100 Best Moments
in Movies
Humans
don’t think of their life in terms of actual time but individual moments. A man
can’t remember what he was doing Oct. 5th, 2013, but probably will
remember his first kiss, the loss of a loved one, or getting a job. So too,
movies are often celebrated for great moments and sequences, even if the whole
film is mediocre. Here are the 100 greatest individual moments in cinema
history.
1.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Final Scene
Moment: The whole town comes to George’s
aid to raise $8k and save him from prison.
Why It’s Great: This is the closest any
movie scene gets to an accurate depiction of
Heaven.
2.
Ben-Hur (1959)
– Jesus and the Centurion
Moment: Jesus helps Ben-Hur get water and
confronts a mean centurion.
Why It’s Great: When the centurion
approaches to confront Jesus for disobeying his
order, Jesus simply stands and faces the
man. His presence is so immense, the man just walks away dumbfounded.
3.
The Passion of Christ (2004) – Mary comes to Jesus
Moment: The 4th Station of the
Cross
Why It’s Great: The audience briefly gets
an inside view of the relationship between
Jesus and Mary. She used to make
everything right, but now it is his turn.
4.
Toy Story (1995) – Dark Night of
the Soul
Moment: Imprisoned in the house of a psychopath,
Woody bears his soul to Buzz.
Why It’s Great: Both Woody and Buzz
simultaneously have one of the great character
arc breakthroughs in film history. It’s
also a great metaphor for our place in God’s kingdom.
5.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – “I Am Your Father”
Moment: Darth Vader reveals that he is
Luke’s father.
Why It’s Great: It makes perfect sense,
but it’s so awful.
6.
Field of Dreams (1989)
– Dads Playing Catch
Moment: Ray plays catch with his dad.
Why It’s Great: It’s rare that we get a
chance to say I’m sorry or thank you directly with
the dead – especially those we love. This
moment is so beautiful/
7.
Crash (2004)
– Ryan Rescues His Victim
Moment: John Ryan, a horribly racist and
sexist cop, must rescue a former victim from
a car accident.
Why It’s Great: The victim at first refuses to
be touched, understandably. He then mans up, explains the situation, and
rescues her with her permission. It’s a moment that will change both for the
better forever.
8.
Captain Philips (2013)
– Philips is Examined
Moment: After Captain Philips is rescue,
he is examined – covered in the blood of his
captors – and begins to break down.
Why It’s Great: Despite
going through horrific circumstances and witnessing the assignation of three
people in front of him, Philips tries to keep it together but simply can’t. It
is a moment of vulnerability and strength simultaneously. Hanks gives an
incredible performance.
9.
Amistad (1997)
– Bible Scene
Moment: Yamba interprets the story of
Jesus from a Dore Bible.
Why It’s Great: The story of Jesus truly
is the greatest story ever told that every human
heart recognizes.
10.
Muppet Treasure Island (1996) – “Fast As I Can”
Moment: Gonzo and Rizzo are pulling up the
anchor of a pirate ship. “Hurry, Rizzo!”
Gonzo screams. Rizzo is suddenly revealed
dangling off the ground. “I’m going as fast I can,” he relies sarcastically.
Why It’s Great: I don’t have enough space here
to explain why, but trust me: this is the greatest single joke in film history.
11.
The Ten Commandments (1956) – Crossing the Red Sea
Moment: Moses leads the Israelities across
the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh
Why It’s Great: Even in 2018, the visual
effects are amazing…and so is the power of
God.
12.
Up (2009) – Growing
Up
Moment: In the span of a few minutes, the
audience witnesses the full experience of a
loving marriage.
Why It’s Great: A
marriage isn’t perfect, it has joys and sufferings, but it can be salvific.
This marriage is a good example, and the fact that Pete Doctor was able to show
that in only a few minutes is amazing.
13.
Saving Private Ryan
(1998) –Tank Explosion
Moment: In a last-ditch effort, Capt.
Miller shoots at a tank, and it explodes.
Why It’s Great: The scene is a wonderful
symbol of American resilience, triumph, and
favor from God.
