There are many examples of superhero films on the UCMthe UDCand beyond which it begins with a truly incredible opening scene. Even before the MCU films helped establish the genre as the biggest in modern cinema, superhero movies offered some of Hollywood's best escapism. Telling an action-packed story about good versus evil requires grabbing the audience's attention, and the simplest way to do that is with an amazing opening scene.
From the MCU film timeline to films that predate any shared cinematic universe, an unforgettable opening is a surefire way to cement a film as a standout title in the genre's history. Starting with a scene or sequence that perfectly sets up the story to follow is not always a simple task, but when executed correctly, it is a sight to behold. With that in mind, here are the 10 best superhero movie opening scenes of all time.
10
Logan's old fights
Logan (2017)
Although the end of Logan is often cited as the film's best and most moving moment, the 2017 film also begins with an incredible scene. Adaptation by James Mangold from Marvel Comics Old Logan the plot introduces his older Wolverine emphatically, starting the film on an especially brutal note. The scene shows a drunk Logan waking up to face criminals trying to take the tires off his car. When they shoot him, Logan slowly heals before fighting the men.
As it starts out painfully slow, the scene establishes that LoganThe hero's version is far from his peak. The visceral nature of its action also sets the tone of the film in the best possible way.with the neon-lit set stained with blood by a disheveled and exhausted Wolverine. It's a scene that embodies everything that's set to follow, distancing Logan from other X-Men films, while also showing the brutal potential of Jackman's Wolverine.
9
The comedian's murder and contextual montage
Vigilantes (2009)
Released in 2009, Zack Snyder Watchers adapted the beloved comic book series of the same name to live action in a way few considered possible. The film opens with a scene in which Jeffrey Dean Morgan's comedian is sitting reclining in his apartment, only to be attacked by an unknown assailant, thrown out the window and killed. The scene leads straight into an opening montage describing the events of WatchersThe alternate history of Bob Dylan, all set to Bob Dylan's “The Times They Are A-Changin'”.
The violence of the introductory moments immediately establishes how different Watchers It's from other comic book movies. The film justified its R rating within seconds by firmly stating that it does not follow the established formula for superhero films, with Zack Snyder's unique approach to visual storytelling then on display. It's a perfect opening to a noir superhero epicexpertly capturing the spirit of the film.
8
The Avengers attacking Strucker's base
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Although 2012 The Avengers established the titular team within the MCU, the chemistry between its heroes and their balanced team dynamic wasn't truly formed until the end of the film. They were absent as a team for three years before reappearing in 2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron. The film begins with a scene that conceptually captures things where The Avengers stopped, making it an especially incredible start.
The scene presents each of the six Avengers members in equal measure, establishing their roles within the team through a thrilling action sequence against the forces of Hydra. The visual spectacle of Age of UltronThe opening scene is impressive, but it takes a backseat to the carefully written humor that pits the heroes against each other. even when employing impeccable teamwork. The scene does more than just set the scene for the film's events, as it states that the chemistry between the team in The Avengers it was more than a fluke, and that the MCU would continue to strive for that level of quality.
7
The Riddler's Brutal Attack
The Batman (2022)
The cast of Batman it featured many characters from the world of the Dark Knight, many of which were reinvented for Matt Reeves' Gotham City. Few have been revised as comprehensively as Paul Dano's Riddler, who was rewritten as a serial killer obsessed with exposing the corruption at the heart of Gotham society. The film begins with a scene that follows the villain, offering no immediate context for his actions.
Seeing it through the Riddler's eyes as he stalks Mayor Mitchell, then follows him as he enters his home and brutally beats him to death, serves as a tense and atmospheric opening. It's an appropriately dark and violent scene for Batmansetting the tone of the film and at the same time establishing how dangerous the Riddler can be. It's a shocking opening scene in many ways, but it's also perfectly crafted to present Batmanvillain ahead of his hero.
6
Introducing Mega-City One
Dred (2012)
2012 Dredd It has more than earned its cult classic status, providing a brilliantly realized and gritty take on the titular 2000 AD character in live action. Despite its modest budget, Dredd opens with a scene introducing the future metropolis of Mega-City One. The titular character's narration succinctly explains the events that led to the creation of Mega-City One, subtly setting the tone for his character and the film itself.
