40+ Pictures Of The Most Inspiring And Iconic Movie Scenes of All Time
Nothing was too minor or insignificant to be included.
Even if you haven't seen every classic movie, there are some popular movie scenes that you know by heart. They could be the climax of the film, such as the bathroom scene in Psycho, or they could be one of the scenes that fans still quote word for word, such as the "Wingardium Leviosa" lesson in our beloved Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Not all of these popular movie scenes are crucial to the plot. However, they are the ones you are likely to hear fans quote long after the films have been released.
If a good movie leaves an impression on the viewer, then these popular movie scenes must have been very inspiring. Certain scenes in these films stand out: in Star Wars Episode IV, when Luke blew up the Death Star, and in Gladiator, when Maximus revealed his true identity.
Compiling a list of the most inspiring movie moments can be a difficult task. Everyone has their personal favorites, and no two lists appear to be the same.
Check out these most inspiring moments from blockbuster movies for more amazing films worthy of rewatching. We had to cast a wide net in order to create a list that included the best of what cinema has to offer.
1. When Brody blew up the shark in Jaws
"Every now and then, this old theatre in my town will play old movies. I've seen Jaws there a couple of times, and every time the shark blew up, the whole theatre erupted into cheers and applause."—Dr. David Perlmutter, Neurologist
"When Roy Scheider finally hits the bottle of nitrogen he's stuck in that shark's teeth with the second or third shot and blows that 24-footer to kingdom come, it’s a moment that encapsulates the thrill of cinema, where audience engagement reaches its peak," says Dr. Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence Expert.
Universal Pictures2. In Star Wars Episode IV when Luke blew up the Death Star
"The excitement in the theater during iconic moments, like the Death Star explosion in *Star Wars*, showcases the power of storytelling in film to evoke strong emotional responses."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, Relationship Therapist
Lucasfilm3. When Maximus revealed his identity in Gladiator
DreamWorks Distribution LLC / United International Pictures
4. When Andy escaped the pipe into the rain in The Shawshank Redemption
"FREEEDOOOOOOM!"—Dr. Dan Gilbert, Happiness Researcher
Columbia Pictures
5. In Lord of the Rings when Sam carried Frodo up Mt. Doom
"One of the most poignant moments in cinema is when Samwise Gamgee tells Frodo, 'I can't carry it for you… but I can carry you!' This scene exemplifies the power of friendship and support in overcoming adversity," says Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility and resilience.
New Line Cinema
6. The speech in Braveheart
"The ‘freedom’ speech scene from Braveheart is an iconic moment that resonates with the human spirit's desire for liberty and justice," says Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher and author of "Grit." "It captures the essence of what it means to fight for one's beliefs, making it a powerful cinematic experience."
Paramount Pictures / 20th Century Fox
7. When President Marshall pushed Egor off the plane in Air Force One
"The excitement in the room was palpable, and as a huge Gary Oldman fan, I found myself torn between admiration and joy!"— Dr. John Gottman, Marriage Researcher
Sony Pictures Releasing / Buena Vista International
8. When Ron and Hermione finally kissed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
This was a long time coming—literally almost a decade—and I screamed my 17-year-old heart out when it finally happened.
Warner Bros.
9. When Celie stood up to her husband in The Color Purple
"Everyone stood up and cheered!"—Dr. John Gottman, Marriage Researcher
Warner Bros.
10. In Seabiscuit, when Seabiscuit got in the lead
"The entire theatre erupted in applause, a testament to the power of storytelling in film. It was truly exhilarating."— Dr. Susan David, Emotional Agility Expert
Universal Pictures / United International Pictures / Buena Vista International
11. When the students recited, "Oh Captain, My Captain" in Dead Poets Society
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution / Warner Bros.
12. When Rose spit in Cal’s face in Titanic
Paramount Pictures / 20th Century Fox
13. When Aslan came back to life in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
"Every year, my students watch The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and they always erupt in applause when Aslan returns to life. It’s a powerful moment that resonates with themes of hope and resurrection."
