has to be on the list.
Me too
I actually worked at the movie theater at the time it came out. I watched the opening sequence about 15 times when we were showing it.
Also even though it’s an animated film the opening song and animation beauty of the original Lion King was majestic and the stamp of the Lion King title with the extreme bass was powerful.
Once Upon A Time In The West....hands down the best opening scene of all time. Wonderful set and sound. Creates the everlasting tension for the rest of this classic western film.
Exactly sadly these people have never seen one of the greatest and most influential movie in history. Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone knocked it out of the park
Yeah, that could have been in there.. But I just watched a clip of opening scene of "Beverly Hill Cop", that was quite good, entertaining, music.
No, it’s inglorious bastards
Bingo. I might also suggest, somewhere in the line-up, the opening scenes from Brazil and The Hudsucker Proxy.. Also, putting the opening of Citizen Kane as an also-ran is a crime. And a purely personal favorite: The opening of Ghost World which made me effectively wonder, "What the h@@l is going on here?"
@@avinavprasai7940 If the people making this list knew what they were doing it would be #3. Mojo is designed for morons.
You forgot “once upon a time in the west”. Those 10 min opening scenes is a master peace of its own and more tense than some new movies in full!
one horse too many
The opening scene from ‘The Matrix’ was quite impressive back in 1999.
And still is really.
@@makasete30 I agree
Indeed!
Very true
Still is.
Zombieland is one of my personal favourites. I love the whole introduction to rules of surviving Zombieland thing, which is then followed by Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls.
Good one. The images of terrified people running for their lives in slow motion with the zombies chasing with the song blasting in the background. Memorable.
Yep. Absolutely iconic.
People go in expecting 28 days later instead they get "surviving zombies for dummies."😄
For whom the bells toll is a definite plus
Zombieland definitely wins on having the best opening titles.
I was 12 years old when my mom took me to see a weekday matinee showing of a movie that just came out called "Star Wars". I had no idea what to expect, but I had told her weeks earlier that the ads I had seen on TV looked pretty cool. To this day, I still get that same feeling I had back then when I hear Williams's music blast out of the speakers. Everything was done perfectly. From when the crawl fades away into distant space, to the camera panning down to show a portion of a dusty planet. Then a ship appears from the top of the screen, firing all it's lasers at something we can't see yet, only to be followed by the tip of the star destroyer appearing, and growing, and growing, and growing until it fills the entire screen! Pure genius!!!
Movies never opened like that, before Star Wars.
Incredibly similar experience for me as well. Except my mom had to drag me to see it; had no idea what it was about, I was 11. Then right out of the gate with the music and then the appearance of the star destroyer slowly revealing its enormous size which seemed endless. Something that should only be experienced on the big screen for your first time, and the sound from those massive engine’s could be felt in your gut it was so loud. You could say Star Wars had me at hello
Dolby was new, hearing the star destroyer fly over our heads, as it came into view above us, was amazing. My memories of that day still give me goose bumps when I try to explain to younger generations what it was like to see the first film of its type on the big screen. We were riveted even though there was no CGI back then. 10 Oscar nominations and 6 wins for all the tech awards. Plus a special Oscar to the sound effects guy for creating the voices of the aliens and robots.
@@chipsahoy8651And Lucas took full advantage of the new dolby sound system right from the start! His "dueling tones" that play over the THX logo at the beginning still gives me chills. The way it starts on either side only to meet and completely surround you at the end was awesome! Speaking of non-movie related things. When the first SW movie came out that wasn't produced by 20th century Fox, it just wasn't the same for me. The trumpet blasts and violins over their logo at the beginning of the earlier movies almost seemed custom made for the pause that followed, then William's main theme suddenly blasting out at you!
@@chipsahoy8651As for sounds effects, don't forget how the dude used a metal rod to smack a guy wire on a telephone pole to get the sound used for the laser guns! Ingenious!
I love the beginning of "Serenity". The story within the story within the story tells everything you need to know about the "Firefly" world even if you never watched the series, while still appealing to the fans.
