Top 50 Best Movie Moments

 I want to continue this film appreciation phase with a deeper dive into my favorite movies. I've been wanting to write this post for some time now, pertaining to the greatest scenes in movie history. Every great movie usually has a few moments within the movie, where the story reaches it's zenith. This is usually towards the end of the film, where the story has reached it's climatic arc, but not always the case. It can often come at the beginning of the film to establish the setting or even during the middle of the story to further develop characters. It's a moment of top cinematic quality on all fronts ranging from the musical score, the acting, the filming, the special effects, and so forth. 

I remember my sophomore year in college I took a course on film studies, which I really enjoyed, and began to better understand movies as an art form. I remember there was one class where we learned about shots, scenes, and sequences. Any time the camera changes it's position is referred to a shot, which normally lasts 5 to 10 seconds depending on the dialogue. These shots help establish the scene, which is a given location in the film. When the scene changes locations, but it still relates to the present narrative, this is known as a sequence. Every movie is constantly changing shots, scenes, and sequences to further the story along (unless it's a rare film like 1917 which is basically one single shot). I especially enjoy long shots because it demonstrates more skillful acting and cinematography. 

I believe what makes a movie scene really special is it's ability to hit at the emotions. The story is of course the driving force of every movie but the filming can help enhance these moments. For example at the end of Gladiator, where Maximus has defeated the evil emperor and transitions into the afterlife. This is such a beautiful movie moment, because it stirs emotions of happiness but also sadness at the same time. The musical score at this moment helps accentuate this moment, added by the performance of the actors, and any additional film elements. In my list here, I'll explain the details of these scenes, the musical compositions, and how they are able to hit at the emotional nerves. It should come as no surprise that most of my favorite scenes all come from my favorite movies (and some of these films even have multiple. 

50. Gatsby's Party (The Great Gatsby) 2013

In the modern adaptation of Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann we don't actually see Gatsby himself until a good 20 minutes into the film. He is portrayed wonderfully by Leonardo DiCaprio, as a suave mysterious billionaire. When the narrator played by Tobey Maguire, gets an invitation to one of Gatsby's parties, we saw the wild extravagance unfold. Prominent people and beautiful women dancing to loud jazz music and so forth. Maguire's sheer shock at the party unfolding before him makes this all the more surreal. And Gatsby's introduction really puts a cherry on top to the backdrop of fireworks and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. 

49. For you a Thousand Times Over (The Kite Runner) 2007

I realize this film probably didn't get too much attention or accolades, but I just think it's such a beautiful story. And for me the ending always hits an emotional sensation. After much turmoil, Amir has adopted the boy of his former servant who he use to chase kites with. When the young boy cuts down a kite, Amir proudly volunteers to chase it down in a total act of gratitude, humility, and homage to the boy's father. The story comes full circle at this point and the musical score of Alberto Iglesias truly establishes a blissful moment.  

48. Penguins Swimming (Happy Feet) 2006

I remember being obsessed with this movie one summer and always quoting the lines with my brothers while we swam at my parent's lake. It's a musical film and has many catchy songs but two in particular are from the Beach Boys. I love the rendition of In my Room, but the best scene for me is when the penguins make their polar plunge and swim to the song, Do it Again. It's a playful scene where the penguins swim in sync with one another. What really makes it special is the moment where Mumble and Gloria come together and create the shape of a heart. To me this scene demonstrates that joyful feel of youthfulness and also blossoming romance. 

47. I am Spartacus (Spartacus) 1960

This epic sword-and-sandal film, starring Kirk Douglass has an epic famous ending. His army of rebel rousers has been defeated by the Roman Empire. When the Romans ask for Spartacus to step forward to face his punishment, the entire slave army volunteers to stand with Spartacus and face a certain death. Spartacus is so moved by the situation a term comes down his face. 

46. Rocky training montage (Rocky) 1976

The movie series Rocky has many great training montages. Perhaps one of the most iconic is him running thru the streets of Philadelphia, drinking raw eggs, training with Mickey, and sprinting up the 72 stairs of the Museum of Art. He then puts his arms in the air in an iconic moment of triumph. The sequence is backed by the motivational theme song Gonna Fly Now by Bil Conti.

45. Si No Te Hubieras Ido (Y Tu Mama Tambien)

This is my favorite of many great scenes in this road trip comedy film starring Gabriel Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Maribel Verdu. In this scene at an outdoor bar the trio makes peace after various episodes of tension. They share laughs and stories about sex while drinking tequila. The scene takes on an artistic quality when Maribel plays a song from the jukebox. She then faces the camera and does an exotic dance to the song, Si No Te Hubieras Ido by Marco Antonio Solis. The three then come together to share a dance in what eventually leads to a ménage-a-trois. 

