The best opening scenes in movie history — and why:

1/ The Dark Knight

No backstory. Just an insane villain executing a brilliant plan.

It makes you wonder who can stop him…

2/ The Godfather

Epic — but why? 3 things:

• Incredible opening hook, “I believe in America.”
• The dramatic camera pull back
• The shift in power from Bonasera to Vito

Plus the fantastic acting.

3/ Baby Driver

The scene starts with movement and immediately raises questions:

• Who is this kid?
• Did he know about the bank robbery?
• Is he an accomplice or unsuspecting Uber driver?

The perfect song choice helps.

4/ Saving Private Ryan

Immediate tension.

You read June 6, 1944 and know these guys are in danger.

The boats crashing through the waves then build on the anticipation…

The first sound from a human is puking.

5/ The Lion King

That first “Ah Zebanya” hits hard with the sun rising at the same time.

Then there’s so much going on — lions roaring, birds chirping, and zebras running.

It’s the perfect introduction to the world before Simba is introduced over Pride Rock.

6/ Get Out

“Hedge maze out here.” — Andre is tense, and you feel it with him.

Then the car slowly rolls up behind him.

The tension skyrockets.

An unknown man abducts Andre.

Impossible not to watch the rest of the movie.

7/ Star Wars: A New Hope

It jumps right into the action — a massive spaceship chasing a smaller, helpless one.

C-3PO feels helpless.

Then comes the villain.

The breathing, the all black outfit juxtaposed to the all white ship.

Vader is a badass — who can stop him?

8/ Up

Pixar decided to rip your heart out in the first 4 minutes of the movie.

It’s effective — if you can emotionally attach your audience and main character from the jump, you have a winning hook.

From here, the whole story is about Carl’s journey to regain his happiness.