No grenades!
“Jaws” is my absolute favorite opening scene. Terrifying. “Goodfellas” also had a shocking opening scene.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail has one of the funniest opening scenes in film history. "Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?"
I fart in your general direction!
Bravo! Who would think to start a movie like that but a comedic genius...or geniuses.
It actually starts at the opening credits! "Møøse bytes can be veri nasti"
Not at all. They could be carried.
Holy Grail shoulda been a given!
I would say that instead of the scene from "Drive", the opening robbery scene from "Baby Driver" is a masterpiece. In terms of the stunts, music, every action matching the music beats, even the small details like no one ever saying a word but still the movie shows each person's mentality flawlessly.
Agreed.
not real enough
I was AMAZED you didn't mention the opening of "Rear Window." In just a few tens of seconds, the camera communicates more, than would be achieved, with minutes of exposition. Masterwork.
Should’ve included the opening of Star Wars episode IV. I can’t imagine how many people were amazed by how awesome the visuals were for 1977
They nodded to it at 0:27 but I agree
And little did they know that would be the start of an awesome trilogy
Nothing ever look anything like it. Even the super loud Star Wars logo launch brought instant goosebumps and some hairs on the back of the neck to stand. Then the scene immediately told the audience you are about to witness something extremely special.
I can't believe how people can't just call the movie Star Wars. That's all anyone called it for decades. Anyone who saw it in 1977 won't ever call it by a subtitle or episode number. It's Star Wars.
@@skipads5141 People called it that (including me) because there were only three movies, and it was easy to know which one you meant. Now that there are so many more movies and "Star Wars" has become more synonymous with the series as a whole than a single movie, simply referring to one movie as "Star Wars" would be confusing for most people.
The first scene of "The Dark knight" showed what kind of movie it'll be
“Rather dark and knighty” - Roger Ebert
And I'm kinda shocked that with its inclusion, and full inspiration from Heat, that Heat itself isnt even an honorable mention!
Viewers knew they weren't up for a funny, popcorn, superhero type movie.
Comic book nerd kid crap.
@@skipads5141 What Were Your Intentions With This Comment? Because The Only Thing You Did Is Being A Joke In A Public Comment Box By Letting Others Know You Haven't Seen The Movie or Don't Know Anything About It. 😂
I watched the Shawshank Redemption by starting 20 minutes into it and it was one of the most boring movies I have ever seen. I couldn't understand why people liked it. Then I saw it from the beginning and I was hooked. It is amazing how important the beginning is to the rest of the movie.
I love casino Royale opening scene! That entire stunt choreography was great!
“I hate snakes. I hate em” I use that phraseology for everything I dislike.
"oh, thats just my pet-snake Regy!"
Little Miss Sunshine is one of my personal favorite openings just because it does its job so damn well. It perfectly portrays the struggles of every single character in a struggling family, and tells the audience right away what they’re supposed to expect in this odd-ball road-trip. Not to mention the wonderfully easy pacing, beautiful cinematography and that lovely song in the background by Devotchka.
Baby Driver had a great opening scene as well.
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly should be in this list as well, i love the way they introduce Tuco.. Also i agree, it's hard to replicate the opening scene from Inglorious Basterds, i remember how suspense the scene was.
The dialogue and the mastery of Waltz's performance was spellbinding.
Once Upon A Time In The West as well..
@@vb2388 I totally agree. That would simply my number one. All this quietness, Frank's three guys seem to dominate the scene. But after the train leaves...!
