A great opening line in a movie does a lot of work. It can set the theme of the film, the tone or just capture your attention, imagination or both. Its a tricky business, a great opening line, which is why we remember the great ones. Here’s a few that I consider superb openers.
“I believe in America.” — The Godfather (1972)
“Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” — Rebecca (1940)
“One time, my cousin Walter got this cat stuck in his ass.” — Mallrats (1995)
“Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” — Patton (1970)
“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” — Goodfellas (1994)
“Listen, here’s the thing. If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half-hour at the table, then you are the sucker.” — Rounders (1998)
“Saigon. Shit. I’m still only in Saigon.” — Apocalypse Now (1979)
“Are you watching closely?” — The Prestige (2006)
“Rosebud.” — Citizen Kane (1939)
"An evil old house, the kind some people call haunted, is like an undiscovered country waiting to be explored. Hill House had stood for 90 years and might stand for 90 more. Silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone.” — The Haunting (1963)
And, of course, the most famous scroll of all time:
“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...” — Star Wars (1977)
Full Metal jacket also boasts a well-known opening.
Franky Coppola was involved in writing three of these movies: The Godfather (with Puzo), Apocalypse Now and Patton.
The Godfather opening may be my favorite. The Prestige opening may be the best at stating the theme of the film and also giving imperative to the audience that, at the end of the movie, makes sense.
The opening line of Rebecca is taken directly from the novel, as is The Haunting’s opener. I like Rebecca’s line because of its haunting quality.
Doing a poll on this isn’t practical. However, if enough people give me their favorite opening lines, I may be able to offer a poll in the near future based on the comments.