10 Best Opening Scenes From Movie Prequels

J. J. Abrams' 2009 mission to boldly reboot the Star Trek franchise also acted as a prequel of sorts to the action Trekkies had already seen unfold over the years.

And a ton of time-travelling madness ultimately sets up the the sort of entirely gripping opening scene needed to sell fans on this compelling new take on the familiar crew and worlds they occupy.

With Nero's massive Narada ship breaking out from a supposed lightning storm in space, the USS Kelvin soon comes under attack; a move that forces Captain Robau to come aboard the intimidating Romulan vessel to negotiate a cease fire. Nero then resumes his vicious attack on the Kelvin after the captain fails to recognise an "Ambassador Spock", leading to as spectacular a space assault as you're ever likely to witness.

But it's amongst the stylishly shot carnage unleashed by Nero's space craft that the true gold of this opening lies.

Upon realising that the lack of auto-pilot function meant that he had to personally guide the craft into a collision with the Narada, unexpected captain George Kirk decides to make the ultimate sacrifice to save not only his crew members but his wife, pregnant with his son, Jim.

Gorgeously accompanied by a poignant score, Chris Hemsworth's touching work during George's final words with his loved ones as he braces for impact let folks know early on that they weren't in any way ready for the alternate reality on the horizon.