10 Best Horror Movie Opening Scenes Of The 1990s

Candyman does a marvellous job at explaining the premise, revealing the main villain, and showing the first kill, all in under three minutes.

After the opening credits, there's a shot of thousands of bees buzzing around while the titular antagonist (portrayed impeccably by the late Tony Todd) pontificates how blood's central purpose is to be shed. Though the Candyman isn't seen yet, his haunting words and enchanting timber are sure to enthral anyone.

The scene cuts to a young woman, Clara, eagerly waiting at home for her boyfriend, Billy (played by Sam Raimi's brother, Ted). While fooling around in the bathroom, Clara entices Billy with the tale of the Candyman. She proclaims this hook-handed boogeyman kills anyone who dares to say his name in front of a mirror five times. Billy utters "Candyman" four times, but chickens out before heading downstairs. 

Out of morbid curiosity, Clara says Candyman one last time, causing the menacing spectre to appear behind her. Upon hearing a scream from above, Billy looks at the ceiling, only to see a hook piercing through it, spilling blood below.

Although Candyman only appears for a split second and the gore is mostly off-screen, this scene really gets under your skin.