Top 10 Most Dramatic Movie Intros of All Time

“Scream” (1996)

The first scene of this game-changing horror film is almost a movie unto itself. Casey Becker is home alone and ready to watch a scary movie when she receives several calls. The apparent wrong number strikes up a conversation with her about horror movies. Tension gradually rises as the caller quizzes Casey on horror films, eventually revealing her boyfriend tied up outside. After she fails to save him, Ghostface pursues and kills Casey, leaving her to be found by her horrified parents. The scene lasts about 10 minutes and it’s among the most iconic in the horror genre.

“Star Trek” (2009)

Of the major sci-fi franchises, “Star Trek” isn’t usually considered the most action-packed. However, the debut scene of this quasi-reboot film sets phasers to kill! The Federation ship the USS Kelvin encounters a future Romulan vessel, which quickly overwhelms them. After the captain is killed going aboard to negotiate a truce, First Officer George Kirk stays behind on the Kelvin to sacrifice himself, buying time for his pregnant wife Winona to escape, giving birth to James T. Kirk as her husband dies. It’s a thrilling, emotionally gripping scene, full of action and heartbreak that sets the tone for this new take on the franchise.

“The Matrix” (1999)

Right from its intro, “The Matrix” blew us away! A dark, green-tinged night sees a mysterious woman’s phone conversation get interrupted by the approach of police and mysterious agents. Trinity turns heads (and the camera) with her incredible slow-mo, gravity-defying kick, and physics-warping attack on the officers meant to arrest her. The ensuing rooftop chase between her and the agent also takes a sharp turn with some truly mind-boggling leaps! The revolutionary effects, great atmosphere, and all the questions raised by the scene’s events are all immediately intriguing. The chances that you won’t be hooked by this intro are, much like certain spoons - nonexistent.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

“Fury Road” steps on the gas pedal and never lets up! Max Rockatansky is minding his own business (which includes being haunted by his past and eating lizards whole) when he’s set upon by Immortan Joe’s War Boys. After wrecking his car, the War Boys take Max to Joe’s fortress. Max escapes during an involuntary tattoo session, evading the War Boys as he tries to flee. Even his daring attempt to escape through a clifftop door proves unsuccessful and he’s recaptured. Adrenaline-fueled and exciting throughout, this intro scene may be the revving up before the real gas, but it still goes full throttle!

“Vertigo” (1958)

Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense. “Vertigo” is often considered one of his best films, and one of the best films in general. That quality is evident from the get-go. The first scene sees Detective Scottie Ferguson and a fellow officer pursuing a man across the rooftops of San Francisco. Scottie fails to make a jump and is left hanging from a storm drain. His friend’s attempt to help him only ends up with the man falling instead. The scene may be short, but it leaves an impact with its moody atmosphere and the debut of the revolutionary dolly zoom camera technique that still leaves our heads spinning!

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

Expectations were high for Christopher Nolan’s second Batman film. The first scene lived up to and exceeded them! A group of clown-masked men hired by the Joker rob a mob bank. As they perform their specified tasks, they speculate on their employer, while also picking each other off. Eventually, only a few are left after an attack by the bank’s mob manager. The penultimate robber is wise to the plan, but is killed when the bus arrives. Then, the Joker reveals himself as the last, strange survivor. The ticking of the music, the rapid series of deaths, and the iconic villain reveal make this a phenomenal start to one of cinema’s greatest superhero films.

“Full Metal Jacket” (1987)

Gunnery Sergeant Hartman addresses a group of Marine recruits. The foul-mouthed drill instructor lambasts the trainees with creative and often comedic insults, giving several of them nicknames. He’s particularly hard on Leonard Lawrence, whose inability to stop smiling leads Hartman to make him choke himself. The long takes and frequent close-ups put the viewer right in the action and help make the scene even more uncomfortable. The fact that R. Lee Ermey improvised most of his dialogue is especially impressive. Equal parts comedic and terrifying, few movie openings are as famous (or profane) as this one.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)

In one of cinema’s most iconic openings, we follow Indiana Jones on a trek through the Peruvian jungle. He and his guide, Satipo, discover a trap-filled temple. Making their way through the deadly impairments, they reach a golden idol, which Indy famously attempts to remove by replacing it with a bag of sand. Unfortunately, it activates a massive boulder trap and Satipo betrays him only to die in another trap. Indy’s rival René Belloq steals the idol, and Indy narrowly escapes on a plane from the angry natives. The set pieces are iconic throughout. It’s both a perfect introduction to Indiana Jones and a fun miniature adventure to kick off the franchise.

“Inglourious Basterds” (2009)

Nothing says “intense intro” quite like a nice, cozy chat with the SS! In 1941, French dairy farmer LaPadite is visited/interrogated by Hans Landa, a Nazi officer renowned as “the Jew Hunter.” Landa is seemingly affable and erudite, but his cunning and domineering personality shines through his conversation with LaPadite. Eventually, Landa confronts the farmer with the knowledge that he knows he’s hiding Jewish refugees under his floorboards. LaPadite is left with no option but to tearfully indicate where they are. The ensuing massacre and the narrow escape by Shosanna are an explosive finish to this lengthy, yet nail-biting introduction to this unconventional war film.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Won’t End Well

Most Badass Use of Mozart Ever?

Pushing the Limits in the Danger Zone!

Like a StairMaster or Mark Zuckerberg - This Conversation Escalates Quickly!

A Legendary Slow-Burn Ambush

“Jaws” (1975)

Few scenes have managed to traumatize an entire generation! During a beach party, young Chrissie decides to go night swimming. While her companion struggles with drunkenness on the beach, she’s far from being alone. Chrissie is soon attacked by an unseen creature below the waves, leaving her screaming in terror before she disappears below the waves (and us wondering how no one on the beach hears her). They say less is more, and director Steven Spielberg manages to use the threat of the unseen shark (and some incredible John Williams music) to craft one of the most frightening openings in cinema.