5 of the Best Movie Intro Scenes of All Time

Would you believe us if we told you Americans watch almost eight hours of TV per day? While a lot of that is the next Netflix binge or Hulu marathon, movies will always captivate us.  

And isn’t it the best feeling when you hit play and the movie starts with a bang? A good movie intro has the power to captivate us for the remaining hour and twenty minutes. 

Whether it’s a calm and serene sequence, a bold burst into battle, or an intriguing conversation between two characters, nothing beats a good hook. Let’s take a look at five of the best intros in movie history. 

1. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Tom Cruise is known for his impressive work ethic. He’ll learn to drive race cars and fly fighter jets to get the right shot. 

But, in the opening scene of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, we see something entirely new. Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, has a team of loyal agents. At first, it seems they’ve lost him. They keep asking him to check in over the radio. Turns out, Cruise is staring at a cargo plane because he’s about to jump aboard. 

However, Cruise doesn’t pop into the co-pilot seat of the plane. No, no. He dangles off the side while waiting for his comrade to override the system and pop open a door so he can thrust himself inside. 

2. Midnight In Paris

Woody Allen’s opening shot for this cult classic oozes with artistry and love. It’s a montage of some of the most picturesque photos of Paris the world has ever seen. 

It’s simple, yes. Anyone with a free video intro maker could do it. But, paired with the light hum of the saxophone and the colorful artistry of each photo, it’s pure magic. 

3. Gladiator

Back to the action. The opening shots of Gladiator are equally poignant. It begins with a quiet wheat field while Russel Crowe’s character, General Maximus, wanders slowly. The lighting and music evoke peace. 

Next shot? Onto the battlefield. We see a stark contrast from the beauty and light of the wheat field to the gray chill of the battlefield. We also learn the true force of his nature, and that’s certainly something to be feared. 

4. Forrest Gump

Like Midnight In Paris, Forrest Gump has a very tranquil opening scene. The main character? A feather. We watch a delicate feather flow down from atop a church steeple to land neatly on Forrest. 

You don’t have to wonder long to realize the significance. Gump’s life was much like that feather – a gentle soul tossed about by the winds of fate. 

5. Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun dives right into the drama in its opening scene. The main character, Frances, is celebrating one of her student’s successes at a book signing. Happiness and joy are in the air until she bumps into someone she gave a poor book review to.

In that moment, we learn her husband has been having an affair with the disgruntled man’s wife. The joy train comes to such an abrupt halt and you’re instantly drawn into the story. We go on to enjoy her beautiful transformation from devastation to enlightenment.

What’s Your Favorite Movie Intro?

We’d love to hear about your favorite movie intro. Leave a comment in the box down below so we can check out your all-time favorite flick.  

Here at Movie HD Wallpapers, we provide the highest quality, HD wallpapers for your laptop or desktop. Why not relive your favorite movie scene all throughout the day? A little inspiration never hurt anybody!