I have to thank GCRN’s very own Kevin Thompson for inspiring me to do this list this year. I usually stay away from naming specific scenes but after his article last year (Kevin’s Article) I saw the awesome potential. Now one thing to consider is that this is based on movies that I have actually seen. There are a few big blind spots including Unbroken, Whiplash, Wild, among others. So if you feel a movie is under represented that may be why. Also for the sake of variety I tried not to repeat movies all that much. There are a select few that may have two scenes in the top 50, but I tried to refrain as much as possible.
So the question then becomes how do you rank scenes? It’s not an easy task I’ll tell you, but there were some key factors I considered. First was longing impact. Moments that I can still remember vividly for positive reasons. Second was impact while watching. Those moments that make you sit on the edge of your seat, burst out in extreme laughter, or fight to hold back tears. If a scene did that chances are it ended up on this list. Also it is important to mention this is based on the quality of the scene not the quality of the movie. Also be warned some spoilers may be coming up, and I do make note of potential spoilers in the descriptions. So with that said here we go.
50. Elevator Rap
Movie: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Scene: In an impromptu moment the four turtles begin beatboxing as they travel up the elevator to confront the notorious Shredder.
Why it made the list: I told you I didn’t base this on the quality of the movie. I was not a fan Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on any level, but even I can appreciate this scene. A small funny moment that reminds you that the turtles are in fact teenagers and capable of having fun.
49. Opening Strong
Movie: Dom Hemingway
Scene: In the opening shot Dom Hemingway gives a lengthy explanation about why his personal favorite appendage is so impressive.
Why it made the list: Let’s just say Dom Hemingway does not beat around the bush. From the get go it is apparent he is testosterone personified, and his ridiculousness is on full display in this opening monologue. People forget how great of a character actor Jude Law really is, and we need more moments like this where he gets to show his true talent.
48. Down the Hatch
Movie: Godzilla
Scene: (Spoiler for Godzilla) In an epic final blow Godzilla takes down his monstrous enemy by breathing his trademark fire down his enemy’s throat.
Why it made the list: Godzilla has been around for quite a long time. Even with advanced special effects there is only so much you can do when it comes to monsters fighting monsters, which makes this final move such a standout. In an ultimate badass stroke Godzilla rips open a pair of jaws and lets the fire burn. It’s the monster fight equivalent of dropping the mike and swaggering away.
47. Diner for Four
Movie: The One I Love
Scene: (Spoiler for The One I Love) After experimenting with their other selves Ethan and Sophie are suddenly face to face with their relationship doppelgangers. They then sit down to have one of the most awkward dinners of all time.
Why it made the list: The One I Love is such an odd little movie. It’s like the mumblecore version of the Twilight Zone, and somehow that combination oddly works. It all culminates into a dinner that puts all the oddities into on encounter. It is a head trip that just keeps getting weirder. One would think this would be the chance to give answers to what is actually occurring, but of course it only leads you to ask more questions.
46. Duel Lip Sync
Movie: The Skeleton Twins
Scene: In an attempt to bring Maggie out of her depressive slump Milo tries to converse her into joining him into a classic Starship lip sync showdown.
Why it made the list: Lip Sync’s in comedies are typically eye rolling bad. There are a few exceptions mind you, and this can be added to the list. Mostly due to the performances from Bill Hader and Kristen Wigg. They have the perfect expressions to make a moment like this work. Not to mention with a movie that is as heavy as The Skeleton Twins a light moment or two is needed to catch a breath.
45. Mom Milking
Movie: Neighbors
Scene: After a wild night out new mommy Kelly is in need of releasing some titular pressure. With alcohol in her system nursing is not an option leading Mac to do it the old fashioned way—by hand.
Why it made the list: Similar to lip syncs gross out moments are also a dime or dozen. They are typically easy laughs, but this one was uniquely earned. There was an actual build up to this sequence so it did not come out of nowhere. Sure it’s lowbrow humor, but lowbrow can still be good on occasion.
44. Bar Fight
Movie: The Guest
Scene: David confronts the group of guys who have been bullying Luke. This confrontation leads to many broken bones and punched faces.
