Have you been looking for the most iconic scenes in movie history? We search the history of popular film making to find the most loved movie scenes which remain in your memory and make that emotional connection.
Film history is rich and versatile, spanning many decades full of iconic moments that have been parodied and referenced many times. In the 21st century, cinema is bigger than ever before, so let's look back at the most famous movie scenes and their impact on future films.
Iconic Movie Moments
Whether it's a famous line or one scene, there are many memorable moments from movie history we can't help but quote and reference in our daily lives.
The Hollywood Era provided the world with beautiful opening scenes and iconic movies such as Pulp Fiction, Dirty Dancing and The Breakfast Club, and this article is all about the best scenes of all time. Whether you have only seen these scenes or the entire movie, let's dive back into the most memorable scenes the film world has to offer.
Top 20 Most Famous Movie Scenes
Psycho (1960) the shower scene
The 1960 iconic movie Pyscho, brought to the world by Alfred Hitchcock.
Produced by Universal Pictures and winning the Edgar Award for Best Picture Screenplay, this scene is one of the most movie scenes you will ever see.
Shot in black and white, this slightly graphic scene featured an innovative idea of chocolate syrup as blood, not disappointing audiences and shocking them even today.
The Sound of Music (1965) opening scene
The opening scene of the Sound of Music is one that everyone can quote, whether you have seen this picture or not.
This 1965 feature stars Julie Andrews in one of her most notable roles, and the famous line from her opening song can be heard by all audiences; "the hills are alive with the sound of music".
Robert Rodgers, Irwin Kostal and Oscar Hammerstein II provided the iconic score for this film, being remembered for decades to come.
the wizard of oz (1939) the "There's no place like home" scene
In 1939, Victor Fleming brought The Wizard Of Oz to the screen, and audiences were amazed by the array of colours they were witnessing.
In a world that still heavily featured black and white T.V., this was one of the first films to be made in Technicolour. Filming in colour wasn't easy at the time, unlike now, which already makes this film iconic.
Towards the end of the narrative, Judy Garland's 'Dorothy' clicks her heels in her signature ruby slippers and recites the line "There's no place like home", which has now been referenced in many other movies since.
E.T. (1982) the "PHONE HOME" scene
Steven Spielberg has brought us many films over the years, with the 1982 iconic E.T. being no different.
There are few one lines as memorable as E.T.'s delivery of the line "E.T. Home Phone", featuring his light-up finger amidst young performances from Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas. E.T.
The Extra Terrestrial features unique imagery of Henry Thomas riding on the bike, flying through the sky, and amazing prosthetic work despite being filmed in 1981.
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) the "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" scene
Director Victor Fleming brought the 1939 classic Gone With The Wind to cinemas, and an iconic line was born from one scene in particular.
Being a historical romance, there are certain expectations and stereotypes, but Clark Gable's delivery of "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" flipped the genre on its head.
Many modern television shows and films have taken this line and used it within their own productions, showing the power of the film.
the godfather (1972) the "make him an offer he can't refuse" scene
The Godfather was released in 1972 and has become part of the most notable trilogies of all time.
Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando, the tense scenes between the three of them have been studied and documented by the film community ever since the release.
Don Corleone (played by Brando) utters this impactful quote showing his power to the other men in the room, echoing throughout the decades that followed, arguably becoming one of the best films of the 20th century to many people.
When Harry Met Sally (1989) the "I'll have what she's having" scene
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal starred in the famous romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989, sparking many memorable scenes.
One, in particular, features Ryan's character of 'Sally Albright', showing Crystal what a fake orgasm looks like, providing a humorous scene in a busy diner in New York.
This scene has become a favourite among fans, even sparking a flood of tourists to the real-life diner of Katz's Delicatessen.
touch of evil (1958) opening scene
Orson Welles was one of the pioneers of early cinema, creating some instantly recognisable and unique techniques.
Of course, these have become commonplace in filmmaking now, but he was one of the founding fathers to do these, and the first times can be seen in many of his films.
The opening crane shot in Touch Of Evil from 1958 has remained popular and has been adapted by Robert Altman and Paul Thomas Anderson, to name a few directors since.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) the "I Am Your Father" scene
George Lucas has undoubtedly changed the cinema world forever, with the Star Wars series spanning 1977 to the present day.
The 1980 film "The Empire Strikes Back" featured the most iconic line from the franchise between titular characters Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
This is a pivotal moment in the film, where we learn "I Am Your Father" from Vader. Of course, these films have gone on to score highly at the Box Office and continue to amass more fans every day.
jaws (1975) the "you're gonna need a bigger boat" scene
Jaws is another classic film from Steven Spielberg, released in 1975.