14.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
– Closing Line
Moment: After pretending to be a woman,
Jerry reveals to his real gender to Osgood,
who is unfazed.
Why It’s Great: This is greatest closing line
in film history.
15.
Duck Soup (1933) –
Mirror
Moment: Firefly meets his match with a
twin in the mirror.
Why It’s Great: This is classic example of
getting great humor from setting and
upsetting expectations.
16.
A Serious Man
(2009) – The Goy’s Teeth
Moment: To give Larry some perspective,
Rabbi Nachtner tells him the story of the
Goy’s Teeth, which container a miraculous
message.
Why
It’s Great: In classic Jewish storytelling fashion, Nachtner’s tale gives wisdom
but
not necessarily a direct answer, mirroring
the friends of Job.
17.
Mary Poppins (1964)
– Banks is Sacked
Moment: Mr. Banks walks alone to the bank
and is unceremoniously fired.
Why It’s Great: In a moment that should be
his worst, Banks realizes what really
matters.
18.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
– Make Em Laugh
Moment: Cosmo
cheers Don up with a great dance number.
Why It’s Great:
Donald O’Connor’s performance is one of the great comedy bits of cinematic
history
19.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
– Ohama Beach
Moment: Capt. Millar leads his team in
storming Ohama Beach on D-Day.
Why It’s Great:
Everything about this scene (sound, acting, cinematography, editing) is
brilliant and humbling. These were mostly 18-20 years old, sacrificing
everything for our freedom.
20.
WALL-E (2008)–
WALL-E and EVE Meet
Moment:
WALL-E follows EVE and tries to impress her.
Why
It’s Great: Pixar is able to create a company narrative and love story for half
an hour without talking.
21. Citizen Kane (1941) – Rosebud Reveal
Moment:
In the closing moments, the audience discovers the true nature of “Rosebud.”
Why
It’s Great: It sums up Kane’s entire aspirations. He was happiest when he had
almost nothing.
22. Roger & Me (1988) – Christmas Party
Moment:
Michael Moore crashes Roger Smith’s Christmas Party.
Why
It’s Great: Smith is quoting Dickens and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas as
people are being evicted after losing their jobs based on his decisions.
23. The Drop Box (2015) – War in Heaven
Moment:
In the documentary’s opening scene, Pastor Lee rescues a baby from being
abandoned.
Why
It’s Great: One of Lee’s kids describes this moment as “war in Heaven.” It’s a
perfect description of how love rushes to save the innocent.
24. Black Robe (1991) – Baptism
Moment:
Fr. LaForgue baptizes a tribe of Huron natives.
Why
It’s Great: Despite all the persecution and suffering he has endured, LaForgue
loves his people and will lead them to eternal life.
25. Hillsong: Let Hope Rise (2016) – Oceans
Moment:
Taya Smith sings her signature song.
Why
It’s Great: This is among the greatest Christian hymns ever written – as good
as Bach, Handel, or Mozart.
26. The Brave Little Toaster (1988) –
Sacrifice
Moment:
A household appliance sacrifices his life to save his human master.
Why
It’s Great: It’s a pitch perfect Christological moment.
27. District 9 (2009) – Serving Notices
Moment:
Wikus tries to get the aliens to agree to leave District 9.
Why
It’s Great: This is classic exercise in mise-en-scene. Everything in the sequence
(makeup, writing, costumes, art direction, editing) serves to simulate poverty,
indignity, and racism.
28. The Passion of Christ (2004) – The Scouring
at the Pillar
Moment:
The 2nd Sorrowful Mystery
Why
It’s Great: Mel Gibson takes a small passage of the Bible and transforms it
into one of the most difficult scenes in film history. Jesus suffers great
violence for our sins.
29. Finding Nemo (2003) – In a Whale
Moment:
Marlin and Dory are trapped in the mouth of a whale.
Why
It’s Great: Marlin has his breakthrough moment when he realizes you can’t
control everything in life.
30. Les Misérables (2012) – The Beatific
Vision
Moment:
Jean Valjean dies and goes to Heaven.
Why
It’s Great: There’s so many things Hooper does well in this scene. First, Jean
is welcomed by his old friend the bishop. Second, everyone is reunited. Third,
there is a loss of sense of space and time, just pure joy.
