10 Scariest Opening Horror Movie Scenes Ever

8. Scream

28 Weeks Later
Miramax

Probably one of the most infamous horror openings of all time, Scream is the ultimate show of selling a character’s star power short within the first ten minutes, knocking Drew Barrymore off before 15 minutes of the movie has even played out - and that’s to say nothing of her poor boyfriend.

Acting as a spoof movie that blew the tired slasher genre wide open again in 1996, the opening remains one of the most ingenious of all time. A man rings up a lonesome Barrymore whilst she prepares for a night in watching a ‘scary movie’, and she’s soon forced to live out her own when the mysterious caller subjects her to a surprise test with dire consequences. I mean, it’s one way to make Trivial Pursuit interesting, at least.

With a surprising amount of bloodshed and questions that will have you screaming at the screen, the opening scene is one that has branded itself as one of the best in the horror hall of fame. You won't want to answer the phone without caller ID for a good long while, at least.

Contributor
Contributor

Horror film junkie, burrito connoisseur, and serial cat stroker. WhatCulture's least favourite ginger.