10 Best Opening Title Sequences of All Time
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- The opening titles were never meant to be just boring text! They can have a life of their own.
What are your favorite opening title sequences?
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Monsters Inc deserves an honorable mention
Doors, closets, monsters. Very well done
That was what came to my mind.
But then again, why not honnor the original of this, The Pink Panther...Catch me if you Can was also a tribute to this in a way...
Agreed
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I suppose I didn't really expect Monty Python and the Holy Grail to have a spot on here, but a mention at least, lol.
Wi nøt trei a høliday in Sweden this yër?
TheEarthwormZodiac yeah oh well
TheEarthwormZodiac We will now fire the people responsible for firing the translators.
no llama love from Cinefix
TheEarthwormZodiac I didn't expect it, but Monty python's life of Brian title sequence is actually amazing
Seven? The images of scrawlings by a mad man, font style, coupled with the creepy music, and that an actors name was left out to maintain mystique until the final scenes is great!
Definitely deserves 2nd or 3rd spot
@@yahyaahmed8145 Yeah, and I don't even think much of the film itself. (Fincher's Zodiac is a much better serial killer thriller.)
@@AgentOccam zodiac is also a great movie
But seven was something very special and novel at the time
ruclips.net/video/ecbmy50sl0M/видео.html
Yeah I was just waiting for it and it never came
and it's like one of the most disturbing title sequences ever
se7en’s opening sequence perfectly sets up the eerie and dark mood for the film
I didn't even know that was John Doe until I saw this video.
Se7en slept-on in this list.
musically dark thanks to nine inch nails. AKA trent reznor.
I think Monty Python - Search for the Holy Grail at least deserves a mention. the title perfectly sets the tone for the silly movie with silly humour
Glad to see the comment was made before I could!
I bet they didn't even think of it. It really deserved a place in this top
Thom G I was waiting for the holy grail!!
It's a brilliant opening sequence, titles and the weird bit with the other movie playing at first! Really disappointed not to see Monty Python and the Holy Grail on here!!
the people responsible for making this list have bern sacked
LOVE the title sequence for "Catch Me If You Can." Perfection.
There ought to be an Oscar category for opening and closing credits...🤔😎🏆
I agree 100%!
I was waiting for Vertigo, I could never forget that ingenious title sequence. Especially for a 1958 film, I was very impressed. And there it was, among the number one.
That would have made my list.
Absolutely
2001: A Space Odyssey. A black screen, the same/similar dimensional ratio as the monolith (albeit on a 90 degree turn), the same rumbling music later emitted by the monolith, then after more than 3 minutes, the sun rise over the earth and moon and that music....
I agree - it's building expectation with minimalism and music.
Another great intro is the intro to "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.
i got chills just thinking about it
The first 3 minutes with a black screen and music is an overture. They do that for long old movies.
Enjoy the minimalism of Blade Runner's opening sequence. The music by Vangelis just makes it.
Kevin Striker I can't believe they were able to make that movie in the 80's. I listen to the soundtrack often. Genius.
It helps that Ridley Scott has a PhD in art.
In 2015 he received an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London.
I immediately thought of North by Northwest and Vertigo, so I can't argue with your number 1.
Alien is my favorite movie, and the opening scene definetly sets the tone for the movie. Just a blank starring into space and then being blinded by the omnious dark planet, while trying to work out what exactly is being spelled across the screen, and even tho we're starting to realize the word, we anxiously almost panic for it to finish cause its getting even more unsettling: /-l l_ I E /V
Also the soundtrack is deeply horrowing, very long, oblivious and myserious.
I agree. The simplicity is what makes it so effective.
You can thank Jerry Goldsmith for that haunting title sequence. I also like the Alien 3 title sequence.
