The 20 Best Opening Scenes in Movie History

A great opening scene grabs you instantly, setting the tone for the entire film. In the history of cinema, some movies have nailed their first moments, pulling audiences into their worlds with unforgettable visuals, emotions, or surprises.

This list celebrates 20 of the most iconic opening scenes in movies, each a masterclass in storytelling that hooks viewers from the start. These moments, from quiet character beats to explosive action, show the power of a strong start.

‘Up’ (2009)

The film opens with a silent montage of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen’s life together, from childhood dreams to marriage and loss. It’s a tear-jerking snapshot of love and time passing.

Pixar crafts a wordless, emotional gut-punch in under five minutes. The vibrant animation and tender score make it unforgettable. It sets up Carl’s journey with heartbreaking clarity.

‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Daniel Day-Lewis’ Daniel Plainview is introduced toiling alone in a dark mine, chiseling for oil in silence. The eerie score and stark visuals show his raw ambition.

Paul Thomas Anderson builds a gritty, intense mood without dialogue. The scene foreshadows Plainview’s relentless drive. It’s a bold, haunting start to a masterpiece.

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, fights off agents in a gravity-defying chase through a dark city. The sleek visuals and bullet-time effects stunned audiences.

The Wachowskis blend sci-fi and action to hook viewers instantly. It raises questions about reality that drive the story. This opener redefined blockbuster intros.

‘Jaws’ (1975)

A beach campfire turns deadly as a young woman is pulled underwater by a shark. John Williams’ iconic score amplifies the terror in this simple, chilling sequence.

Steven Spielberg crafts raw fear with minimal visuals. The unseen threat makes it gripping. It sets the stage for a classic thriller.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

The film opens with Bonasera, an undertaker, pleading with Don Corleone for justice in a dimly lit room. “I believe in America,” he begins, setting a somber tone.

Francis Ford Coppola builds a world of power and morality in minutes. Marlon Brando’s quiet intensity shines. It’s a perfect entry to an epic saga.

‘Drive’ (2011)

Ryan Gosling’s Driver navigates a tense getaway through Los Angeles’ streets, evading cops with calm precision. The pulsing synth score heightens the mood.

Nicolas Winding Refn creates a stylish, wordless introduction to a stoic antihero. The scene’s cool control sets the film’s vibe. It’s sleek and magnetic.

‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

Alex and his droogs sit in a bizarre milk bar, staring at the camera with menacing smirks. The surreal visuals and eerie music set an unsettling tone.

Stanley Kubrick dives into a dystopian world with bold confidence. The scene introduces Alex’s twisted charisma instantly. It’s a provocative, iconic start.

‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)

The “Dawn of Man” sequence shows prehistoric apes encountering a mysterious monolith, sparking intelligence. Richard Strauss’ soaring music elevates the cosmic scope.

Kubrick’s bold visuals and pacing create a sense of awe. The scene sets up the film’s grand exploration of humanity. It’s a timeless, ambitious opener.

‘La La Land’ (2016)

A vibrant musical number unfolds on a gridlocked Los Angeles freeway, with dancers leaping across cars. The bright colors and catchy song burst with energy.

Damien Chazelle sets a dreamy, romantic tone for the film. The choreography and scale grab you instantly. It’s a joyful kickoff to a modern classic.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Helicopters sweep over a jungle as The Doors’ “The End” plays, blending with images of napalm and Martin Sheen’s haunted face. It’s chaotic and hypnotic.

Coppola plunges viewers into the Vietnam War’s madness. The layered visuals and sound create a surreal vibe. It’s an unforgettable descent into darkness.

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

A desolate Texas landscape unfolds as Tommy Lee Jones’ sheriff narrates a chilling monologue about violence. A brutal arrest scene follows, introducing Anton Chigurh.

The Coen Brothers craft a stark, tense mood with sparse visuals. The opening sets up the film’s themes of fate and evil. It’s gripping from the first frame.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

A bank heist unfolds with masked robbers, revealing the Joker’s chaotic genius. Heath Ledger’s chilling presence dominates as the plan unravels.

Christopher Nolan builds relentless tension with sharp editing. The scene introduces the Joker’s anarchy perfectly. It’s a bold, electrifying start to a classic.

‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ (1968)

Three outlaws wait silently at a dusty train station, their tension broken by a harmonica’s wail. The slow pacing and stark visuals build dread.

Sergio Leone’s meticulous direction makes every sound and glance intense. The scene sets a mythic tone for the Western. It’s a masterclass in suspense.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Indiana Jones navigates a booby-trapped temple to snag a golden idol, dodging darts and boulders. Harrison Ford’s charm and the thrilling pace hook instantly.

Spielberg blends adventure and humor in a pulse-pounding intro. It establishes Indy as a daring hero. The scene remains a gold standard for action.

‘Scream’ (1996)

A phone call turns deadly as Drew Barrymore’s Casey is terrorized by a mysterious killer. The playful yet brutal tone sets the stage for horror.

Wes Craven flips slasher tropes with sharp dialogue and tension. The scene’s shock value grabs you instantly. It’s a genre-defining opener.

‘Touch of Evil’ (1958)

A single, unbroken shot follows a ticking bomb through a crowded border town, ending in an explosion. Orson Welles’ technical brilliance shines.

The tracking shot builds unbearable suspense with fluid camera work. It sets up the film’s noir intrigue. It’s a cinematic feat that still impresses.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

A couple, played by Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer, casually plan a diner robbery before erupting into chaos. The dialogue crackles with energy.

Quentin Tarantino’s nonlinear storytelling kicks off with raw intensity. The scene’s humor and sudden violence hook you. It’s a bold, iconic start.

‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

A tense interrogation unfolds in a French farmhouse as Christoph Waltz’s Hans Landa hunts Jews. His chilling politeness masks ruthless intent.

Tarantino crafts a masterclass in dialogue and suspense. The scene’s slow build and shocking payoff grip you. It sets the film’s audacious tone perfectly.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

The D-Day invasion storms Omaha Beach in a brutal, chaotic sequence. Spielberg’s shaky cameras and raw violence immerse you in war’s horror.

The visceral intensity and realism redefine war films. It throws viewers into the soldiers’ terror instantly. It’s a gut-wrenching, unforgettable opener.

‘Citizen Kane’ (1941)

The camera creeps through a dark mansion to Charles Foster Kane’s deathbed, where he whispers “Rosebud.” Orson Welles’ shadowy visuals set a mystery.

The haunting imagery and fragmented narrative pull you in. It establishes the film’s puzzle-like structure. This iconic start still feels revolutionary.

Which movie opening scene blew you away, or did I miss a favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments!