10 Horror Movies With Spine-Chilling Opening Sequences
8. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)
Following George A. Romero's seminal Night of the Living Dead in 1968, the zombie horror movie has proven its longevity and remains strong nearly 60 years on. Of all the modern takes on this enduring subgenre, Zack Snyder's remake of Romero's original sequel remains an equally tough act to follow.
Before the blood really starts to spill, 2004's Dawn of the Dead feels more like a suburban drama than a horror. After finishing her gruelling shift, nurse Ana makes plans with colleagues, chats with the young child of a neighbour, and settles in to a relaxed date night with husband Luis. However, beneath the tranquility, offhand remarks, and barely glimpsed news stories hint at something not right with the world.
Sure enough, the following morning, Ana and Luis' sleep is interrupted by the young girl from the day before, zombified and teeth baring behind a face without lips. As Luis's throat is eviscerated and he succumbs to the zombie plague, Ana makes a desperate escape through her formerly happy neighbourhood as the world crumbles around her.
The panic in Ana's flight is palpable, and the choice to set the opening in the broad daylight heightens the devastation, pulling the rug out from the whole concept of sunny suburban safety. Barely stopping for breath until the opening credits, the world has ended in the blink of an eye.