15 Unforgettable Opening Lines That Hooked Us From the Start

1. Goodfellas 1990，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1271007, ID: 0099685
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Goodfellas opens with the unforgettable line, ‘As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.’ This line sets the tone for the entire film, drawing viewers into Henry Hill’s world of crime and ambition. The film’s raw energy and compelling narrative make it a must-watch, and this opening line perfectly encapsulates the allure and danger of the gangster lifestyle.
2. Patton 1970，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 108672, ID: 0066206
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Patton’s opening line, ‘Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country,’ is both shocking and memorable. It captures General Patton’s brutal honesty and strategic brilliance, setting the stage for a film that explores the complexities of war and leadership.
3. Stand by Me 1986，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 446393, ID: 0092005
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Stand by Me begins with the poignant line, ‘I was 12 going on 13 the first time I saw a dead human being.’ This opening immediately immerses the audience in a nostalgic and reflective journey of childhood and friendship. The film’s exploration of innocence lost and the bonds of youth is beautifully framed by this evocative start.
4. Full Metal Jacket 1987，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 796838, ID: 0093058
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Full Metal Jacket’s opening line, ‘I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor,’ introduces one of the most iconic characters in film history. This line sets the tone for a movie that delves into the dehumanizing effects of war and military training, making it a powerful and unforgettable experience.
5. The Godfather 1972，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2034982, ID: 0068646
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The Godfather opens with the line, ‘I believe in America.’ This simple yet profound statement sets the stage for a film that explores the American Dream through the lens of the Corleone family’s rise to power. The opening line encapsulates the film’s themes of loyalty, power, and the pursuit of success.
6. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 303602, ID: 0120669
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas begins with the line, ‘We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.’ This opening plunges the audience into a surreal and chaotic journey, perfectly capturing the film’s wild and hallucinatory essence.
7. Trainspotting 1996，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 730940, ID: 0117951
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Trainspotting’s opening line, ‘Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family,’ is a powerful and ironic commentary on modern society. This line sets the tone for a film that explores the lives of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, making it both thought-provoking and impactful.
8. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2027749, ID: 0120737
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The Fellowship of the Ring opens with the line, ‘One ring to rule them all, One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.’ This line introduces the epic tale of good versus evil, setting the stage for a grand adventure in Middle-earth.
9. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2283769, ID: 0109830
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Forrest Gump begins with the line, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’ This iconic opening captures the essence of the film’s exploration of life’s unpredictability and the extraordinary journey of an ordinary man.
10. Citizen Kane 1941，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 468836, ID: 0033467
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Citizen Kane opens with the enigmatic word, ‘Rosebud.’ This single word sets off a quest to uncover the meaning behind Charles Foster Kane’s last utterance, framing the film’s exploration of memory, loss, and the elusiveness of truth.
11. Fight Club 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2352651, ID: 0137523
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The opening line of ‘Fight Club’ is iconic: ‘People are always asking me if I know Tyler Durden.’ This sets the tone for a film that delves into the psyche of its protagonist and the chaos that ensues. The line immediately grabs attention and hints at the complex narrative to follow. The film’s exploration of identity and consumerism is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
12. Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1185317, ID: 0103064
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‘The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.’ This opening line from ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ encapsulates the film’s central theme of destiny versus free will. The movie’s groundbreaking special effects and intense action sequences are perfectly complemented by this powerful message, making it a timeless classic.
13. Casino 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 569717, ID: 0112641
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‘When you love someone, you’ve got to trust them, there’s no other way.’ This opening line from ‘Casino’ sets the stage for a gripping tale of trust, betrayal, and the dark side of Las Vegas. The film’s intricate plot and stellar performances by Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone make it a must-watch.
14. Apocalypse Now 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 716410, ID: 0078788
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‘Saigon… shit; I’m still only in Saigon.’ This opening line from ‘Apocalypse Now’ immediately immerses the viewer in the protagonist’s troubled mind and the horrors of the Vietnam War. The film’s haunting visuals and powerful performances make it a profound cinematic experience.
15. The Prestige 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1455672, ID: 0482571
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‘Are you watching closely?’ This opening line from ‘The Prestige’ invites the audience into a world of magic, rivalry, and obsession. The film’s intricate plot and stunning performances by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale keep viewers on the edge of their seats.