10 MORE Scariest Opening Horror Movie Scenes Ever

For when you need your scares in ten minutes or less.

sarah polley dawn of the dead
Universal Pictures

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression, which horror movies know all too well. Eager to please with opening scenes that throw us straight into the meat grinder, the horror genre likes to start things with a bang, blowing open a story (and probably a few limbs off for good measure) to really get our attention.

Finding the gnarliest scenario and subjecting us to a taste of what the next 90 minutes has to offer, the best part of a horror movie is often a strong start - where stupid factors like narrative and logic don't weigh heavy on our expectations. And of course, if you're not starting your horror movie off with a memorable death, then you're not starting it off right at all.

So, if you didn't learn the first time, then we're here again to take a look at the movies that grabbed us by the eyeballs and didn't let go, making a marked impression on watchers before they even had a chance to know what they were in for. Get ready to watch through your fingers.

10. Children Of The Corn

sarah polley dawn of the dead
New World Pictures

One of Stephen King's most creepy novels adapted to the screen, Children of the Corn is your typical 80s horror movie served with lashings of violence and a more than its fair share of cheesy filmmaking, telling the story of a cult that takes over a remote town in Nebraska. Whilst it's aged like milk in the years since its release, Children of the Corn's opening is one that has long preserved the movie despite its flaws, making for an entirely terrifying introduction to the very naughty Isaac and his wayward congregation.

We begin with a voiceover from young Job, watching as he leaves church with his dad and stops by a diner to grab a milkshake. As his dad rings home to check on Job's sick sister Sarah, a group of youths walk in and lock the door behind them. But that's all the warning we get that something isn't quite right.

No sooner has a table downed their coffee are they choking on poison, and the young townsfolk brandish all manner of knives, scythes, and pointy things to bleed the poor breakfast patrons dry. Well, that's one way of having your strawberry milkshake.

Contributor
Contributor

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