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The best movie opening-credit sequences ever

Mar 11, 2008, 12:47 PM | by Gary Susman

Categories: Film, Star Wars

The movie opening-credit sequence has become a lost art; so many movies today, especially action blockbusters, are content to plunge directly into the action and wait until the end to show you who made the film. Now, Screengrab has compiled a list, complete with YouTube clips, of the 12 best opening-credit sequences ever. It's a good selection of these mini-movies that expertly sets the tone for the feature that follows. A lot of credit buffs' favorites are here, including the ones for Scorsese's Raging Bull, Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch, and David Fincher's Seven and Panic Room. Of course, you can't talk about film credits without mentioning the genre's master, Saul Bass, who revolutionized the opening credit sequence in the 1950s with his jazzy, fragmented-animation segments for such movies as The Man With the Golden Arm and Anatomy of a Murder. (Which gives me an excuse to embed this clip, which has been making the rounds this week, of what the Star Wars credits would have looked like had Bass designed them.)

Your turn, PopWatchers: What's your favorite opening-credit sequence in a movie? Bonus points for providing clip URLs where your fellow readers can watch.

Rob Grizzly Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

I'm really glad they noted Panic Room and Se7en. That was really cool. Superman was also amazing.
I like Danny's call on the new Dawn of the Dead opener.
Catch Me if You can was also fun.
Neapoleon Dynamite has the most inventive credits I've EVER seen (food).

Recently, I think SpiderMan 2 was perfect. During the credits, they show you what happened in the first movie, and they use the comic book style. This way, you're given everything you need to know, and the superhero tone is perfectly set.
I also like Batman and Batman Returns opening titles.

JK Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 12:02 AM EST

Can't believe I'm the first to say Harold and Maude. Great cinematography, great music, perfect start to a movie.

kim in kentucky Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST

Ice Age -- poor Skrat!! And Four Weddings and Funeral with THAT WORD being the thing said over and over

Dave Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

Can't BELIEVE these weren't mentioned!!!???

Best Opening Credit Sequence:
"Adventures In Babysitting"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nly-bfguf4k
A CLASSIC!

Best End Credit Sequence:
"Beetlejuice"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MEy89l0SOZs

Jakeem Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

I've always loved the opening minutes of "Back to the Future," particularly because of the ticking clocks motif and the misdirection play (we're set up to believe that Marty is hooking into a time machine. Actually, it's an amplifier for his guitar).
We also get fed some vital information (via TV news) about the plutonium theft. And it all leads up to the awesome skateboarding sequence accompanied by "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News.

paige Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST

SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE HAD THE WORST OPENING TITLES. LONG AND BORING!!!

Darmini Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

Oh my gosh! thanks so much for this post, this is actually what I want to do for a living, so this a great resource for me! Thanks so much to TheBookPolice for Kyle Cooper's name, his stuff is amazing! and thanks to all the rest of the posters for all their suggestions. Personally I love the Sweeney Todd opening titles, so bloody and appropriate for the movie!

April Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

I only saw Catch Me if you Can once and that's when it came out and I forgot how good the opening sequence was.

But you all really must see the opening of Charade. With the background music of Henry Mancini it makes it the best opening-credit sequence I've seen.

Chris G Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

Here's the link for the Vacancy opening titles: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3vetX_808cE

Chris G Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

The movie Vacancy, which I'm sure about 23 people have seen, has my favorite opening title sequence of the year. It's very Saul Bass-like and I'm sure Hitchcock would of approved...

Jessica Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:26 AM EST

And actually, any Disney movie usually has really cool opening credits.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l_k3GYTEbh4

Jessica Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:17 AM EST

I'm so happy to see everyone mentioned Catch Me if You Can. Here you are: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1mkM-XCE3v4

kim in kentucky Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 07:17 AM EST

oh yes also -- SOAPDISH !!

Shannon Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 06:58 AM EST

The opening of "The Lion King" still gets me a little misty-eyed

Shannon Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 06:58 AM EST

The opening of "The Lion King" still gets me a little misty-eyed

Brad Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 05:31 AM EST

Bad Education

TheBookPolice Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:58 AM EST

Just thought Kyle Cooper deserved to have his name mentioned in these comments, since he designed the Se7en opening credits, and is a major player in modern film's opening credits.

Bob Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:33 AM EST

Contact has my vote.

