Top Movie Opening Scenes, In Order of Greatness Ranked
From the suspenseful shark attack in Jaws (1975) to the haunting aerial shot in The Shining (1980), opening scenes in films have the power to captivate audiences and set the stage for the story that unfolds. These scenes don't always need to be heavy on plot or narrative significance, but they often tease the mood and themes of the movie, drawing viewers in and setting expectations.
One such standout opening scene is from Jaws (1975), where a swimmer is attacked by a shark on a beach at night, accompanied by the iconic theme composed by John Williams. This scene, which does not involve any of the main characters of the movie, sets the tone for the suspense and fear that pervades the film. Interestingly, it does not directly relate to the overall plot, but it effectively introduces the danger and unpredictability of the shark that terrorizes the town.
Another example can be found in The Shining (1980), where the film begins with a breathtaking aerial shot of a car driving down a winding road, accompanied by a haunting score. This sets the tone for a journey into isolation and eeriness, hinting at the supernatural events that unfold in the Overlook Hotel.
The Matrix (1999) opens with a dark, gritty portrayal of a dystopian world, introducing a blend of sci-fi and action, setting the stage for a complex exploration of reality and rebellion. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) starts with an iconic opening featuring Darth Vader boarding a Rebel ship, establishing the movie's epic scope and instant sense of danger and conflict.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) opens with a somber, reflective mood as Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison, setting a tone of hopelessness and despair. Despite this, there's a hint of resilience and hope, foreshadowing the redemption themes that drive the story.
In The Silence of the Lambs (1991), the film starts with FBI trainee Clarice Starling's physical training and her meeting with Hannibal Lecter, creating tension and anticipation, signaling a cat-and-mouse game between Starling and serial killers.
These examples showcase how opening scenes can effectively introduce the mood and themes of a film, setting the audience's expectations and drawing them into the story. Additionally, the opening scene of IT (1990), with the introduction of Pennywise, showcases how horror can be woven into a familiar setting, creating a sense of unease without relying on gore or typical horror tropes.
Similarly, the distinctive opening of The Godfather (1972), with its dark, atmospheric setting and the introduction to the Corleone family, also effectively sets the tone for a complex exploration of power and loyalty. These notable movie opening scenes demonstrate the power of a well-crafted opening sequence to hook viewers and set the stage for an engaging cinematic experience.
The style of movies and TV shows can be influenced by their opening scenes, as demonstrated in the fashion of The Godfather (1972), where a distinctively dark and atmospheric introduction to the Corleone family sets the tone for a complex exploration of power and loyalty. In the realm of entertainment, opening scenes sometimes draw inspiration from culture, as seen in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), where the cat-and-mouse game between Clarice Starling and serial killers is teased through tension and anticipation. Additionally, the opening scene of The Matrix (1999) showcases a blend of sci-fi and action, incorporating fashionable visuals that set the stage for a complex exploration of reality and rebellion.