For a Few Dollars More should be here with the introduction of the badass old man in black Lee Van Cleef's character Colonel Mortimer alongside Clint Eastwood's Manco/Blondie opening
Some opening scenes are so incredible, that they could easily pass for a short film
The opening of Up! Will always have a special place in my heart
"Clock work orange" is just awesome It keeps you hooked up even through the violence because the direction is just really smooth
Winner for me: The 2001 opening. Seeing your prehistoric ancestors, at their most vulnerable, creates a deep sentimental feeling combined with a sense of wonder. It's a very moving moment. This upload reminds us how many brilliant movies there have been made since the 1940s. And it wasn't even solely Hollywood producing them. Movies often surpassed classic literature by miles. While at the same time, many movies were inspired by great novels. My forever favorite is Hitchcock's Rebecca. A good novel in its own right, but what a beautiful film! Hitchcock's best one! There's also the opening of the brilliant Don't Look Now. The way Donald Sutherland comes out of the water with his dead daughter, inter-edited by Julie Christie's absent mindedly walking to a window and reacting to what her husband outside is carrying towards the house. So chilling.
Once Upon a Time in the West probably has my favorite opening sequence. A masterpiece in cinematography and sound design while building the tension for one of the most bad ass character reveals.
Yeah but it's 15 minutes long!
I read Jack Elam poked his gun into the wall over a hundred times before finally catching a fly in the barrel.
@@MarkReadPickens Stunt flies were not co-operating?
I LOVE that movie. Also, I love the ending, and the score.
@@camillesamples8790 My parents bought the album (viny) shortly after the movie was released. It was the very first record my parents ever bought that I actually liked. They liked it too..
I'm honestly surprised Watchmen wasn't on the list for the comedian and the flashback throughout the years of the Watchmen with the song "times are a changin"
The Comedian/Ozymandius fight with "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole playing will always be my favorite movie opener of all time, all around just a masterfully scripted and directed scene.
I think they were only counting scenes instead of opening credits.
Watchmen opener is so good, left you just dying to know what was gonna happen.
While not the best ever, the opening scene in Boogie Nights is one of my favorites. One of the best tracking shots ever, and a great introduction of all the characters.
It deserves top 5. It doesn't get the recognition it deserves because it was influenced by Goodfellas
It is a decent list, but one of my favorite openings for a movie is... "I am the Night Rider!" Mad Max Classic adrenaline ride and introducing Mel Gibson's character with well sequenced suspence.
To this day has anyone found out what happened between "Her & Jonathan" 2 nights ago?
@@andywilliams1160 Jonathan was the guy that Jim Goose is about to reference, 'trying to scream with his face ripped off', though its unclear what drove him to it. Probably.
Mad Max , the view
For me it's definitely The Rock with Ed Harris as General Hummel. It's such an amazing opening with great Scenes and Hans Zimmer music that gets to you every time you watch it.
One of my favorite opening scenes from the 90s. You already get the feels and understanding for Hummel.
Yeah i thought it would be there, but number 1 should have been saving private ryan
I watched that in a theater that was right next to the SF Bay.
The opening scene of the movie 🎥 Desperado-1995, should have been on this list. Steve Buscemi’s story about the “Mariachi Vigilante” that he’s telling a villainous character in the bar sets the mood of the movie perfectly. Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of the monologue adds to the suspense of the movie, and I think that the director Robert Rodríguez probably collaborated with his friend Quentin Tarantino and that’s why Tarantino makes a cameo in this movie.
Talking about who should be on the list saving Private Ryan but mojo always misses a huge one 🤪
Star wars! The shot heard round the world! The scene that blew everyones head off. The moment that changed history. I dare anyone to say it's not thrilling and completely captivating every time you see it.
Great list! Gotta consider It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (Kicking the Bucket), Raising Arizona (early Coen Bros), The Big Chill (You Can't Always Get What you Want).
I think A Quiet Place's opening scene deserved to be on the list, at least as an honourable mention.
Oh man what a shocker. Going into that movie knowing next to nothing was awesome. You can expect a movie to kill a kid but not to set the friggin tone! Bravo Mr Krasinski, Bravo. And the second was alright, but sequels always feel dirty to me regardless of how well they're executed. The idea that it's probably a cash grab is to strong in my mind. However, It did have another great opening. Not as good, but still solid
I’m surprised Saving Private Ryan and Lord of War didn’t make this list. Most entries were great but… those two are on on the level!
Lord of War!!! That one really is incredibly awesome.
Spr's was not the opening scene.
Agree with most of them. I would add at least as honourable mention "A Chorus Line". I'm not a big fan of musicals but this opening dance scene is so incredible intense that I will never forget.
West Side Story (the original) opening is something to remember and sets up the stage perfectly
No country for old men is just masterpiece
Wendell: It's a mess, ain't it sheriff? Ed Tom: If it ain't, it'll do until the mess gets here. One of my favorite quotes of all time.
One of the best _endings_ too!
A change of location defines a movie scene, You are referring to an opening sequence, which is briliant. How long does it go w/o dialogue? !
The D-day invasion from Saving Private Ryan should be on this list.
Seriously… That was the first movie I thought of when I saw this thumbnail. Not even on the list? Ridiculous.
The D-Day invasion scene was the SECOND scene. The opening scene was the old man at the cemetery.
@@JayCruz49er - The D-Day invasion scene was the SECOND scene. The opening scene was the old man at the cemetery.
@@AtheistOrphan even though the first was Ryan in the cemetery it was very powerful setting for the movie. a survivor of something horrific coming to see those who didnt make it home. I thought it was a much better opener then some of those on the list.
Should be #1. The greatest opening to any movie
The night crawler opening from Xmen 2 was one of my favorites. This was especially true for the DVD when it came out and we had recently bought a big screen TV with surround sound and it felt like he was teleporting all around the living room.
There are some great picks on here, but I was really surprised not to see the atmospheric, ugly beautiful opening to Blade Runner amongst the twenty. In a few shots and a very tense interview scene we are fully transported into a world of darkness and uncertainty. Brilliant.
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ is turning 40 this year.
I love that movie it's weird thinking it's that old
Omg I'm old as fuck
There’s no ‘The’ at the beginning. It’s just ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’
@@carastone3473 My apologies, I fixed mistake.
Cars Is Turning 20 This Year !
Terminator 2 is a great opening scene.
The first one wasn't a bad opening either!
When I was a teenager the greatest opening of a movie was 'Enter the Dragon'. Back then Bruce Lee was not a household name and his fans had anticipated this film and hadn't seen this version of Bruce, more ripped with better choreographed scenes. Seeing him on the big screen in the opening Shaolin Temple scene was very cool indeed.
A simple start . Both bladerunner movies start out beautifully.
GHOST SHIP. The deceptively lush opening of this ghost chiller is so captivating, it almost makes you forget you're supposed to be watching a horror film...until the twist comes that reminds you. The opening sequence is SO good, in fact, that the rest of the movie simply can't measure up.
That is hands down one of my absolute favorite movies EVER!! It’s so genius and as far as other horror movies it’s so unique and just different than every other movie. It avoids all of the annoying horror movie tropes and stereotypes but still manages to be captivating and thrilling. It’s an amazing movie that is just hands down an absolute masterpiece and way ahead of its time tbh. Even the acting is absolutely amazing. There isn’t a single thing wrong with the film. The beginning and ending are absolutely jaw dropping in such an unexpected way. 100 out of 10, such a great fucking movie man seriously. 😩🙏🏻💪🏻✌🏻😎
Oh yes! I loved that scene!
I literally searched for “best opening scenes” looking for Ghost Ship, and it was not in this list. Inconceivable!
Films they missed: 1. Once Upon a Time in the West (Should be #1) 2. Touch of Evil 3. The Warriors 4. Idiocracy 5. Slap Shot Honorable mention: Desperado. Also Star Wars should have been #2 behind Once Upon a Time In the West.
uh, Once Upon a Time in the West. twenty minutes of creaking, sweating and loitering Genious
@@rgerber Actually, twelve minutes of tension and intrigue culminating and a glorious character reveal and one of the best opening lines in movie history.
You can't Indiana Jones.
You missed "Second Hand Lions". The opening biplane scene was great.
Baby driver had one of the best opening
Good one
I feel like it shouldve gotten atleast a hm
@@kimtaikrause1813 do you expect Watchmojo to meet your expectation? How do you still expect that Expectation?
