Top 10 Titanic Moments

 
As the Titanic is about to set sail, life seemingly deals Jack Dawson a lucky hand. Jack and Fabrizio are willing to bet everything they’ve got for tickets aboard the Ship of Dreams. After presenting a full house, Jack is bound for America. Naturally, the European guys he bests aren’t pleased about losing. As the audience knows, however, these two actually dodged a bullet… well… technically they dodged an iceberg. Even if the Titanic’s voyage proves ill-fated, it doesn’t matter to our protagonist in the long run. Winning that ticket is still the best thing that ever happened to Jack, as it brings him one step closer to meeting the love of his life. 
 



 
Even if you went into this movie without knowing the history of the Titanic, the opening scenes give us the play-by-play. Since the audience knows what lies dead ahead, you’d think this movie might lack some tension. When that iceberg inevitably pops up though, you can’t help but get a sinking feeling in your stomach. This is largely because we’ve formed such a powerful connection with Jack, Rose, and the other passengers aboard the supposedly unsinkable ship by this point. Despite the crew’s best efforts to turn the vessel, it grazes against the berg. With the Titanic’s fate sealed, the film’s tone suddenly shifts from whimsical to harrowing. 



 
Underneath her prim and proper exterior, there’s a wild side to Rose DeWitt Bukater that has been dying to break out. When Jack takes her to a dance below the ship’s deck, Rose is finally able to blossom. It might not be first-class, but this is where the real party’s at. Despite Rose’s initial trepidation, Jack convinces her to go with the flow. Cutting loose like never before, Rose shows Jack that she can dance, drink, and maintain perfect balance on her tippy toes. This infectiously fun scene not only brings Jack and Rose closer together, but also releases the inner rebel Rose has been repressing for seventeen years.



 
While this movie primarily follows fictional characters, it also pays tribute to the people who actually lost their lives aboard the Titanic. One of the most effective scenes focuses on the musicians who went down with the ship. As the Titanic meets its end, the band is instructed to play soothing music. Rather than preserving their own lives, these brave men come together for one last performance of “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” Their bittersweet music is met with tear-jerking imagery, the highlight being Isidor and Ida Straus holding each other as water floods their room. By offering just a little comfort as panic erupts, the band makes all the difference.
 

 
After giving Cal’s bodyguard the slip and the finger, our lovers wind up in the ship’s cargo hold. Stumbling upon a fancy automobile, Rose asks Jack to take her to the stars. The location perfectly sets the mood as Jack and Rose make love for the first time. Although this mainly takes place off-screen, this is still one of the steamiest scenes in the movie, especially as we see a hand slide down the car window. Just as Jack is left trembling, so are we. This intimate moment marks the pinnacle of Jack and Rose’s happiness, which makes the remainder of the movie all the more tragic.
 


 
Rose may not be able to foresee the iceberg on the horizon, but she does have a premonition about her impending marriage to Cal. Rather than wedding a man she despises, Rose decides to jump overboard where a watery grave awaits. Just as she’s about to jump, Jack shows up to talk her down. He fortunately gets through to Rose, making it clear that if she jumps, he jumps. The scene masterfully mixes thrills, humor, and romance, leading to the moment where Jack and Rose eventually introduce themselves. From then on, their hearts are forever intertwined. Even when she’s on a lifeboat, Rose won’t jump without Jack. 
 



 
The Heart of the Ocean is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. In Rose’s eyes, however, this necklace feels more like a collar, reminding her that she belongs to the possessive Cal. As Rose falls in love with Jack, though, she finds a way to turn her engagement present into something liberating. She asks Jack to draw her wearing nothing but the Heart of the Ocean, making leeway for arguably the most iconic nude scene of all time. Nudity in most movies usually comes off as gratuitous, but this sequence overflows with elegance, atmosphere, and sensuality. What’s more, it marks a crucial plot point that links the past and present storylines together.



 
Following the breathtaking sinking sequence, our heroes are left stranded in the freezing, unforgiving waters. While Rose is ready to say goodbye, Jack refuses to give up hope. He makes Rose promise that she’ll survive this ordeal and go on to have a fulfilling life. While a lifeboat does come to the rescue, it’s too late for poor Jack. Although part of her is tempted to let go, Rose holds onto the promise she made for the rest of her days. “Titanic” has no shortage of heartbreaking moments, but watching Jack descend to his final resting place is more than we can handle. You have our permission to unleash an ocean of tears.



Two of the most unforgettable moments in “Titanic” occur at the boat’s bow. Leonardo DiCaprio’s improvised “king of the world” declaration remains as quotable as ever. Yet, nothing sums up the film’s sheer beauty and epic scale quite like this astounding scene. Realizing who she truly belongs with, Rose joins Jack at the front of the ship. Since actions speak louder than words, Jack simply asks Rose to take his hand, close her eyes, and let the view do the talking. When Rose opens her eyes, it’s as if she’s flying across the sea. What better way to close out this lovely sequence than with Jack and Rose sharing their first kiss?


Before we go down with our top pick, let’s make some room on the floating door for a few honorable mentions:

 
Spit Like a Man
 
I’d Rather Be His Whore Than Your Wife

 


Rose Dawson
 



 
While they don’t get to live happily ever after, Jack and Rose do get a happy ending nonetheless. The final scene of “Titanic” reveals that an elderly Rose has lived an enriching life full of adventure. Drifting into slumber, Rose finds herself back aboard the Titanic for the ultimate curtain call. Surrounded by all the ship’s passengers, she eventually comes face to face with Jack atop the staircase. The two then share the most passionate of kisses, causing everyone to break out in applause. It’s never been clarified whether Rose is dreaming or if she’s gone to the afterlife. In either case, it’s clear that she’s at peace and that her heart will go on.