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30 Unforgettable Movie Opening Sequences
We all know that first impressions are important, right? Well, the same goes for film. The opening title sequence of a film is that film’s opportunity to make a good first impression on you, the viewer. A well-crafted title sequence introduces the audience to the tone and theme of the film as well as the cast and crew.
Mind you, not all films have the luxury of a great title sequence. Some have budgetary constraints, limiting them to a simple, yet classic, white text on black background. Hey, it’s a style that has served Woody Allen very well for many years. Others prefer to take the minimalist road and omit the titles altogether, taking us straight to the action.
In tribute to all of the wonderful title sequences in film, Smashing Magazine has collected 30 Unforgettable Title Sequences for your enjoyment and inspiration. We have chosen some of our favorite selections from all eras and genres. Of course, there are too many brilliant examples to list them all here. What are your favorites? What is missing in the list? Let us know in the comments!
You may want to take a look at the following related articles:
- 60 Beautiful Music Videos
- 29 Brilliant Music Videos
- Typography in Motion Videos
- Funny and Creative Animated Movies
30 Unforgettable Title Sequences
Lord of War
The visually pleasing “life of a bullet” sequence is a perfect opening for a film about an arms dealer. 720p HD version.
Catch Me If You Can
The retro animated intro to Catch Me If You Can perfectly sets the scene and time period.
Se7en
A wonderfully creepy title sequence that perfectly sets the mood for the film you’re about to watch.
Superbad
It’s amazing how much personality can be expressed in a simple silhouette.
Charade
There were a lot of animated opening title sequences in the 60’s – this one is my personal favorite.
Casino Royale (2006)
In an effort to re-invent the franchise the infamous James Bond title sequence was overhauled. The result was a visually pleasing intro that still pays its respects to the original.
Sweeney Todd
A lot of Tim Burton’s films sport fantastic title sequences but Sweeney Todd’s is especially great. The creepy atmosphere and music combined with the dark imagery sets the tone very nicely. 720p HD version,
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Vibrant colors, great animation and an amazing score. This title sequence has it all.
Fight Club
One amazing sequence starts at a microscopic level and continues to expand outward until we are looking down the barrel of a gun. Unfortunately, the embedding of the opening sequence in this post was disabled by request. You need to watch the video on YouTube.
The Pink Panther (1963)
We would be remiss not to include the original Pink Panther in this list. Definitely a favorite.
Thank You For Smoking
A very clever title sequence with the credits written on vintage cigarette packaging.
Fahrenheit 451
In a world where the simple act of reading has been outlawed it only makes sense to have the titles read to you.
Delicatessen
Just beautiful in all respects. A wonderful use of practical effects – they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
Alien
A very slow paced, minimalist title sequence. The result is nothing but haunting.
Bunny Lake Is Missing
The concept is fairly simple but it’s so well done and the final result works beautifully.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Another great example of a contemporary film featuring an old school animated introduction.
Vertigo
Vertigo features a masterfully crafted and almost hypnotic title sequence. A perfect opening to the film.
Panic Room
This is the third David Fincher movie to make this list, it seems the man can appreciate a great title sequence. This is a very basic concept yet it’s brilliantly executed.
Dr. Strangelove
Wonderful imagery combined with the hand written text makes for a very unique and memorably title sequence.
Eurotrip
Say what you will about the movie, this is one creative and well-executed title sequence.
Pi
This is a great example of an amazing and original title sequence done on a shoe string budget.
North By Northwest
A series of intersecting lines form into a skyscraper. Very cool effect, especially for the time.
American Splendor
It only makes sense for a film about a comic book creator to have the credits in a comic book fashion.
Reservoir Dogs
To this day every time I walk down the street in a suit and sunglasses “little green bag” inevitably pops into my head.
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
A very funny animated sequence to kick off this comedy classic.
Halloween
A very simple yet ominous title sequence.
Live and Let Die
The James Bond franchise really understood the beauty of a great title sequence. Though we only included one classic in this list, the rest are here in spirit.