Although Spielberg wanted to tame a great white shark in the beginning, the team made a pneumatically powered prop shark, and the film featured many innovative camera techniques and styles.
Towards the latter half of the film, as the characters begin to close in on the shark, the audience and the characters get their first scene to look at the animal, to which Roy Scheider's character says his famous line, "You're gonna need a bigger boat".
The few close-up shots the viewer sees of the shark also add to the tension.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) the "D-Day Landing" scene
1998 saw the war drama Saving Private Ryan on the screen, featuring icons Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, set during the Normandy invasion of World War II.
It won 5 Academy Awards, with Spielberg winning Best Director, mainly due to the 24-minute scene showing the storming of Omaha Beach sequence.
This scene is dramatic and gritty, showing the reality of the situation during one of the biggest fights in history.
Pulp Fiction(1994) the dance scene
Quentin Tarantino directed the 1994 feature Pulp Fiction, and it still sits as the 8th top film of all time on IMDB.
The iconic dance scene featuring John Travolta and Uma Thurman has been referenced and solidified into pop culture since the first viewing, inspiring Halloween costumes and dance moves over 20 years later.
This film is full of nuance and contrast, with this dance fitting into that atmosphere perfectly.
Another reason why this film continues to be so impactful among the film community is Tarantino's unique dialogue, featuring almost rhythmic yet realistic discourse between characters.
Blade Runner (1982) the "tears in rain" monologue
Ridley Scott's Blade Runner from 1982 is a Sci-Fi/Action epic that has inspired many filmmakers for decades.
A famous monologue from the character Roy Batty can be seen in the film, moving audiences with the power of language held within.
This has been revered as Rutger Hauer's (who played Batty) turning point in his career. This film, and this scene, in particular, have become one of the best moments in film history.
The Usual Suspects (1995) The "Final Reveal" scene
The crime-heist film "The Usual Suspects" features Kevin Spacey and Benicio Del Toro, winning many Academy Awards for the titular actors.
The film's ending scene has become a memorable moment among fans, with Spacey's character retelling the actual events of the film, where the entire narrative has attempted to subvert their beliefs and the story as a whole.
Casablanca (1942) The "Start Of A Beautiful Friendship" scene
There are few more recognisable duos than Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and the 1942 Casablanca showcases their dynamic better than ever before.
Bogart's character, in the very last scene of the film, turns to Claude Rains and says, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", while they walk away from the camera and into the fog.
After the dramatic events that have just unfolded on the screen, this gives hope for the character and has been quoted many times since the release.
The Matrix (1999) The "Dodging Bullets" scene
The 1999 blockbuster "The Matrix", has sparked many sequels and references in popular culture since.
In this unique sci-fi film, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne star experimenting with cinema's special effects and slow motion.
Slo-mo was popular already, but they reinvented it in a new way. In one of the film's more popular scenes, Reeves 'Neo' can bend time and physics around him, dodging bullets with excellent precision.
The rotating camera and midair freeze following the action have been replicated in other media forms, with this being the true king. This 'bullet time' has become a real memorable moment and solidified into the internet hall of fame.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) the "You Shall Not Pass" scene
Ian McKellen and fantasy are now synonymous, with his unique voice and charisma bringing one line, in particular, a life of its own.
Released in 2001, director Peter Jackson adapted Tolkien's literary into one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. McKellen plays wizard Gandalf amidst a band of Hobbits, protecting them at every turn.
In a powerful, plot-turning point in the film, Gandalf stands atop a decaying bridge and utters "You shall not pass", echoing throughout the chamber and into cinemas worldwide.
ghost (1990) The "Pottery Wheel" scene
Still referenced in most films and television shows, the sensual scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the 1990 classic "Ghost", is one that everyone can recognise.
The Righteous Brothers' song 'Unchained Melody' features in the background, causing people globally to use the song in their own dramatic pieces and give credit to the original scene.
the shawshank redemption (1994) the "Rain-Soaked Escape" scene
Adapted from Stephen King's book of the same name, this 1994 film still sits as the highest-rated on IMDB.
Following Tim Robbins 'Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freemans 'Ellis Boyd Redding', the audience experience many intense and vicious scenes within the prison.
When he escapes from prison at the film's climax, after a dramatic climb through the sewers, the audience cheer with him in the rain.
the dark knight (2008) the "why so serious" scene
Batman has been adapted onto the screen many times, with Robert Pattinson taking the helm in 2022. Back in 2008, however, this part was played by Christian Bale, with Heath Ledger as the famous Joker.