Hooray! I don't know what my favorite movie is, never will know.... but "Alien" is in like a ten-way tie for first place and that's one of the many reasons. I was so happy to see your comment because I've championed this film over so many of my friends picks that usually lean towards just more of everything; more cool-person dialogue (no matter which character it is, essentially making everybody cool-- unrealistic)... more fighting, more explosions, more things happening at the same time, more hand-held indecipherable action... just... more. They of course, disgustingly predictably prefer the sequel, "Aliens". Though it's fun, it's childish compared to the first film and helped kick off that trend I hate so much of "more". That trend has made me want to leap off a cliff.
Alien was just a smarter move, without question. I find it hilarious (and frustrating) that I had to wait so many years to see people come forward enough to give that film the credit it deserves, fighting for a voice among all the buffets of schlock served in our faces.
Alien is so full of detail to make a film at that time (1979!) seem real and possible, it's a crime to let it slide beneath the lists of greatness. From the acting that seems like we've just peaked in on real people, to the unbelievably interesting set pieces (NOTHING like it before. Nothing.)... to things like the scale of the people compared to the alien cranked ship... it's truly something wonderful. I agree with you.
'Oblivious'? Odd word choice.
10 - Enter the Void
9 - Goldfinger
8 - Catch Me If You Can
7 - Dr. No
6 - Touch of Evil
5 - Fight Club
4 - Lord of War
3 - Taxi Driver
2 - Lolita
1 - Everything by Saul Bass
Love lolita
Lord of war was my favorite
Enter the Void, Taxi Driver and Catch Me If You Can are my favs
Absolutely they forgot to put *a clockwork orange*
My uncle got a Saul Bass Poster Book for christmas one year, but left it behind when he went home. I've had my eye on it for years. His artworks are so simple, yet so eyecatching, letting you know exactly what the film is about
Top 10 endings of all time must be next!!!
KissMyAsthma whiplash!!!!
KissMyAsthma they've done it already
the Godfather number 1
Maybe not so endings but end credits.
Do you mean Ending Credits?
Because movie endings they have covered already.
I just discovered your channel yesterday and I'm now hooked. I've been binge watching video after video. You've either selected sequences per countdown that I would've chosen myself or have inspired me to add new films to my watchlist. Well done!
Couldn't agree more. Bass was The Man. "Walk on the Wild Side" alone proves it. A masterpiece, that opening!
I think intro music deserves a mention, music alone is what makes the opening scene of (for example) hateful eight so incredible, nothing else
unfortunately, they don't do soundtrack/score lists due to copyright issues.
Nathaniel Bugalou Oh yeah, they could show a few seconds though right ? Not sure
i don't really know how any of that works
They could do the whole song because it's fair use. RUclips's system is however broken
They could change the pitch of the song, but it could ruin the intention of using it
The only good thing about XMEN origins was the title sequence with the montage of Wolverine and Sabertooth fighting through different wars.
TRUE!
Yes ! That imagery through time and wars is just brilliant and done perfect in my opinion.
Diego Morett I was convinced it would be on the list. That scene was the first thing to spring to mind when I saw the title of this RUclips video!
Or at least mentioned
Oooh, good one. Agreed it should be on the list.
Great choices! What I love about this channel is that you also show a ton of runner-ups to check out. The commentary is great, too -- I learned more about opening titles than I thought there was to learn!
The opening sequence of 2001 A Space Odyssey, with the background music of Also Sprach Zarathustra, is a masterpiece by itself. Mesmerizing...
Tropic Thunder!!!!! The fake trailers were genius
killruben3 oh that is a good one
@@elchamber I think you misspelled "...a good...". The correct sequence of letters is "...the best..." ;-)
Lol
The greatest part was Tobey Mcguire marqueed as "MTV Movie award's best kiss winner" in the trailer. That trailer didn't pull any punches! Hahaha
killruben3 And Deadpool made us actually read them!
This Top 10 is the reason why I love this channel.
So you didn't love it until today?