American Psycho
The credits for American Psycho play as many mind games on you as the film itself. Great attention to typography.Warning: Course Language!
Psycho (1960)
This brilliantly crafted title sequence has a lot of fun with typography and presentation.
Spiderman 2
An amazing title sequence that pays its respects to the original source; the comic book.
Honorable Mentions
There were so many titles we wanted to include in this list but didn’t quite make the cut for one reason or another — in most cases because we just couldn’t find a video sequence in the Web or because the quality of the video was not good enough.
- Amelie
- The Third Man
- Anatomy Of A Murder
- Juno
- Napoleon Dynamite
- Casino
- Do The Right Thing
- Superman: The Movie
- Funny Games
- Star Wars (though technically not a title sequence)
- Stranger Than Fiction
Readers’ Suggestions
2001: A Space Odyssey
A very simple, yet powerful opening that perfectly sets the atmosphere for the film.
To Kill A Mocking Bird (1962)
Further Reading
- Art Of The Title Sequence
A growing collection of high-quality movie opening sequences (HD). - Forget The Film: Watch The Titles
A site with growing catalogue of movie title sequences. - 7 Beautiful Credit Sequence Designs
- Wikipedia’s ‘Title Sequence’ entry
- Inspiration Series: Movie Credits
- 12 Greatest Opening Credits
Related Posts
You may want to take a look at the following related articles:
Andrew Lindstrom is a freelance web designer, blogger and inspiration junkie. Say hi to him on Twitter or read his ramblings on his design inspiration blog at WellMedicated.com.
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Loading ...- 183 Comments
- 1
- 2December 19th, 2008 5:32 am
Great one!
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is my absolute favourite…
- 3December 19th, 2008 5:35 am
What an incredible compilation – just perfect for a fiday! Thank you!
- 4December 19th, 2008 5:39 am
Lord of war is just a genious Sequence!
- 5December 19th, 2008 5:39 am
Thanks for this nice article !
I really love the intro of Lord of War, even the music is so nicely choosen !P.S: the embed of Fight Club has been disabled :/
- 6December 19th, 2008 5:43 am
hey! nice article
PS: Merry Christmas and happy New year! - 7December 19th, 2008 5:57 am
Nice idea for creating topic… Good work!!
i’ll go with Alien, American Psycho, Catch Me If You Can & Eurotrip… I also have few thoughts in mind & i’ll keep them for my own use.. LOL
Thankz anyways.
DKumar M.
http://www.instantshift.com - 8December 19th, 2008 5:57 am
I am a film nut, and this is an outstanding compilation. Thanks for all the hard work and effort Andrew.
- 9December 19th, 2008 5:59 am
Nice list, similar to the ones on Art of the Title Sequence, most of which are available in HD and all are much higher quality that youtube!
- 10December 19th, 2008 6:00 am
Great!
But I’m missing the best one i’ve ever seen: 2001 – A space odyssey
- 11
- 12December 19th, 2008 6:12 am
Do you know Forget the Film watch the Title ?
Nico (http://www.motiondesigner.be)
- 13December 19th, 2008 6:12 am
On a related tangent, the closing sequences of 300 and Ratatouille are epic. Great list though! I was pleasantly surprised to see more than just recent films.
- 14December 19th, 2008 6:19 am
Dawn of the dead 2004 has a brilliant sequence too : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVnA2vZDce0
It’s one of my favorites!
- 15December 19th, 2008 6:19 am
Forgot Lemony Snicket’s : A Series of Unfortunate Events. (probably not spelled right)
- 16December 19th, 2008 6:31 am
Good to see several from Saul Bass. He is the godfather of modern title sequences.
- 17December 19th, 2008 6:37 am
What about “To Kill A Mockingbird”? It’s a beautiful and haunting sequence that perfectly captures the wonders, and fears, of childhood.
- 18December 19th, 2008 6:39 am
Lovely list. Panic room and Thank you for smoking are my two favorite
- 19December 19th, 2008 6:47 am
Awesome post!
