The artistic choices for a movie’s opening and closing credits aren’t often discussed, but they should be. Many people will miss or ignore them. Some people even walk out of the theater or refuse to watch the end credits. In addition to giving due respect to everyone involved, we have to admire the art of the credit sequence. The 15 best films show how much filmmakers care about setting the mood and ending on a good note.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
When a highly artistic film series like “ Lord of the Ring The bottom line is, understandably, the filmmakers will go the extra mile with the end credits. serves as a bookend to all three films; return of the king Featuring drawings and concept art for all lead and supporting actors. A weathered background reminiscent of parchment adds an aged feel to the piece. These sketches by Alan Lee, along with Annie Lennox’s “Into the West,” conclude the trilogy on a beautiful and impactful note.
2. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
guy ritchie end credits Sherlock Holmes characterized by an appearance similar to return of the king But it has its own unique feel. The desaturated images flow, dissolve, and morph as Hans Zimmer’s energetic score plays. These credits resemble a living newspaper and match the mood of the film, giving it an extra dimension.
3. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Steven Spielberg sets the tone Catch Me If You Can Comes with a stylish animated opening credits sequence. The simple animation includes a small color palette of black, white, blue, and yellow, lots of lines and angles, and a preview of what’s to come.
These credits set the stage for the story of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who tails pilot-turned-doctor-turned-con artist Frank Abagnale. Interestingly, the images of the two move up, then from left to right, and finally back down, showing Frank’s journey. Pair this animation with a jazzy finger-snapping score and your audience will be captivated.
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
I can’t deny the feeling of anticipation I felt before. Avengers: Endgame. Consisting of 21 films, this film concludes the Infinity Saga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Naturally, the end credits reflect the film’s epic scope. end game And everything that has ever been. They open with “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” and continue the song from its emotional final moments.
However, the highlight of the end credits includes a version of Alan Silvestri’s “Avengers Theme” called “Main on End” playing over footage of the impressive cast of roasters. Strobe lights make it slightly out of focus and look like an old movie theater projection.
The filmmakers gave the original five Avengers (Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner) a proper send-off, giving their characters a static look. Displays images overlaid on top of a montage of one scene. The actor’s signature will be displayed. This unique sequence incredibly admires and admires these actors and leaves the audience in awe.
5. The Parent Trap (1961)
original version Parent’s trap This film starts off in a fun and creative way, but it proves that these filmmakers have gone above and beyond. His credits for these openings include his three-minute stop-motion animation sequence, including the upbeat title song sung by Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands. The characters in the anime include her two girls who try to get their parents back with the help of two angels. Created by T. He, Bill Justice, and Xavier Atencio, these titles demonstrate the level of effort that went into the films.
6. Captain America/The First Avenger (2011)
Set primarily during World War II, Captain America/The First Avengers The end credits capture the patriotic atmosphere of the time, combining propaganda posters and images, historical figures such as Rosie the Riveter, and works reminiscent of the art of Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker. It is reflected. Rather than being a static image, it appears moving and three-dimensional, giving the sequence an evocative, dynamic atmosphere that matches Alan Silvestri’s score. These credits ooze the spirit of vintage Americana.
7. Spider-Man Trilogy (2002-2007)
Sam Raimi opening titles spiderman Although the trilogy has a similar aesthetic, there are crucial differences that reflect the impending narrative. The first film contains a simple sequence of an animated web frantically stretching and moving. spiderman 2 It contains these same elements, but includes watercolor and pencil renderings of key moments from the first film.
spiderman 3 It continues in the same format, but this time with a montage of the first two films and a preview of the dark entity that corrupts Peter.Each contains the same vibrant, high-energy Danny Elfman spiderman theme. And these creative and consistent introductions reflect the movie beautifully.
8. Mission Impossible Franchise (1996-2023)
All introductions from Mission Impossible The film includes the classic theme song and a fuse that moves the credits as an homage to the original television series. The difference is in the details. The first three of his are the shortest and most modest.
But from Ghost: Protocol It then has a more consistent look and feel with the frenetic, chaotic pacing and use of out-of-context moments found in each film. especially, fallout The credits capture the essence of the franchise. Dead Reckoning Part I holds the record for the most recent opening credits to occur 28 minutes into a movie.
9. Down With Love (2003)
Candy-colored and playful down with love It parodies, satirizes, and reflects the romantic comedies of the 1960s, especially those starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Naturally, the opening title is the same. Rich in saturated colors, this animated sequence includes an upbeat rendition of the title song by Michael Bublé and Holly Palmer. These credits are distinguished by humorous sound effects reminiscent of 1960s credits.
10. The Incredibles (2004)
The end credits of Mr.incredibles It creates a natural and bright development in the film’s story. The animated title expresses the mid-century and pop aesthetic of his art, complementing the previous story and Michael Giacchino’s lively music. The bright colors and movement make the credits just as fun as the movie itself.
11. Seven (1995)
David Fincher knows how to create atmosphere in his films and opening titles. Seven Seven Establish the appropriate creepy emotion. Since the film follows a serial killer, this sequence shows typical elements of the aforementioned type in close-up. The lack of color and off-kilter music create an appropriate sense of unease for the audience.
12. Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
This dark and quirky tale includes equally fantastical credits. As unique as the film itself, the animated sequences created by Jamie Carilli combine illustrations of Count Olaf and the Baudelaire children with intricate patterns and three-dimensional effects that resemble paper art. This five-minute sequence of his ends the film on a dynamic, artistic high.
13. Pink Panther (1963)
pink panther As you might expect, it opens with an animated introduction to the Pink Panther. The characters are smart and funny, even without the benefit of dialogue. But with clever animation and Henry Mancini’s iconic jazz theme, this sequence leaves its mark on film. This title sequence set the standard for similar films and was so popular that a subsequent comic series was born.
14. Vertigo (1958)
dizzy The introductory credits set a suitably creepy and unsettling atmosphere and establish what’s to come. The score contrasts intense music with soft music. The images include disturbing close-ups of facial features stained in orange and green colors and swirling circles that reflect feelings of fear and dizziness. These credits lend a suspenseful atmosphere to Hitchcock’s masterpiece.
15. Honey, I Blew the Kid (1992)
This sequel is Honey, I made the kids shrink It features hilarious animated sequences that set up the story to come. Reminiscent of vintage newspaper comics, these credits show Wayne Selinsky trying to cope with a baby boy much larger than himself. This sequence is the perfect opening for a silly, sweet, and fun movie.