I love how you handled #1. 15 minutes flew by as I wondered which of his you were going to give the award to. Perfect
"Drive" had one of the best openings in recent years, followed by an incredibly stylized and effective title sequence. After the breathless chase sequence thru the streets of LA, the titles begin with those 80s inspired neon pink cursives as Kavinsky's moody "Nightcall" sets the tone under shots of Driver slowly cruising, pensive and alone. It did so many things at once- set the time and place as somehow "other", even tho it looked modern. It dialed back the adrenaline and demonstrated that Driver was in complete control at all times, whether going fast or slow. It let you know that this was a fantasy rooted in reality, or maybe a realistic drama with elements of the fantastical. It let you know that this movie was probably nothing like you expected, and then the movie kept that promise.
"Watchmen" is hands down my favorite and "Lord of War" my second favorite.
yeah, I watched the Watchmen titles over and over. It is so informed about comics!
The titles of both these films were the best part of them.
Watchmen and Seven at least were recognized, but those are maybe the two best title sequences ever. I don't know which one is best, probably Watchmen.
I thought #1 was a cop out! But... at "...you can ***k right off" I subscribed. 👍🏻
Orrin Monro
It was pretty perfect delivery, yeah. 😁
Haha me too. Brilliantly done. Came to check the comments because of it
Me too
Yep, same.
Me too
You guys have the best "Top 10s". No other cine top 10s on RUclips have the same level of cinephile vibe as yours. Your's are always a delight to watch!
Thank you for creating this. Your site is so educational. May it flourish.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Hands down the best title sequence I've ever seen. It comes screaming at you seemingly out of nowhere, it looks just fantastic and is completely in line with the theme of the movie. I just love it.
You know they actually used a really long hallway for it? No cgi
No Se7en? Such a shame it isn't included on this list. Now that gives you a feeling how the film will be, perfect set-up and tone for te movie that is to come
It was mentioned very briefly, I was hoping they would too because its great.
It got a honorable mention.
Yes indeed I heard that but I wanted it to be a real spot hahaha
Starwarsfantommy And as well as setting the tone, it's really the start of the plot.
Very true!
Snatch is a really great opening sequence, which really embodies the tone and style of the film and gets us familiar with the characters.
Yes
JFK. A seven minute prologue with the titles. No messing around, just jumped straight into the story. The John Williams soundtrack just adds to the sequence perfectly.
I hope Enter the Void is mentioned.
Eyyyyy.
Daniel Crowley Fuckin lmao,man
Samee lmao
Scott Pilgrim is definitely one of my favourite
Great movie, shitty music, except for Bire Larson's version of Black Sheep, of course.
I was really amazed this was not even mentioned!
@@macsmith2013 easy there buddy. Launch pad mcquack is pretty damn good
SAME. You know it's not cgi? They genuinely just had a really long hallway
When always thinking of establishing tone in a sequence I always think of Alien first, it just perfectly sets up the mood and feeling of imediate dread
It always pleases me to see a movie lover that can remember that there were movies made more than 5 years ago. Great picks.
Watchmen opening deserved it's own place :(
totally
No capes! -Edna Mode
Watchmen and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were my two favorites
Absolutely! I think Watchmen's is one of the best opening scenes of all time
good one
Monty Python & The Holy Grail and Monsters Inc. got snubbed hard.
Monster's Inc is a clear homage to the big man at 1. or in the extreme least an inspired title sequence to so much that was mentioned in this video. No?
Or the Life of Brian
Love that you gave the top honor to the artist! This was altogether fascinating.
LMAO at the final seconds of this video 😂. Also, the word “titular” has been distinctly added to my vocabulary. Thank you for both of these gifts
you guys choose the strangest upload times out of any youtube channel I've ever seen 😂
Kevin Guimond you're the one watching at said strange time
Kevin Guimond Wut 9am
Cameron Trivett bruh it's 5am where I am east coast us lol
it's a perfect time in south east asia
I'm happy that _Fight Club_ was on this list but sad that there was no mention of _Skyfall_. I'm not a hardcore fan of the franchise but I was mesmerized by the beginning of that movie (and not just because of Adele) the first time I saw it (in a theater) and I definitely would've given it a place here.