Amelia Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 11:23 PM EST

I know its not OPENING credits, but the closing credits to "A Series of Unfortunate Events" is awesome. The animation is very creative, I kind of wish they made a whole movie out of it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTg5vGDcu6U

Crystal Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 10:47 PM EST

Many, many have mentioned the "Dawn of the Dead" greatness. Here's a link - yowsa:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tVnA2vZDce0

Dean Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 09:55 PM EST

Another excellent opening: Kite Runner. Beautiful typography combined with good music. Check it out at:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xja-DTGYNmI

BrandonK Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 09:30 PM EST

I would say Star Wars had the best opening ever, but it's not a credits scene, so I suppose it doesn't count.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiNQc4RomWE
I loved the opening credits to Charlie & the Chocolate Factory...Danny Elfman's music whirls and thunders along with the tour through the factory where the chocolate bars are being created and packaged.
(Couldn't find a video.)
Catch Me If You Can was great, but obviously it's an homage to previous great openings. Moody music, clever graphics...well done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVEgK3nCkao

Aaron Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

I mean BRENDAN Fraser. If I didn't correct myself, I would have lived in shame forever.

Aaron Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 08:07 PM EST

I second (or third) a lot of the other pics here--namely Catch Me if You Can, The Kingdom, Dawn of the Dead, and The Incredibles. But one from an otherwise pretty bad movie stands out for me and that's Bedeviled with Brandon Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley. The opening sequence picks out people on the street and reveals their biggest sins, but in a cute, tongue-in-cheek way. It's the cleverest part in the movie...not that that's saying a whole lot.

Henry Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:56 PM EST

Monty Python and The Holy Grail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EczBW78WAew

Henry Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

I always remember the first time I saw the hilarious opening credits to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The part about those who have made the credits "have been sacked." And "those who sacked those who made the credits have been sacked." It even has Swedish and fake credits!

CineRam Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:50 PM EST

I cannot believe that Top 12 did not include...

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGIelcG0r3s

One of the funniest, and one of the best.

Crystal Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:50 PM EST

Wow, MCM, I haven't watched BOB since it aired, but seeing the credits made me tear up!

And that Marvel logo is indeed awesome, summerbaby. I am loving watching all these, that "Lord of War" one is brilliant.

kim in kentucky Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

almost anything by Tim Burton -- the first Indiana Jones, The Player and Moulin Rouge

Allison Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

Definetly the opening credits of Superbad... great dancing!

Sarah A Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 05:36 PM EST

Damn, sorry for the spamage, but I just thought of a recent fave: Sweeney Todd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNkPqPVCXX8

Sarah A Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 05:34 PM EST

One more thing: the link for the opening of Titanic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVW1f3vbKqU

& Trainspotting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx-iQifANlw

Sarah A Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 05:31 PM EST

Hmm, I Have a few:

1) American Psycho: What looks like a cliche opener of 'dripping blood' is in fact a desert from one of many opulent, Yuppie Restaurants. Plays into the double life of Patrick Bateman already.

2) Titanic: Gah, when the archival-esque footage shows the passengers waving goodbye to their loved ones, against James Horner's haunting score is brilliant.

3) Gone With the Wind: Epic, I love the title flashing before my eyes, and it's just the beginning of a romantically driven epic.

4) Trainspotting: Oh God, yes.
5) North by Northwest

Ashley Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

I also loved Spider-Man's opening credits however, I have to give props to the original Batman opening credits. The Score by Danny Elfman was haunting and exciting and watching that movie for the first time, i got chills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEK0N3KUga4

Jeff Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

The brilliant "Life of a Bullet" opening of Lord of War culminating with it being shot into someones head... here is a link.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4jMzKxYB74

Snarf Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

Opps forgot....
Hercules (the Disney cartoon version -the opening credits are priceless)

Snarf Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

Catch Me if You Can
The Black Hole
Casino Royale
The Incredibles
Shrek

Melissa Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

The Naked Gun opening sequence always makes me laugh. (Police car driving into unexpected locations.)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zyx7UJndtlI&feature=related

Benny Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

Excellent choices. But to me the best opening credits will always be the ones from "The Pink Panther"(the original of course, not that dreadful Steve Martin remake). They were so popular that it's said they stole the movie and that's how the pink panther went to star in many shorts and a TV show.

DanOregon Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

Maurice Binder pioneered the main title sequence with the Bond series.
And good call on "The Kingdom". To me a great title sequence gets you into the movie through both mood (music) and elements that help enhance the story.

Pamela Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

Agree with everyone who has mentioned "Catch Me If You Can": the first film I thought of when I saw this post. The vibe from that great credit sequence really sets up the film that follows.

And thanks to Paige who posted the youtube link to the Sweeney Todd credits: fantastic. I haven't seen the film (I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to gore) but that opening sequence is great blend of colour, titles, editing and music.

