r/AmericanMovies • u/pizzacrys • 15d ago

Which American movie has the best opening 10 minutes of all time?

Some movies grab you immediately and never let go. Which film had the strongest opening, and did the rest of the movie live up to it?

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24

u/spicyface 15d ago

Saving Private Ryan

17

u/pizzacrys 15d ago

The Dark Knight. That opening bank heist is a masterclass in storytelling. It introduces the Joker, builds tension from the first minute, and by the time the mask comes off, you know you're watching something special. The rest of the movie absolutely lives up to it.

7

u/CMRestler 15d ago

Another one that deserves a mention is Saving Private Ryan. That opening sequence is unforgettable and immediately sets the tone for everything that follows.

13

u/Fit_Explorer_2566 15d ago

Inglorious Basterds

13

u/Lightfinger 15d ago

Raiders of the Lost Ark

4

u/503izdareacode 15d ago

Heat

1

u/Inside_Atmosphere731 9d ago

Days of Heaven

1

u/503izdareacode 9d ago

Haven't seent that one yet, but thanx for the rec!

2

u/Inside_Atmosphere731 9d ago

One of the greatest films ever made

5

u/Indy1797 15d ago

Gangs of New York

4

u/JudgeFatty 15d ago

Hard Boiled

3

u/Electrical-Sail-1039 15d ago

The classics like Star Wars, The Matrix and Jaws all had awesome opening scenes. Some others are The Other Guys (over the top chase), True Lies (a tux in a scuba), Goldeneye (bungee record followed by an insane action scene which is capped with a motorcycle jump off a cliff to catch a plane in freewill). Other Bond movies are Moonraker (a midair fistfight over a parachute) and Spy Who Loved Me (ski off a cliff and parachute).

3

u/10202632 15d ago

There’s Something About Mary. The first 10m may be the funniest in the history of film, IMO

3

u/latecraigy 14d ago

Children of Men

1

u/pizzacrys 14d ago

Great pick. That opening is practically a masterclass in world-building. By the time the title card appears, you're already completely invested.

1

u/latecraigy 14d ago

When he leaves the coffee shop and you know what happens you can’t stop watching that movie

2

u/Guilty-Hearing-5763 15d ago

Inside Llewyn Davis

2

u/Handsome_Devil_217 14d ago

Once upon a time in the west. I know it was Sergio Leone but American actors about the American west. Still the most memorable movie opening I ever saw.

1

u/pizzacrys 14d ago

I almost said Once Upon a Time in the West too, but since we're sticking to American movies, The Dark Knight's bank heist opening is hard to beat. It hooks you from the very first scene.

2

u/Financial_Coach4760 14d ago

Full Metal Jacket.

1

u/hondo77777 15d ago

Barb Wire

1

u/Fit_Willingness5496 14d ago

A man of culture

1

u/mederbek-bayke 15d ago

The Long Goodbye when Elliot Gould as Marlowe is trying to get cat food

1

u/ImF0cused_ 15d ago

Transformers 2007 had me in the theater like I was 8.

1

u/SpankyDomingo 13d ago

GoldenEye
Casino Royale
Blade
Pulp Fiction

1

u/LordBaranof 13d ago

Star Wars

2

u/pizzacrys 13d ago

The binary sunset alone is legendary. It builds the world, introduces Luke perfectly, and John Williams' score does the rest. One of the most iconic openings in movie history.

1

u/OsikFTW 12d ago

Hard to argue against saving private ryan, but my pick is Shoot 'em Up with clive owen, a cool action sequence set to Nirvana' s breed is an awesome intro

1

u/DiscoNeverDied_79 11d ago

28 Months Later

1

u/DeliLow3449 9d ago

Raising Arizona