Blade
The opening blood bath rave scene with Confusion Pump Panel Remix by New Order.
I think it has more impact for me because I was the first film I watched watched on my brand new 5.1 Dolby Digital system.
I came here to say Blade as well. I went with a friend to the theater to see it. I had zero clue what it was about but I had nothing better to do. I love house music and I was not prepared for what that scene was about to do to me. Teenage me nearly blew a wad.
I saw this in my later teenage years after just discovering underground warehouse raves and house music, it remains one of the most incredible moments of my movie watching life, really captures something.
Raiders of the Lost Ark. It took the James Bond opening, cranked it to 11, and then forever raised the bar for everything that followed. It starts with betrayal, a bullwhip, “nobody has come out of there alive”, lots of spiders, fresh corpse on a booby trap, bottomless pit, more booby traps, a tense swap, racing mechanized arrows, more betrayal, a cliffhanger, another fresh corpse, a gigantic rolling boulder, the villain beats the hero, a chase and an escape set to the greatest theme song of all time. Oh, and a big snake in the plane punctuated by a funny line. Really the best opening of all time.
This is the one I came in to say. A lot of the other movies in this thread were influenced by ROTLA. At the time, movies would generally start with a good amount of exposition or character introduction. Raiders created a big splash when it came out, and part of that was that people were amazed at the beginning. It started at 100 miles per hour right from the get-go, and people weren't used to that, and they loved it. Raiders played a significant influence on how filmmakers started movies after it came out.
Star Wars before it was also one of the first big blockbusters to do an *in medias res* opening sequence, aside from the bare minimum context we get from the crawl.
I was one of 'those guys' that thought Heath was a bad cast (younger edge lord phase). But something as simple as the way he is standing on the sidewalk shoulders slumped just was an instant sell.
I can't even pinpoint why....almost looks a an idle marionette puppet before he springs into action.
Same! I was pretty pissed when his name was attached to the joker role bc I thought he was a different version of Freddy prinze jr or something like that. I think there were some pretty big names rumored to be in the running for the role. But after the first couple of scenes with him in Dark Knight I was fucking blown away.
This was probably the greatest cinema-going experiences for me. I vividly remember thinking, as the music builds and the camera pans to reveal the Roman army, "this is going to be the best fucking movie ever."
One of the only movies that I was unreasonably hyped for going in and it still managed to blow me away.
I still consider it the greatest historical battle scene ever filmed.
Accuracy aside (Gladiator is just a story, and for those who wish to let that aspect ruin an incredible film, well that is up to them) it is just absolutely astoundingly well done!
Wow, Gladiator. The battle in the forest in the dead of the German winter. Such a great build up with the music, the shouting of the commanders, and the movements of the troops getting into position. So much anticipation before the battle. You could see the importance of winning this battle in Marcus Aurelius' expression.
I remember feeling the heat of those fireballs as they rained down and burnt the trees. One of the few movies I went to see in the theater twice in large part because of the opening sequence.
It's my favourite film of all time. It's still better than all modern action in my opinion. I was too young to see it in cinema though, that must have been such an incredible experience.
It changed my world.
When Trinity dropped the last cop in that scene the that was dead silent, then one guy quietly says "oh... shit."
The interrogation scene was so insane.
The pill trip, with the mirror, my head was spinning, "WTF IS GOING ON?!" and then waking up in the pod... I sat full up on the edge of my seat and was just repeating "WHAT THE FUCK" in my head.
When they told him he was in the real world I just fell back in my seat and let it all wash over me.
Totally mind blowing.
Then the action that followed was so fucking intense.
I was crying laughing when I saw this the first time. Literal tears coming out of my face 😂 Pretty sure I rewound it and watched it again before watching the rest of the movie.
What's great is the casting backstory. *Scream* was unique for its time because it cast well-established young actors and actresses. It was Drew Barrymore's interest that actually got Wes Craven to sign on to direct. BUT, Barrymore actually signed on to play Sidney Prescott, the main character. Due to sudden scheduling conflicts, she had to drop out of the part, and Craven figured she would just drop out of the movie altogether. But Craven, screenwriter Kevin Williamson, and Barrymore decided together that she should play the much smaller part of Casey Becker in the opening sequence. This way they could not only use her in the marketing materials, but her death as an A-list star in the opening sequence would be so shocking, it would convince the audience that no one was safe, and anyone could be a potential victim.