44. Parting of the Red Sea (Ten Commandments) 1956

Here is another big scale movie with many big scale moments and groundbreaking special effects for it's time. For me the one that really awe-inspires is when Moses parts the Red Sea to free the Israelites from the pharaoh's army. This is a very suspenseful and intense moment where Moses performs a miracle to finally be free from Egypt. The scene is carried by Charlton Heston's passionate performance, great special effects, and a powerful musical score from Elmer Bernstein.

43. Single Shot during combat (Children of Men) 2006

At the climax of this film by Alfonso Cuaron, Theo played by Clive Owen is caught in an intense insurgency. What is most impressive about this scene is the long take single shot in the midst of heavy gun fighting and explosions. The filming has a very raw and authentic feel to it, as it shakes and follows Theo as he tries to search for Key in the midst of a battle. As he takes cover inside a bus, the camera is literally covered in blood drops yet the shot continues with gunfire and explosions galore. It's just an incredible uninterrupted shot of intensity, that you can't take your eyes off of. The scene goes on for over 6 minutes without cutting away, until Theo finally finds Kee. 

42. The Diner Scene (Pulp Fiction) 1994

Pulp Fiction is without question Quentin Tarantino's best movie, and there are quite a few great scenes to chose from. The one that really stands out for me is the 1950s diner scene with John Travolta and Uma Thurman. The chemistry between these two actors is undisputable, and their dialogue really draws you into the moment. The scene goes up a notch, when they spontaneously decide to take center stage on the dance floor. Once again their natural chemistry (and Travolta's smooth moves) are at full display as they dance to the 1950s hit, You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry. 

41. Miguel crosses into the Land of the Dead (Coco) 2017

I'm not sure why it is, but I've always found the transition into the afterlife to be one of the most beautiful moments in film. Of course we have no idea what this experience might be like, but I like to think it will be a heavenly ascension into a paradise. This is certainly the case in Coco, at the midst of the film when Miguel crosses over to the land of the dead. Here the film introduces a magical utopia full of vibrant colors, happy skeletons, and animal spirits. Miguel's sense of wonder as he crosses this bridge of flower petals always hits an emotional nerve for me. It is incredible animation with a beautiful musical score by Michael Giacchino.

40. Cleopatra enters Rome (Cleopatra) 1963

Many of the movie moments on this list, are here simply because of the epic scale of the scene. That is most definitely the case for Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. She is simply stunning in the roll as Cleopatra, and I think this is especially demonstrated in her entrance into Rome. It is a parade before Julius Caesar with hundreds of dancers and performers making way for Cleopatra. She is then hauled in on a giant sphinx pulled by many male slaves. She comes off as not just a queen but a goddess of Egypt. 

39. Dorothy's arrival into Oz (Wizard of Oz) 1939

In my previous post, I wrote about this movie, and what it must have felt like to witness this groundbreaking film in color for the first time in theaters in 1939. The first 20 minutes of the film take place in black-and-white. The movie then makes it's colorful debut where Dorothy realizes she's not in Kansas anymore. It's a big scale scene with an elaborate set design known as Munchkin Land. The costumes, makeup, and town design are especially colorful to accentuate this groundbreaking visual display. 

38. King Kong ain't got shit on me (Training Day) 2001

This is the climax moment of the film Training Day, and demonstrates the genius acting of Denzel Washington. In a moment of defeat, he goes on a tirade as he is held at gunpoint by LA gangsters. He realizes he is about to be exposed as a corrupt cop and begins shouting all sorts of profanities. The performance is truly raw much of which was improvised by Denzel. He rightfully won the Oscar for this role, and I think this scene here was the pinnacle of this performance. 

37. He is the One (The Matrix) 1999

This movie series introduced many groundbreaking film techniques, most notably the slow-motion action sequences. This was best demonstrated midway thru the film where Neo is able to dodge bullets. However the scene for me that really hits the heights, is when Neo realized he no longer needs to doge bullets. This is towards the end of the film, where Neo is suddenly able to see the Matrix, defeat the enemy agents with ease, and save his lover, Trinity. The scene presents some great special effects, combat choreography, musical score of Howard Shore, and convincing acting by Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Laurence Fishburne. 