31. Life of an American Fireman (1902) – Surprise
Rescue
Moment:
Firefighters are rescuing a woman, when suddenly they find a girl under a
blanket and save her.
Why
It’s Great: This was the first “movie” ever made that told a set story. It’s a
funny, small moment which signaled films narrative potential.
32. For Greater Glory (2012) – The Martyrdom
of St. Jose
Moment:
Jose is arrested, tortured, and killed for his faith.
Why
It’s Great: The moment is horrific but nonetheless beautiful and handled with
great tact.
33. Spaceballs (1987) – Looking at Now
Moment:
Sanders comes up with the idea of looking for Lone Star by reviewing a VHS tape
of his own movie.
Why
It’s Great: It’s such a weird, surreal moment where the characters in the film
are watching themselves. The scene is just a brilliant piece of writing and
directing.
34. A Night at the Opera (1935) – The Small
Room
Moment:
Driftwood and his buddies order food for ocean voyage and have some unexpected
visitors to their tiny room.
Why
It’s Great: More and more people keep coming and crowding the room, but Driftwood
continues to let more people into the room, leading to hilarity.
35. The Dark Night (2008) – Ship Scene
Moment:
The Joker performs a “social experiment” by try to get two boats to blow each
other up.
Why
It’s Great: It illustrates how avoiding sin is more important than one’s own
self-preservation.
36. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) –Walking
Home with Mary
Moment:
George and Mary walk home together after the dance.
Why
It’s Great: This is the moment they fall in love. The scene with the bush is
also hilarious.
37. Shame (2011) – Monge a Tois Scene
Moment:
Brandon hires two prostitutes to have a threesome. Meanwhile, his sister is
attempting suicide.
Why
It’s Great: At the moment of orgasm, Brandon’s face contorts with pain rather
than ecstasy, demonstrating his absolute slavery to his addiction.
38. Tangled (2010) – Rapunzel Hair is Cut
Moment:
Eugene cuts Rapunzel’s har to save her from Mother Gothel
Why
It’s Great: Eugene sacrifices his chance to save his life to save Rapunzel.
39. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – Only When
It was Funny
Moment:
Eddie is trying to saw through a pair of handcuffs attached to Roger when Roger
frees himself. Eddie, frustrated, demands to know why he didn’t do it sooner.
Roger tells Eddie he could “only do it when it was funny.”
Why
It’s Great: This one line summarizes all cartoon logic.
40. Return of the Jedi (1983) – Iron Bikini
Moment:
Jabba catches Leia rescuing Han and makes her into his slave, with a legendary
outfit.
Why
It’s Great: This is the “spark” that started puberty for a whole generation of
14 year-olds.
41. The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) – Bottle
Scene
Moment:
The San people discover a bottle, which seems like a mystical gift from the
gods until it causes division among the people.
Why
It’s Great: Although it may seem silly to modern society, it’s a great
representation of how human nature is the same everywhere and how easily misunderstands
can arise.
42. Schindler’s List (1993) – I Could Have
Saved More
Moment:
While saying goodbye to the Jews he sheltered from the Nazi genocide, Schindler
realizes he could have saved more people and breaks down crying.
Why
It’s Great: This scene hammers home the infinite value of a single human life.
43. The Tree of Life (2011) – Creation Scene
Moment:
After the death of her young son, a mother goes in a forest to pray and ask God
for answers.
Why
It’s Great: This is the perfect visual explanation of God’s response in Job.
44. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Poster
Reveal
Moment:
After Dufresne escapes, the warden discovers his escape route behind a poster
in his room.
Why
It’s Great: This is the one of the great reveals in movie history. We’ve been
rooting for him the whole movie, so it’s a great payoff.
45. Toy Story 3 (2010) – Imminent Death
Moment:
Woody, Buzz, and friends join hands to face their demise in a trash compactor.
Why
It’s Great: It really shows the friendship of the toys, their history, and the
absolute joy of their “heavenly” rescue.
46. Muppets Most Wanted (2014) –
Interrogation Scene
Moment:
Jean and Sam interrogate the Muppets about the stolen painting.
