10 Favorite Opening Film Credits

[BeBopBaby]

I'm a fan of The Big Lebowski in every possible way.

YES!

I'd like to add The Beatles' Hard Days Night opening credits to the list. One of my all-time favorites.

And Dr. Strangelove.

 

[BeBopBaby]

There was a film that the great Saul Bass did the opening credits for
were there is a black feline
slinking it's way down a city sidewalk,
but having only seen a clip, I don't know the film's title...
but would add that.

Are you describing the opening credits of Cat on a Hot tin Roof?

 

[Doctor Strange]

No need to be upset, kiltie - I'm not surprised that we both responded!

Those of us who first saw the film years ago always knew that shot just as the opening title sequence, even though Welles' fury about it was equally well known amongst film buffs. It wasn't until they restored the film following Welles' notes (maybe 10 years ago?) that you could see that incredible shot without the titles superimposed.

 

[KY Gentleman]

"The Big Chill" had an interesting opening. The friend whose suicide brought all of his college buddies together is prepared for a funeral. Its the only time you see Kevin Costner in the film (he was the corpse) and you never see his face!

 

[kiltie]

No need to be upset, kiltie - I'm not surprised that we both responded!

Those of us who first saw the film years ago always knew that shot just as the opening title sequence, even though Welles' fury about it was equally well known amongst film buffs. It wasn't until they restored the film following Welles' notes (maybe 10 years ago?) that you could see that incredible shot without the titles superimposed.

I was lucky enough that the first time I saw ToE it was during the re-re-edit revival on the big screen, like you say, about ten years ago. Man, that movie... A whole, WHOLE 'nuther thread.

 

[Lady Day]

no one's mentioned the amazing unbroken three-minute shot that starts Wells' A Touch of Evil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm0mG2Tb6EM

I intentionally left Touch of Evil out of my list because it is not about the opening credits, but the first iconic shot of the film, which is not the criteria for which I set up this thread.

LD

 

[Cricket]

In no particular order:

True Romance
Psycho
Raging Bull
Rescuers Down Under, yes Lady Day you rock!
Se7en
Catch Me if You Can
Sweeney Todd
Reservoir Dogs (probably my fave)
Fight Club
Casino
L.A. Confindential
Once Upon a Time in the West

and the list could go on.

Great thread Lady Day!

 

[filfoster]

Great opening credits/scenes

The Third Man: The zither music is awesome;
Schindler's List: sad but so evocative
Any Sean Connery Bond film, just because.
To Kill a Mockingbird

 

[HadleyH]

No one said Dr. No yet?

Yes, Dr.No and all the James Bond films. These are the only opening films credits that stuck in my mind. I can't remember any others.

 

[vitanola]

"Piccadilly", the 1929 Anna May Wong / Gilda Gray backstager.

The opening shot is of traffic on the Piccadilly Circus, with the credits being advertisements on the sides of the London Busses which pass the camera.

 

[FATS88]

Are you describing the opening credits of Cat on a Hot tin Roof?

I don't think so, because the clip was B&W.
I have seen Cat on... or, I should say; I was in the same room
the tv was while my Mother watched it, I was probably 5, or 6.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Yes, Dr.No and all the James Bond films. These are the only opening films credits that stuck in my mind. I can't remember any others.

Especially On Her Majesty's Secret Service - all of the ex villains and Bond lovelies going through an hour glass.

And , although not just the opening credit but the opening scene too of The Spy Who Love Me, skiing of the cliff, the climax and then falling into the women hands AND Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better".

 

[Edward]

Hmnn.... the ones that spring to mind for me aren't exactly vintage in the main, but....

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Cry Baby

Trainspotting

Reservoir Dogs

Rock and Roll High School

More will probably occur to me later....

 

[kiltie]

Hmnn.... the ones that spring to mind for me aren't exactly vintage in the main, but....

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Cry Baby

Trainspotting

Reservoir Dogs

Rock and Roll High School

More will probably occur to me later....

Attaboy!
Rocky Horror: as soon as I read it, "...Science fiction, double feature..." popped into my head with the BIG RED LIPS. That is a memorable opening credit sequence.
AND
Rock and Roll High School
AND
Cry Baby on the same list. Shameless!!! ...but in a good way...:eusa_clap

 

[ortega76]

True Romance

SLC Punk

Highlander

Pulp Fiction

to name a few

 

[blacklagoon]

One of my all time favourite movie opening credits,is from the Dirk Bogarde film: Ill Met By Moonlight.

 

[BruceTracy]

Highlander

I love Queen's Princes of the Universe (it also makes me thoroughly enjoy the opening titles of the Highlander TV series, and you hear even more of the song in the TV series opening too )

Pulp Fiction

I love the music that plays during the titles of Pulp Fiction but have no idea what the piece of music is called. Does anyone here know? I would love to have it on my iPod.

 

[BruceTracy]

Batman (1989)
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (thanks for reminding me Lady Day :eusa_clap )
(R.I.P. Shirley Walker )

Batman Forever

Casino Royale (2006) (I actually enjoy the opening titles and song more than the rest of the movie. lol)

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Spider-Man 2 (Awesome paintings by Alex Ross :eusa_clap )

The Shadow (1994)

Rocky III (I'm not sure if this counts since it isn't technically a title sequence, but it's at the very beginning of the movie. I love the song eye of the Tiger. :eusa_clap )

 

[Lady Day]

SLC Punk

I havent seen that move in a loooooog time. I forget the credits. Ill have to check it out.

LD

 

[UWS Cowboy]

Well, I have to say Watchmen's opening credits are probably the best I've ever seen.