Gary S Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

link to IAMMMMW if interested

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pmPEV1SlaTo

drella66 Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Funny Games
Grease

Gary S Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

A lot of folks mentioned the animation of Catch Me If You Can. Go back further to It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World, which it clearly tries to emulate. Fantastic!

Gross Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

Ichi the Killer?

Kris Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

I saw this list yesterday and the first title sequence that came to mind was Fight Club. Just...Awesome! Though, I can't complain too much since two other Fincher movies made the cut!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=S3Gorin3ch8

Savage Steve Holland Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

If you're going for graphics, what about any of Savage Steve Holland's films (Better Off Dead, How I Got Into College, One Crazy Summer).

Gary Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

The movie Ed Wood.

Anonymous Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

Catch Me If You Can for sure. I was blown away when I saw the graphics. The opening credits of Mad Men on AMC kind of reminds me of it.

hunter Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

Barbarella.

'nuff said.

furry_tom Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

I was looking for the opening to Yojimbo, but without the music, it's almost worthless (since the music was as influential as the rest of the film):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR3TVqfaWIA
I also like the opening to American Splendor with Paul Giamatti walking through the comic strip panels, but since I can't find that, Juno's opening is similar enough:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxS2NkpwbNQ
And also, Charade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGDjwxRwpI

Carl Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

Absolutely agree with those who said Superman: The Movie. It was the first thing that popped into my head. Tons of movies, esp. sci-fi/fantasy movies, have tried to do a variation of that sequence ever since. The very best part: the way the amazing, majestic, triumphant music comes to a rousing finish as Richard Donner's name soars onto the screen, and then, abrupt silence as we gaze at the starfield, leading to the first glimpse of Krypton. It's the perfect "shhh, the movie's starting!" moment.

paige Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

if they gave awards to those (which the should) this is what wouldve won this year http://youtube.com/watch?v=CNkPqPVCXX8

Daryn Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

The edit-tastic opening to SEVEN with Nine Inch Nails broke-down version of "Closer"...Anyone? Bueller?

I watched that with my mouth hanging open in amazement. It was awesome.

paige Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

im shocked no one said pyscho http://youtube.com/watch?v=GOWxgBuijQg

paige Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

definately catch me if you can... also halloween (talk about ominous):http://youtube.com/watch?v=mszYeCAjS5g ... Creepshow http://youtube.com/watch?v=VPgfXzkh2QE

summerbaby Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

In addition to that cool Marvel logo, I really liked the opening to the first Spider-Man movie.

TV? Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:34 PM EST

If you're going to go into TV - Star Trek Voyager is pretty awesome, particularly the theme music.

MCM Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

I know this isn't a movie intro per se, but I have always been partial to the HBO Band of Brothers intro. The haunting music plays in stark contrast to the gritty scenes of war. The overall effect is to make you fall in love with these guys and really become invested in their fates. The men are steely and quietly determined, joyous, heartbroken, and moved by their brotherhood - and so am I! That the intro segues directly into commentary by the actual survivors is a bonus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFsB4IuvP7o

Sadie Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Wow! A lot of these are high-brow. The first thing I thought of was the intro to Austin Powers 2, www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVNCVDlANTs. Shows where I rank as a movie connoisseur.

Kevin Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

It's not a good movie but the credits sequence for the remake of The Hills Have Eyes was great. Colorful clips of a happy 1950's housewife playing with all of her new, fashionable kitchen appliances intercut with images of mushroom clouds. The song playing over the images creates a very chilling sequence. Also good is the beginning of Death Proof...not a true credit sequence independent of the movie, but it is filmed to be a scence in and of itself and it does tell it's own story.

Nix Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

I second the credits to "Monsters, Inc." So startlingly suave for what looked like a fuzzy-plush-kiddie movie. which of course, like all the other pixar movies, it was not.

sherry w Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

What about Napoleon Dynamite? All the names written on the food, and chapstick?!

jr Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

Superman Returns is pretty awesome too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W-XtWob9wo

Laura Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

I loved Catch Me If You Can, but my personal favorite has to be the opening sequence of Monsters, Inc. (Check it out here: youtube.com/watch?v=hff329Wi0P0). Awesome animation with fantastic scoring by Randy Newman.

Binky Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

I'm a big fan of the 'My Best Friend's Wedding' opening number, too. It's a beautiful example of irony, with the bride clearly in on the joke, and it makes me laugh every time.