Why it made the list: 2014 had a number of great fights, and I’m a sucker for a guy beating up a bunch of people. (Reason why I enjoy the Transporter series so much) When you make those people getting their behinds beat a bunch of punk teenagers you have hit my cinematic sweat spot.
43. Standup Confession
Movie: Obvious Child
Scene: (Spoiler for Obvious Child) After wrestling with some serious issues Donna reveals all while Max stands unaware in the audience.
Why it made the list: The best standup comedy goes after the uncomfortable truth about life, and even though this set was in a fictional movie about fictional characters there is a great honesty in what is being said. Jenny Slate is a big reason why as she adds the perfect amount of comedy and drama.
42. Rooftop Escape
Movie: Afflicted
Scene: Wanted for murder Derek finds himself the target of the police. With his new found powers he makes an escape from high atop his hotel room.
Why it made the list: Found footage horror may be the most stale genre going right now. So when a movie like Afflicted comes along it’s enjoyable to see. Afflicted has its issues but what makes this moment stand out is the use of the camera. How we go from inside a building to outside to the top of a roof in one continuous shot, and never did it feel like a special effect. I love seeing a movie use limited resources in inventive ways, and that is what happens here.
41. Jail House Mud Brawl
Movie: The Raid 2
Scene: A massive brawl breaks out in the prison yard. Chaos, punches, kicks, and a whole lot of mud make for one crazy action sequence.
Why it made the list: You’d think a scene like this would be all over the place and impossible to follow, yet that is never the case. The direction is spot on keeping you right in the middle of all the craziness. It’s brutal in all the best ways possible.
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40. Grave Reveal
Movie: Rudderless
Scene: (Spoiler for Rudderless) After spending much of the film mourning his son’s death Sam finally makes a trip to his grave. In a stunning turn of events graffiti on the grave reveals the shocking realization that his son was not a victim but a perpetrator of horrific acts.
Why it made the list: I am not the type of person who gets impressed by plot twists as they often are used just for shock value. Still, this moment really worked for me. It added an unexpected dramatic layer to everything that came before. Much of the story had been cliché up until this point, and I loved how everything about what we knew changed with one quick image.
39. Spaceship!
Movie: The Lego Movie
Scene: After many, many attempts 1980’s Spaceman finally gets his chance to build a spaceship.
Why it made the list: No scene may better embody the fun The Lego Movie gave the world than this one. The ultimate burst of joy as the 80’s Spaceman finally got the chance he was waiting for, and of course he did not disappoint.
38. The Society of the Crossed Keys
Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Scene: Stranded after a prison escape Gustav calls upon the help of The Society of Crossed Keys.
Why it made the list: No one can tell a story within a story better than Wes Anderson. You could take this scene break it away and it would still work quite well on its own. Anderson takes something that could easily be trivial and makes standout.
37. Hostage Performance
Movie: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa
Scene: After giving information on the Hostage Situation Alan Partridge realizes his jokes are landing remarkably well, which leads him to take this moment and stretch it even further.
Why it made the list: I love those scenes you can give someone as an example of everything you need to know about a specific character. That is the case here. We see how egotistical Alan Partridge is when he takes advantage of a dangerous situation to score some cheap laughs.
36. “I remember”
Movie: Lucy
Scene: After her brain power increases Lucy calls her mother in the midst of surgery. She reveals her new found powers have given her the chance to remember…to remember everything.
Why it made the list: No line this year made my head shake harder than, “I remember what your breast milk tastes like”. I was not expected to hear anything quite like that in any movie let alone something like Lucy. The reason the scene works despite some hooky dialog is because of Scarlett Johansson. She makes the words believable no matter how ridiculous they sound.
35. Love and Dog Fights
Movie: Joe
Scene: After hitting his boiling point Joe returns to the brothel with his trusty dog. While his dog takes care of the dog that has been annoying him he helps himself to some pleasure.
Why it made the list: The metaphorical ramifications of scene are obvious but effective. This was when Joe finally hit his boiling point. The juxtaposition of Joe ‘enjoying’ his time with a lady of the night while his pet dog is brutally attacking the guard dog of the house was fun to witness.