@@ronnyofthenorthsky595 I’m not expecting anything but I’m just saying me personally if I was watch mojo I would have put baby drivers opening in there
@@kimtaikrause1813 😳........it's an old, non aged Joke of Watchmojo.......I guess you're new
I really think baby driver should have been on this list. Such an iconic opening.
thats what i was thinking. that movie is amazing
Way better than Drive for a chase scene
I fully agree
I agree. I actually thought of Baby Driver the milli-second Drive popped on the list lol
I came to watch this list to see if it was one here.
You had a peek at the beginning of your video but the intro to "Watchmen" is so impressive and one of my favorites.
One of my favorite opening scenes is Kingsmen: the Secret Service. Close up of a cassette player, the pans out to see the entire boom box then 2 guys listening to it. Along comes a helicopter that starts shooting at a fort/building. Each hit causes a few rocks to fall free, tumbling into text of the different production companies involved in the picture.
I thought that Spectre, Skyfall and Casino Royale’s opening scenes were better than Goldeneye. Also, I’m surprised that neither of the first two Terminator films, Fight Club, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Lion King or Back to the Future made it on the list
She said in the beginning that they weren't including anything from animated films. If so then TLK would've probably easily blown them all out of the water.
I agree casino royale had the best opening of any Bond film also they should have put Dark Knight rises as a honorable mention
@@heartsstillbeating1110 oh, good catch
@@heartsstillbeating1110 Up is far superior to Lion King. It's opening scene is probably the best few minutes of animation every created.
The opening of Spectre is absolutely brilliant. The rest of the movie sadly was not.
My personal choices: Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm street, The Other Guys, Do the Right Thing
I def agree with Halloween
The opening scene of Silverado. It starts with complete silence and close ups of objects and furniture as the camera pans around the small dark line shack lit only by streaks of sunlight from the cracks in the walls, stopping at a holstered gun hanging on the bunk. Suddenly the sound of a door slamming open and the quick draw of the holstered gun by the sleeping cowboy (Emmet) begins the intense action, killing the intruder and shooting through the walls and roof at unknown assailants with only the sounds of the unsuccessful ambush to accompany the action. When the gun fight comes to a close, a simple melody played by a single instrument begins as Emmet walks towards the door after his victory and out into the wide open spaces with the awesome panoramic view taking over the screen and the full orchestra bursting into the theme music. If you have never watched the movie Silverado, it is well worth it.
Gladiator opening scene is so underrated. His mind is at home brushing his hands in the wheats while realizing he is in a brutal war. Many soldiers can relate
YES! I SAID THE SAME THING! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BEGINNING
28 Weeks Later’s opening was spectacular. The Warriors had a great opening too. Maybe that’s because I love the movie.
Yep, it's 28 Weeks Later for as well.
Raiders of the lost Ark. The opening introduces the protagonist in a unique and effective way.
Very good choice for number one. Raiders. I saw that in the theater when it came out. I remember the absolute stunning thrill, that rolling ball. One thrill after another. There had never been an opening scene like that, ever. You knew you were in for something brand new and very special.
Where IS CARS?! THAT OPENING RACE HIT SO HARD BRO 💀
Twilight Zone: "Wanna see something REALLY scary?" GOLD!
If we aren’t including opening credits sequences, I’m going with: The Godfather (1972) No Time To Die (2021) Halloween (1978) Citizen Kane (1941) No Country For Old Men (2007) Saving Private Ryan (1998) (If we include D-Day) The Dark Knight (2008) Casino Royale (2006) War Of The Worlds (2005) (Doesn’t really count, but I think this deserves more love) Inglorious Basterds (2009)
OMG...Halloween was CRAZY! Totally slow, terrifying with one of the most original and captivating vantage points ever...A 1ST PERSON VIEW FROM INSIDE THE KILLER'S MASK...AND THE KILLER WAS A KID!!! My...mind...was...blown as a kid when i saw it back in the 80s. i just think modern audiences cant appreciate the craft that went into that scene.