36. Frankly my Dear (Gone with the Wind) 1939

Gone with the Wind has several impressive big scale scenes in it, but really only one made my top 50 here. It's probably one of the most famous lines in movie history, and of course you'd have to watch the movie to really do the scene justice. It's the closing of the film, where the overly dramatic Vivien Leigh asks Clark Gable what can she do in the new South and Clark Gable responds with "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn". It may seem harsh without context but Vivien's character was very selfish throughout the entire story. The use of the word, "Damn" in a motion picture was also very controversial for it's time.

35. America (West Side Story) 1957

The musical West Side Story has many great musical performances but for me the one that really shines above the rest is America. For starters it's a very catchy song by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim but also displays passionate acting and dance choreography. The premise is a back and forth musical dialogue between a group of Latin women and Latin men. The setting is also quite noteworthy as the entire dance scene is performed on a rooftop at night in New York City. It's a musical piece of playful expression which I could just watch over again and again. 

34. April Come She Will (The Graduate) 1967

There's quite a few iconic scenes from the Graduate carried by Dustin Hoffman's brilliant performance. One that I wanted to include in this list, but just didn't quite make the cut was the closing scene on the bus. It's rather brief, but the two share a raw and insecure moment of what has just transpired. Director Mike Nichols created many scenes similar to this where Dustin doesn't speak any words, yet merely reflects in a pensive manner. My favorite scene in the movie is during the summer affair, where the camera just focuses on Dustin lying in bed while Mrs. Robinson is seen in the background. He then smokes a cigarette, takes a plunge in the pool, and is then back in bed with Mrs. Robinson. This sequence masterfully demonstrates his deep state of bliss and freedom to the amazing song April Come She Will by Simon and Garfunkel. 

33. Eve is Set Free (V for Vendetta) 2005

I think this is another amazing film that was snubbed in the Oscar department with many memorable lines, performances, and scenes. The one that chokes me up the most is when Eve played by Natalie Portman, is released from a torture chamber. She was placed in a dark chamber with minimal food or comfort for some time. After refusing to speak of V, she proudly faced her execution, only then to realize that the whole thing was a hoax. At this point Natalie Portman is overcome by a whirlwind of emotions. She is furious at V for this cruel trick, but more-so she realizes that she is now free from fear. Natalie Portman's emotional breakdown is just amazing acting, and I think she deserved an Oscar nod for this scene alone. 

32. English Settlers arrive to Virginia (New World) 2005

This artistic opening scene by Terrence Malick sets the stage for an adaptation of the Pocahontas story. The Native Americans watch in curiosity while three massive ships approach the coastline of Virginia. The English settlers also look out into the New World with great fascination. The scene goes on for nearly four minutes without any dialogue, to the beautiful instrumental music of Richard Wagner's Vorspiel. This musical piece truly helps establish a sense of wonder, that was no doubt felt by both civilizations meeting for the first time. 

31. Carnival Celebration (Grease)1978

Although this movie didn't graze my top 100, the final
scene is one of the best feel good moments. The story reaches the perfect happy ending, after graduation, where John Travolta and Olivia Newton John set aside their differences. Together they sing the duet Your the One That I Want, at the backdrop of a carnival. The duet then transitions to a group song, We Go Together where the entire cast gleefully sings and dances on the open fields of the carnival. The friends state they will always be together, as Travolta and Oliva magically fly off in their car into the sky. It truly is a blissful moment, that takes me back to the summer days following my grade school and high school graduation. This final scene captures that bond of friendship, but also hints at the reality that the friendship is likely going to end. It's still such an exciting time and for me this closing scene is like a portrayal of heaven. 

30. It's All an Illusion (Illusionist) 2006

At the grand finale of the Illusionist the inspector played by Paul Giamatti comes to the sudden realization of what has transpired. The illusionist played wonderfully by Edward Norton, devised a clever plan where he pinned the death of the duchess on the wicked crowned prince. The situation drove the crowned prince to madness, while the duchess was still alive in hiding. The inspector acknowledges this clever trick with a passionate applause, that is no doubt felt by the entire audience at this point in the film. The movie then closes with a romantic exchange between the illusionist and the duchess. It's such a beautiful story with a great musical score by Philip Glass.

29. Older sister leaves for California (Almost Famous) 2000

There's quite a few beautiful scenes in Almost Famous backed by great classic rock songs, such as the singing of Tiny Dancer, or Something in the Air. But the scene that always inspired me the most was when Zooey Deschanel decided to leave her mom and move to California. Rather then explain her reasoning, she just played the song America by Simon and Garfunkel. The song continues to play as the elder sister packs her car, and then bids her younger brother farewell. She also leaves him with the perfect parting gift; her entire album collection. 