- 20December 19th, 2008 6:52 am
Great list! Where was Leathal Weapon 3 though… ?
- 21December 19th, 2008 7:10 am
Absolutely never a completely list without The Kingdom.
- 22December 19th, 2008 7:12 am
Nice stuff!
But there´s a problem with “Alien”: embedding disabled by request! :(
- 23December 19th, 2008 7:21 am
Dexter isn’t a movie but Tv series but i think it has amazing opening. Lord of war is pretty awesome.
- 24December 19th, 2008 7:29 am
Awesome selection …..!!
I only wished i’d fing the opening scene of Kubrick’s spartacus ….! - 25December 19th, 2008 7:31 am
One of my favorites is “Grand Prix”, a black screen with the sound of a Ferrari V12 cranking over, catching on a few cylinders, then the throttle is cracked a few times as the camera slowly pulls back and the subtle gray flecks congeal into wisps of smoke and the circular edges of the exhaust pipe slowly come into view…of course, when it came out I was building and racing formula cars, which may have influenced my perceptions!
- 26December 19th, 2008 7:40 am
If you have not seen the opening to The Kite Runner, go see it…its one of my favorites.
- 27December 19th, 2008 7:46 am
What a great way to start my Friday.
Thanks for the post, and the blast down memory lane…..
And the Halloween one totally deserves a spot, glad you put it up!
- 28December 19th, 2008 7:49 am
One of the most visually appealing sequences I think is for “the Kingdom”
- 29December 19th, 2008 8:07 am
Awesome! :D
- 30December 19th, 2008 8:11 am
What about The Royal Tenenbaums? Actually most of Wes Anderson’s movies have great opening sequences.
- 31December 19th, 2008 8:34 am
How isthe kite runner not on this list?
- 32December 19th, 2008 8:34 am
Certainly, Monsters Inc. deserves at least an honorable mention.
Also, it’s “coarse” language, not “course” (American Psycho.)
Besides that, great list.
- 33December 19th, 2008 8:51 am
Great post, however I feel that there is one opening sequence that should be listed. Stranger Than Fiction is an amazing open sequence that has to be up there with the greats.
- 34December 19th, 2008 8:56 am
Awesome! I have always been intrigued by title sequences, now I just need to go out and do some. Steve Mullen
- 35December 19th, 2008 9:06 am
No mention of Wes Andersen. Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums, Bottle Rocket.
- 36December 19th, 2008 9:33 am
It would be nice to mention Saul Bass as the author of some, and inspiration of many of these intros. He really is the pioneer that made movie titles become what they are today.
- 37December 19th, 2008 10:06 am
The Island Of Dr Moreau should be on that list:
info: http://www.artofthetitle.com/2008/04/10/the-island-of-dr-moreau-1996/
video: http://www.artofthetitle.com/media/film/1996/moreau.mov
- 38December 19th, 2008 10:07 am
Pretty cool!
I tend to look at title sequences for TV shows more closely. Since you usually see them over and over again there is more chances to analyze them.
Some of my favorites: Dexter (absolutely brilliant), True Blood, and Entourage.
- 39December 19th, 2008 10:09 am
Echoing: #13
There are other really amazing closing sequences as well, my votes go to WALL-E and A Series of Unfortunate Events. I’m sure there are many others that I can’t recall.
- 40December 19th, 2008 10:41 am
Mad Men has to be in there as a great TV show opening sequence.
- 41December 19th, 2008 10:44 am
At least two of these, Se7en and Fight Club, were done by Imaginary Forces. They’ve done a LOT of cool and memorable title sequences over the years. http://www.imaginaryforces.com/
And there’s a lot of fine opening work in anime, too. Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent has always been one of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HChqhHVuU
- 42December 19th, 2008 11:05 am
101 Dalmatians–amazing sync of music and animation
and
La Haine–amazing!
