23 Of The Best Movie Opening Scenes That Had People Glued To Their Seats
Those first few minutes of a film can count for so much. In the case of these 23 movies, they were everything.
Some movie openings do more than set the scene, they grab you before the story even gets going. A great first few minutes can make a film feel unforgettable, whether it is heartbreaking, tense, funny, or just plain iconic.
That is why opening scenes matter so much. They introduce the tone, hint at what is coming, and sometimes become the part people remember most long after the credits roll. In this list, the opening moments range from animated tearjerkers to action-packed thrillers, and each one made an instant impression.
Here are 23 movie opening scenes that had audiences glued to their seats from the start.
1. Up
PixarThis entire opening sequence was a whole story in and of itself, and it made many of us sob even before the real plot of the movie began.
2. Finding Nemo
PixarThis opening was so devastating, and it explained why Marlin was so protective right away.
3. Scream
Dimension Films
These first five minutes were amazing because of how they immediately killed off Drew Barrymore's character, even though she was a household name actress.
4. Jaws
Universal Pictures
Chrissie Watkins' figure getting thrashed around by the unseen shark while she was still screaming for help was one of the most haunting scenes we've seen.
That is the kind of opening people do not forget.
5. Mamma Mia!
Universal Pictures
This is the moment she sends that letter that upturns the entire lives of three busy men.
6. The Prince of Egypt
DreamWorks Pictures
Just hearing Ofra Haza's voice singing "Deliver Us" in this scene gives us chills.
7. The Lion King
Disney
Until today, this remains one of the most beautiful and iconic animation openings out there.
8. Booksmart
United Artists Releasing
The affirmation, the dancing-how can anyone not love those in this scene?
9. In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the dance fight between Wenwu and Jiang Li was absolutely mesmerizing.
Marvel
10. Birds of Prey
Warner Bros. Pictures
The opening scene really proved that the filmmaker knew Harley well with how Harley it all was.
It only gets more chaotic from here.
And just like Oscars 2026 jokes got judged in real time online, these openings do not waste a second.
11. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
New Line Cinema
That narration at the start was so powerful and got us hooked.
12. Avengers: Infinity War
Marvel
When Loki and Heimdall were killed off in the first few minutes, we knew it was going to be a rollercoaster of a film.
13. The Social Network
Sony Pictures Releasing
That banter scene between Jesse Eisenberg and Rooney Mara trumps all preconceptions anyone might have had about this film.
14. That first scene in Inglourious Basterds built up the tension beautifully.
The Weinstein Co.
15. Black Widow
Marvel
It's technically not the first scene, but the opening credits gave us chills and were so dark, really embodying Black Widow's history.
16. The Departed
Warner Bros. Pictures
By those first few moments, we already knew we were going to love this film.
17. Crazy Rich Asians
Warner Bros. Pictures
We wish we were as powerful as Eleanor Young when she put the hotel worker in his place just like that in this opening scene.
18. X-Men
20th Century Fox
Magneto isn't everyone's favorite mutant, but the way his younger self carried that opening scene still gives us shivers.
19. The Dark Knight
Warner Bros. Pictures
The entire Joker heist was executed so well.
20. The Other Guys
Sony Pictures Releasing
This was an epic car chase that we didn't know we needed.
21. Deadpool
20th Century Fox
That opening scene immediately shows you what you're in for.
22. Goodfellas
Warner Bros. Pictures
This scene and that little line at the end before the real start of the film is just *chef's kiss*.
23. Drive
FilmDistrict
There are hardly any words spoken, but it perfectly builds up the suspense of the film.
These films are perfect examples of the best movie openings of all time. They prove that you don't really need flashy openings or big reveals right at the start.
You just need the right elements to set the tone, the story, and what the audience should expect, and you've got people hooked. Which one was your favorite opening?
Some openings do all the heavy lifting.
After “Up” made us sob before the plot even started, see how everyday surprises still shock people.