34. Domestic Abuse
Movie: Boyhood
Scene: (Spoiler for Boyhood) Mason opens his garage to find his mother sprawled on the ground with his Stepfather standing above her. This leads to a hostile dinner where issues only escalate.
Why it made the list: The sudden image of Patricia Arquette lying helplessly on the ground is stomach turning. It was not surprising that story finally entered that territory, but just how abrupt we stumble upon it made it such a standout.
33. Love in Death
Movie: Gone Girl
Scene: (Spoiler for Gone Girl) Amy Dune’s elaborate plan enters a new level of crazy when she seduces and gruesomely kills Desi Collings.
Why it made the list: David Fincher can make the grotesque look oddly beautiful. Watching Amy Dune slit a man’s throat was like watching the ballet version of a serial killing. The musical builds to the perfect crescendo as the characters strike their predetermined positions. It ends swiftly in one fluid motion leaving you stunned as you try to contemplate what you just saw.
32. Wait…What?
Movie: Enemy
Scene: (Spoiler for Enemy) In the final moments of Enemy Anthony opens his bathroom door to reveal a rather unexpected surprise, a giant spider that recoils in fear at his presence.
Why it made the list: As I mentioned previously I am not the biggest fan of shock or twist endings. Mostly because a lot of times good storytelling is sacrificed for shock value. That wasn’t the case for Enemy. It is one of the moments that hits so abruptly it takes some time to fully comprehend. In a movie chalk full of metaphors it saved its best for last.
Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Scene: As the two opposing armies enter into battle the massive Alpha dragons square off in deadly combat.
Why it made the list: How to Train Your Dragon 2 did a fantastic job creating a relatable scale of its world. These Alpha dragons were remarkable to behold, like giant mountains that can walk and breathe ice. So of course when they actually combat one another it is a site to behold. Plus in this sequence it became evident that How to Train Your Dragon 2 would not shy away from tragedy.
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30. First Performance
Movie: We Are the Best!
Scene: (Spoilers for We Are the Best!) After practicing for their gig forever the girls finally get a chance to perform. Turns out the practice does not make perfect and the band is rejected by the crowd right from the beginning.
Why it made the list: In most coming of age movies the scene where outcast kids get their moment to shine ends on a positive note. The people who judged them harshly are proven to be wrong. That doesn’t happen here. Instead a freaking riot breaks out to try and stop them from performing, yet they keep playing because it is not about what others want. It is just about having fun, and being who you are.
29. Combative Dinner
Movie: Fury
Scene: During the midst of war Don Collier and Norman Elision take a break to have a quiet dinner in the apartment of two German women. When the rest of the crew of the Fury join in things get even more complicated.
Why it made the list: This was one of the most talked about moments of the entire year. Often someone’s feelings towards this scene dictated how they felt about the entire movie. What worked for me was the tension was on this seesaw flow from beginning to end. Every time it appeared things have settled something would occur to raise tension even further. It was both uncomfortable to witness but engrossing to watch.
28. British Talk Show Host
Movie: The Trip to Italy
Scene: Rob Brydon plays the part of make believe talk show host as he grills Steve Coogan on his place among current British comedic royalty.
Why it made the list: In The Trip the standout moment for most was the dueling Michael Cane impressions. A funny moment for sure, but while this scene may not be the viral sensation of the last film I think it is even better. It is a better reflection of these characters and all their crazy eccentricities on life, and shows how obsessive they are about their careers and reputations.
27. Spinning Tank
Movie: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Scene: During Koba’s assault on the human compound he gains control of a tank for a short while. The turret of the tank begins to rapidly spin giving us a 360% perspective of all the chaos.
Why it made the list: If I was to do a list of just my favorite shots of the year this would easily be in the top five. This shot does not add a great deal to the plot, nor does it tell you a lot about the characters. It is just simply fun to watch, like a merry-go-round ride from hell with death and destruction as far as the eye can see.
26. One Last Performance
Movie: The Congress
Scene: Robin Wright has agreed to sell her likeness to the movie studios. Doing so means she’ll be set for life but never able to act again. In order for the likeness to be captured for the future she must go through each emotion so it can be recorded.