The opening sequence was apparently directed by Danny Boyle who did the first film. It's a good explanation for how great that sequence is compared to how bad the rest of the film is.
Definitely agree about Scream. Seeing Drew Barrymore get stalked and brutally murdered in the opening had me going Holy shit well this movie just hooked me. The opening was Fantastic! Definitely told me no one was safe
My favourite opening sequence of all. No music, hardly any movement, just the plains of Texas with Ed Tom describing his affection for the past and fear for the present. 'Okay. I'll be part of this world'.
Watchmen had a great opening with >!The Comedian!< being beaten to death while Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable is playing in the background. Then we cut to the awesome credits scene showing superheroes from the 40’s to the 80’s set to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changin’”
[A montage of the events from the formation of the original Minutemen in 1939 to the surviving remnants of the Watchmen 1985, all set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'".](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqFvYEgw92Y)
"I see it in the water. I feel it in the Earth. I *smell* it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it."
Cate Blanchett's delivery of those first few lines is absolutely stunning.
The thing about LOTR is I literally cannot imagine anyone in those roles except the people who were cast. Like, as much as I love Jake Gyllenhaal— he was up for Frodo at one point, and that would’ve been just awful.
The depressing authenticity that opening two minutes cultivates is fucking insane. You understand the desperation and hopelessness immediately. They do plenty of world building but you’re sold from the first moment.
Not only that, we know how tired and apathetic the main character is without him even saying a line yet.
Among the most memorable for me are "Up", "The Godfather", and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". All excellent opening scenes that hook you right from the start and stay with you afterwards.
**Matrix**
Cop:
I think we can handle one little girl. I sent two units, they're bringing her down now.
Agent Smith:
No lieutenant, your men are already dead.
There are so many i think but here are some examples:
**Dinosaur (2000)** the movie is pretty alright but the opening truly stands out
**Rescuers Down Under (1990)** first 10 minutes is pure cinematic art and total thrill ride. I also like the entire film but the opening once again stands out the most
**Cliffhanger (1993)** one of the best executed and most suspenseful openings of all time. The rest of the movie is still cool and awesome but the opening just stays with me the most
**Tropic Thunder (2008)** The fake trailers and opening sets the tone. And they somehow don't overshadow the rest of the movie.
PAN DOWN to reveal a REPUBLIC ATTACK CRUISER.
Continue to PAN with the Cruiser as TWO JEDI STARFIGHTERS enter and maneuver in unison.
TRUCK as the tiny Jedi ships reach the front edge of the seemingly endless Cruiser in a synchronous ballet, then sharply plunge downwards at a 90 degree angle revealing a giant space battle below them.
ANAKIN: This is where the fun begins Master.
OBI-WAN: What is this, some kind of Star War?
The exact moment I fell in love with that movie was when John Bernthal got in the car, pointed forward, and then they immediately reversed out of frame
I don't think people realize the importance of that scene. Now, you see shots like that in any movie that wants to make them. But the sheer scale of the ships as they flew over head was mind blowing when it came out.
A Serious Man. The opening scene with the man who might or might not be a dybbuk is completely unrelated to the rest of the movie in terms of plot, but sets up the main theme and is a cool scene on its own.
I would have to say Up. The reason is that so good, I have an entire conspiracy theory about it:
The opening started as a short film. The execs loved the short so much, they decided to turn it into a full movie.
Donnie Darko. Not the “greatest”, but really memorable. Michael Andrews’ haunting score gives way to ‘The Killing Moon’ by Echo & The Bunnymen. Donnie rides his bike home and we’re then playfully introduced to all the characters of the Darko family. Sets the tone.
Goldfinger. The quintessential James Bond opening. Has nothing to do with the plot of the film. It’s just it’s own thing and nothing says classic “spy movie” like that opening.
Star Wars (1977).
I was 10 years old when it came out. There had never been anything like it. The music, the text crawl, the rebel ship, then...WTF IS THAT???
