There’s something satisfying when the opening scene of a movie sets the tone for the rest of the story, from horror films like The Shining, where the first couple of seconds showcase an expansive mountain landscape, to Star Trek, where the viewer experiences the quietness and vastness of space. From nature shots, and explosive car chase scenes, to tense and heated arguments, the first few seconds of a movie are the most important in getting viewers hooked.
While some movies can take a while to get into, there are some standout movies that people just want to fully immerse themselves in after only a few seconds. No matter how many times viewers have watched a movie, there are some horror movies with scary opening scenes that are terrifying to rewatch because the openers remind them of a true story.
There are even some drama movies that are so enticing from the first few seconds because of their great score or action-packed beginning sequences. Whether it’s through scenery or direct dialogue, some of the greatest movies of all time manage to draw viewers in right away, no matter how many times people have watched the movie.
10 Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
A Woman’s Journey Of Revenge
Released in 2003, Kill Bill: Volume 1 was directed by Quentin Tarantino and has one of the best openers of a movie from the early 2000s. The movie starts off with heavy breathing over a black screen and a quote, “Revenge is a dish best-served cold.“ Based on the quote alone, viewers can expect a wild adventure-filled vengeance. Paired with the scared breathing in the background, it sounds like someone is struggling and fighting for their life and draws the viewer in. The first couple of seconds already set it apart from most movies since the opener feels suffocating.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is one of the best visually pleasing movies from Tarantino and the opener to the movie continues to tell a compelling story through the first couple of minutes. The first shot is in black and white and sees Uma Thurman’s bloodied face appears as she lies on the floor, looking up, nervously with her teeth clenched. The floors creak as Bill, played by David Carradin, walks over and looks down on her, saying, “Do you find me sadistic?’ This first line of the movie, paired with the quote in the beginning makes for a perfect drama-thriller.
9 The Shining (1980)
A Writer Turns Psycho And Tries To Kill His Family
10/10
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge.
- Release Date
- June 13, 1980
Most people would expect a beautiful Colorado landscape tracking shot to be paired with music that fits the aesthetic. The beginning of The Shining starts with ominous music while the camera moves across a lake, trees, and a long stretch of highway. The car continuously drives as the credits roll. The environment, paired with the movie’s soundtrack feels like the start of a bad dream and makes for the perfect first few opening seconds.
After a few moments, the Overlook Hotel appears, and the music grows more menacing with an odd voiceover track. Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, appears on screen and walks into the hotel. The mood quickly changes as if there wasn’t any sinister music just playing. The Shining has a great horror movie introduction and establishes the overall creepiness of the hotel and Jack Torrance.
8 Ghost Ship (2002)
A Haunted Ship Has A Sinister Past
Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship (2002) is a horror film directed by Steve Beck. The plot revolves around a salvage crew that discovers a long-lost passenger ship drifting in a remote region of the Bering Sea. As they begin investigating, they uncover the ship’s gruesome secrets and experience a series of supernatural events. The film stars Gabriel Byrne, Julianna Margulies, and Ron Eldard.
- Release Date
- October 25, 2002
- Cast
- Gabriel Byrne , Julianna Margulies , Ron Eldard , Desmond Harrington , Isaiah Washington , Alex Dimitriades
- Director
- Steve Beck
- Writers
- Mark Hanlon , John Pogue
Ghost Ship, released in 2002, has one of the creepiest and bloodiest openers of a movie that still makes people’s jaws drop. The movie starts with lively, old-school music and shows a cruise ship moving across the sea. A singer entertains the guests with a sultry song as they all dance at a formal event. Ghost Ship starts like the beginning of a Hallmark Movie, with romance and light-heartedness. The next few moments of the movie are very unexpected and take a dark turn, which comes as a surprise given the first few seconds of the movie are very charming.
Ghost Ship
is solid from start to finish since the first few seconds to minutes of the movie set the stage for a terrifying movie.