Once upon a time in the west
Casino Rorale (1967)
To must have been very sleepy and taken a quick nap! 'No Country For Old Men' is #15 on this list at 6:00.
The musical score for Jurassic Park opening was epic letting the audience know something majestically wrong was about to happen.
God bless John Williams
People sorely underestimate a good score for a movie. Like Hans Zimmerman's works for example.
@@Gumbier_Than True true
@@Gumbier_Than yea Hans is another LEGEND. Love his work on Pirates of the Caribbean, Man of Steel and The Ring
Just randomly watched Bladerunner the other day and visually it was a pretty amazing opening. As was Gone with the Wind with the opening title crawling across the screen to the amazing score and then opening on the beautiful plantation home. Very dramatic.
Beautiful list, thank you. Indiana Jones is the very first movie I saw as a kid in the cinema, and I will never forget about the fun and the fascination. Dark Knight opening scene gave me the feeling of "Uh, someone changed the rules of the game". So, here are some of my favorite movie beginnings: "Dawn of the Dead", "The Fourth Kind", "BirdBox", "War of the Worlds" "Don't Look Now" "Ong Bak" "Alien 1" and "Quite Place 2"
I missed Gladiator on this list. When i saw it on the big screen i thought it was amazing!
‘Goodfellas’, one of my most favorite movies of all time.
2 movies that i can think of off the top of my head that ive recently watched. I know this wouldn't have made it but the intro of 13 ghosts was always very fun, and the opening scene of back to the future always seemed to just grab my eyes and glue them to the screen
A Clockwork Orange is definitely one of the most unsettling movies that you can't take your eyes off of, that I have ever seen. Kubrick may have been weird, but damn he could make a movie you couldn't stop watching. No matter how it made you feel.
I saw Singing in the Rain years after I saw Clockwork Orange. That song took me right back to Clockwork.
Good list. I would have included Nightcrawler's debut from X2 (or even young Magneto in the first X-Men) and the opening number in The Greatest Showman
Can’t argue with Raiders of the Lost Ark.
You certainly cannot
Saving private Ryan??🤷
@@garethreid327 I wouldn’t argue with that either.
@@garethreid327 not the opening scene. Its technically old Damon at the cemetery.
Agree about the blatant misstep of omitting the opening of Saving Private Ryan, but also omitted was the great opening from Once Upon a Time in the West. Who knew that three gunmen waiting for a train during opening credits could be so suspenseful?
I always liked the opening scene in The Place Beyond the Pines, it riveting and tells us a lot about Gosling’s character.
Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Dark Knight, Jaws, Halloween, Scream, Jurassic Park, The Lion King, Inglourious Basterds All classic films with iconic openings
Star Wars new hope as well
Donr forget Watchmen. My favorite opening ever
I really like Baby Drivers openig to
"The Great Escape" - POWs are delivered to a new "escape-proof" camp and immediately test its security. "Stalag 17" - Another great POW escape sequence. "The Dirty Dozen" - Most people remember the roll call scene, but not the hanging scene that precedes it. "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930) - A college professor talks his students into fighting in WW1. "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" - Nothing like starting a movie with a bang. "The Letter" - Bette Davis firing a revolver until it clicks on an otherwise quiet night.
Thank you. Not only these are great opening scenes, they seem to open for great movies, too. I think there is some movie watching I need to catch up to, I missed out on a few true gems.
The "Elevator Scene" in Speed! Literally the scene that sold the studios on making the film.
No Baby Driver!?!?!?! What!!!
Baby Driver is one of my favorite opening scenes
watching this vid right now, and Baby Driver better at least be Top 5
Agreed, its so filled with action and you get a perfect representation of the main character and the theme of the movie, should have been on the list
I thought the original Bladerunner was pretty awesome. Put it in its historical context and Ridley Scott's dystopian futuristic vision.
"I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman your Senior Drill Instructor!" - Opening of "Full Metal Jacket" That has to be on a list like this!