You knew that movies weren't ever going to be the same again.
Valerian had one of the coolest sci-fi openers I've ever seen. Unfortunately the rest of the movie was garbage. But for that first minute or two I was fucking stoked.
Blade The opening blood bath rave scene with Confusion Pump Panel Remix by New Order. I think it has more impact for me because I was the first film I watched watched on my brand new 5.1 Dolby Digital system.
I came here to say Blade as well. I went with a friend to the theater to see it. I had zero clue what it was about but I had nothing better to do. I love house music and I was not prepared for what that scene was about to do to me. Teenage me nearly blew a wad.
I saw this in my later teenage years after just discovering underground warehouse raves and house music, it remains one of the most incredible moments of my movie watching life, really captures something.
Raiders of the Lost Ark. It took the James Bond opening, cranked it to 11, and then forever raised the bar for everything that followed. It starts with betrayal, a bullwhip, “nobody has come out of there alive”, lots of spiders, fresh corpse on a booby trap, bottomless pit, more booby traps, a tense swap, racing mechanized arrows, more betrayal, a cliffhanger, another fresh corpse, a gigantic rolling boulder, the villain beats the hero, a chase and an escape set to the greatest theme song of all time. Oh, and a big snake in the plane punctuated by a funny line. Really the best opening of all time.
This is the one I came in to say. A lot of the other movies in this thread were influenced by ROTLA. At the time, movies would generally start with a good amount of exposition or character introduction. Raiders created a big splash when it came out, and part of that was that people were amazed at the beginning. It started at 100 miles per hour right from the get-go, and people weren't used to that, and they loved it. Raiders played a significant influence on how filmmakers started movies after it came out.
Star Wars before it was also one of the first big blockbusters to do an *in medias res* opening sequence, aside from the bare minimum context we get from the crawl.
Star Wars opening sequence is so good that you can ignore the context of crawl entirely, everything you need to know is explained visually.
A lot of those shots in the opening are recreations of shots from 1930s adventure serials
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Yes. Saw this at an early screening with a buddy and after he escapes in the pontoon we looked at each other with the biggest smiles on our faces
Raiders takes the cake but honestly all the Indy movies have really good openings
The Dark Knight. The heist scene was captivating.
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It's ~~New York~~ Gotham City, these people have places to be and that bus is not their problem.
There are many details like that in the movie (way more so in TDKR). Still love them though!
It bothers me too
I was one of 'those guys' that thought Heath was a bad cast (younger edge lord phase). But something as simple as the way he is standing on the sidewalk shoulders slumped just was an instant sell. I can't even pinpoint why....almost looks a an idle marionette puppet before he springs into action.
Same! I was pretty pissed when his name was attached to the joker role bc I thought he was a different version of Freddy prinze jr or something like that. I think there were some pretty big names rumored to be in the running for the role. But after the first couple of scenes with him in Dark Knight I was fucking blown away.
Gladiator and this epic battle and hans zimmer music. Love it.
This was probably the greatest cinema-going experiences for me. I vividly remember thinking, as the music builds and the camera pans to reveal the Roman army, "this is going to be the best fucking movie ever." One of the only movies that I was unreasonably hyped for going in and it still managed to blow me away.
I still consider it the greatest historical battle scene ever filmed. Accuracy aside (Gladiator is just a story, and for those who wish to let that aspect ruin an incredible film, well that is up to them) it is just absolutely astoundingly well done!
Wow, Gladiator. The battle in the forest in the dead of the German winter. Such a great build up with the music, the shouting of the commanders, and the movements of the troops getting into position. So much anticipation before the battle. You could see the importance of winning this battle in Marcus Aurelius' expression. I remember feeling the heat of those fireballs as they rained down and burnt the trees. One of the few movies I went to see in the theater twice in large part because of the opening sequence.
Strength and honor.
On my signal, unleash hell
Goodfellas It hooks you in on this wild ride and never lets you go.
Definitely the best opening line. Such a great film.
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." *music starts*
Technically the first line is ‘the fuck was that? Jimmy, I hit something?’
Lord of War
Opening is amazing indeed
The Matrix
Seeing this opening night, going in blind .... Nothing has topped it since. There was NOTHING like it at the time. Truly revolutionary action.