MAK they already had two bond films (one could possibly make a list comprised solely of bond films) and possibly didn’t want another one, I agree it is a cracking sequence though particularly how it blends into the action.
I would have preferred Casino Royale, myself. I like how it sets itself apart from most other Bond themes by being more intense and action-packed, instead of slow-paced and erotic -- a clear cut away from previous Bond films, just like the movie was supposed to be. The total lack of T&A made for a refreshing change, as well.
@@dr4c0blade Both excellent choices but I think Goldeneye's tops both.
Cinefix is known for honoring the original, the progenitor, the classic ones more. And dare I say it's reasonable. Skyfall is basically an homage to the previous styles of Bond's title sequences. So, it is modern, but hell to the no that it is original.
CuriousCase007 it is very distinctive, plus the voice of Tina Turner is excellent.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail's opening credits perfectly sets the tone for the film, and it deserves the #1 spot imo
I am pleased the Catch Me If You Can Title Sequence made it onto this list. As a title designer, it's one of my favorites. Also, I was wondering which Saul Bass sequence they would pick, so it was a nice twist that they refused. Great vid!
I have to think of "The Untouchables".
Years ago, I was going through some old video cassettes when I stumbled upon the title sequence of that movie. And just the way how simple it was designed, together with Ennio Morricone's menacing theme, got me hooked.
I was hoping to see David Fincher's "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," but whatevs.
i was about to comment that...like, right?
me too. Great opening.
honestly, you could add any Fincher opening to the list. My fav was Seven.
@@creepwood77It was mentioned, though very briefly.
Yes, that's a great one!
I LOVE the title sequence of Lost Highway. That super stressful fast car POV with industrial Bowie playing in the background. I could watch it all day.
I loved the beginning for Catch If You Can, one of my favorites of all time
I was worried you wouldn't mention Saul Bass :D Good ending!
Niko Kääpä unlike watchmojo, these guys really deliver each time
Unfortunately, they included 'Catch Me If You Can', which is derivative of Saul Bass' work, instead of a more memorable opening sequence.
Very interesting point! And truthfully a valid question to be taken into consideration. I, myself, a quite fine with them including it. I think it's, in terms of design, a brilliant piece of work. But there are many brilliant opening sequences, so I also couldn't say I would be super bothered if they didn't include it. I think it's important to mention it, though.
Watchmen and The Warriors are my favorite opening credits of all time, they're fantastic!
Not even a nod to Saturday Night Fever? Blade Runner’s absence is also totally perplexing
“Wet, Hot, American Summer”
All-Time Best, imho
I like the title sequence in West Side Story, which actually appears at the end. It's so simple, yet depicts the street gang culture with the titles as graffiti, as the camera moves from spot to spot throughout the neighborhood. It's also pretty emotionally powerful with the music, after the main character has died and only then does everyone involved finally realize the mistake of their hatred and racism. Anyway, the ending title style with the music is like a funeral, very somber, but fitting.
Also I'm glad they showed Napoleon Dynamite if not put it in the list, I was thinking that's another title sequence that uses simplicity creatively.
Cinefix is so mesmerizing. I love learning everything it has to offer, and I can't stop watching their intelligent, interesting videos!
In my first semester of college I had to research Saul Bass, prepare a lecture about him and create a poster and a mobile based on his work
show as the poster, I'm curious
I was randomly thinking of this very topic as i saw the beginning of the untouchables. The slow reveal of the title, and then the long shadow it casts while names like costner, deniro and of course connery scroll by. And most importantly that GREAT intro song. Oh man, love it!
Mission: Impossible has had and always will be my favourite cold open followed by a title sequence that teases the movie perfectly without giving away the plot.
I'll have to watch it again.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (U.S.)?!
i agree with you, the david fincher´s version is beautiful.
I was looking for someone else thinking on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
bigz3011 that opening title sequence is so cool. I don’t think that it properly sets up the tone for the movie though. It makes it seem like this badass thriller but the movie really isn’t that. Still cool though.
