Movies

5 Introductions That Made Characters Iconic In The Blink Of An Eye

5 Introductions That Made Characters Iconic In The Blink Of An Eye
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Buena Vista Pictures

These five introductions made an incredibly lasting impression on countless fans and instantly elevated the characters to legendary status.

Many people believe that first impressions are important for a reason, and the same is true for fictional characters, as they can either make the audience instantly hate them or fall in love with them.

So here are five iconic character introductions that instantly elevated them to legendary status.

Indiana Jones — Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

One of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema deserves an equally iconic introduction, and the first Indiana Jones film did a masterful job.

The slow and mysterious build-up of a man with his face obscured making his way through the jungle, followed by his emergence from the shadows after disarming a thug with his whip, perfectly sets up the adventure to come.

Jack Sparrow — Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The first scene introducing the audience to one of the best characters in Johnny Depp 's entire career is nothing short of brilliant.

The music, Jack's mannerisms and swagger, and the perfect blend of thrilling adventure and comedy capture the essence of the entire movie in a single scene.

Hannibal Lecter — The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Considering how unforgettable Clarice Starling's first meeting with Dr. Hannibal Lecter was, it's no surprise that most fans don't even notice that he's barely present in the movie.

The cold, unblinking stare, the refined manners, the quiet voice that somehow gets under your skin - it all makes it crystal clear that Lecter is much, much more than your typical movie psycho, making him absolutely captivating.

The Joker — The Dark Knight (2008)

Heath Ledger blew everyone away with his portrayal of the mad clown, and the opening heist scene served as a perfect introduction to the character.

Confusing at first, by the end viewers are given their first taste of the Joker's chaotic nature, and the now-iconic line "I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you... stranger" was the icing on the cake.

Blade — Blade (1998)

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a thing, this was THE superhero introduction for many fans.

After a helpless victim finds himself in a club full of vampires, Wesley Snipes' Blade makes his entrance, dressed in total black in a room full of blood.

This is quickly followed by a brutal action scene with the "Daywalker" slaying bloodsuckers left and right to a killer soundtrack.