Top 10 Movies You Only Know for One Scene

Even if you’re a huge cinefile or a Martin Scorsese superfan, there’s a good chance that when you think of “Taxi Driver,” the scene where Robert DeNiro talks to himself in front of a mirror is immediately what jumps out. Like other entries on this list, the scene has been the source of a countless number of parodies from movies and TV shows, and has undoubtedly been mimicked by introverts and egotists alike. The movie, of course, offers more than just this scene, such as the excellent performances from Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel. So, if DeNiro’s monologue is the only part you know, you won’t regret giving the film an entire watchthrough.

If you’re playing Trivial Pursuit or you ever find yourself on “Jeopardy!,” this is the movie where Gene Kelly dances with Jerry from “Tom and Jerry.” Kelly’s character visits the kingdom where Jerry is ruling over and teaches him how to dance in a spectacular, cheery number. The rotoscoping was an innovative display of visual effects for the 1940s, and it made it so that Kelly and Jerry move together seamlessly. The entire sequence is the dictionary definition of wholesome. The filmmakers originally wanted Mickey Mouse but, unfortunately, Disney wasn’t interested. Even “Family Guy” has paid tribute to the scene, in one where Stewie takes the place of Jerry.

This film won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, but we challenge you to name another part of the movie that isn’t associated with running on the beach or that recognizable score alongside it. The scene from the opening credits comes in the form of a flashback. One of the characters is reminiscing at a funeral, and seems to be remembering a group of men running along a sandy shore. The scene and score were featured prominently in the trailer, so the studio knew they had a good thing going. Incidentally, the beach that was used, which is located on West Sands in St. Andrews, Scotland, has also enjoyed tourism from interest surrounding the film.

The most spectacular scene from this biblically themed epic has to be the chariot race. In the scene, Charlton Heston’s character, Judah Ben-Hur, races for his freedom, in direct competition with Messala, a former friend-turned-rival who betrayed him. They really went all out for shooting, going as far as to build an 18-acre set in Rome. The stunt work directed by Yakima Canutt and the practical effects are also breathtaking. It is one of the most iconic scenes in film history, and it stays with viewing audiences long after they’ve finished seeing the movie.

The whole movie is a buildup to this compelling exchange between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson’s characters in the courtroom. Or, honestly, it’s a buildup to one of pop culture’s greatest lines: “You can’t handle the truth!” Cruise plays Daniel Kaffee, a JAG lawyer defending two clients accused of murdering a fellow marine. To get them off, Kaffee goads Colonel Jessep into admitting that he gave the order for the marine’s murder. Nicholson’s performance is disturbing yet hypnotic as he passionately defends his cynical world view, and Cruise’s acting is as earnest as David up against Goliath. The dialogue delivered in this sparring match is Aaron Sorkin at his best.

In this movie, John Cusack plays a teen slacker, Lloyd, who starts a relationship with the class valedictorian played by Ione Skye. After they break up, Lloyd tries to win her back with one of the most memorable romantic gestures in movie history. Originally, director Cameron Crowe wanted to use an Elvis Costello song for this pivotal scene, but had to settle for Peter Gabriel. It’s hard to hear “In Your Eyes” on the radio without thinking of “Say Anything…” – just as hard as it would be to think of “Say Anything…” without this scene.

The scene where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia’s characters play “Chopsticks” and “Heart and Soul” on the giant piano was a highlight because of two things. Firstly, it’s a heartwarming scene where two characters bond by connecting with their inner child; and, secondly, that walking piano is really cool. The creator of the walking piano made a special over-15-foot version that reportedly is valued at 250,000 dollars. Production Assistant Timothy Bourne wondered aloud whether Hanks and Loggia could even be physically capable of playing the thing. It was such a concern that two professional dancers were assigned to take their place for shots of dancing feet if needed. Fortunately, Hanks and Loggia were able to perform their duet and make the memorable scene.

This film won eight Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Frank Sinatra and Best Picture. Yet, the main thing people remember from the movie is the scene where the tide comes in as Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr’s characters share a passionate kiss. Though the two don’t have intercourse like they do in the book, the scene was definitely considered rather scandalous for the time. Originally, it was written for the two to be standing up as they shared their embrace to be censor friendly, but Lancaster apparently thought it would be better lying down. It looks like he made the right call.

As everyone knows, one of the most iconic images of Marilyn Monroe is that of the actress standing over a subway grate and holding down her dress as it blows up in the wind. That’s from this movie right here. Director Billy Wilder knew this scene would be an attention grabber, and, in order to drum up publicity for the upcoming movie, he allowed the public to witness the filming of the scene. However, commotion from the public interfered with its production, so it ended up having to be redone on the Fox lot in California.

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

Brando Bears His Heart Out Over What Could Have Been

Calling All Film Students! Who Could Forget the Baby Carriage Going Down the Odessa Steps?

Alec Baldwin Really Sells the Movie with His Brief Appearance

Charlton Heston Perfectly Sums Up Everything with This Exclamation

This Simple Act of Solidarity Is a Downright Inspiring Moment

One of Tom Cruise’s early films, “Risky Business” helped launch the actor into superstardom thanks largely to this scene. His character, Joel, is home alone for the weekend after his parents have left town. Naturally, part of his celebration involves dressing casually and rocking out to a Bob Seger tune. Cruise had a lot of input in this scene, from the decision to wear socks to make the slide smoother, to the dance moves that he improvised. A true mark of one of the greats, this is a performer who always throws himself completely into everything he does.