22 Movie Openings So Undeniably Iconic, They Deserve Some Kind Of Award

Because foreplay is important, even in filmmaking.

A while back, we asked our BuzzFeed Community, "What is the greatest opening scene in any film ever?" and their incredible responses inspired even more great examples! So, here are just a few more opening movie scenes that would like to thank the Academy:

1. Jaws (1975)

Universal Pictures

"That's one hell of an opening scene right there. Iconic."

—kitcait30

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Miramax

"An amazing, brutal, shocking scene that throws you right into the movie!"

—buildingupwithbricks

3. The Social Network (2010)

Sony Pictures Releasing

"It's Aaron Freakin' Sorkin and it's one of the best opening scenes in movie history. A single scene and it has established your protagonist. I listen to this every other day and it still gives me the chills."

—rahulcp88

4. Tarzan (1999)

Walt Disney Studios

"Okay, we get it, the opening of Up is great...but as far as other Disney movies go, have none of you ever seen this movie?! The opening is incredible."

—samanthad4ec79a5f4

5. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Paramount Vantage

"Uh...anyone? No dialogue, but powerful enough to give a foundation to this incredibly strong character and a peek into why he is so fierce."

—edupreec

6. The Dark Knight

Warner Bros. Pictures

"The first five minutes of this movie are some of the best ever filmed. It's such a perfect setup of the Joker."

—awesomeamanda523

7. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Universal Pictures

"The tumbleweed, Los Angeles, traffic zooming by, and then a regular old Ralph’s and the Dude in his robe looking for half-and-half to make a White Russian. IT'S FLAWLESS."

—kminfl

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Paramount Pictures

"It's the definition of 'iconic.'"

—jeniene

9. Apocalypse Now (1971)

United Artists

"The sounds of the Doors performing 'The End' and the napalming of the village leading into Martin Sheen's hotel scene...it perfectly sets the tone."

—bill63

10. Gone with the Wind (1939)

MGM

"You cannot have a list about perfect openings without including this one. Scarlett O’Hara in that beautiful fluffy white and green dress, sitting on the front steps of Tara with her guy friends complaining about being bored by all the talk of war.”

—marthad4e5b4c36b

11. Coraline (2009)

Focus Features

"The opening credits of this are visually stunning. It gives you eerie and beautiful visuals with childhood playfulness and some amazing music that never fails to mesmerize me."

—xxcrimsonquillxx

12. Heathers (1988)

New World Pictures

"The croquet scene perfectly sets up the Heathers, their hierarchy, and the tone of the movie — especially the shot of Veronica's head sticking out of the ground."

—jackdog

13. Lord of War (2005)

Lionsgate Films

"I can't believe this one was not on the original list OR in the comments...I'm so disappointed in all of you."

—kellyj17

14. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

TriStar Pictures

"It's a little random, but my favorite has always been the opening credits to this movie. The bride and bridal party singing in their gowns and fixing their hair? It’s cute and sets a lighthearted vibe of the film. My sister and I would sing it word for word, it is definitely our favorite!"

—chancedoyourdance

15. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

DreamWorks Pictures

"No matter your opinion of the film as a whole, the beginning of it is incredibly memorable and definitely pulls you in."

—mkatherinekelly

16. Inception (2010)

Warner Bros. Pictures

"100%. The awe and excitement I felt as it became clear what was going on was unmatchable. When they pushed Cobb into the water and the water started coming into the building in the dream within a dream? Incredible. Every time I show it to someone who's never seen it before, I'm a little jealous that I can never see it for the first time again, but at least I can relive it a little."

—etconner

17. Evil Dead (2013)

Sony Pictures Releasing

"I know it's a remake, but I thought the opening scene for this one was so good. The twist was so unexpected!"

—diyanahj

18. The Greatest Showman (2017)

20th Century Fox

"I literally got goosebumps during the intro of this movie. So good."

—smakala

19. Casino Royale (2006)

Sony Pictures Releasing

"The opening minutes of this movie perfectly set up Daniel Craig’s Bond as we see him get the kills that earn him his 007 status, including the iconic gun barrel shot which leads into the most underrated Bond theme, in my humble opinion."

—gws2019

20. Jurassic Park (1993)

Universal Pictures

"When the raptor eats that guy while they're trying to get them into the enclosure? It really makes it clear how badly thought through the whole park is, in case it wasn't already clear..."

—emmfarc

21. Hercules (1997)

Walt Disney Studios

"With the muses singing and the stunning animation? It's just amazing."

—o4a4b10bdd

22. And finally, Pulp Fiction (1994)

Miramax Films

"Okay, but how is this not on the first list?! Not only is it one of the best opening scenes EVER, it is also one of the most iconic. The beginning comes back in the end, which is actually the middle. It’s so Tarantino, and really sets the tone for the rest of the film. That film that is a true masterpiece."

—brada4d90fe420

Now it's YOUR turn! What is an opening scene that is so perfect, it deserves an imaginary Academy Award that I totally made up? Share your pick and why in the comments below!

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.