Why
It’s Great: This is a hilarious musical number that is incredibly well written
and beautiful displays each muppet’s personality.
47. Man of Steel (2013) – Superman Kills Zod
Moment:
Superman pleads with Zod to stop attacking humanity. When he refuses, Superman
break his neck.
Why
It’s Great: Superman doesn’t want to kill Zod…or anyone. Yet, protecting life
on occasion means taking life, and this is a good example.
48. Jaws (1975) – Jaws Appears to Broody
Moment:
Broody is throwing chum in the water to attract the shark, thinking it is far
away, but it suddenly appears right next to the boat.
Why
It’s Great: Class Spielberg. He sets up expectations then immediately upsets
them with perfect camera framing.
49. King of Kings (1922) – Woman Caught in
Adultery
Moment:
Jesus saves a woman caught in adultery from stoning
Why
It’s Great: There’s a lot of questions the Bible doesn’t directly answer. Here
Cecil B. DeMille imagines Jesus writing the sins of the people in the sand to
prove their sinfulness. It’s quite an effective and insightful imagining of the
situation.
50. Kingsmen: The Golden Circle (2017) –
Merlin’s Death
Moment:
On his first mission, Merlin gives his life to save Harry and Eggsy.
Why
It’s Great: I’ll never hear “Country Roads” the same way again.
51. Bambi (1942) – Twitterpated
Moment:
Owl explains puberty to Bambi and company.
Why
It’s Great: Owl makes falling in love seem like a disease, which is fairly
accurate.
52. Hell House (2001) – Cassar’s Prayer
Moment:
Cassar asks for prayer to forgive his wife, who left him.
Why
It’s Great: Cassar is perhaps one of my favorite characters in cinema, and he’s
real. He takes care of several children himself including one with serious
medical problems and yet admits his (admittedly understandable) anger at his
wife for leaving the family. Yet, he wants to be forgiving – a truly heroic
man.
53. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Dawn of
Man Sequence
Moment:
Early man encounters the monolith.
Why
It’s Great: This miracle that defies explanation opens the mind of man to new
possibilities and advances him in technology while digressing in morality.
54. The Seven Year Itch (1955) – Marilyn’s
Wardrobe Malfunction
Moment: Marilyn walks over a subway
grate which blows up her dress.
Why It’s Great: This moment is the
perfect embodiment of pin-up, which combines sexuality with accident or
serendipity. Sexuality is should be fun and exciting not lustful.
55. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) – Heaven’s
Light/Hellfire
Moment:
Quasimodo sings of love while Frollo sings of lust.
Why
It’s Great: This juxtaposition of these two melodies are a great example of how
love is from Heaven and lust from Hell, especially impressive for a Disney
movie.
56. The Fog of War (2004) – The Firebombing
of Japan
Moment:
Robert McNamara explains the horror of the firebombing by comparing it to
American cities.
Why
It’s Great: Director Errol Morris used every film tool imaginable: music,
sound, graphics, camera angles: all to hammer home the disproportionality of
the firebombing. It’s sad, profound, and breathtaking.
57. Casablanca (1943) – Rick and Isla’s
Final Conversation
Moment:
Rick gives Isla a moment sendoff as she flies to safety.
Why
It’s Great: Rick admits his feelings for Isla but insists she stay with Lalso.
It’s brave, selfless, and beautiful.
58. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Indiana
Wins a Sword Fight
Moment:
A man challenges Indiana Jones to sword fight, and Indiana just shoots him.
Why
It’s Great: Yes, it’s an ironic juxtaposition of the old world and new, buy my
favorite is Indiana’s nonchalant reaction like he just brushed off a fly.
59. The Wizard of Oz (1939) – A World of
Color
Moment:
After surviving a tornado, Dorothy open her door to enter the land of Oz.
Why
It’s Great: When she opens the door, it transitions from Black and White to
glorious Technicolor. It’s beautiful step into a new film era.
60. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) – Joan’s
Execution
Moment:
Joan embraces the cross and accepts her fate
Why
It’s Great: Moments before death, despite her intense persecution, Joan wonders
if she “will be with [Christ] in paradise.” It’s a moment of great humility by
a great saint followed by her horrific murder.
61. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the
Black Pearl (2003) – Jack’s Introduction
Moment:
Jack Sparrow is introduced to great fanfare
Why
It’s Great: This is perhaps the greatest opening to a character. The grand
music and camera angles combined with the pitiful boat is a perfect explanation
everything that is “Jack Sparrow.”
62. Lady and the Tramp (1955) – Spaghetti
Scene
Moment:
On a date, Lady and Tramp accidently kiss by eating spaghetti.
Why
It’s Great: This is one of those classic romantic moments everyone remembers.
63. ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) –
Bicycle Flying
Moment:
To escape the government agents, ET levitates Elliot and his friends’ bicycles.
Why
It’s Great: This is a moment of pure escapism and child-like fantasy.
64. Independence Day (1996) – President
Speech
Moment:
President gives the single greatest speech in cinematic history to rally the
troops against the aliens.
Why
It’s Great: See above.
65. God’s Not Dead (2014) – Radisson’s
Conversion
Moment:
After getting hit by a car, Radisson rejects his atheism and embraces Jesus.
Why
It’s Great: Every person has hope.
66. Gravity (2013) – Matt’s Visitation
Moment:
Desperate and despairing, Matt visits Ryan to give her encouragement and advice
on how to get home.
Why
It’s Great: This is a great way to demonstrate revelation and the communion of
saints.
67. Planet of the Apes (1968) – Finale
Moment:
Taylor goes into the Forbidden Zone and makes a startling discovery.
Why
It’s Great: This is one of the great plot twists in film history.
68. A Christmas Story (1983) – The Chinese
Restaurant
Moment:
Deprived of their Christmas turkey, Ralphie and his family go out to eat at a
Chinese restaurant.
Why
It’s Great: The moment is a bit sad, albeit funny, yet it is such events that
make for great family lore.
69. The Days of Wine and Roses (1962) –
Looking for Alcohol
Moment:
Joe destroys his father-in-law’s greenhouse looking for alcohol.
Why
It’s Great: Alcoholism was still a taboo subject in the 60s, but here it is
portrayed brilliantly.
70. The Birds (1963) – Final Scene
Moment:
For a moment, the birds stop attacking as Madeline and Mitch escape.
Why
It’s Great: After long sequences of attacking birds, the quiet is even more
scary as hundreds of birds waddle around, knowing they could attack at any
moment.
71. It Follows (2014) – Hair Attack Scene
Moment:
The unseen demon attacks Jay.
Why
It’s Great: It’s a horrific, violent scene where Jay’s friends finally realize
she is being truthful.
72. Inside Out (2015) – Joy Cries
Moment:
Examining Riley’s memories and worried for her, Joy begins to cry.
Why
It’s Great: This whole film is probably the best visual representation of
psychological realities ever made, and this one scene shows how out emotions
can often be mixed as we mature.
73. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) –
The Bridge of Death
Moment:
At the close of the film, Arthur’s brave nights must pass a terrible trial.
Why
It’s Great: This small scene has about a dozen great jokes and ends with of the
best “setup-payoff” gags ever.
74. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
– Opening in the Desert
Moment:
Out of the haze of a Mexican desert, several WWII biplanes appear out of
nowhere.
Why
It’s Great: This is a fantastic way to introduce both the theme and mystery of
the film, including the old man who witnessed when “the sun came out and sang
to him.”
75. Life is Beautiful (1997) – Guido Sees the
Dead
Moment:
Carrying his sleeping son home after a long day at a concentration camp, Gudio
comes across a pile of naked corpses and walks away slowly.
Why
It’s Great: Guido has been trying to shield his son from the horrors of the
death camp, but this is a reminder that he (and the audience) are very much
aware of the danger and evil amongst them.
76. Monsieur Vincent (1947) – Finding a Home
for an Abandoned Infant
Moment:
After discovering an abandoned child, St. Vincent de Paul demands the child be
taken in by a family that cares.
Why
It’s Great: He asks that the family “not be rich, but a family with already too
many mouths to feed.” He recognizes that love is more important than comfort.