Despite appearing in Brokeback Mountain and A Knights Tale, Heath gave one of the best joker performances to date, and many are striving to reach his standards.
Throughout the film, the audience is given a few backstories about how the Joker received his facial scars, causing the iconic grin. He quotes that his father was the one who scarred him, believing he was always too serious for his good.
When he reenacts the same situation with mob members, Heath quotes the line "why so serious?" with his erratic laugh and terrifying demeanour, causing many people globally to cosplay and reference him even today.
Other Famous Movie Moments
However, this list isn't the end as there are many more moments that have changed the way we view cinema and stick out in your mind. When you think of The Princess Bride, you are faced with Inigo Montoya's "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die", and nothing else from the film. Those moments are what we want to dissect in the next section of this article.
Iron Man (2008) the "I am iron man" scene
Moving forward and into the superhero movie era, Marvel Studios released the first in their cinematic universe in 2008 - Iron Man.
Starring Robert Downey Jr, this film has become a centrepiece for the industry and kickstarted a multi-million dollar franchise.
Where superheroes have typically kept their identities separate from their hero persona, with Clark Kent and Superman - Tony Stark broke that convention with his iconic line of "I Am Iron Man", confirming suspicions other characters raise in the film.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) The "Tale As Old As Time" scene
Many are familiar with the 1991 Disney classic Beauty and the Beast, which truly revolutionised kids' animated films.
Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson featured in the now-famous song 'Tale As Old As Time' during a romantic dance scene between Princess Belle and The Beast, which has now inspired adaptations and stage shows.
This song showcases how true love transcends all physicality, and their love for one another is timeless.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) the "WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA" scene
J.K Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books because of a serious gap in the market about wizarding schools, and the franchise has now become an international bestseller and created a series of popular films.
Chris Columbus directed the 2001 classic, which features a young Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint attempting to master spells at Hogwarts.
Watson's 'Hermione' is the smartest among the trio, and she corrects Grint's 'Ron' with his pronunciation of Wingardium Leviosa, a spell to make items levitate.
This scene is the foundation of their friendship and is one to be referenced for the rest of time.
Get Out (2017) "THE TEAR" SCENE
Jordan Peele's 2017 'Get Out' changed horror films forever, creating a new genre and scaring fans in a new way.
Daniel Kaluuya stars among Allison Williams and Bradley Whitford, among many more, as an African-American man visits his girlfriend's family in their remote estate.
In a film where manipulation, secrets and lies are everywhere, Kaluuya's face during being hypnotised is one of pure fear; he is unable to move or speak of his free will.
The tear scene, where the audience watches him crying, trying to escape from being thrown into the sunken place, is one to remember. Despite only being five years old, and being nominated for Best Movie, Get Out has already become a fan favourite.
The Breakfast Club (1985) THE "LIBRARY DANCE" SCENE
We have seen The Breakfast Club be parodied and copied in many media forms, but nothing compares to the original John Hughes 1985 classic scene.
Featuring five high school students stuck in detention on Saturday, their library dance scene shows their ability to have fun and be free regardless of their containment.
The song playing in the background is 'We Are Not Alone' by Karla DeVito, echoing the film's fun and the teenagers.
Ghostbusters (1984) the "HE SLIMED ME" SCENE
The world wasn't ready for the impact Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis would have on the film industry with the 1984 blockbuster 'Ghostbusters'.
Following three parapsychologists as they established a ghost removal service, many quotable and well-known lines emerged from the franchise.
As Murray's 'Peter Venkman' gets covered in slime from the green blob Slimer in one of their first jobs, he exerts the famous line "He slimed me!".
Titanic (1997) the "DOOR" SCENE
We cannot forget director James Cameron's 1997 romance film 'Titanic', which has gone down into the hall of fame.
This retells the story of the sunken ship of the same name in 1912. Following Jack and Rose (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet), we follow the young couple trying to navigate their feelings for one another on the voyage of the S.S. Titanic.
When the boat has sunk, and they've fled into the ocean, Rose has no choice but to float atop a broken bit of door. Jack is left to die in the freezing ocean water, looking his loved one in the eye as he knows she'll be safe.
This scene, in particular, has sparked many debates among the film community, as it is believed that Jack could also fit on the door, therefore saving his life.
Mary Poppins (1964) the "SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS" scene
Many children grew up watching Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 film 'Mary Poppins', featuring several memorable songs and scenes.
Despite sparking a remake of the film, the original scene is superior and features amazing green screen technology for the time.
