Regardless of whether it’s a comical skewering of opening credits sequences, a violent look into the deteriorated psyche of a lead character, or a pulsating attack on an enemy compound by our favorite gang of superheroes, the opening scene of a movie has to do plenty of heavy lifting. It needs to grab the audience’s attention, introduce the tone of the story, and showcase the lead character(s) in a way that makes us care about them.
Given the saturated and highly competitive market of superhero films, making a memorable first impression is more essential than it ever has been before. Whether these films did it by making us laugh out loud, forging a deep connection between character and audience, or simply overwhelming us with a visual spectacle right off the bat,these opening scenes stand among the best the superhero genre has ever produced.
20’X2' (2003)
Directed by Bryan Singer
An opening that immediately indicatedX2had every intention of leveling up on its impressive predecessor, a brainwashed Nightcrawler’s (Alan Cumming) assault on the White House, is still a visually astonishing spectacle today.A majestic blending of live-action fight choreography and CGI splendor, the sequence follows the teleporting mutant as he uses his powers and combat skills to carve through secret agents to carry out an attack on the U.S. President.
Despite the fact that Nightcrawler’s actions are not his own in the sequence, the tense opening still lays the platform for the film’s story, which sees William Stryker (Brian Cox) trying to pass the registration act against the mutants. The film itself is a wonderful gem ofsuperhero cinema in the days before the MCU, and its brilliance is signposted by an extraordinary opening scene that still stands as a highlight of contained superhero action.
X2: X-Men United
19’Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017)
Directed by James Gunn
Given thatGuardians of the Galaxywas a remarkably refreshing installment of the MCU, the much-anticipated sequel hit the ground running by doubling down on its predecessor’s fun-loving and freewheeling effervescence. Making exceptional use of the first film’s knack for physical comedy, vibrant action, and brilliant music choices,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2opens with one of the most enjoyable scenes in the entirety of the MCU.
While it features the titular band of heroes battling a giant, tentacled monster, it keeps its focus firmly on baby Groot (Vin Diesel) as he bops around to the tune of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky”, inadvertently dodging the carnage that transpires around him.Not only is the sequence rife with hilarity, but it also stands as some of the best, most eye-popping CGI the Marvel movies have ever featured. While the film itself was largely a middling entry for the franchise, its opening scene perfectly encapsulates the tone of the film and the clunky synergy that defines the Guardians of the Galaxy as a group.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
18’The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014)
Directed by Marc Webb
People can say what they want aboutThe Amazing Spider-Man 2, but it is difficult to deny that the opening sequence is one that perfectly represents the character, both as Spider-Man and as Peter Parker. Opening with the divine shot ofSpider-Man (Andrew Garfield) web-slingingaround the high rises of New York City, it soon becomes an action set piece as the friendly neighborhood hero intervenes in the hijacking of a truck carrying plutonium.
The action is exactly what one would expect from a Spider-Man story, it’s fun and lively, infused with comedy, and sharply executed even with CGI playing a significant part in the sequence. Of course, Spider-Man emerges victorious, with the sequence then switching to a hurried Peter Parker scrambling to make it to his own graduation on time. The sequence isengaging, accessible, and fun, all while efficiently showcasing the full scope of the responsibilities Parker must jugglein his double life.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
17’The Wolverine' (2013)
Directed by James Mangold
While it is well known that the Wolverine / Logan (Hugh Jackman) flaunts immediate healing as one of his most prominent superpowers, the full extent of this ability was not fully realized on screen until the opening sequence of 2013’sThe Wolverine. Flashing back to Nagasaki in 1945, the film starts with Logan imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp when the city is struck by the atomic bomb.
The sequence is realized withbrilliant depth, a harrowing effectiveness, even as it splits its focus between Logan and the young Ichirō Yashadi (Ken Yamamura), a Japanese guard. The ignition of the bomb is a moment that flaunts a genuine sense of dread, while Logan’s rescue of Ichirō, and the severe burns he sustains in the process, portray just how effective his healing powers are. The flashback is informative and phenomenally grueling, signaling thatThe Wolverinewould be a pivot towardsa much darker realization of theX-Menworldthan previous films in the franchise had offered.