77. Schindler’s List (1993) – The Liquidation
of a Ghetto
Moment:
While out for a morning horse ride with his mistress, Oscar Schindler witnesses
the horrific, forced removal of all Jews from a ghetto, particurily noticing a
little girl in a red dress, lost among the sea of inhumanity.
Why
It’s Great: This is the moment Schindler’s heart softens and he decides to help
the Jews in his community. It is also a wonderful visual way to the remind the
audience that this genocide was not a “statistic” but individuals of infinite
value.
78. North by Northwest (1959) – Hill
Disrupts the Auction
Moment:
Surrounded by his enemies, Thorn Hill causes a disturbance on purpose to get
escorted out safely.
Why
It’s Great: This writing and directing at its finest, a brilliant way out of a
hard situation.
79. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
– The Battle of Isengard
Moment:
After seeing the destruction of the forest by Saruman, Treebeard leads an army of
Ents in battle against Isengard.
Why
It’s Great: This is one of the great visual feasts of cinema, a spectacular
battle with incredible detail. The breaking of the dam is especially
impressive.
80. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – Restaurant Scene
Moment:
Daniel must attend two dinner dates at the same time, both as himself and his
alter ego: Mrs. Doubtfire.
Why
It’s Great: This scene really lets the world see Robin Williams’ amazing comedy
chops, planning two different characters almost simultaneously. It’s funny,
heartwarming, and brilliant.
81. Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) – Dennis Becomes
a Vampire
Moment:
After witnessing Winnie’s injury, Dennis finally grows his fangs and defends
her.
Why
It’s Great: The whole film Dracula has been trying to get Dennis to grow his
fangs, but it finally works when Dennis sees a need for justice, not fear.
82. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
(2011) – The Destruction of the Fountain
Moment:
After finding the fountain of youth, the Spanish destroy rather than use it,
exclaiming “Only God can grant eternal life!”
Why
It’s Great: The Spanish have no interest in a “pagan” device, rather the glory
belongs to God alone. It’s such a countercultural but awesome moment.
83. Dead Poets Society (1989) –Ripping
Textbooks
Moment:
John Keating orders his students to rip out the introduction to their poetry
textbook.
Why
It’s Great: The best teachers are able to reach past dry academic language and
get to their soul of their subject.
84. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1992) – T-1000
Reconstructs
Moment:
After freezing and shooting the T-1000 assassin robot, the pieces melt and come
back together.
Why
It’s Great: It demonstrates that this robot is truly indestructible.
85. Patton (1970) – Patton’s Opening Speech
Moment:
At the beginning of the film, General George S. Patton gives a rousing speech
to his troops in front of an American flag.
Why
It’s Great: This scene is just so damn patriotic. Go ‘Merica.
86. A Christmas Story (1983) –Tongue
Sticking
Moment:
Schwartz triple dog dares Flick to stick his tongue to a frozen pole, which he
does…and it does.
Why
It’s Great: Of course, the tongue getting stuck is funny, but I especially like
how all his friends abandon him when the bell rings for school because they
don’t want to get in trouble.
87. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) –
Darth Vader Attacks the Rebels
Moment:
Pursuing the Death Star plans, Darth Vader slices through soldier after soldier
before Leia’s ship barely escapes.
Why
It’s Great: This really brought me back to when I was eight and playing with my
Star Wars action figures. It was just
so cool.
88. 12 Years a Slave (2013) – Solomon’s Rescue
Moment:
After enduring twelve years of slavery, Solomon is rescued and brought home.
Why
It’s Great: This is such a moment of beauty and joy as Solomon is rightfully
freed of his bonds while his former slaveowner can do nothing to stop it.
Despite her inevitable destruction, even Patsy is glad for him.
89. The Best Years of our Lives (1946) – Fred
Sits in a Scrapped Bomber
Moment:
Despondent and aimless, veteran Fred Derry walks into an abandoned bomber and
relives his experiences of war.
Why
It’s Great: No one yet had a term for it, but Fred clearly has PTSD. Director
William Wyler does such an amazing job getting into his head using art direction,
acting, sound editing, and camera framing.
90. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Pool
Scene
Moment:
George and Mary meet at a dance, fall in love, then fall in a swimming pool.
Why
It’s Great: There’s so many tiny moments in this one scene: when they barely
miss the pool, when they keep dancing in the pool, when the principal jumps in
– it’s just the perfect blend of humor and romance.
91. Jurassic Park (1993) – The Roar of Rex
Moment:
Just after saving Alan and friends from the raptors, a T-Rex lets out a huge
roar as a banner falls saying “when dinosaurs rules the Earth.”
Why
It’s Great: The juxtapositioning of the banner with the giant dino is just
brilliant.
92. The Producers (1967) – Springtime for
Hitler Musical Number
Moment:
To make a profit off a flop, Max and Leo make the offensive musical ever, with
an opening number that is perhaps the most funny and dark song in history
Why
It’s Great: Mel Brooks never does anything small. The song is crazy, horrific,
and hilarious. The audience dumbfounded reaction says it all.
93. Cast Away (2000) – Wilson floats away
Moment:
Chuck has spent several years marooned on a deserted island. His only companion
is a volleyball with a painted face named Wilson. In the last sequence, he
builds a raft and is rescued only to have Wilson float away at the last moment.
Why
It’s Great: This. Was. Heartbreaking.
94. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
– The Leap of Faith
Moment:
In his final test to find the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones must take a literal
“leap of faith” across an invisible bridge.
Why
It’s Great: It’s a beautiful metaphor of faith, plus a thrilling moment of pure
adventure.
95. Crash (2004) – Invisible Cloak
Moment:
Farhad, believing Daniel has vandalized his store, confronts him and accidently
shoots Daniel’s daughter, yet she is miraculously unharmed.
Why
It’s Great: Daniel gave his daughter an “invisible cloak” of love to protect
her. She returns the favor by protecting him. Farhad rightly interprets this as
an otherworldly act of protection, though the audience learns it was through
the love of his own daughter.
96. Babe (1995) – Sheepherding Performance
Moment:
When Babe gives the performance of a lifetime in the movie’s climax.
Why
It’s Great: It proves that even the most unlikely person can achieve great
things.
97. Koyaanisqatsi (1982) – Rocket Explosion
Moment:
In the penultimate scene of Godfrey Reggio’s illuminating mediation of man’s
relationship with nature, a rocket takes off, explodes, and slowly falls to
Earth.
Why
It’s Great: The scene is a sobering metaphor for human ingenuity and failure.
We must always be careful of our hubris and realize God, through his natural
laws, is always in control.
98. The Exorcist (1973) – “There is Only
One”
Moment:
Just prior to Regan’s exorcism, Fr. Karras tells Fr. Merrian that there are at
least “three personalities,” implying Regan is schizophrenic. Merrian
immediately set him right. “No,” he says. “There is only one.”
Why
It’s Great: Fr. Karras is a representation of the loss of faith of the modern
age, especially in US Catholicism in the 70s. Fr. Merrian cuts past his
foolishness and gets right to the heart of Regan’s true spiritual need.
99. A Christmas Story (1983) – A Major Award
Moment:
Ralphie’s “Old Man” has finally won a coveted crossword puzzle contest. His
“major award” is a sexy, leg lamb that becomes his pride and joy, in addition
to his wife’s shame and disgust.
Why
It’s Great: We don’t get much recognition in life. Despite its hideous nature,
it represents a brief moment of triumph for the old man. It also provides
humorous tension between him and his wife.
100.
Aladdin (1992) – Jafar Tricked
Moment:
Jafar believes “the Universe is [his] to command” when he becomes a genie, but
it is actually a trick to imprison him.
Why
It’s Great: This scene is a wonderful ending and takes the audience completely
by surprise. It’s also a great illustrating of Aladdin street smarts and
ingenuity.
List
Trivia
1.
Four
film have two moments on the list: Crash
(2004), The Passion of the Christ
(2004), Saving Private Ryan (1998),
and Schindler’s List (1993).
2.
Two
film have three moments on the list: A
Christmas Story (1983) and It’s a
Wonderful Life (1946).
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