An unfortunately compressed version (to fit the small screen) can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ-MVAzdUK4

Jennifer Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:57 PM EST

I'm with Danny -- The first thing that popped into my head was the remake "Dawn of the Dead" remake. Love it!

jr Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Superman The Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qHDWdGPomw

Ames Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

Maybe it shows I'm a bit cheesy, but I like the opening credits to "My best friends wedding" with those girls dancing and singing to Dusty Springfield's song. Very cute.

Crystal Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

Cece, completely agree with Catch Me if You Can - that's what I immediately thought of when I saw the headline of this Popwatch. I am a big fan of delayed credits, like when the movie starts with a scene that gets up immersed in the story, but then the credits begin. Examples: Lion, Witch & Wardrobe, Leaving Las Vegas, Dead Poets Society.

As for Bond, the recent Casino Royale credits were BADASS.

Cece Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

I absolutely LOVED the opening credits for "Catch Me if You Can." It was so much fun to watch and it completely matched the tone of the movie. It was light and the animation was great. I hearkened back to the '50s opening creadits. A++
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVEgK3nCkao

Someone else Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Snatch. The Rundown.

Tune In Tomorrow (They were spoken as part of a radio broadcast in a movie about 1950's radio.)

Ep Sato Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

I would say James Bond does the best credits sequences. "Goldeneye" is one of my favorites, with all kinds of former Soviet images being taken down by scantilly clad hotties. The Tina Turner theme song is a thunderous bonus. Couldn't find the sequence, so the Goldeneye video's attached:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1054842102298885371&q=%22Goldeneye%22&pr=goog-sl


Four Rooms also had a great credits sequence, with an animated Tim Roth escaping various plots while Combustible Edison scats along.
http://www.gofish.com/player.gfp?gfid=30-1160653

But by far my favorite has got to be the fast paced credits sequence that opens "The Warriors":

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/87811/1525632

Danny Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

I'm a fan of the Dawn of the Dead remake with the Johnny Cash song.

Eric Friedmann Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

I can't believe the list did not include (and no one else has mentioned) CHARIOTS OF FIRE. The beach, the surf, the mist, the runners, and oh yeah, that classic score by Vangelis!

Shana Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

I just love the original superman movie with Christopher Reeve and I actually loved the opening sequence of the most recent Superman movie with Brandon Routh. The John Williams music is so amazing and the space visuals in both movies are mesmerizing.

Stephanie T. Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

The Austin Powers credits. Man, Mike Meyer's new film is going to get a huge penalty for high-sticking.

Strepsi Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

to Mrs. Taylor: THAK YOU! I love love love Down with Love, have thought that the closing credits SHOULD have been the opening credits. They are awesome and contain no spoilers. I have to nominate the original Halloween http://youtube.com/watch?v=vhcPs-cS1No as well as Grease - it perfectly encaptures the 70s-view-of-the-50s of the fim. http://youtube.com/watch?v=vXGcPYD-R-Y

Katy Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

"Dog Day Afternoon", hands down. And the song, Elton John's "Amoreena," is haunting.

birdgirl39 Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

I agree with Lauren on Fight Club.
Then there's Men in Black. Cool stuff.

Ceballos Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Also, very good calls by Catherine and LJ on "Catch me..." and "Lord of War", respectively. Two of my faves from the last 10 years.

Kaitlin Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

Their list included Goldfinger, which I think is a great choice but I think that any of the James Bond movies could have a place on the list. They always get me geared up for the film and are very iconic.

Ceballos Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

Mrs. Taylor is right about "The Kingdom". In my opinion, the opening credits are actually better than the movie.


As for one of my favorites that didn't make the list: how could they not include the opening credits to "Casino"?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwydIuP31Ls

Mrs. Taylor Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

If you've never seen "The Kingdom" (Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner), rent it just for the opening credits. Cool graphics, innovative credits, and a solid history lesson all in one. Seriously, I finally understood the Middle East oil crisis better after these 3 minutes than anything from CNN or the newspaper.
Next installment: best CLOSING credits, like how adorable is that song Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger sing at the end of "Down with Love"?

Andie Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Thank You For Not Smoking.

LJ Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

The best I've ever seen is the opening sequence from Lord of War. Amazing!

Catherine Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

In recent memory, Casino Royale comes to mind (except for that awful song...) and the Catch me if you can cartoon!!

Lauren Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

The one that most immediately comes to mind is Fight Club. Absolutely jarring, it perfectly set the tone for the movie.

Also, the rest of the movie was kinda lame, and I can't remember if this was a true opening-credits sequence, but I thought the opening of the movie Contact (1997, with Jodie Foster) was fantastic.

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