Nothing sets the tone for a fantasy adventure quite like an epic opening scene. Unlike stories set in the real world, the fantasy genre can take place in completely fictional cities, worlds, and even alternate universes. To help audiences immerse themselves in these imagined universes, a good opening scene can go a long way in setting the film up for success.
Most memorable fantasy openings take special care to ease their viewers into the lore of their universe. Overwhelming the audience with new information can make a film boring, but jumping in too quickly without any buildup can make a plot confusing. A good opening fantasy scene knows when to explain itself with narration and when to let the visuals or the music do the work.
10 Galadriel Narrates The History Of Middle Earth And The One Ring
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
The legendary introduction to the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy opens with a black screen, narrated by the voice of Galadriel, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. The elven queen of Lothlórien explains the history of Middle Earth's Second Age, the rise of Sauron, and the creation of the Rings of Power.
The Fellowship of the Ring has the heavy task of introducing the trilogy and establishing its characters. Its opening scene does a fantastic job of explaining everything the audience should know about its lore, then pulling back and allowing the characters to take the focus.
9 Danny Elfman Introduces Halloween Town With An Iconic Song
The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Thanks to Danny Elfman's iconic score, the opening scene to The Nightmare Before Christmas is memorable both for its music and its visuals. The stop-motion film is incredibly whimsical and bizarre, and has become a cult classic for its unique concept, morbid setting, and enjoyable soundtrack.
The opening scene of The Nightmare Before Christmas introduces the audience to Halloween Town, an odd place whose inhabitants are a collection of monsters, ghosts, ghouls, and the undead. The characters sing along to the song "This is Halloween" as they are introduced on screen, placing the audience right in the middle of this strange new world.
8 The Pevensie Family Had A Hard Life Before Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
The first few seconds of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe throw its audience into the characters' lives, opening with an air raid above the protagonists' home. In just a short scene, the tense dynamic between Peter and Edmund is established, the film's serious tone is made clear, and the characters' motivations are easy to empathize with.
The transition from the real world to the world of Narnia in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe happens a few scenes into the film, but its introduction makes the characters feel real. Furthermore, it motivates the siblings' desire to escape their world and establishes the relationships between them, which become more important later in the film.
7 Hiccup Has A Charming Perspective On Dragons And The Village Of Burke
How to Train Your Dragon
Hiccup's charming narration on the history of Burke is an iconic opening scene from the film How to Train Your Dragon. Played by Jay Baruchel, Hiccup's perspective on his culture and home village introduces the audience to the film's Viking-inspired world of monsters and dragons while also establishing its light-hearted tone and unique sense of humor.
The opening scene of How to Train Your Dragon has been colloquially titled "This is Burke." Hiccup details the history of its culture, of the ongoing feud between Vikings and dragons, before jumping into the middle of a raid. The film's opening is charming, humorous, and a perfect start to one of the most beloved animated franchises.
6 Studio Ghibli Doesn't Hold Back With The Design Of Howl's Castle
Howl's Moving Castle
While most of Miyazaki's films have iconic opening scenes, Howl's Moving Castle is particularly whimsical and beautiful. This stunning animated film from Studio Ghibli opens with a glimpse of Howl's castle as it walks across the countryside, accompanied by the film's classic theme, then with establishing shots of the main village and its inhabitants.
Howl's Moving Castle's opening scene gently eases the audience into its fantasy world. Amidst a distant war, the protagonist Sophie lives a simple life as a milliner before having a chance encounter with the wizard Howl. Through strange circumstances, she is cursed by a witch and eventually becomes a traveler aboard Howl's walking castle.
5 The Kingdom Of Tyto Looks Amazing From A Bird's Eye View
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Zack Snyder made his debut in animation by directing Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, a unique fantasy film based on a book series of the same name. The film's opening scene accompanies an owl's flight as he soars over the Kingdom of Tyto.
The animation in Legend of the Guardians is stunning, as is its soundtrack. The opening to the film shows off its realistic art style alongside an epic soundtrack that eases the audience into the fantasy world of talking owls. The protagonist, Soren, and his family are then introduced and discuss the tales of the legendary Guardian owls of Ga'Hoole.
4 Thor's Sarcasm Brings Humor To Surtur's Monologue
Thor: Ragnarok
While most fantasy films begin with an epic introduction, Thor: Ragnarok starts right in the middle of a comical scene. It parodies the typical "villain monologue" by opening with Thor, who is chained to the ceiling, and Surtur, a Fire Giant, having a conversation about the impending apocalypse known as Ragnarok.
Instead of taking itself too seriously, Thor: Ragnarok's opening scene introduces the film's unique sense of humor by mocking the fantasy trope it represents. While Surtur is rambling on and on about his evil plans, Thor interrupts him frequently and seems unconcerned with the giant's threats. This scene is iconic for its witty dialogue and the original brand of humor it brings to the MCU.
3 It's Impossible Not To Cry During Carl And Ellie's Montage
Up
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The first scene in Disney's Up is one of animation's most memorable and emotional sequences. While the film doesn't contain any magic, as most epic fantasy stories do, it's still a remarkable example of a soft fantasy adventure, complete with mythical creatures and talking dogs.
Up's opening scene is a montage of moments from the lives of Carl and Ellie, who become friends, get married, and grow old together. Their lives, however, are not free of tragedy, and as the pair grow old, Ellie becomes sick and dies, leaving Carl alone in the house they loved. This scene is renowned for its powerful storytelling and heartbreaking introduction to a wholesome story.
2 The Real World And The Labyrinth Are Both Reflections Of Ofelia's Life
Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy film Pan's Labyrinth is a compelling story about a girl named Ofelia and the parallel words she finds herself in. While she's trapped in the real world she also is navigating a mystical labyrinth. The film opens with a shot of Ofelia's death before reversing time and narrating the tale of Moanna, the Princess of the underworld.
The two simultaneous stories that occur during Pan's Labyrinth are, arguably, reflections of each other. As Ofelia encounters mystical creatures in the labyrinth, such as the Faun and the fairies, in the real world, the effects of the Spanish Civil War continue to plague her and her family. The opening scene connects these two worlds to Ofelia's imagination and perception of reality.
1 Harry, Ron, And Hermione Had To Make Big Sacrifices To Defeat Voldemort
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
While the Harry Potter franchise began with a more childish, whimsical tone, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 gave the series a much darker atmosphere. The film is the first of a two-part finale, which concludes the saga of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the students and teachers of Hogwarts in their fight against Voldemort.
The opening scene of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is heartbreaking and powerful. Alternating between the character's perspectives, the film shows the lengths they must go to keep their families safe. Hermione tearfully wipes her family's memories of her existence while Harry says a strangely emotional goodbye to the Dursleys.