There are many examples of superhero movies that start with an incredible opening scene. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to the DC Universe (DCU) and beyond, an unforgettable opening is a surefire way to cement a film as a standout title in the history of the genre. Here are the 10 best opening scenes in superhero movies ever.
10. Old Logan Fights – Logan (2017)
The 2017 film Logan introduces its older Wolverine in emphatic fashion, beginning the movie on an especially brutal note. The scene sees a drunken Logan awakening to confront criminals attempting to strip the tires of his car. As he gets off to a painfully slow start, the scene establishes that Logan’s version of the hero is far from his prime.
9. The Comedian’s Murder & Contextual Montage – Watchmen (2009)
Released in 2009, Zack Snyder’s Watchmen adapted the beloved comic book series of the same name into live-action in a way that few considered possible. The movie opens with a scene in which Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Comedian sits reclining in his apartment, only to be attacked by an unknown assailant, thrown from the window, and killed.
8. The Avengers Attacking Strucker’s Base – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron opens with a scene that conceptually picks up where The Avengers left off, making it an especially incredible beginning. The scene delivers each of the six members of the Avengers in equal measure, establishing their roles within the team via a thrilling action sequence against Hydra’s forces.
7. The Riddler’s Brutal Attack – The Batman (2022)
The 2022 film The Batman features many characters from the Dark Knight’s world, most of which were reimagined for Matt Reeves’ Gotham City. The movie opens with a scene following the villain, offering no immediate context for his actions. Seeing through the Riddler’s eyes as he stalks Mayor Mitchell, then following him as he creeps into his home and brutally bludgeons him to death, serves as a tense and atmospheric opening.
6. Introducing Mega-City One – Dredd (2012)
The 2012 film Dredd more than earned its cult classic status, affording a brilliantly realized and gritty look at the titular 2000 AD character in live-action. In spite of its modest budget, Dredd opens with a scene introducing the sprawling future metropolis of Mega-City One.
5. Interviews With Supers – The Incredibles (2004)
The 2004 film The Incredibles doesn’t often enter the conversation when discussing superhero movies, but it remains one of the most engaging and original entries into the genre. The movie opens with a scene introducing some of its heroes, in the style of old newsreels, detailing their heroics and marriage before jumping to its present-day story.
4. Spider-Man Delivering Pizzas – Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The 2004 film Spider-Man 2 opens with a scene in which Spider-Man is delivering pizzas, showcasing his secret identity and the struggles he faces as a superhero.
3. The Dark Knight’s Opening Chase – The Dark Knight (2008)
The 2008 film The Dark Knight opens with a scene in which the Joker’s henchmen are chasing down a group of thugs, setting the tone for the rest of the movie.
2. Iron Man’s First Flight – Iron Man (2008)
The 2008 film Iron Man opens with a scene in which Tony Stark is in captivity, but he soon escapes and builds his Iron Man suit, culminating in his first flight.
1. The Matrix’s Opening Scene – The Matrix (1999)
The 1999 film The Matrix opens with a scene in which Neo is sitting in a car, only to be pulled into the Matrix, where he discovers the true nature of his reality.