Sleep can wait.
"Monty Python-Holy Grail"....a llama bit my sister....'nuff said.
Glad to see personal favorite, Vertigo, made the honorable mention montage with #1. Especially liked the Bernard Hermann theme, all very state of the art for the late 50's.
Only an honorable mention for Seven? Come on ...
*epilepsy warning*
Thank you
That awful flashing is also bad for people like me, who have vertigo issues and my husband has it even worse. I had to hold my hand over that on my screen (iPad) until it was over!!! Even doing that, I still got nauseous. 🤭🥴🤢‼️
Had to close my eyes, horrible.
Spider-Man 2 with the webbed pictures and theme is fantastic
I was thinking of that too!
great stuff. and spot on regarding Saul Bass! 😂
How did you didn't mention Monty Python and the Holy Grail's hilarious title sequence?
i just posted a comment about this too. I cant believe that.
Talk about setting up the tone...
Lt. Col. Frank Slade A Møøse once bit my sister... Hahahaa oh my god! It kills me everytime I watch it..
FerGarza88
Those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked have been sacked.
Lt. Col. Frank Slade
Møøse choreographed by HORST PROTT III
Møøse noses wiped by BJØRN IRKESTØM-SLATER WALKER
Suggestive poses for the møøse suggested by VIC ROTTER
Seven in my opinion has the best title sequence.
Anirban Biswas absolutely
For me, its Persona
Anirban Biswas One of my faves too.
This is the only video I gave a thumbs up without getting until end of the video. The way he explains is so good.
“ o brother where art thou?” Has a phenomenal opening sequence. The old timey font, visually appealing shot, and “big rock candy mountain” perfectly sets up the premise of the movie while also being an amazing song
Betting something from Saul Bass is going to be number one like Vertigo or Psycho maybe.
Although I do agree with this list, I think Monty Python and the Holy Grail should have at least gotten a deserving honourable mention
The American Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was simply beautiful.
My all time favorite got a quick nod toward the end: the gorgeous, brilliantly evocative and enigmatic opening sequence of To Kill a Mockingbird! It sets up the innocence of childhood and foreshadows the loss of that innocence while cleverly introducing us to various little ephemera that come directly from the story. And that SCORE!
6:07 Pretty sure that's not Watchmen.
some hardcore nitpicking right here
Amit Klain looked like the opening title from Watchmen to me....
that's Warriors, but they did show Watchmen seconds before
;3
Are you blind? they show Watchmen right when He mention it
Scott pilgrim vs the world has an awesome fucking intro!!!
Excellent list! I was happy you picked Lord of War and mentioned Amelie
Thank you for Touch of Evil. That was a stunning opening sequence.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail!!!!!!! It has my absolute favourite opening titles sequence of all time and it didn't even get a look in! You mentioned ONE comedy one in passing! Terry Gilliam did such an amazing job - he should get some credit for his credits!
Scott Pilgrim Vs the World has a really cool one :)
The opening credits to Vertigo--with that perfect blend of Bernard Herrmann's score and Saul Bass's design/imagery--are the perfection of cinematic art... Genius combined is exponential.
"No Country for Old Men." The west Texas scenery with Tommy Lee Jones' narration over it was perfect.
Where's Drive?
I know, I was about to make this comment myself.
Dallas Campos it's one of the best. The opening is exactly what that film is in just a few minutes
In the shelf of WANNABE SHITTY movies.
Rubén Gómez Radioboy bro...shut the fuck up. what are you twelve? what's your favorite movie?
ButchDickey Hahahahaha Try harder
Reservoir Dogs should have been picked under "coolest movie title sequence ever". 6 guys in black suits and shades walking in slow motion to a 70s (although technically 60s) classic with a ridiculously cool rock intro- you can't get much better than that- though I always thought it should have been filmed in black and white.