- 43December 19th, 2008 11:07 am
I agree with Harrison, Mad Man must be in there….it’s fantastic.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Mad-man/39722686171?ref=s - 44December 19th, 2008 11:19 am
What about Sound of Music — “much-heralded, breath-taking piece of film-making”. One of the greatest intros of all time. http://www.filmsite.org/soun.html
- 45December 19th, 2008 11:20 am
You forgot CONTACT …. Great opener.
- 46December 19th, 2008 11:31 am
Fahrenheit 451 is my favourite
- 47December 19th, 2008 11:33 am
Agreed, Dave beat me to it. CONTACT has got to be one of the most profound, awe inspiring openings ever. Nothing else comes close in terms of true reality.
- 48
- 49December 19th, 2008 1:05 pm
I am shocked Forrest Gump did not make it? The feather shot was the first thing that came to my mind! :)
- 50December 19th, 2008 1:06 pm
Don’t forget the title sequence for The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) by Kyle Cooper. It completely outshines the movie it precedes. Check it out here.
- 51December 19th, 2008 1:14 pm
se7en – Perfect to choose Trent for the opening. Definitely sets the mood.
- 52December 19th, 2008 1:15 pm
Top Gun. The music with the aircraft carrier launch sequence are pretty cool – once the movie starts, not so much. Movie really didn’t ‘age’ very well – plus there are a lot of things that are just wrong. The opening is the best part.
- 53December 19th, 2008 1:24 pm
The very long opening to Hatari w/ John Wayne,
Trailer: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3528458265/
j.
- 54December 19th, 2008 1:35 pm
Okay, maybe it’s not a film title, but therefore not less brilliant: the opening sequence of the Six Feet Under series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YMhGIrt6B0&feature=related
Mind the subtle allusions to the death like the crow, the fluid in the measuring beaker stopping at the number six, the tunnel with light at the end (and a person who remains in the tunnel) and the ring of the undertaker. Combine that with the fantastic music of Thomas Newman, and you get an opening sequence you look forward to every week.
- 55December 19th, 2008 1:36 pm
I love title sequences! The Big Lebowski had a great one that you missed tho :(
- 56December 19th, 2008 1:55 pm
For more titles, search on youtube phrase “Great Opening Titles“. I like it very title of the film “Hostage“
- 57December 19th, 2008 2:18 pm
“Touch of Evil” by Orson Wells should top this list. Done in one take. Check it out.
- 58December 19th, 2008 2:55 pm
The short film at the beginning of the Monty Python film The meaning of life is a long time favorite.
The Big Leboswki was good!
- 59December 19th, 2008 3:01 pm
Load Of War is one of my fav movies and it has the best intro of all times. hands down
- 60December 19th, 2008 3:05 pm
How about Altman’s The Player.
- 61December 19th, 2008 3:10 pm
Oh! And not to mention the opening sequence for Viva La Muerte.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVGPoaGhRyE
Awesome. - 62December 19th, 2008 3:42 pm
No “Manhattan”?!?
- 63December 19th, 2008 3:46 pm
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing so many great title sequences, I’ve seen quite a few of them but they never get old. I just went through this whole list and watched every one! I was ecstatic to see that “Live and Let Die” and “To Kill A Mockingbird” made the list. Thanks again for sharing. :)
- 64December 19th, 2008 4:29 pm
True Romance … The Sicilian movie part =)
- 65December 19th, 2008 4:39 pm
Many good ones listed, but there is no better Bond intro than Goldfinger.
- 66December 19th, 2008 5:12 pm
Batman (1989) has a very cool animated sequence based around a camera panning around the batman logo. Very cool score which sets the movie up perfectly.
- 67December 19th, 2008 6:51 pm
Romeo + Juliet by Baz Luhrman!
HOLY! HOW WAS THAT MISSED?! - 68
- 69December 19th, 2008 7:29 pm
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Kick ass opening sequence (and closing titles!) but an … unfortunate movie.
- 70December 19th, 2008 7:54 pm
The original Pink Panther… TOTAL classic.