Why it made the list: In the context of the plot there are elements of this scene that don’t fully work. However, when you isolated it to this specific scene there is a beauty to what is being said. Robin Wright makes her last performance one of her best as she walks through a number of distinct emotions.
25. Opening the Underground World
Movie: Borgman
Scene: In the opening of Borgman we see a priest and a few other members of the church hunting Bormang in his makeshift underground hut. Leading Borgman to flee, but along the way warn other underground dwellers of the danger.
Why it made the list: I went into Borgman knowing absolutely nothing about it, but from the start it had my attention. You don’t fully understand what is exactly taking place and honestly by the end of the movie there are still a lot of questions. If any movie ever deserved a prequel it is this one. I want to see more of this crazy underground world.
24. Beach Invasion
Movie: Edge of Tomorrow
Scene: Humanity begins their all-out assault on the alien forces. What they thought would be a surprise attack turns into a complete disaster.
Why it made the list: We were going to see elements of this scene playout on a number of occasions so it had to be good…and it was. A pure adrenaline ride in its fullest form. It has everything you want in a entertaining summer blockbuster.
23. Getting Accommodated
Movie: Starred Up
Scene: Eric Love goes through the process of entering jail. From the full body examination to finally being shown his cell. When he enters he begins preparation for his life in prison. Showing us he clearly knows what he is in for.
Why it made the list: There is that classic idea that it is better to show than tell. With literally no words spoken we find out so much about the character of Eric. It starts off like so many other prison moments have, but once it enters the cell that’s when things change. Right away we know we are dealing with a seasoned prison veteran despite his young age.
Movie: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Scene: (Spoiler for The Amazing Spider-Man 2) In the midst of Spider-Man and Green Goblin’s fight Gwen begins to fall from high atop the broken clock tower. Spider-Man attempts to catch her before she reaches the ground, but the force is too strong causing her neck to break.
Why it made the list: The moment pretty much everyone saw coming, but it doesn’t mean it still didn’t work. My many, many issues of Amazing Spider-Man 2 aside this scene still got me. The one element that still stays in my mind is the off-putting sound of Gwen hitting the ground. Even thinking about it now sends shivers throughout my body.
21. The Price of Relativity
Movie: Interstellar
Scene: (Spoiler for Interstellar) After spending an unexpected amount of time on a planet that had a gravity so strong hours on it were years on Earth Cooper sits down to watch decades of his family’s messages. He watches helplessly as the children he once knew age to full grown adults.
Why it made the list: How could this moment not hit you in your emotional core. The idea of missing out on your children’s lives in one quick instant is devastating, and Matthew Mcconaughey sells every bit of that emotion. I can’t not think of a scene this year that evoked more empathy than this one.
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20. Setting the Stage
Movie: Nightcrawler
Scene: (Spoilers for Nightcrawler) Lou Bloom contacts the police to inform them of wanted criminals who have entered a fast food restaurant. He sits across the street waiting for the showdown to begin in order to video the events. Things escalated quickly leading to a high speed car chase.
Why it made the list: This scene felt wrong for all the right reasons. Keeping the camera zoomed back as we peaked in on this restaurant knowing only horrible things can come from what we are witnessing. The decision to keep the situation at a distance really enhanced the voyeuristic feel, and all the anticipation spilled out in one exciting car chase.
19. End Credits
Movie: 22 Jump Street
Scene: As the movie ends we get an end credits sequence the covers the potential future of the 21 Jump Street franchise.
Why it made the list: Simply put it’s really funny. We live in the world of meta and 21 Jump Street is a great representation of that. From the first installment it was clear it was a movie series that was clearly able to make fun of itself. Here we get some great jabs at the Hollywood culture we live in including a specific great moment of how big stars are easily recast due to contract disputes.
18. Run-through
Movie: Birdman
Scene: Mike, who has just recently joined the cast, runs through a scene Riggan during which he gets into the intricacies of acting and what makes a true performance.
