1. “Goodfellas” (1990)
"As far back as I could remember I always wanted to be a gangster."
Martin Scorsese's crime epic is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed movies of all time. Its tale of gangsters in New York captivated audiences, and nowhere is that more evident than its opening line.
2. "The Departed" (2006)
"I don't want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me"
Another Scorsese film, "The Departed" was another crime epic full of action, drama, violence, and deception. Jack Nicholson's opening monologue perfectly sums up his character and gets the ball rolling on this definitive classic.
3. "Spider-Man" (2002)
"Who am I? You sure you wanna know?
The world of cinema was first introduced to Spider-Man in 2002. Tobey Maguire's portrayal of the wall-crawler was perfect for the early 2000s. His opening monologue set up the movie and the series as a whole beautifully.
4. "X-Men" (2000)
"Mutation. It is the key to our evolution…"
In 2000, comic book movies were at a low point in their history. This was a time before the Avengers were in the mainstream of cinema. So, directors and writers had to make their superhero movies a little more realistic, and less campy like previous incarnations. "X-Men" did just that. From the opening line, we know what mutation is as told by Patrick Stewart and it doesn't disappoint.
5. "Fight Club" (1999)
"People are always asking me if I know Tyler Durden."
David Fincher's "Fight Club" did everything it could to hint the audience towards its twist ending. Even its opening narration by Edward Norton clued us in. Once you watch the movie a second time, it will bring the story full circle.
6. "V for Vendetta" (2005)
"Remember remember the fifth of November."
"V for Vendetta" received audience and critical acclaim. Its opening line set the tone for the film and the monologue sets up an action-packed movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
7. "The Blind Side" (2009)
"There's a moment of orderly silence before a football play begins."
"The Blind Side" may not be the most accurate depiction of Michael Oher and his story, but the movie itself is a good work of art. The opening dialogue by Sandra Bullock resonates throughout the whole movie and comes full circle at the end.
8. "Brian's Song" (1971)
"Earnest Hemmingway once said "Every true story ends in death." Well, this is a true story."
"Brian's Song" was a movie that was about more than just football. It was about the true friendship of two men, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. The first line prepares the audience for an emotional film that transcends football.
9. "The Breakfast Club" (1985)
"Saturday, March 24, 1984. Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois, 60062."
Brian Johnson's essay to Mr. Vernon explaining who they think they are is a great introduction to one of the best movies of the 80s. "The Breakfast Club" has transcended generations and its memorable characters still stick out in our minds.
10. "Remember the Titans" (2000)
"In Virginia, high school football is a way of life"
"Remember the Titans" is one of the most successful sports movies of all time. The opening line of dialogue by emphasizes the significance of high school football, and why it's a way of life. The story of T.C. Williams High School and their football team is famous among the sports community to this day.
11. "Field of Dreams" (1989)
"If you build it, he will come."
Those famous words, "If you build it, he will come." That voice that led to arguably the greatest sports movies of all time. The line that every baseball fan would cherish was a defining aspect of "Field of Dreams." It gets the ball rolling on turning a simple cornfield in Iowa into a baseball field.
The first thing an audience hears is gonna either grab their attention or make them wish they could get their money back. From the get-go the first line is just as important as any other part of the screenplay. The best ones make you appreciate the film as a whole.