- 71December 19th, 2008 11:51 pm
Great post! Pllease try also this one. It’s a little bit old (1968) but a real classic of french movies opening sequences: http://www.imvite.com/video/Faut-Pas-Prendre-les-Enfants-du-Bon-Dieu/t/7711427
- 72December 20th, 2008 1:53 am
Fox sucks.
- 73December 20th, 2008 4:22 am
How can you mention these and forget about
“The Jackal” - 74December 20th, 2008 5:09 am
The Kite Runner probably has to be the best one I’ve seen this year; beautiful typography and music which work so well together.
- 75December 20th, 2008 6:05 am
Nice collection…But have you seen the opening of Quantum of Solace?
It is amazing!!! - 76December 20th, 2008 6:08 am
You have forgotten the credits of “Lemony Snicket – A Series Of Unfortunate Events”. How could you? ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTg5vGDcu6U )
- 77December 20th, 2008 6:40 am
Stranger than Fiction for me, awesome!
- 78December 20th, 2008 8:12 am
Honestly, the one that popped into my head when I saw this was “Apocalypse Now”, which was not mentioned.
- 79December 20th, 2008 8:19 am
Very nice list.
I think that Nightmare before Christmas should have made the list too, it sets the perfect tone to the entire movie.
- 80December 20th, 2008 8:21 am
Why has Star Wars not been mentioned (particularly episode 4)?
- 81December 20th, 2008 8:56 am
where is 300 movie ??
- 82December 20th, 2008 10:30 am
I liked “Robinhood: Men in Tights”
- 83December 20th, 2008 11:27 am
Magnolia! One of the most crazy stories in the opening sequence.
- 84December 20th, 2008 1:08 pm
Excellent post! I will definitely make time to go through all of these, though I’ve seen many of them already. Thank you!
(Oh, and I second Magnolia.)
- 85December 20th, 2008 2:10 pm
I’m surprised that Strange Days is missing, if not for it’s “uncut” style (though there are a couple cuts, they’re practically invisible).
- 86December 20th, 2008 2:33 pm
thanks for good post..
- 87December 20th, 2008 2:40 pm
Great post… What about 4 weddings and a funeral…Marvellous opening
- 88December 20th, 2008 3:40 pm
How about Apocalypse Now?
- 89
- 90December 20th, 2008 5:31 pm
+1 for ‘Touch of Evil’
Impressive three and a half minutes, one take, in 1958
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8MqjoFvy4 - 91December 20th, 2008 11:04 pm
this is the lateral thing, awesome collection’s,
- 92December 21st, 2008 1:04 am
Once Upon a Time in the West… great title sequence.
And I love the Usual Suspects’s intro as well… simple but the music and the scenery of the water makes it great.
- 93December 21st, 2008 9:02 am
+1 for “Touch of the Devil” This scene is so famous I don’t see how you could miss it. Oh, yes, it’s old… black and white. Time of the Pyramides
- 94December 21st, 2008 11:59 am
The Abyss
had the most foreboding opening of any movie I have ever seen…
ranks up there with ‘Alien’ - 95December 21st, 2008 12:22 pm
ex-drummer is missing. unforgettable opening where time is running ackwards and the credits are on street signs, door signs, thrown away newspapers, bicycles etc.(no computer animation).
- 96December 21st, 2008 1:40 pm
it is something wrong with loading movies, they play and suddenly stop playing after two seconds…
ff v2.0 - 97December 21st, 2008 1:51 pm
After more than 3 years of using firefox, finaly I must say FIREFOX SUCKS!!!
I know that this is not place for that… sorry - 98December 21st, 2008 2:29 pm
If you never look for the openening of tv series add Dexter’s!!!!!
awesome, congrats!
- 99December 21st, 2008 2:29 pm
I had the opening scene of “Enduring Love” in mind; and, after seeing it again on Youtube I still think it should be on this list: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7svF0D7u-Es
- 100December 21st, 2008 4:13 pm
Comment number 49, Joscelyne… i agree with her about Forrest Gump. Brilliant opening to a film, while it also finishes the same way. Most of the Bond films have pretty good opening sequences. Snatch opening sequence isn’t bad!
