The best movie opening scene...

Agreed, though I liked the rest of the movie. But that opening sequence was outstanding.

 

As a total Simpsons geek, the Movie had a great opening scene. The Itchy and Scratchy scene was well done, and then Homer stands and makes fun of the audience for watching something in the movies that you can see for free at home. Then the screen opens up from a TV-sized shot to the full-blown movie widescreen, with Professor Frink supplying the "Movie! Blaven!"

 

Miller's Crossing? I fart in your general direction.

A moose once bit my sister... No realli!

 

Some great ones mentioned. One I happen to be watching now: Gladiator.

"On my mark, unleash Hell." Fantastic movie, start to finish.

SPR I think is the best. Star Wars is right up there, and from anyone I know who saw it when it first came out, they were blown away right from the start. From the size and scope of the opening shots to the effects, it was revolutionary.

Good call by whomever mentioned Alien. One of the great movies of all time. One of the few that ever scared me as a kid.

Terminator 2's opening was solid, but not in the same class as some of these others.

Casino Royale's was pretty outstanding.

 

1941, with the periscope from the Japanese sub coming up between the naked swimmer from Jaws' legs

 

bigpern, that's what I meant with Star Wars. First movie I ever saw in the theaters and that opening sequence alone....well, it's no wonder I'm such a sci-fi geek.

 

The Coens have done at least two films better than Miller's Crossing, which always struck me as overly staged.

 

Blasphemy (although No Country is pretty damn close). I'm praying to you, look in your heart. Look in your heart.

And if that doesn't work, take your flunky and dangle.

 

As Jonesy pointed out, Omaha Beach is not SPR's opening scene.

I'll take Derek Jacobi ("Oh, for a muse of fire..") from Branagh's Henry V.

And, of course, Apocalypse Now. Best use anyone ever made of the Doors.

 

Lotta good candidates here. I'd forgotten about Troy's opening. Second nod for that one. The first movie that came to mind for me was Full Metal Jacket. I can't say I've really enjoyed any of Kubrick's movies on the whole, but FMJ's opening scene in the Parris Island barracks is simply riveting.

 

I'll go with Star Wars as my favorite. The credits then Star Destroyer chasing the Rebel ship. The theater shook it was so loud.

I'll give Saving Private Ryan a definite yes. Someone mentioned Patton, that was solid.

The beginning of Reservoir Dogs in the restaurant.

And I would hardly call Night of the Living Dead lowbrow. Dumb and Dumber and Bily Madison is lowbrow.

 

Uh Simon, it's supposed to be like that.

I'll agree, they have done better, but Miller's Crossing is a terrific film.