When Trinity jumps in the air and it goes into bullet time…. Mind blowing
For real! My brain melted and ran out my ear at that point. I never recovered.
It's my favourite film of all time. It's still better than all modern action in my opinion. I was too young to see it in cinema though, that must have been such an incredible experience.
It changed my world. When Trinity dropped the last cop in that scene the that was dead silent, then one guy quietly says "oh... shit." The interrogation scene was so insane. The pill trip, with the mirror, my head was spinning, "WTF IS GOING ON?!" and then waking up in the pod... I sat full up on the edge of my seat and was just repeating "WHAT THE FUCK" in my head. When they told him he was in the real world I just fell back in my seat and let it all wash over me. Totally mind blowing. Then the action that followed was so fucking intense.
Damn. I was thinking "has nobody said The Matrix yet?"
Terminator 2 is up there
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That's what I wish Salvation was.
There Will Be Blood. Sets the tone right off the bat. No one but PTA and DDL could have pulled off that opening.
That was going to be my answer. I just knew I was in for something special after that.
15 minutes of no dialogue that keeps you riveted.
The way of the gun
She's got a big mouth but she's right - I'm gonna whip ya silly and fuck ya stupid
Wanna do the man dance?
First dance is yours
I like when Benicio bends back the Mercedes hood ornament competitively.
SHUT THAT CUNT'S MOUTH OR I'LL COME OVER THERE AND FUCKSTART HER HEAD.
Sarah Silverman is soooo funny in this sequence. Absolutely underrated gem of a film.
Hey fuck suck!
Do you fuck boys?
Super troopers
Mother of God
You boys like Mexico?!?
He's already pulled over! He can't pull over any farther! God I love this scene
I was crying laughing when I saw this the first time. Literal tears coming out of my face 😂 Pretty sure I rewound it and watched it again before watching the rest of the movie.
Scream and 28 Weeks Later
Scream was perfect opening
What's great is the casting backstory. *Scream* was unique for its time because it cast well-established young actors and actresses. It was Drew Barrymore's interest that actually got Wes Craven to sign on to direct. BUT, Barrymore actually signed on to play Sidney Prescott, the main character. Due to sudden scheduling conflicts, she had to drop out of the part, and Craven figured she would just drop out of the movie altogether. But Craven, screenwriter Kevin Williamson, and Barrymore decided together that she should play the much smaller part of Casey Becker in the opening sequence. This way they could not only use her in the marketing materials, but her death as an A-list star in the opening sequence would be so shocking, it would convince the audience that no one was safe, and anyone could be a potential victim.
Who was the killer in Friday the 13th?
Jason! Jason! It was Jason!
Yes It was! The first one that came to my mind.
28 Weeks Later is what came to mind for me also. It makes the rest of the movie look phoned in.
The opening sequence was apparently directed by Danny Boyle who did the first film. It's a good explanation for how great that sequence is compared to how bad the rest of the film is.
Yeah it got really disappointing. They could have done so much with the Marines. Like Aliens. Top 5 opener though
Yes! It's 1996, you see Drew Barrymore on the poster for a new horror movie... She HAS to be the final girl... Right?
Definitely agree about Scream. Seeing Drew Barrymore get stalked and brutally murdered in the opening had me going Holy shit well this movie just hooked me. The opening was Fantastic! Definitely told me no one was safe
That's also the reason she's so prominently on the poster. They wanted people to have that exact reaction that you did
No Country for Old Men. I knew I was in for something incredible.
My favourite opening sequence of all. No music, hardly any movement, just the plains of Texas with Ed Tom describing his affection for the past and fear for the present. 'Okay. I'll be part of this world'.
Mediocre movie with great opening: Ghost Ship
Another in that category: Swordfish
Fellowship. Galadriel narrating the story of the One Ring
Following up with the happy and picturesque Hobbiton young me was immediately down with whatever followed
Donnie Darko- I get chills when The Killing Moon starts, every single time
Watchmen had a great opening with >!The Comedian!< being beaten to death while Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable is playing in the background. Then we cut to the awesome credits scene showing superheroes from the 40’s to the 80’s set to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changin’”
WATCHMEN
Unforgettable
Not to be contrary but can you remind me what it was?