- 101
- 102December 22nd, 2008 2:22 am
The title screen to Florent Emilio Siri’s Hostage should also get a mention. but great list, thanks.
- 103December 22nd, 2008 2:44 am
Irreversible is missing…
- 104December 22nd, 2008 3:08 am
missing the Matrix as a typographic intro.
- 105December 22nd, 2008 5:17 am
The Panic room title reminds me of the floating text used in Fringe (tv series).
As soon as I saw the title to this article though I thought, I bet they have included Eurotrip, even though the film sucks. Someone should be pretty proud of themselves for making a title sequence better than the movie itself.
I would also mention The Incredibles ending credits. Very nice animation and style.
@jurica:
Upgrade to FF3. That’s a known FF2 bug that never got fixed. - 106December 22nd, 2008 5:25 am
Thanks Smashing Magazine.. i’m a sucker for these movie openings.
Oh! Next post should be TV Shows Opening Sequences and Dexter should be at the top of the list! - 107December 22nd, 2008 5:40 am
what no Grease?
- 108December 22nd, 2008 7:54 am
ey you guys, I reposted this in spanish in case you want know :D at http://www.tallerdm.com.ar/archives/203
- 109December 22nd, 2008 9:30 am
Charade does not only have a great opening sequence. It is one of the greatest movies of all time!
Scentsy Wickless Candles
- 110December 22nd, 2008 3:47 pm
I guess you guys have never seen Narc.
- 111December 22nd, 2008 8:55 pm
my fav is of the “Dark Knight”. :)
- 112December 22nd, 2008 9:58 pm
Forest Gump is my favorite. A wonderfully title sequence that perfectly sets the mood for the film, also with a beautiful theme song. (although the ending of the theme is a little bit overdone)
- 113December 22nd, 2008 9:59 pm
great intros
- 114December 23rd, 2008 12:21 am
I enjoyed this listing
- 115December 23rd, 2008 2:28 am
Alot of them are saul bass influenced
- 116December 23rd, 2008 4:01 am
3 David Fincher <3 <3 <3 :D
- 117December 23rd, 2008 7:44 am
A couple things, first, it’s kind of freaking me out that someone with the same name said the same thing I was going to. NIN for Se7en’s intro was a perfect combination. It’s a remix of Closer if anyone was curious. It’s on “Closer To God” which is Halo 9. S
Second, I agree you should do tv series intros and that Dexter should be at the very top. The only problem with that one is he shaves, and then has a scruffy beard upon exiting his apartment. I can forgive this due to the hours of viewing enjoyment that show has brought me. - 118December 23rd, 2008 9:05 am
Lemony Snicket could have easily been a top 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR2rkMPAF90 - 119December 23rd, 2008 9:57 pm
what about the matrix trilogy :-(
- 120December 23rd, 2008 11:49 pm
I was so blown away when I saw the intro for the movie Contact. Opens to white noise from the planet earth and then into utter silence in space.
- 121December 24th, 2008 1:09 am
Interesting clips. Some great sequences. I’m kind of disappointed that the openning to ‘Seconds wasn’t in there though…
- 122December 24th, 2008 4:15 am
Ouch, most vids are no longer available :-(
- 123December 24th, 2008 9:11 am
Curly Sue , sould defitnately be on here. – the beginning is reallllyyyy cute (:
- 124December 24th, 2008 11:37 am
Some titles that I thought were excelent for openings.
Saving Private ryan
Good Morning Vietnam
A Clockwork Orange
Airplane - 125December 24th, 2008 2:34 pm
You’ll put something crappy like Catch Me If You Can, but no love for Full Metal Jacket?
- 126December 24th, 2008 2:36 pm
I also thought a Clockwork Orange would have been great, its my favorite movie and the opening sequence is amazing.
- 127December 24th, 2008 2:40 pm
Once Upon a Time in the West is the greatest title sequence in movie history. For shame, sinner!