Why it made the list: This was just a masterclass of acting on display with the rapid fire dialog that places both actors in multiple roles simultaneously. As someone who has zero acting talent whatsoever being able to look into the processing of acting was quite the experience.
17. “How much of a plan?”
Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy
Scene: The Guadians stand on the edge of a crossroad, but Starlord feels he has found a way out. Rocket Racoon is not so sure and challenges just how much of a plan Starlord actually has.
Why it made the list: One of the best things about Guardians of the Galaxy is how its best moments are not found in crazy action sequences, but rather in the interplay between its characters. Here we get great comedy that allows each character to shine.
16. Car Chase
Movie: The Raid 2
Scene: As simple as it sounds. A high speed car chase that only gets crazier as it goes.
Why it made the list: I can see why Gareth Evans makes movies overseas because I’m sure a scene like this violates nearly every safety regulation US films have to abide by. I advise checking out the behind the scenes to see how this chase was shot. At one point a person is dressed up as a car seat just to get one specific shot, and it is that crazy thinking that makes this one of the best car chases in years.
15. Fiery End
Movie: Under the Skin
Scene: (Spoiler for Under the Skin) After Scarlet Johannsson’s character is assaulted by a random stranger her skin begins to peel. Shocked by the creature he sees before him he sets it a blaze.
Why it made the list: This is the moment where the themes of Under the Skin come to their boiling point. Its commentary of gender roles is clear as we see what trying to thwart those expectations can lead to. We finally are able to see what is under the skin and it is shocking, bizarre, and uniquely beautiful. The charcoal gray skin in an pale white landscape makes it stand out even more. That reveal followed so quickly by the fiery destruction is shockingly tragic. Slowly the ashes consume the screen as this complicated life is forced out.
14. Final Shot
Movie: The Immigrant
Scene: The Immigrant’s closing frame, one still shot of two characters heading into two very different directions.
Why it made the list: The Immigrant is another movie I had mixed feelings on. This final shot went a long way in making me fall on the positive side. At first I didn’t fully notice what I was watching. In my head I was just waiting for the credits to begin. Then as the shot remained I became engulfed in what I was witnessing.
13. Exploding the Dam
Movie: Night Moves
Scene: Everything is going well as the group is attempting to set the explosive in front of the damn. A sudden development occurs that puts the mission in jeopardy and everyone in danger.
Why it made the list: I love when even the best plans can go to hell because of the most mundane issue. How someone who has no knowledge of what is even happening can undue everything just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time.
12. The Classroom
Movie: Snowpierecer
Scene: While traversing through the train we enter into one of the most surreal classrooms of all time. Here we learn a quick history of the Snowpierecer, and how this classroom is used to keep the societal status quo.
Why it made the list: Bong Joon-ho is excellent at tonal shifts, and this scene has many within a very short span of time. There are moments of utter hilarity that are quickly matched with extreme violence. In many ways this shouldn’t work, but its wiliness to just go for it makes it charming. Not to mentioned it works as a great piece of exposition without bogging down the pace of the film.
11. Boast Rescue
Movie: Captain America: Winter Solider
Scene: Captain America and other members of S.H.I.E.L.D. enter a terrorist controlled ship to rescue a group of hostages.
Why it made the list: I greatly enjoyed the first Captain America film and The Avengers, but what both failed to do was capture Cap’s phenomenal fighting ability and leadership. This first scene did just that, showing how Cap will literally dive headfirst into confrontation. It starts with a stealth assault with creative uses of Cap’s shield. It all leads to a hand to hand showdown between Batroc and Cap that shows how badass Cap really is.
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10. “Human Work”
Movie: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Scene: Caesar explains to Koba why he is allowing the humans into their land. When he mentions human work Koba begins to show the scars on his body that are a repercussion of human work.
Why it made the list: Who would have thought one of the most powerful human moments this year would come from a CGI ape? Koba was an intriguing character in the first film, but here he stole the show. His actions are morally questionable, but this moment makes his motivation legitimate.
9. Ski Slope Chase
Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Scene: M. Gustave and his trusty lobby boy Zero are being chased by an evil henchman on sleds and skis
Why it made the list: Wes Anderson has used stop-motion animation in live-action before, but none of those moments are nearly as fun as this sequence. It is like a classic James Bond action chase seen through the eyes of Looney Tunes.