The presentation of Mega-City One and the use of news footage to depict the civil unrest in the city is perfect. From the beginning, DreddThe tone is established as one of tension and civil unrest, adding a sense of urgency to its story that permeates the entire film. It's an atmospheric and visually excellent introduction, not just to the film, but to the world of Judge Dredd.making it a truly incredible opening scene.
5
Interviews with supers
The Incredibles (2004)
When discussing superhero movies, The Incredibles doesn't always enter the conversation, but it remains one of the most engaging and original entries in the genre. Following a super-powered family living in a society that rejects the super-capable, The Incredibles opens with a scene introducing some of its heroes. In the style of old newsreels, the film begins with Mr. Terrific and Elastigirl being independently interviewed, leading to scenes detailing their heroism and marriage, before jumping into the current story.
The IncrediblesThe opening scene does it all perfectly. It's filled with art deco nostalgia that evokes the Golden Age of comics, as well as introducing its heroes and explaining why society has come to reject them. There is practically no aspect The Incredibles'introductory scene that doesn't work perfectly, making it stand out as one of the best in the genre.
4
Spider-Man delivering pizzas
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Widely considered Sam Raimi's best Spider-Man movies, 2004 Spider-Man 2 is often cited as one of the greatest superhero films ever made. It did more than just adapt an iconic Marvel hero to the screen in an epic sequel, it also helped define the genre for years to come. It also opens with a scene showing Spider-Man delivering pizzas, one of the best in any superhero film.
Despite the mundane nature of his task, the scene deftly captures the essence of its hero. Caught between two worlds, Peter Parker's life in New York is far from perfect, but his transformation into Spider-Man offers him escape and purpose. All of this is communicated by a simple and seemingly meaningful scene about the hero delivering pizzas.making it an especially great opening scene.
3
Deadpool's comic book debut
Deadpool (2016)
After Deadpool made his incredibly disappointing live-action debut in X-Men Origins: WolverineCampaigns for a more comedic version of the character were led by actor Ryan Reynolds. Seven years later, he got the chance to reprise the role, promising a more accurate portrayal of Deadpool, complete with an R rating and a wall-breaking fourth dialogue. The result, 2016 Dead Poolstarted with a scene that fulfilled all its promises in just a few minutes.
The scene presents Deadpool as he was meant to be, delivering one-liners while receiving obscenely violent injuries. From dark humor and high-energy action, Dead Pool'The opening scene firmly established all the ways the film would embrace comedic precision. This did more than just differentiate him from Deadpool's previous appearance in the film; served as a love letter to the character and an apology to fansall in one scene.
2
The Blood Rave
Blade (1998)
Launched in 1998, BladeIt's place in the superhero genre is quietly influential. Although it is often forgotten, Blade in fact, it helped create the genre in many ways, even its opening scene played a major role in shaping superhero movie tropes. Blade begins with a scene in which a man is taken to a secret rave in a slaughterhouse, only for the sprinkler system to start raining blood. Even as he reacts with horror to the vampires surrounding him, Blade arrives, destroying countless creatures.
The look of BladeThe opening blood rave is among the most memorable of any superhero film. The scene set up the film's bloody and violent story, establishing a dark tone that cemented it as a more mature comic book film. What is more, showed that stylistic cinema had a place in the superhero genrehelping to set a precedent for a more artistic approach to adapting comic books into live action.
1
The Joker's bank robbery
The Dark Knight (2008)
When it comes to the best superhero movie opening scenes, it doesn't get any better than The Dark Knight's. Not only is the film widely considered the best of its kind, but its opening scene is one of its most entertaining, introducing a major villain in an especially unexpected way. The scene shows a gang of criminals in clown masks hired by the Joker with the intention of robbing a bank, only to kill each other one by one before the sole survivor reveals himself to be the Joker himself.
The scene serves as both an introduction to the The Dark Knight and Heath Ledger's Joker. It defines the film's antagonist as a chaotic yet brilliant villain, outlining his ability to perfectly execute a bold and unorthodox plan. It's also an expertly crafted piece of cinema, serving as one of the best bank robberies ever put on the big screen. As such, The Dark KnightThe bank robbery is the best opening scene in any superhero movie. UCMthe UDCand beyond.
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