My favorite movie opening is Nightcrawler at the White House, it has me on the edge of my seat everytime.
I saw Raiders of the lost ark on the big screen when it first came out.....The opening scene was crazy edge of your seat action that was usually reserved for closer to the end of a movie. The packed theatre was a hush after it, as it panned to an innocuous scene of a college professor; and a couple walked in 10 minutes after this amazing start and the gent said to his lady We've only missed the first 10 minutes...how important could it be....about a thousand people silently thought to themselves "oh Dude you have no idea"
At 26 my heartbeat was up to 180 after this opening, nothing compares to the adrenalin rush that gave me, nothing. Matrix was next
I love Children of Men and I love how the color orange foreshadows when a tragic event is going to happen in it. Point proven with the orange sign on the side of the fridge when Clive Owen is walking out of coffee shop.
The first 8 minutes of Raiders of the Lost Ark is the best introduction, closely followed by Jaws.
Gladiator’s opening. Wildly underrated.
How could you miss "Saving Private Ryan"? I thought for sure it had to be #1. But I love "Apocalypse Now" too.
wow. How did I not remember that? You're absolutely right.
SPR is a garbage film
Absolutely 😍😍😍 GotG 1's opening: It's on my List for Top Openings because not only for the music selected but it signifying the MCU expanding...using different methods to tell a superhero story! For this List, Endgame's opening on Hawkeye's Farm should've been Honorably Mentioned IMO
Glad that drive was included. The whole movie is so underrated and the opening is legendary
Raiders set the standard for opening scenes going forward. From the moment the Paramount logo changes to a shot of an actual mountain you knew you were in for one hell of a ride!
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. No dialogue for the first 10 minutes or so. Everything you need to know is told by the flawless editing, deft directing, and gorgeous cinematography.
Way way superior than once upon a time in the west.
The animated opening credits of _It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World_ are great, but lead into one of the greatest car chases of all time. And Jimmy Durante's dismount was epic!
All through this thing, I kept wondering - but where is Raiders of the Lost Ark?" Younger people don't realize just how amazing this was at the time the movie came out.
I love the opening in Mississippi Burning. The music and themes mix so well
SO many people saying ‘Where is Saving Private Ryan?’ It should be remembered that the OPENING scene of that film is the old man at the cemetery, which lasts a few minutes before cutting to the SECOND scene, the D-Day landings.
My favorite opening is Miracle, the story of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team. The opening credits appear over a montage of news stories beginning in 1972 and ending with Jimmy Carter’s “crisis of confidence” speech in 1979. The credits fade, and coach Herb Brooks is shown waiting in an office lobby, diagramming hockey plays. What happened in the past segues seamlessly into the present, setting the stage for what is to come.
The opening scene of Blade 1 is amazing
Great List! One of my favourites is the opening sequence to Orson Welles’ Touch Of Evil (1958) which begins with a time bomb being played in the boot of a car…the cameras then cranes upward and follows the Car as the occupants drive through town towards the US/Mexican border - the tension is incredible as we know this bomb could blow at any moment…..
You are thinking outside "their box." Great choice of an older movie - yet decades after movies began - KNOWN for its opening scene, that remains beyond this group's limited scope.
True. It was a brilliant opening scene.
The fact saving private Ryan's opening d day sequence isn't even on the list is unforgivable
I’m not a war movie buff but this is the quintessential war movie scene to me.
Yeah an old man walking towards a cemetery is truly one of the best opening scenes ever...
@@marklawd91 - Good call. Many seem to forget that the D-Day landing scene is the SECOND scene.
I would have thought the opening to "Baby Driver" would make the top 10 at least, which I thought was much better than "Drive" personally. And I agree with a previous comment about "Saving Private Ryan" - that scene was groundbreaking and epic.
Drive was so badass
Idiocracy - That opening is not only one of the funniest clips in movie history, but also scarily prescient.
This is a great list. For one, I have always thought that Golden Eye was incredible.