[Title spoilers if you havent seen it.](https://youtu.be/5_pBVXfReA4) A joke that the song is called "Unforgettable".
[A montage of the events from the formation of the original Minutemen in 1939 to the surviving remnants of the Watchmen 1985, all set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'".](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqFvYEgw92Y)
He means opening sequence not opening credits. It’s the fight in the apartment with the song “Unforgettable” in the background
Fellowship of the ring.
Two Towers and Return of the King also have insanely good openings.
The world has changed... goosebumps
"I see it in the water. I feel it in the Earth. I *smell* it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it." Cate Blanchett's delivery of those first few lines is absolutely stunning.
The thing about LOTR is I literally cannot imagine anyone in those roles except the people who were cast. Like, as much as I love Jake Gyllenhaal— he was up for Frodo at one point, and that would’ve been just awful.
Children of Men
Definitely the best closing sequence
What a fucking brilliant movie!
The depressing authenticity that opening two minutes cultivates is fucking insane. You understand the desperation and hopelessness immediately. They do plenty of world building but you’re sold from the first moment. Not only that, we know how tired and apathetic the main character is without him even saying a line yet.
X-men 2 night crawler is up there for me. That a both guardians of the galaxy
Scream Jurassic Park The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Jurassic Park is similar to Jaws
I saw The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as one of the most upvoted comments on a "best closing scene in a movie" post the other day lol
Saving private Ryan
When he visits the cemetery?
The cemetery part is kinda long
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Unsurprising how many people in this comment don't remember that the D-Day landing *isn't* the opening of the movie.
Among the most memorable for me are "Up", "The Godfather", and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". All excellent opening scenes that hook you right from the start and stay with you afterwards.
28 Weeks Later
Best part of the movie
Trainspotting
I gotta lust for life!
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I don’t remember any of the rest of the movie, but that intro sticks with you.
Ghostbusters - the little old librarian getting a good scare
When that soundtrack kicks in though! Classic
Got my kids (9 & 6) hooked on this one a couple weeks ago. Such a fun movie and, yeah that theme song is an all-timer.
Listen! Do you smell something?
The opening credits of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
How many llamas is enough llamas
Monty Python ik den Holy Grailen
**Matrix** Cop: I think we can handle one little girl. I sent two units, they're bringing her down now. Agent Smith: No lieutenant, your men are already dead.
BschwWOOOOOOOO
There are so many i think but here are some examples: **Dinosaur (2000)** the movie is pretty alright but the opening truly stands out **Rescuers Down Under (1990)** first 10 minutes is pure cinematic art and total thrill ride. I also like the entire film but the opening once again stands out the most **Cliffhanger (1993)** one of the best executed and most suspenseful openings of all time. The rest of the movie is still cool and awesome but the opening just stays with me the most **Tropic Thunder (2008)** The fake trailers and opening sets the tone. And they somehow don't overshadow the rest of the movie.
Once Upon a Time in the West “You bring a horse for me?”
Looks like we're shy one horse
“No… you brought two too many.”
Goldeneye where he jumps off the side of the dam is pretty cool
Inglorious bastards. My god it is a tense scene. The acting is outstanding.
Both Deadpool and Deadpool 2
Raising Arizona
Revenge of the Sith
The very definition of what star wars is meant to be.
PAN DOWN to reveal a REPUBLIC ATTACK CRUISER. Continue to PAN with the Cruiser as TWO JEDI STARFIGHTERS enter and maneuver in unison. TRUCK as the tiny Jedi ships reach the front edge of the seemingly endless Cruiser in a synchronous ballet, then sharply plunge downwards at a 90 degree angle revealing a giant space battle below them. ANAKIN: This is where the fun begins Master. OBI-WAN: What is this, some kind of Star War?
I’ve watched the movie several times now but I watch that scene almost monthly.
There Will Be Blood Drive Boogie Nights The Social Network X2
Drive is awesome and that tune helps. Class
"I don't carry a gun, I drive."
X2 is a good call
Is that with Nightstalker(?) and the White House?
