Our Top 10 Movie Title Sequences

Which title sequences have us dreading the “Directed By” credit?

Movie title sequences are a fun way to put us through the opening credits. But, nowadays they’ve transformed into a sort of art form. Some films really use them to their advantage. They become a great way to introduce use to the tone of the story. So, which are the best?

The team here at ScreenHeads have given their verdict and the results are below!

10. Chaplin (1992)

Directed by the late Richard Attenborough, Chaplin is a tell all biopic centred on the iconic silent film actor. The opening is slow and sombre. We watch Robert Downey Jr’s Charlie Chaplin return to a dressing room in full Tramp costume and begin to remove every trace of the character’s make-up.

It denotes perfectly that we are about to delve deep into the life of Chaplin and uncover the lesser known facts of his life. A really beautiful opening all in all.

9. Deadpool 2 (2018)

The first Deadpool also had this trait, but this instalment just has more fun with it. Whereas Deadpool (2016) plays with the credits and the names of people involved in the film, this sequel pokes fun at the twist of the films opening whilst giving us a Bond-style sequence. They even have Celine-f*cking-Dion singing the song. Oh, Ryan Reynolds, your never fails to impress.

8. Star Wars (1977)

Need we say more? The Star Wars opening has become a staple of the Skywalker Saga and is recognisable worldwide. The theme tune is pretty much an ident for the film series. The sequence also has the inventive way of setting up the story with the opening crawl.

With the Skywalker Saga ending with The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, its sad to think that we’ll probably never see a fresh one of these again. Nevertheless, it will go down in history as one of the most well-known film openings of all time.

7. Superman (1978)

It was the first big screen superhero film and it kicked off the genre in style. Richard Donner’s Superman opens with a hype-filled score from the genius that is composer John Williams.

The soaring text may not look so incredible to us all here in 2021, but in 1978 it will have been incredible. Still, it was very ahead of its time as the sequence takes us on a journey to Krypton where the story begins.

6. Batman Returns (1992)

A dark and twisted entrance from Tim Burton. Using Danny Elfman’s groundbreaking score from Batman (1989), we are taken on a journey into Gotham’s sewers as we follow a baby/future villain Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin after being abandoned by his parents.

The sequence perfectly introduces us to the darkest tone for a superhero film and will no doubt give you chills every time you watch it.

5. Watchmen (2009)

Who knew an opening could be so informative? Zack Snyder’s first work in the world of DC Comics sees him introducing us to the history of The Watchmen through moving snapshots of different events in their history.

With twists on real historical events, and the unexpected use of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'”, you are fully introduced to this world and given all of the backstory you need without a single line of dialogue. One of the many reasons why Snyder is a master of his craft.

4. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Two of the standout moments from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)? The opening and the use of different items to hide/make fun of the main character’s genitals whenever he appears naked.

The Spy Who Shagged Me‘s opening blends these two together for a fitting musical number and makes us thankful that we have a sequel from start to finish. Plus, who ever thought we’d see Powers synchronised swimming? This definitely tells you that this film is going to be twice as wacky as the first outing.

3. The Graduate (1967)

It may not be everyone’s favourite, but if you are looking for artist and subtle, top class acting then this is scoring high. The Graduate tells the story of Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin Braddock, a young…well…graduate believe it or not. With the film’s story centring on how Braddock doesn’t know what to do with his future and starts out very unexcited, this sequences tells us just that.

Just one single, continuous shot that follow’s Braddock on a moving walkway in an airport as the credits play with Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” playing. A really great opening that gets us into the mind of the character’s current state. Really well executed and artsy.

2. Skyfall (2012)

Of all the Bond opening sequences, this definitely tops them. But, unfortunately it just falls short of our list’s top spot. Skyfall‘s usual Bond opening of 007 on a mission sees the character actually lose and fall to his death. a first for this agent, right?

The sequence has us following Bond as he sinks to the bottom of a river and then hers underground into a trance as he slips away from life. It can almost be read as us seeing things from Bond’s point of view as he “dies” and sees moments of his life flashing before his eyes, such as Skyfall Manor. A new type of intro for a Bond film that doesn’t lean too heavily into the whole gun and naked women montages.

1. Black Widow (2021)

And first place goes to the MCU’s latest big screen release. The opening of Black Widow is astounding to say the least. Giving nods to brainwashing, human trafficking and other psychological traumas, this sequence is haunting and a whole new level of eerie.

Topped with an incredible cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit, this is very unexpected territory for Marvel. It perfectly sets up the undertones of the plot and has you feeling uncomfortable as you learn so much about this Avenger’s horrific upbringing so quickly. After seeing this, you can only hope that Marvel make more of a habit having opening sequences moving forward. The last time the studio did this was with Iron Man 2 (2010).

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What do you think of our choices? Agree? Disagree? Believe other movie opening sequences deserved a spot on the list? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.