28. Is that my Daughter?! (Mystic River) 2003

This murder mystery film directed by Clint Eastwood had so many great emotional scenes. The acting of Sean Penn and Tim Robbins was top notch quality. Their conversation on the porch was another favorite scene of mine that almost made this list. However the scene that really stands out is Sean Penn's realization that his daughter has been murdered. He is held back by 10 police officers while he cries out in great emotion, "Is that my daughter in there?!". Kevin Bacon cannot find the words to tell him that his daughter is dead. The camera then zooms out from above, and the beautiful musical theme song, composed by Clint Eastwood closes it out. Just a powerfully emotional scene that won Sean Penn an Oscar. 

27. Opening Romance in Paris (To the Wonder) 2012

This artistic film by Terrence Malick is constantly in motion, with a beautiful musical score throughout. There are many scenes that hit an emotional sensation for me, but one of my favorites kicks off right at the beginning. Just as he did with New World, Malick uses another classical music piece by Richard Wagner; the Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1. The camera begins with some amateur filming on a train ride where Ben Affleck and Olga Kurylenko act silly with one another. As they arrive to Paris, the film quality gets much more defined as they visit the iconic landmarks of the city. Their is no dialogue in this opening sequence yet sheer romantic emotion carried by the filming, the music, and passionate performances from Affleck and Kuryleko. For me the part that reaches it's zenith is when they visit the Mont Saint-Michel cathedral, where their on-screen romance matches perfectly with Wagner's crescendo. I think it's such a beautiful film opening by Malick. 

26. Battle of Sterling (Braveheart) 1995

I remember just being blown away by these large scale battles in Braveheart, that depicts a time where soldiers would just charge into one another with their swords. The Battle of Sterling is just jaw dropping when it comes to sheer sword clashing and graphic bloody gore. It goes on for a good ten minutes of charging soldiers, horses, arrows, swords, and many instances of bloody deaths. I usually don't like horror or gore movies, but I think in this scene it's quite necessary to demonstrate the savagery of war. Mel Gibson gives a very passionate performance in this scene as the Scottish leader William Wallace. 

25. Eywa has Heard You (Avatar) 2009

This is another great feel good moment in an epic fantasy movie directed by James Cameron. It appears the battle is all but lose for Jake and the Navi until suddenly the animals of Pandora come to their aid. Neytiri realizes that the mother goddess of Pandora, Eywa has answered their prayers and she gleefully shouts the news to Jake. At this moment the battle takes a turn in favor of the Navi. Aside from the story and incredible special effects, I think it's the inspirational music of James Horner that really makes this such a sensational scene. 

24. Sgt Elias is Shot in the Jungle (Platoon) 1986

This scene was the cover of the film, and when you watch it in action you understand why. It's the turning point of a story that is a war within a war between two American commanders fighting in Vietnam. William DeFoe gives an incredible performance as the likable Sgt Elias, who comes at odds with Sgt Barnes who is a hateful killer. Knowing that Sgt Elias plans to report on Barnes' role in a massacre, Barnes shoots him in the jungle and then leaves him for dead. As the American choppers take off, Sgt Elias is seen running from the Vietcong. The sad music of Adagio for Strings plays as Elias eventually falls to his knees overcome by all the bullet wounds. 

23. Chariot Race (Ben-Hur) 1959

Yet another classic sword-and-sandal epic with a grandiose scene free from any blue screen special effects. The chariot race of Ben-Hur starring Charlton Heston at the reigns is still a jaw-dropping moment some 66 years after it was released. Here we see real settings, costumes, horses and chariots racing around a massive outdoor track stadium with it's impressive central spina of statues. Then of course there is the drama that unfolds of the cheering crowd, the crashing bodies, and the fight between Heston and Jack Hawkins. The camera really puts the viewer behind the racing horses to help capture the speed at which they are moving. Another very unique feature of this epic scene is that it doesn't have much of a musical backdrop yet rather the constant audio of galloping horses. This is the climatic scene of the story, where Heston is finally able to get the better of Hawkins. 

22. I am Your Father (Empire Strikes Back) 1980

This was a pivotal scene in the original Star Wars Trilogy and probably one of the most shocking plot twists in movie history. It is in Empire Strikes Back where Luke and Darth Vader are having an intense lightsaber battle that the truth is revealed. Darth Vader tells Luke, "I am Your Father", and to search his feelings to accept the truth. Luke cries out in a state of denial but also acceptance. This was one of Mark Hamill's best emotional performances in the trilogy. But the writing and ultimate plot twist by George Lucas is what really made this such an iconic scene. 

