5 Horror Opening Scenes That Are Lowkey Better Than The Rest of The Movie

A horror movie's opening scene sets the tone, grabbing the audience's attention from the first seconds and anticipating what's to come. While some horrors are able to maintain the intensity and scare throughout the entire movie, there are cases where the opening scene becomes the standout moment and outshines the rest of the movie.

Here are the top 5 most memorable horror movie opening scenes that have left a lasting impression on the viewer and are forever etched in the history of cinematography.

5. It: Chapter One (2017)

With its graphic depiction of Pennywise biting off Georgie's arm and dragging him into the sewer, the opening scene of the remake of Stephen King 's It shocks and warns audiences. This memorable and chilling scene establishes the presence of the menacing entity that haunts the town of Derry and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

4. Scream ( 1996)

With two strangers waking up in a filthy bathroom chained at opposite ends of the room, the opening scene of James Wan's horror immediately plunges viewers into Jigsaw's high-stakes survival game. It introduces the intricate and twisted traps that define the movie series, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from the start.

3. Saw (2004)

With two strangers waking up in a grimy bathroom, chained to opposite ends of the room, the opening scene of James Wan’s horror immediately plunges the audience into a high-stakes game of survival from Jigsaw. It introduces the intricate and twisted traps that define the film series, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats from the very beginning.

2. A Quiet Place ( 2018)

The movie's unique premise, where silence is essential for survival, is effectively established in the opening scene. The tension and suspense build as the family makes their way through the treacherous world inhabited by deadly creatures, creating a suspenseful and unforgettable beginning that leaves audiences literally speechless by the end.

1. Jaws (1975)

With its tense and thrilling scene of a shark attacking an innocent victim, Jaws sets the stage from the very beginning. This encounter between an unsuspecting swimmer and the unseen predator builds tension and fear, making it one of the most realistic and terrifying openings in horror cinema.