10 More Horror Movie Openings NOBODY Saw Coming

Rather than setting up its premise slowly, The Stepfather opens with a blood-soaked man, Henry Morrison (Terry O' Quinn), nonchalantly washing up in his bloodstained bathroom. On the wall, photos of Henry smiling with his family can be seen, indicating this scene takes place in his home.

After having a quick haircut and shave, Henry packs his bag and heads downstairs, calmly tidying up toys along the way. As he reaches the bottom of the stairs, the camera zooms back, revealing Henry's entire family has been killed or, more aptly, butchered.

Due to the tossed furniture and bloody handprints smeared across the walls, it's evident his wife and children suffered immensely before being slaughtered. Despite this grisly display, Henry is as cool as a cucumber, whistling a cheerful melody as he strolls out the front door.

Not only is this a haunting scene, it's a great example of visual storytelling. Without using any dialogue, a lot of information is delivered in this sequence.

Opening the film this way also makes it more unsettling when Henry worms his way into a new family shortly after, since it's apparent what he intends to do to them.