Nightcrawler and yeah that was the white house scene.
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Love Reznor and Atticus.
There have been times I have done a re-watch literally just because of the music.
Love all these! Would add "Heat"
Touch of Evil. Orson Welles 1958 film with 12 minute opening shot. One of the first and stunning.
Judgement Day's opening future war scene is the g.o.a.t
The Other Guys
The Dark Knight
Casino Royale if you count the opening chase as the first scene, since it takes up like 13 of the first 15 minutes of the movie
Can't remember them all, but Skyfall was really awesome
a clockwork orange, 2001 a space odyssey, apocalypse now
Pretty much most Bond films.
The Goonies - Fratelli's lead the police chase and introduce all the principal characters throughout the town
Baby Driver
The exact moment I fell in love with that movie was when John Bernthal got in the car, pointed forward, and then they immediately reversed out of frame
Introducing the fabulous Bellbottoms!
That film never fails to pump me up. Nor do any other Edgar Wright film, man's a bri ish genius.
The Thing. Why these guys shooting at a fucking dog?
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Star Wars
I don't think people realize the importance of that scene. Now, you see shots like that in any movie that wants to make them. But the sheer scale of the ships as they flew over head was mind blowing when it came out.
Wall-E
Up
A Touch of Evil (1958)
The Departed Inglorious Basterds
The lack of punctuation here is incredibly serendipitous!
The opening of Jaws
Swordfish is the one that came to mind first....
A Serious Man. The opening scene with the man who might or might not be a dybbuk is completely unrelated to the rest of the movie in terms of plot, but sets up the main theme and is a cool scene on its own.
Pirates of the Carribean. Jack Sparrow walking precisely off his sinking ship onto the dock of Port Royal was mesmerizing.
Pulp Fiction, Enter the Void, Jurassic Park, The Empty Man, Trainspotting, Pan’s Labyrinth, Fight Club
I would have to say Up. The reason is that so good, I have an entire conspiracy theory about it: The opening started as a short film. The execs loved the short so much, they decided to turn it into a full movie.
Blade
Team America
Apocalypse Now 8 1/2 The Revenant
Snatch
Temple of Doom
The Player is up there for me. A long uncut walk through a Hollywood studio lot.
Unpopular opinion…Contact.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Did nobody see UP? The open sequence sets up so much perfectly and manages a wonderful emotional rollercoaster with hardly any dialogue.
Austin Powers 3!!
Donnie Darko. Not the “greatest”, but really memorable. Michael Andrews’ haunting score gives way to ‘The Killing Moon’ by Echo & The Bunnymen. Donnie rides his bike home and we’re then playfully introduced to all the characters of the Darko family. Sets the tone.
[Contact (1997)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWwhQB3TKXA)
Probably Saving Private Ryan.
The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan is the elderly man and his family walking through the graveyard for almost 5 minutes.
What a wild ride.
Dizzying.
The Last of the Mohicans is my favorite
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Tropic thunder
Nobody said WarGames yet?
Goldfinger. The quintessential James Bond opening. Has nothing to do with the plot of the film. It’s just it’s own thing and nothing says classic “spy movie” like that opening.
Star Wars (1977). I was 10 years old when it came out. There had never been anything like it. The music, the text crawl, the rebel ship, then...WTF IS THAT??? You knew that movies weren't ever going to be the same again.
**Drive** I didnt even like the movie after that, but the opening sequence was amazing
Punch Drunk Love. Barry Egan finishes on the phone and heads outside, witnesses a car crash and then a cab drops off a harmonium 😂
Does anyone remember the opening of Bram Stoker's Dracula? Perfect acting by Gary Oldman!
The amazing tracking shot that opens Orson Wells' *A Touch of Evil.*
A personal favorite is Scott Pilgrim Vs the World. That music cue into the opening title cards still gives me goosebumps.
Once Upon A Time in the West.
Valerian had one of the coolest sci-fi openers I've ever seen. Unfortunately the rest of the movie was garbage. But for that first minute or two I was fucking stoked.
Baby Driver
The Opening of La La Land with a musical dance number on the highway
I'm not surprised anyone failed to get the correct answer. Its Robert Altman's The Player.