The music doesn't make sense and nor does the title, but that's part of the childish charm of the film.
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" is all about trying to say something when you have nothing to say, all set in a beautiful cartoon landscape and wonderful beat that people hum decades later.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) the "DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND" SCENE
Marilyn Monroe stars in Howard Hawk's 1953 musical-comedy 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', providing many scenes for people to enjoy for decades.
Monroe has an original performance in the film as her character 'Lorelei Lee', singing the song 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend', which has become a famous line, part of the regular dialect of many people.
Marilyn Monroe's dress has also become a prominent part of the film, donning a signature pink dress during the sequence.
Love Actually (2003) the "cue card" scene
When it comes to Romance films, there are few directors better at telling them than Richard Curtis.
The 2003 classic has aired on television for every year since, with more fans accumulating with each passing year.
Starring a full cast of Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and Andrew Lincoln, this film follows many couples trying to navigate love around Christmas time.
The iconic scene features Lincoln confessing his love for Knightley's character, holding up cue cards outside her front door so as to not cause attention to himself from his best friend, who happens to be married to Knightley.
Toy Story (1995) THE "YOU ARE A TOY" SCENE
Disney Pixar released Toy Story in 1995, one of their most successful films to date.
This film brought to life every child's dream; their toys come alive when you're not home and showed it on the big screen.
The iconic scene of Tom Hanks 'Woody' telling Tim Allen's 'Buzz Lightyear' that he is a toy is a wonderful level of self-awareness you wouldn't expect from characters in a family comedy.
Still, Pixar took that leap and created one of the most famous motion pictures of all time.
Alien (1979) the "CHEST-BURSTER" SCENE
Ridley Scott directed Alien in 1979, showcasing spectacular talent from Sigourney Weaver and John Hurt, among others.
Using artificial body parts and torso, the iconic chest-burster scene was shocking for audiences to witness, with blood and viscera spilling out onto the table as the alien is born from John Hurt's character's chest.
This has been referenced and parodied both seriously and comically, mainly because of the graphic nature of the scene sticking in people's minds.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) the "HELLO CLARICE" SCENE
Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster star in the 1991 psychological thriller 'The Silence of the Lambs', adapted from the same name book and is still prevalent today.
This film follows intense conversations and very creepy interactions between the titular characters, featuring the notable character Hannibal Lecter, played by Hopkins.
The most famous is Hopkins's grin and sinister voice as he says, "Hello Clarice", greeting Foster as she enters the room for further questioning.
Rocky (1976) THE TRAINING MONTAGE SCENE
When you think of training montages, you may think of Rocky and Sylvester Stallone, wearing his signature sweats, running up and down stairs.
With the famous song written by Vince DiCola echoing throughout the scene as we see Stallone improve at his sport, there are few scenes as impactful as this.
This particular scene has influenced many other training montages and was referenced in music videos shot in and around Philidelphia.
The Birds (1963) THE "OMINOUS ARRIVAL" SCENE
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this has become a staple of film student curriculums and features iconic cinematography.
Released in 1963, the ominous arrival scene features Tippi Hedren's character being slowly surrounded by birds.
This has become a creepy scene to watch, even now, as Hitchcock used a variety of methods to simulate the growing number of birds.
Trained birds and papier-mache were used among the footage of real birds to create a recognisable and terrifying experience.
Lady and the Tramp (1955) the "SPAGHETTI" SCENE
Disney has left a massive impact on the cinematic world, with memorable scenes in most of their films.
The 1955 animated family film 'Lady and the Tramp' has provided us with one of the most recognisable moments ever, with the two dogs sharing a bowl of spaghetti.
With the now-famous song Bella Notte playing in the background, this scene has been replicated in films and media in many different forms.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) the END DANCE SCENE
The 2006 film Little Miss Sunshine, starring Paul Dano and Toni Collette alongside Steve Carell, is a family 'tragicomedy' featuring many iconic scenes.
The end scene is particularly iconic, featuring a wonderful dance scene from Abigail Breslin, playing seven-year-old Olive - the happy end result of the previous 101 minutes of the film.
Blair Witch Project (1999) the "Apology" Scene
Released in 1999, this was an impactful film on the horror community, featuring an entirely 'found footage' genre, which has blossomed into a popular subgenre in 2022.
The film follows several teenagers wandering around the woods, looking for the 'Blair Witch' that lives within.
The end scene, which is given entirely from one character to the camera, is moving, breaking the fourth wall as the viewer watches the drama unfold, believing there to be a real risk to the characters in the woods.