A young girl and an older man start slow dancing as the singer continues, but the ambiance turns eerie. The guests dance, unaware that in a few moments, a sharp wire is going to run through the dance floor and sever their bodies. The last few shots are of a blood-drenched wire and Katie, played by Emily Browning, letting out a blood-curdling scream. Ghost Ship is solid from start to finish since the first few seconds to minutes of the movie set the stage for a terrifying movie.
7 Midsommar (2019)
6/10
Midsommar
Ari Aster’s Midsommar follows a group of American college students who travel to a friend’s isolated rural hometown in Sweden to experience their renowned midsummer festival. What starts out as idyllic quickly becomes a disconcertingly violent pagan ritual, with the friends engaged in a ruthless competition that will test more than just their friendship. Florence Pugh stars alongside Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper.
- Release Date
- July 3, 2019
- Cast
- Julia Ragnarsson , Rebecka Johnston , Henrik Norlén , William Jackson Harper , Gunnel Fred , Anna Åström , Will Poulter , Archie Madekwe , Louise Peterhoff , Björn Andrésen , Isabelle Grill , Jack Reynor , Florence Pugh , Liv Mjönes
Released in 2019, Midsommar, directed by Ari Aster is a folk horror movie that has an opening scene different from any other A24 movie. Midsommar opens on a colorful mural featuring a skeleton face nestled in the corner, a sun smiling in another corner, a couple arguing, and women dancing. It’s paired with a whimsical Swedish song as the image is split and is transitioned to a snow-filled forest. There are moments of silence in the song, which gives it an uncanny feeling, along with the cold atmosphere.
The first few seconds of the film tell the entire story of the movie. The first image encompasses the dark journey that Dani, played by Florence Pugh, her boyfriend, and his friends will go through. The Swedish music represents the culture and commune, while the landscape gives a hint to the isolating feeling Dani encounters at the beginning of the film. It’s the perfect first few seconds of a movie because the imagery is able to tell a story without telling the whole story.
6 Chicago (2002)
The Roaring Twenties Aren’t That Dazzling For Two Imprisoned Singers
3/10
Chicago
Chicago is a musical crime film directed by Rob Marshall, set in 1920s Chicago. It centers on Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), two women who find themselves on trial for murder. Both aspiring performers, they vie for the attention of a high-profile lawyer, Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), in their quest for fame and freedom. The film examines themes of celebrity, crime, and media influence.
- Release Date
- December 10, 2002
- Cast
- Renée Zellweger , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Richard Gere , Ekaterina Chtchelkanova , Queen Latifah
- Director
- Rob Marshall
- Writers
- Bill Condon , Fred Ebb , Bob Fosse
- Studio(s)
- MiraMax , Kalis Productions GmbH & Co. Zweite KG , The Producer Circle Co. , Zadan / Meron Productions
Chicago, released in 2002, was directed by Rob Marshall and has one of the most lively opening scenes in a movie. The opening shot is on Velma Kelly’s eyes, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. The jazz music grows intensely as various shots are shown of a lively 1920s Chicago bar. As Velma Kelly enters the club, she rips a sign with her and her sister’s name, headlining the show. The music and fast-paced movements following Velma and her singing performance make it a dynamic first few seconds of a movie.
Chicago still grabs audiences’ attention in just the first couple of seconds because of the fast, up-tempo nature and the dramatic entrance of Velma Kelly.
Movies based on musicals are often fast-paced and over-the-top with storytelling. The first couple of moments where Velma is stashing away a gun, washing blood off her hands, and getting changed to go on stage makes it more exciting for what’s to come in the movie. Chicago still grabs audiences’ attention in just the first couple of seconds because of the fast, up-tempo nature and the dramatic entrance of Velma Kelly.
5 Melancholia (2011)
A Woman’s Depression Is Amplified By A Planet About To Collide With Earth
Melancholia
Melancholia follows the story of Justine and Michael whose tumultuous wedding is overshadowed by the looming threat of a planet on a collision course with Earth. Set amid rising family tensions, the film explores personal and existential crises as the celestial body Melancholia approaches.