8.Time in a Bottle
Movie: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Scene: As Charles Xavier and Wolverine attempt to break Magneto out of prison they are confronted by a number of security guards holding plastic guns. With Xavier powerless it is up to Quicksilver to save the day.
Why it made the list: It has been said before, but I had little faith Quicksilver was going to work as a character in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Not only did he work but he gave us the best moment in the entire movie. An assist should also go to the perfect musical choice and some fantastic visuals.
7. Finding Beauty in Reality
Movie: Boyhood
Scene: Mason asks his father if elves are real. Instead of just telling him no he tells him about all the incredible aspects of real life we take for granted, but are truly magical when you really think about them.
Why it made the list: No one does small moments better than Richard Linklater. It is this conversation that embodies everything Boydhood is about. It is not about the big staple moments of life everyone always focuses on. It is about those moments in-between. The ride home of graduation, the nights just having random conversations with friends, and those moments we remember and we don’t even know why.
6. Dinner Ultimatum
Movie: Nightcrawler
Scene: Louis Bloom has dinner with Nina and things get awkward quickly as he explains to her why she has no other choice but to sleep with him.
Why it made the list: Louis Bloom is ambition unhinged as illustrated in this scene. Jake Gyllenhaal is creepy in the best ways possible. He takes the skills normally associated with an Aaron Sorkin character and uses them for evil.
5. The Creation Scene
Movie: Noah
Scene: Noah’s adopted daughter recalls the biblical story of creation.
Why it made the list: Darren Aronofsky is known for his visual storytelling ability, and this is shown in this scene where the creation of life is depicted. Having the biblical words placed atop scientific images was a dichotic moment that gets to the crux of what the film was about. Religion vs Science is a debate as old as time, and it is displayed here in an elegant fashion.
4. Getting the Arrow Out
Movie: Blue Ruin
Scene: After being shot in the leg with an arrow Dwight attempts to remove it himself without the aid of a doctor.
Why it made the list: We have seen people in movies have to perform surgery on themselves for a number of reasons. This stands up mainly due to the set up. Dwight limping his way through a CVS esc store to get a pair of tweezers, to him sitting alone doing to deed, to the final punch of it not going according to plan.
3. Death in Seven Days
Movie: Calvary
Scene: In the opening of Calvary Father James hears a confession of a mysterious man who threatens to kill him in seven days.
Why it made the list: In only took a few minutes for Brendan Gleeson to give one of my favorite performances of the year. All of the focus is squarely on him as a man explains the horrors he endured as a child. Gleeson goes through a cavalcade of emotions as he tries to grasp what is exactly taking place. Director John Michael McDonagh’s tells us right from the start that Calvary will be nothing like his previous work.
2. Class Session
Movie: Starred Up
Scene: Prison members sit in a grungy room discussing their issues. With convicted felons all around stakes are high as saying the wrong thing could lead to an explosion of violence. Issues become even more complicated when Eric Love’s father attempts to join.
Why it made the list: The one word that comes to mind during this scene is intensity. The confined space acts as a microwave that slowly builds to an explosion. Right when you think the final reprieve has come some small gesture will ignite everything even further. We know one small misstep can bring everything these men built crashing down causing the stakes to be tremendously high.
1. Man with Deformed Face
Movie: Under the Skin
Scene: Scarlet Johannsson picks up a man who a clear physically deformity and has a conversation.
Why it made the list: Up to this point the movie there was a consistent apathetic view of humanity. Slowly those barriers are worn and sympathy begins to seep into the main characters persona. Slowly a sweetness begins to progress, yet there is a question of the validity of the kindness. Is it real or is it another elaborate trick? We could be witnessing the gentlest moment of the movie or the harshest. There is also something to how Scarlet Johannsson plays this scene. Speaking to the deformed man with a sincerity he may have never heard before. There is no feeling sorry or apologetic towards him. For perhaps the first time in his life he is being spoken to like he is just like everyone else in the world.