- 128December 24th, 2008 4:38 pm
Definitely include the fairy tale style end credits sequence to RUNNING SCARED (2006) – one of the best I’ve ever seen, and nicely deconstructs the entire film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVU0Pdq3svc - 129December 24th, 2008 4:46 pm
RAISING ARIZONA
- 130December 24th, 2008 7:06 pm
Raging Bull has the finest opening credits of any film I’ve ever seen. I was very sad to not see that film on this list.
- 131December 25th, 2008 10:18 am
Although Srgio Leone was represented (the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly), I would submit Once Apon a Time in the West for consideration.
- 132December 25th, 2008 8:34 pm
Cool list.
Its a shame that Lady Vengeance isnt in it. - 133December 26th, 2008 8:51 am
Very nice list.
One is missing, though: Le Mépris (The Contempt), JL Godard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVgfYNJFKoo
Unique, breathtaking while minimalistic. - 134December 26th, 2008 8:53 am
With better sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBo2c98Dzl0&feature=related
- 135December 26th, 2008 9:04 am
Apocalypse Now Great Intro
- 136December 26th, 2008 12:30 pm
I know that is has already been said, and it wasn’t a super-popular movie, but “The Jackal” should really be on this list. It fits perfectly.
- 137December 26th, 2008 4:55 pm
Um, Lost in Translation, anyone?
- 138December 27th, 2008 5:15 am
- 139December 27th, 2008 5:59 am
umm…juno, anyone?
- 140December 27th, 2008 6:14 am
My two favorites:
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”… from the opening “Anything Goes” to that roller coaster ride on the raft, the first 10 minutes of this movie give you no time to breathe.“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” Beautiful mountain vista leading us into the heart of the mountain with the battle between Gandalf and the Balrog as they fall miles and miles through the abyss… breath-taking.”
- 141December 27th, 2008 5:54 pm
Ed Wood would have been a good choice. Remember the names on the headstones, etc…?
- 142December 28th, 2008 9:08 am
Kubrick’s The Shining……needs to be somewhere in this list.
- 143December 29th, 2008 2:30 am
Swordfish is still my number 1…!
- 144December 29th, 2008 4:49 am
Missing Swordfish, or am i the only one find this scene smashing!
- 145December 29th, 2008 4:59 am
The Mallrats intro is inexplicably absent from this list! Hehehe…
- 146December 29th, 2008 9:55 am
yes, is missing one of the most beautiful ! : Le Mépris, JL Godard (the contempt)
- 147December 29th, 2008 2:41 pm
how can superbad make it into that batch?
- 148December 29th, 2008 6:43 pm
SLC Punk should be included on this list. The posters and song fit the film and the punk ethos perfectly.
- 149December 30th, 2008 12:33 pm
Wow! What a great collection. I was so lucky to stumble on it. The life of a bullet alone is worth millions! Have you looked at the opening of Heavenly Creatures? It’s interesting but I am not sure it is in the same league as these others. Thanks for the efforts!
- 150December 30th, 2008 6:15 pm
I’m so glad Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was in there, it’s more than just a title sequence. There is a lot of meaning that is portrayed by the contrasting black and white to the contrasting and double sided elements of the film.
A great writer and director.
Adam.
- 151December 30th, 2008 8:04 pm
Anybody for “Outbreak”, or, the intense titles of “The Untouchables”?
- 152December 31st, 2008 12:54 pm
FANTASTIC chooses…
- 153January 1st, 2009 12:11 am
i knew dexter would get a lot of comments, it is pure brilliance. but i had not realised before that it was so close to the american psycho sequence!! this doesn’t matter. the execution is ten times better.
thanks smashing.
- 154January 1st, 2009 11:29 am
Can’t believe Grease is not listed…! :O
- 155January 3rd, 2009 7:10 pm
Great list, I really enjoyed watching these :)
- 156January 3rd, 2009 10:18 pm
Very nice list. The title sequence for Night at the Museum came to mind while I was watching the Panic Room. Great motion tracking shots, and a nice score that goes along perfectly with what is shown.