- Release Date
- November 11, 2011
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Cast
- Kirsten Dunst , Charlotte Gainsbourg , Kiefer Sutherland , Alexander Skarsgard , Cameron Spurr , Stellan Skarsgård , John Hurt , Brady Corbet , Jesper Christensen , Charlotte Rampling , Udo Kier , James Cagnard , Deborah Fronko , Charlotta Miller , Claire Miller , Gary Whitaker , Katrine A. Sahlstrøm , Christian Geisnæs
- Character(s)
- Justine , Claire , John , Michael , Léo , Jack , Dexter , Tim , Little Father , Gaby , Wedding Planner , Michael’s Father , Michael’s mother , Betty 1 , Betty 2 , Limo Driver , Girl with Guitar , Wedding Photographer
- Director
- Lars von Trier
- Writers
- Lars von Trier
Melancholia, released in 2011, was written and directed by Lars von Trier, is a psychological, sci-fi drama movie about a young woman battling severe depression as a planet is headed towards Earth’s path and is set to collide. The first few seconds of the movie feature melodic, somber music as Justine, played by Kirsten Dunst, slowly opens her eyes and stares into the camera. The music goes still, and Justine doesn’t move, creating a dramatic, heavy feeling.
The first few seconds of Melancholia deliver a melodramatic tone as birds fall from the sky in the background, and the next series of shots feature a large, nature-filled courtyard, a landscape painting, and other images that represent the entire film. Similar to Midsommar’s first opening moments with expressive music and environmental shots, Melancholia is also able to tell an emotional story without needing words or excessive, fast scenes. The Lars van Trier movie has one of the best few seconds of a sci-fi film due to the cinematic shots alone.
4 Saw (2004)
Two Men Find Themselves Part Of A Sinister Game
4/10
Saw
Saw is a horror film directed by James Wan. The story follows two men who awaken in a dilapidated bathroom, chained at opposite ends, and discover they are pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by a serial killer known as Jigsaw. As they struggle to survive, they learn the harsh consequences of their past actions. The film features complex puzzles and a dark atmosphere, contributing to its critical and commercial success.
- Release Date
- October 1, 2004
- Writers
- Leigh Whannell
Saw, directed by James Wan, has one of the best-contained, opening scenes in a horror movie where the first few seconds set the tone for the entire franchise. The movie starts with an underwater, splashing sound as a blue light filter over Adam’s face, played by Leigh Whannel. He struggles to breathe underwater, pushing himself up and out of the bathtub while choking and gasping for air. The entire room is dark and unbeknownst to him, he’s about to be part of Jigsaw’s sinister games.
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Even if audiences have watched the Saw franchise, the first few seconds of the movie tell so much about the danger that awaits these characters. As Adam calls out for help and struggles to see, he’s met with Lawrence Gordon, played by Cary Elwes. The two characters are confined in one dirty space. Many great horror films start with a thrilling opener, and Saw delivers an action-packed opener that makes viewers want to sit back and enjoy.
3 The Strangers (2008)
A Couple Is Targeted By Three Menacing Killers
8/10
The Strangers
The first film in the horror series, The Strangers, follows an unsuspecting couple on vacation who find themselves at the mercy of a group of murderers who seek to physically and psychologically torture them. After a series of unfortunate events that lead the couple to commit an accidental crime, they find themselves fighting for survival against three masked intruders that chose to attack them “because they were home.”
- Release Date
- May 30, 2008
- Cast
- Scott Speedman , Laura Margolis , Gemma Ward , Kip Weeks , Liv Tyler , Glenn Howerton
- Director
- Bryan Bertino
- Writers
- Bryan Bertino
The Strangers, released in 2008, was written and directed by Bryan Bertino. The Strangers is not only one of the scariest horror movies but also has one of the best opening few seconds of any horror film. Even if rewatching this movie, the first few moments are enough to scare anyone just because they were home. The movie starts with a deep voiceover, stating the film is based on true events and the statistic that there are 1.4 million violent crimes in America each year.
