20 Most Epic Character Introductions In Movies

18. Tony Manero - Saturday Night Fever (1977)

A vintage slice of 1970s cheese, Saturday Night Fever earned over $280m at the box office and spawned one of the most popular soundtracks in history. As well as launching John Travolta's career and scoring him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, the role of Tony Manero also provides one of the most memorable character introductions in history.

Opening with sweeping shots of New York City, footage of an overhead train cuts to street level as we are introduced, feet-first, to Tony Manero as the Bee Gees disco classic 'Stayin' Alive' starts playing. Travolta struts down the street, displaying an effortless charisma as he makes several stops on his way to work. It is a testament to the enduring popularity and iconography of this scene that it remains one of the most parodied moments in cinema over 35 years later. The scene also tells us quite a bit about the character of Tony Manero himself. The clothes, the swagger and the confidence are nicely juxtaposed with the tin of paint and stop for pizza, establishing Tony as a materialistic working-class man who has dreams and ambitions to better himself. Just don't mention the Sylvester Stallone directed sequel.
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