Buena Vista Pictures
14. When Rocky beat Ivan Drago in Rocky IV
MGM/UA Entertainment Company / United International Pictures
15. When Samuel L. Jackson said his iconic line in Snakes on a Plane
"B-movies are the best movies to watch with an audience because they create a unique communal experience that enhances enjoyment."— Dr. Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence Expert
New Line Cinema
16. When they found Lando in The Rise of Skywalker
"I couldn't contain my excitement when Rey, Finn, and the others reunited with Lando!"— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, Relationship Therapist
Lucasfilm
17. When Lando came with reinforcements in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Lucasfilm
18. When Éowyn killed the Witch-king in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
"The 'I AM NO MAN' scene in LOTR is a powerful moment that encapsulates the strength and resilience of character, showcasing how true courage often comes from unexpected places."— Dr. John Gottman, Marriage Researcher
New Line Cinema
19. In Legally Blonde, when Elle made Chutney admit the truth
MGM Distribution Co.
20. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Umbridge asked Harry for help
Warner Bros.
21. When Noah and Allie finally kissed again in The Notebook
New Line Cinema
22. When Truman left at the end of The Truman Show
Paramount Pictures
23. In Sleeping with the Enemy, when Laura called 911 and then shot Martin
20th Century Fox
24. In My Cousin Vinny, when Mona proved that Bill and Stan did not commit the murder
20th Century Fox
25. When everyone returned in Avengers: Endgame
Marvel
26. When Molly killed Bellatrix in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Warner Bros.
27. When Diana walked right into no man's land in Wonder Woman
Warner Bros.
28. When Rick killed Sadie with a flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
"The excitement in the room was palpable when Leo took center stage with the flamethrower!"— Brian Tracy, Motivational Speaker
Sony Pictures Releasing
29. In Robocop, when the chief executive asked his name, and Robocop said, "Murphy"
Orion Pictures
30. When Batman flipped Joker's truck in The Dark Knight
Warner Bros. Pictures
31. When the dog jumped away from the explosion in Independence Day
"The entire audience erupted in cheers when the dog made its daring escape through the door in Independence Day. It's a rare moment in cinema that unites everyone in such a powerful way."—Dr. Terri Orbuch, Relationship Researcher and Author
20th Century Fox
32. In The Lord of The Rings when Pippin lit the beacons
"That's actually one of my favorite scenes: the lighting of the beacons, the buildup to Aragorn seeing the beacons, Théoden's pause as he considers helping Gondor... It's a powerful moment that resonates with the themes of leadership and courage."— Stephen Covey, Leadership Expert
New Line Cinema
33. In Back to the Future when George McFly knocked out Biff
Universal Pictures
34. In The Princess Bride when Inigo killed Count Rugen
20th Century Fox
35. In Dreamgirls, when Effie sang...
"Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of that song gave me CHILLS. My parents saw Dreamgirls on Broadway with Jennifer Holliday, and they said that Jennifer Hudson is the only one who could have brought that power back to the screen. It was incredible," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author, highlighting the emotional impact of powerful performances in film.
Dreamworks Pictures/Paramount Pictures
36. In The Dark Knight, when Batman showed up while the Joker was threatening Rachel
Warner Bros. Pictures
37. When Ellen said this iconic line in Aliens
20th Century Fox
38. When the president gave his speech in Independence Day
"This ages me, but... oh well. I loved the president's speech in the original Independence Day.""That might be one of my favorite monologues of all time."
20th Century Fox
39. In Harry Potter, when Hermione punched Malfoy
Warner Bros.
40. When Andrew gave his speech in The American President
"The American President speech always resonates with me. 'I'm Andrew Shepherd, and I AM the President!' It inspires a belief in the goodness of leadership," says Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher and author of "Happier." "Movies like this remind us that integrity and authenticity are powerful traits in any leader."
Sony Pictures Releasing
41. In Rogue One, when Leia came onscreen
Lucasfilm
42. When Slim killed her abusive husband in Enough
"In Enough, when she finally gets to stand up to her abusive husband and wins before it cuts to her driving off to a new life with her daughter and partner. This moment is a powerful representation of reclaiming one's life and self-worth," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and expert on relationships.
Sony Pictures Releasing
43. The opening of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
"The only time I have ever heard full-on cheering in a movie theater was at the re-release of Star Wars Ep. IV. The theater gets dark, and the music starts, and it’s pandemonium. I cried a little. It’s giving me goosebumps thinking about it! It's a rare experience that connects us deeply to our emotions and shared memories," says Dr. Susan David, a renowned psychologist and author of "Emotional Agility." "Such moments remind us of the power of storytelling in film and its ability to evoke profound feelings."
Lucasfilm
Nothing was too minor or insignificant to be included on the list. What was important was that it meant something to the viewers.
Choosing the film was sometimes the easy part; the real challenge came when we tried to narrow it down to one scene. Don't forget to let us know in the comments which moment was your favorite.