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The movie continues with the point of view of someone in a car driving down a residential street, checking out houses, accompanied by sinister music. The next couple of moments involve a panicky phone call from a child who stumbled upon a murder scene. The phone call and the true events title card make it a chilling first couple of seconds that’s hard to watch because it feels a little too real.
2 When A Stranger Calls (2006)
A Teenager Is Harassed By An Unknown Caller
When a Stranger Calls is a thriller centered around Jill Johnson, a teenager whose quiet babysitting job turns into a night of terror when she begins receiving disturbing calls from an unknown caller. The film is set in a remote luxurious home, heightening the suspense as Jill confronts the sinister events unfolding.
- Cast
- Camilla Belle , Katie Cassidy , Tommy Flanagan , Brian Geraghty , Clark Gregg , Derek de Lint , Kate Jennings Grant , Steve Eastin , Karina Logue , Dianna Agron , Tessa Thompson , David Denman , Arthur Young , Madeline Carroll , Escher Holloway , Rosine ‘Ace’ Hatem , Molly Bryant , John Bobek , Brad Surosky , Owen Smith , John Waugh , Lance Henriksen
- Character(s)
- Jill Johnson , Tiffany Madison , Stranger , Bobby , Ben Johnson , Dr. Mandrakis , Kelly Mandrakis , Detective Hines , Track Coach , Cheerleader , Scarlet , Officer Burroughs , Will Mandrakis , Allison Mandrakis , Cody , Rosa , Parent , Officer Lewis , Boom Boom , Officer , Man Calling Dog
- Director
- Simon West
When A Stranger Calls, released in 2006, was directed by Simon West and is a remake based on the 1979 movie. Given the title and the first few seconds, where the opening scene is the sound of a phone ringing, viewers can expect to watch a heart-pounding thriller. On the line is a man’s voice and a young woman’s voice, where he asks her for her name. The next scene focuses on a residential house with a carnival in the background. The phone ringing continues as the woman continues to answer the phone and grows concerned about who is on the other line.
When A Stranger Calls has a similar opening sequence to The Strangers, where something seemingly so innocent as a phone call can come across as deeply unsettling. The opening scenes cut to a mom shouting for her kids, heavy breathing, the chaos of the carnival, and back to the ominous man on the phone. Whether people have watched the original or remake, the first few seconds of the film are enough to scare anyone from answering the phone ever again.
1 Jennifer’s Body (2009)
A Teenage Girl Turns Into A Murderous Vampire
3/10
Jennifer’s Body
Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, Jennifer’s Body is a horror-comedy film starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. When a newly possessed high school cheerleader (Fox) turns into a succubus specializing in seducing and killing her male classmates, her best friend (Seyfried) is the only thing that stands in the way of her sultry killing spree.
- Release Date
- September 18, 2009
- Cast
- Megan Fox , Adam Brody , J. K. Simmons , Johnny Simmons , Amanda Seyfried
- Director
- Karyn Kusama
- Writers
- Diablo Cody
Jennifer’s Body, directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, has the perfect dark comedy horror opening scene. The first few seconds of the movie show a house at night with ominous music playing. It cuts to Jennifer, played by Megan Fox, lying in bed, picking at her skin and sucking her hair. Needy, played by Amanda Seyfried, is lurking outside her house and stalking Jennifer. It’s followed by Needy saying, “Hell is a teenage girl.” It’s a simple statement that summarizes the entire movie.
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Jennifer’s body doesn’t need the striking music or visuals to capture the audience’s attention. The quote is enough to draw people in as the next scene focuses on the absence in Jennifer’s eyes and Needy telling the story from her point of view. Jennifer’s Body is a supernatural horror movie that audiences find relatable since the characters represent two very different high schoolers’ experiences. However, the most relatable part of the movie begins with the very first line of dialogue and keeps the statement true all the way through.