Reservoir Dogs' title sequence is mentioned, however the story behind how that footage ended up being the title visuals and how it was literally test footage that was "stretched" to fill the needed length of time to satisfy union stipulated credit duration and was a last moment filler that was then matched up to some post-production existing music, the legal use of which was under dispute at the time, all points to a slapped together title run. The whole reason it is in slow motion is because it was not long enough, not because of any directorial insight. It is accidentally fitting.
@@NimrodClover And it's not even real slow motion. Since the footage wasn't recorded at a high frame rate that would allow seamless slow motion playback, Tarantino apparently just doubled up on each frame to "stretch" it out, as you mentioned. Which is actually brilliant, of course.
Love the homage to Saul Bass and would add his "title" sequence, which are also the credits, of West Side Story at the end the film.
Impossible to name them all, of course. Some really good choices here.
Contact comes to mind.
"You can *beep* right off!"
Damn it,, this channel is awesome!
Agree whole heartedly with pick no 1
for me Se7en's intro was as genius as fight club. A dfferent style but deserved to be a top 10 pick. The introduction to the serial killer that is confusing at first but upon watching the movie again you see so many clues you didnt see in the title sequence the first time. Absolute brilliance.
I'm glad you mentioned Series of Unfortunate Events and Amelie. These two are my favourites for title sequences.
I love Taxi Driver... I mean LOVE it, but Rear Window's opening scene is a master class in film exposition and IMO the best in cinematic history.
All ten could have been Saul Bass works.
wouldn't be a very diverse list now would it?
Totally agree with you on Fight Club. Personally, I think the intro for Casio Royal was brilliant, capture the intrigue of international espionage with gambling motifs... really brilliant.
You guys didn’t disappoint... My favorite has always been Spartacus... Saul Bass..
I would love to see a complete 1-hour essay just about opening titles.
I wish Monty Python films were in this video. Either Holy Grail or Life of Brian or both should've been in one of the categories.
The opening sequence which is the title sequence of "Swordfish" is a must. It sets the tone for the whole movie. From the close up to the conversation with the detectives about how the changes suggested to previous movies wouldn't work, it sets the tone and had one of the best opening speeches in cinema history. Think what you want of the movie itself, credit needs to be given to the title sequence.
You guys left out THE HUNGER (1983). Bauhaus performing Bela Lugosi's Dead during the opening disco scene is the BEST!
I think the _Star Wars_ opening crawl is the greatest title sequence in the history of cinema!!!
It was a direct copy of the titles used for the Flash Gordon series of the 1930s. Lucas even tried to buy the rights to the series to do an updated version. He couldn’t, so he created Star Wars.
Easily, but people have to be contrarians.
Just wanted to point out how Lucas got the idea. The opening crawl is great.
Lolita beating Se7en will make some people's blood boil xD
That would be me, triggered, fuck those guys.
Platy News #2 (Lolita) was just feet. The way the narrotor described it, I felt that I was sooooo dumb for not seeing it the way he saw it.
But...
The truth is, Rocky 3's title sequence (Eye of the Tiger song blazing as Rocky blazes his opponents) is a 100 times better than # 2 (Lolita's Feet sequence).
So if you're reading this and you too felt that you were dumb for not seeing Lolita's title sequence like cine fix did, you are Not Dumb bruh.
Lolita>se7en
Its not top 10 list.. Its just 10 of the best ones, in no specific order.
All I can think about was why are people into feet?
The Intouchables is one of my favourites for how it introduces the characters while also hooking you with interest to find out how we get there. I also love the simplicity of Unbreakable with beautifully typeset white text on black over a wonderfully unique score. Baby Driver is a more modern favourite that does a great job introducing the main character as well as the tone of the film (and precision of the director), and I gotta say Parasite is my most recent love: gorgeous font choice and excellent opening shot that shows a dingy alleyway before the camera pulls you down as if to say “no, these characters are even lower than that.”
Brilliant example of narration gives you information relevant to the title sequence and done in a very professional and educative way. (Unlike other poor examples). Top marks for this bit of informative and educational history of opening sequences, short though it is. Bravo.