Within the first few minutes of a horror movie, nothing beats that immediate urge to flick on every light in the house. Those initial moments are crucial; they either set the perfect terrifying tone or have you glancing at your watch. This list showcases 10 movies that masterfully glued viewers’ eyes to the screen (or forced them to peek through their fingers) right from the opening scene. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes tidbits too!
Please proceed with caution and perhaps a cozy blanket – spoilers lie ahead!
10 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
What’s scarier than a killer you can flee from? A killer you can’t. This is the genius behind Freddy Krueger, whose ability to taunt his victims sets him apart from his silent, awake-world counterparts. In the opening scene of Wes Craven’s original masterpiece, we meet Tina, who we initially believe will be our main hero (a clever trick you’ll see again on this list). The first 13 minutes are a masterclass in suspense. From the startling scream of a goat (still a bit odd, but it makes me jump!), Freddy’s unnervingly long arms, Tina tearing off his face, to the climactic horror of Rod’s screams as Tina is dragged across the ceiling, viewers are left wondering what they’ve just witnessed.
9 Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Three years after Halloween and one year after the original Friday the 13th, the slasher genre was booming. After the first film’s success, many assumed Alice would be the franchise’s Laurie Strode. Alice was a strong character; if she could defeat Mrs. Voorhees, she could face anyone. Originally, the plan was for her to face Jason.
However, this changed when actress Adrianne King experienced harassment from a stalker after the first film. She wasn’t keen on returning as the lead but agreed to a smaller role. This real-life terror ironically led to one of the most effective jump-scares in slasher history: Alice opens the refrigerator to find the decaying head of the woman who had chillingly chanted, “Kill her, Mommy. Kill her,” not long before.
8 It (2017)
The 1990 miniseries holds a cherished spot for horror fans. Arguably, Georgie Denbrough’s death is one scene that remains chilling even 30 years later. (Fun fact: The 2017 version of It was released 27 years after the miniseries, matching Pennywise’s hibernation cycle – how cool is that?) With Tim Curry’s portrayal being so iconic, the 2017 film had big shoes to fill.
The filmmakers needed to recreate this pivotal scene, vital to the overall story, yet make it fresh. They achieved this with different dialogue, added shock value, an intense musical score, and a more graphic depiction that fully utilized its R-rating. This new take stood on its own, delivering a superior, gut-wrenching moment. Poor Georgie, it really was a nice boat.
7 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Admittedly, the opening of this terrifying film isn’t a traditional scene. It’s text on a screen accompanied by John Larroquette’s voice, in his first Hollywood role. The words themselves, combined with Larroquette’s grave delivery, immediately immerse you in the grimy, brutal world you’re about to experience for the next 90 minutes.
This opening crawl (sorry, Star Wars) makes the group’s road trip feel deeply unsettling even before the hitchhiker appears. Once he’s in the mix, he effortlessly carries the torch of discomfort. The opening narration is so intertwined with the series that you can’t help but hear his voice when you say the film’s title. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. See? You did it too.
6 Ghost Ship (2002)
While this might be the weakest overall movie on this list, its opening scene is undeniably effective. It evokes the ballroom scene from The Shining with its laughter, music, and general atmosphere. You’re unsure what’s about to happen or the purpose of that ominous string being set up.
Then, a wire slices across the crowded dance floor, and we’re forced to witness the gruesome aftermath from a little girl’s perspective. As mentioned, this incredible opening didn’t lead to an equally great film, but it certainly primed us for one, delivering a shocking and memorable start.
5 Scream (1996)
Perhaps what makes this opening so iconic isn’t just the brilliant writing and directing, but also Drew Barrymore’s request to be cast as Casey Becker. Everyone expected her to be the final girl, the one who survives. It’s likely a perfect storm of both these elements.
Thanks to these factors, the scene masterfully transitions from a feeling of safety, where the audience enjoys meta-humor about other horror movies (Craven poking fun at the A Nightmare on Elm Street sequels is always a treat), to slight unease, and finally to sheer panic. This arc mirrors exactly what Casey Becker experiences, making it incredibly powerful filmmaking.
4 Sinister (2012)
This film, recently dubbed the scariest ever made based on a blood pressure study, owes much of its terror to the disturbing “home films” it features. This brings us to the movie’s opening: the tree-hanging home movie. The eerie musical score, the grainy footage, and the complete lack of context for what’s unfolding make you hold your breath.
When that tree branch finally snaps, your jaw drops with it. On re-watches, it’s even more chilling to spot Bagul lurking in the background, adding another layer of dread to an already terrifying sequence.
3 The Ring (2002)
From Candyman to Bloody Mary, urban legends provide a unique, fear-induced thrill. What makes The Ring so terrifying is almost the opposite of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Samara, the monster of The Ring, is entirely avoidable: just don’t watch the cursed tape!
Yet, when Katie recounts the story of the tape, it feels far less cheesy than it should. There’s something deeply effective about it. We then see the static-filled TV, hear that chilling voice whisper “seven days” over the phone, and watch water seep under the door. Brilliantly, the film then makes the audience wait. The scare is lodged in your throat. The story moves to a funeral scene, and just when you’re least expecting it, you’re hit with the horrifying image of Katie in the closet, her scream echoing through the theater.
2 Jaws (1975)
It’s often said that Jaws made the world afraid of sharks, but I’d argue it’s specifically the opening scene that did the trick. The mechanical shark created for the film, affectionately nicknamed Bruce, was notoriously unreliable. This forced director Steven Spielberg to improvise, and we are all the better for it.
What makes the shark in Jaws so terrifying is that you don’t see it for so long; your imagination fills in the horrifying blanks. Initially, the music builds as the camera pans up towards Chrissie. Then, John Williams’ iconic score hits a sudden, jarring piano break as Chrissie is violently jerked and pulled under. It’s enough to make anyone rethink their next beach trip.
1 Halloween (1978)
The night He came home. Was there ever any doubt this would top the list? From the glowing jack-o’-lantern during the opening credits to the chilling first-person point-of-view shot as we approach the Myers house, the audience knows they’re in for something truly unsettling. Watching Judith and her boyfriend being spied upon makes viewers grip their armrests. Hearts pound as we walk through the kitchen and a knife is grabbed.
Our perspective then enters Judith’s room, and through her terrified screams, we learn the killer’s name: Michael. The final shock comes when Michael’s father removes his mask, revealing a six-year-old boy in a clown costume. Perhaps the scariest part is staring into Michael’s vacant, black eyes, while he appears surrounded by a typical suburban family. He has a seemingly normal home, parents who go out, and a teenage sister. There’s no visible trauma, no rhyme or reason for his actions—just pure, unadulterated evil. It’s just as Dr. Loomis described. That’s right, Rob Zombie, I’m looking at you.
These opening scenes don’t just introduce a story; they grab you by the throat and set a terrifying precedent for what’s to come. They are a testament to the power of a strong start in horror cinema.
What’s your favorite horror movie opening scene? Did it make the list? Leave your comment below and let us know!