Fight Club (1999) the "RULES OF FIGHT CLUB" scene
David Fincher directed another classic with iconic scenes and one of the most famous plot twists in cinema history.
Released in 1999, Fight Club follows Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in an underground fight club.
In this iconic scene, Pitt introduces the rules of Fight Club. These are as follows: you do not talk about fight club, you DO NOT talk about fight club, and if someone yells stop or goes limp - the fight is over.
This has been referenced in many films, adapting it in small ways.
Mad Max (2015) the "FURIOSA'S SCREAM" scene
Max Max: Fury Road was released in 2015 and features Charlize Theron in a tough heroine role, which landed her a Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Actress.
As the viewer follows the characters through the wasteland of the planet, we hope for them to reach their goals and dreams. Spoilers; they do not.
Theron's character 'Furoisa' is sorely disappointed after all she has lost and spent trying to get there, resulting in a powerful screaming scene where the audience genuinely feels her pain.
Field of Dreams (1989) THE "GAME OF CATCH" SCENE
Based on the novel of the same name, 'Field of Dreams' follows small-town Ray Kinsella as he listens to the guidance of voices in his head to build a baseball field.
Starring Kevin Costner and Ray Liotta, audiences are sure to remember the iconic catch scene where Kinsella can play catch with his father, who passed a long time ago.
This film has impacted the film world, causing people to well up into tears even now.
Platoon (1986) THE "THE DEATH OF ELIAS" SCENE
Telling a story set in the Vietnam War, the 1986 war drama 'Platoon' features an iconic death scene where Willem Dafoe's character Elias is gunned down in cold blood by his rival Sergeant Barnes.
This film takes the audience through many twists and turns, documenting the brutal reality of the Vietnam War, showcasing Dafoe being flanked by Vietcong soldiers before his very realistic death.
Airplane! (1980) THE "DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY" SCENE
Airplane! is a famous film, unique in its nature and humour. Many modern comics have been inspired by the hilarity of the deadpan jokes featured in the film, featuring Leslie Nielsen and endless one-liners.
The iconic 'Don't call me Shirley' came from the play-on-words of Nielsen asking 'Surely you can't be serious', which is a wonderful example of the humour to be found in this film.
Wonder Woman (2017) the "NO MAN'S LAND" SCENE
Released in 2017, this superhero film turned the tables and put D.C. in a good light.
The battle between Marvel and D.C. has been ongoing in cinema for many years, but Wonder Woman represents a strong female character among a sea of men.
The No Mans Land scene is an impactful one, set in World War I, with Diana walking across the battlefield and guiding her followers across.
She dons her notable and famous costume and shield, showing the world she is not to be messed with.
Se7en (1995) THE "WHAT'S IN THE BOX" SCENE
Directed by great David Fincher, Se7en is a crime mystery that features unique storytelling and filmmaking techniques unlike any other.
The film's final scene, where it is revealed what is in a bloodied box, is mysterious and intense, keeping the secrets from the audience for as long as possible.
Since being released in 1995, this film has been quoted and studied by many future film directors, understanding how to create stakes like the ones seen in this narrative.
Forrest Gump (1994) THE "BOX OF CHOCOLATES" SCENE
There are few Tom Hanks films as iconic as Forrest Gump, and his most famous line comes early on in the film.
As the story unfolds, Forrest Gump sits on a bench waiting for his bus, holding a box of chocolates.
He relays the impactful quote that "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're going to get", which has made it into the hall of popular culture.
Schindler's List (1993) the "GIRL IN THE RED COAT" scene
A film shown in almost entirely black-and-white has a particularly impactful moment where the audience sees a young girl in a red coat, shining colour among an otherwise greyscale film.
Liam Neeson stars in this horrific retelling of the Holocaust, showing the brutality in the lives of so many Jewish people, and this red coat is a symbol of the bloodshed to come. This scene is impactful and showcases how colour can change a film.
Spartacus (1960) THE "I'M SPARTACUS" SCENE
Perhaps the most iconic scene on this list, this has been referenced and parodied for comedic and dramatic purposes many times since the 1960 release.
Following Kirk Douglas, as Spartacus, forced to fight in gladiatorial combat and rise up to overthrow the leaders, this is a story that all should watch.
The iconic scene in question comes when the army's leader presents the uprising with an ultimatum; put forward Spartacus and live, or all die.
Slowly, everyone claims they are Spartacus, therefore keeping their loved leader hidden from the authorities.
We hope you enjoyed this article featuring the most iconic scenes in movie history. In a world where more exciting films are released every year, this list will keep growing and morphing. Be sure to stay updated with our blog for future film articles.
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