The Wolverine
16’Batman' (1989)
Directed by Tim Burton
For decades, Batman has been the most cinematic superhero there is, arguably surpassing the likes of Superman and The Avengers. While there have been plenty of takes on the Caped Crusader in recent times, none have introduced him with quite the same impact asTim Burtondid in 1989’sBatman.
Amid this extremely gothic yet delightfully campy version of Gotham City, two thugs hold up a woman in an alley and make away with her purse. As they try to divvy up their loot, Batman (Michael Keaton) descends into the background behind them. It’s not an exaggeration to saythe tone of superhero films forever changed when he held the criminal over the side of the building. And who could forget the perfect delivery of that now famous line, “I’m Batman”?
15’Blade' (1998)
Directed by Stephen Norrington
For younger audiences, it may be impossible to fathom, but there was a time when superheroes and Marvel characters were shunned by audiences. For a while,Bladewas the onlypowerful entity from Marvel Comicsto experience success in its live-action adaptation, and it owes a lot to its phenomenal opening scene.
Pulling no punches, a man is lured into a vampire nightclub where the entrancing horror begins.Sprinklers start spurting blood, the vamps bare their fangs, and all hope looks lost for the sorry chumpuntil Blade (Wesley Snipes) arrives in the nick of time. Disposing of every vampire in sight in the coolest ways possible, the film’s opening still offers an exciting change of pace for the superhero genre.
Rent on Apple TV
14’Thor: Ragnarok' (2017)
Directed by Taika Waititi
There’s always a risk attached to shaking up established characters, and turning the God of Thunder into a comical presence in a campy action movie takes some serious guts.Taika Waititipulls it off though, with the gloriously fun opening ofThor: Ragnarokcompletelyre-imaging Thor (Chris Hemsworth)in a way that was both refreshing and exciting.
Waititi’s trademark quirkiness matched with the titular character flawlessly, giving him an instant awkwardness that made him appeal to fans in a way other MCU heroes can’t. The fact that he was tied up and at the mercy of an enormous, fiery bad guy gave the scene an energy that helped a potentially jarring shift. It was the perfect opening to a new style in the MCU.
Thor: Ragnarok
13’Kick-Ass' (2010)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
A ridiculous blend of superhero parody, crude humor, andTarantino-esque ultra-violence,Kick-Asswas ahead of its time as skewering send-up of superhero blockbusters. The tone of the film could hardly have been introduced any better than what was conveyed in the opening scene.
With Dave Lizewski’s (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) satirizing monologue running over the top, thefunny satirical superhero filmopens with a costumed vigilante standing atop a skyscraper, readying himself to fly as a growing crowd of adoring spectators gather. The stunt doesn’t go quite so well for the aspiring superhero, withthe violently abrupt comedy an appropriately inappropriate and suitably shocking introduction to the movie.
12’The Incredibles' (2004)
While plenty of superhero films glamorize their crime fighters and bring glory to their achievements in the opening scene,The Incrediblesdid something different. Instead of wowing us with their awe-inspiring abilities, directorBrad Birdopted to humanize them by showcasing just how normal they are.
Shown in a documentary style, the openingfeatures clips from interviews with the superheroes 15 years prior when they were in their prime. From Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) fiddling with his microphone, to Elastigirl’s (Holly Hunter) staunch defiance towards settling down, it presents characters who audiences can relate to instantly despite their superhuman abilities, and it makes it all the more effective when we see what they’ve become soon after.
The Incredibles
11’Spider-Man 2' (2004)
Directed by Sam Raimi
Spider-Man on a flag pole in 2002’s Spider-Man.
In addition to boasting a fantastic opening credits sequence,Spider-Man 2got off to a hot start thanks to an opening that was both exhilarating fun and charmingly quaint. Late for work, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is tasked with making a seemingly impossible pizza delivery in mere minutes and resorts to using his superhero alias and swinging through New York City to arrive on time.
Coupled with a magnificent, pulsating score, it immediately immersed viewers into the fun-loving thrillsthe film would offer.Sam Raimi’s spellbinding sequel only got better from there too, going on to become one of the best Marvel movies ever made in the eyes of many.