- 157January 5th, 2009 3:08 pm
Excellent article.
It could have been a nice detail enumerate the people involved in development of each title sequence. Not just for the record and the credit by itself but also as information and personal archives. - 158January 5th, 2009 7:10 pm
I second SWORDFISH !!!
- 159January 6th, 2009 7:45 pm
Being picky, one 007 in the classic list? – but there are two…
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is one of my faves, but as this is ‘unforgettable’ openings, sad to see Contact not in there, and the opening to Star Wars (IV) is one of the defining moments in film history esp. including the sound.
- 160
- 161January 8th, 2009 11:59 am
I may be dating myself but how about “The Hunger”? Bauhaus, David Bowie & Catherine Deneuve…
Or “Streets of Fire”? Walter Hill’s ode to neon, wet streets and cool cars.
- 162January 8th, 2009 12:47 pm
Did you specifically pick the “Yaphet Kotto” frames for “Live and Let Die” and “Alien”?
Or just coincidence?
- 163January 8th, 2009 5:01 pm
My absolute favorite movie opening sequence is “Brokeback Mountain.” The combination of Wyoming landscape and hauntingly beautiful musical score is perfection!
- 164January 9th, 2009 9:11 am
“Ruthless People” with Danny DeVito, Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater, et. al. has an animated title sequence with design style and funny-ness (AND Mick Jagger!). Plus, I agree with Xevi and Dani: when it comes to TV, nothing beats the “Dexter” title sequence! Genius!!
- 165January 9th, 2009 4:07 pm
THEICE said : “Kubrick’s The Shining……needs to be somewhere in this list.”
+1
- 166January 11th, 2009 1:26 pm
Hi,
For the To Kill a Mockingbird opening titles, you used my video, which was my attempt at composing an opening credits score, just as a compositional activity. Could you either replace the video on this page with the real opening credits, or add an explanation as to what the video is? It would be appreciated.
- 167January 17th, 2009 3:46 pm
The only one missing here is the remake of Dawn of the Dead from 2004.
- 168January 17th, 2009 5:16 pm
perfect~~~yeah…world is a fine place and worth fighting for…
- 169January 28th, 2009 10:07 pm
“Scream” and “Wimbleton” stick out in my mind as great open sequences
- 170January 30th, 2009 4:13 am
A Series of Unfortunate Events, is quality stuff and Wimbledon has one of the smartest opening sequences. Should consider including these.
- 171February 4th, 2009 12:16 pm
Where’s ‘Saving Private Ryan’? That should be on your list somewhere. Just like to say how useful this website is though…great help for my media work so thanks!!!
- 172February 4th, 2009 9:22 pm
i am glad to see some old saul bass title sequences make the cut. it would be nice if the designers were listed for each of these… give credit where it is deserved.
- 173February 8th, 2009 1:26 pm
“The World According to Garp” should be included.
- 174
- 175
- 176February 22nd, 2009 9:40 pm
Very nice. Definitely worthy of watching after the Oscars.
Great for inspiration. - 177April 15th, 2009 5:41 am
RockNRolla?
- 178August 23rd, 2009 10:22 pm
MAGNOLIA.
- 179August 25th, 2009 5:45 am
I don’t know if this was published before Watchmen came out, but it definitely deserves to be near the top of this list… The opening credits with Bob Dylan playing can’t be touched by many….
- 180September 9th, 2009 4:49 am
Wow, have any of you ever seen the opening sequence to The Fall (2006). Amazing emotion evoking classical musical and every frame of the sequence is like a beautiful photograph, ultra slow mo black and white. Gave me chills!
- 181October 14th, 2009 12:28 am
im sam io rape kids
- 182October 14th, 2009 12:28 am
phooone me!
- 183October 27th, 2009 7:14 am
My personal favorite are Lord of War and The Fall. :)
- 00
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A great trip down memory lane.
Perfect for a Friday.
Will probably spent all weekend reflecting :-)