21. Dufresne escapes Shawshank (Shawshank Redemption) 1994

It appears Tim Robbin's character of Andy Dufresne is considering suicide, until the guards realize his prison cell is empty. The terrible warden then begins shouting accusations before throwing a stone at a poster that reveals the secret. The scene than begins to explain how Andy had been planning this escape for nearly 20 years by chiseling thru the walls behind a poster. In it's most famous scene Andy crawls 500 yards thru a pipe of human waste to freedom, where he then takes his shirt off and welcomes the rain. Furthermore he was able to get back at the warden, by exposing his financial crimes to the press and also robbing him of his money. With a great musical score from Thomas Newman, this is just a wonderful happy ending for such a likeable character. 

20. Nina Transforms into the Black Swan (Black Swan) 2010

The entire movie Nina played by Natalie Portman is struggling to find her inner darkness to represent the role of the black swan. However the pressure of this role makes her begin to lose her mind, as she begins to experience hallucinations. At the final performance, she has a manic episode backstage where she stabs herself with a shard of glass. However she sets aside this pain and puts so much into the performance that she sees herself transforming into a black swan. She nails the performance to perfection, receives a standing ovation, and kisses her director. However when she returns to her dressing room she realizes she has stabbed herself and the pain begins to set in. She is able to finish the show but as she makes the final plunge on stage, the camera falls down with her portraying her death. The dramatic music of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake make this an incredible thrilling scene that you just can't look away from.  

19. Luke Destroys the Death Star (Star Wars) 1977

This is the climatic scene of Star Wars: A New Hope where it appears the Rebel Alliance is facing oblivion. The sheer story, special effects, and filming make this such a thrilling moment in the film. After several failed attempts, Luke Skywalker must navigate a tight passage way to shoot into a core that will destroy the Death Star. If he does not succeed in this final run, the Death Star will destroy the Rebel's hidden base. To make the flight even more challenging he is chased by Darth Vader at top speeds. With the guidance of Obi Wan Kenobi, and a perfectly timed assist from Han Solo, Luke is able to destroy the Death Star just seconds before it releases it's death beam. This is a wonderful feel good moment where the bad guys are defeated and the good guys win the day (at least for now). 

18. Forrest Gump Breaks Out of Leg Braces (Forrest Gump) 1994

This one falls in the inspirational feel good-category when we see the younger Forrest Gump break free from his leg braces to escape the bullies. The scene begins when a group of bullies throw a rock at the younger Forrest Gump. His friend Jenny then tells him to run away, which doesn't seem fair given his leg braces. However the key moment is then caught in slow motion, focusing on the young kids legs as the metal braces shatter from his legs. He then begins to really open up in longer strides as the music tempo picks up. Tom Hanks narrates the scene as it unfolds recounting his youthful days when he could run like the wind. It's a very beautiful moment carried by the uplifting musical score of Alan Silvestri.  

17. Ride of the Valkyries (Apocalypse Now) 1979

One of the best Vietnam movies also has one of the best cinematic epic war scenes. Colonel Bill Kilgore played by Robert DuVall coolly rocks his aviator sunglasses as he leads a helicopter attack on a Vietnamese village. As the 20-some American choppers charge towards the island coast, the music of Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries blares over the scene. The choppers begin bombarding the island with rockets and bullet fire as the poor Vietnamese take cover. The scene vividly captures the terrible atrocities of war from both ends. 

16. The Final Task (Pan's Labyrinth) 2006

This movie has a rather grim and bleak tone to it and still so beautifully filmed by Guillermo del Toro. The final scene always chokes me up, as the poor young Ofelia is shot dead by the wicked Spanish Captain. It is open to interpretation as it appears she has passed a test to join her parents in a magical fantasy world. For me this is no doubt a representation of heaven (yet one of several beautiful examples of that afterlife transistion). And although she left the cruel reality behind, she saved her brother and defeated the evil Captain before departing. The beautiful musical lullaby by Javier Navarrete makes this such an emotional scene. It's sad but also a happy ending at the same time. 

15. Schindler's Emotional Break Down (Schindler's list) 1993

This is such a powerful and emotional closing scene from Spielberg with incredible acting from Liam Neeson. After Oscar Schindler closes down his phony metal factory he is escorted back to his car by the many Jews that he saved. This includes his accountant played by Ben Kingsley, who offers him a ring as a gift for what he has done. At that point Schindler breaks down in emotion, realizing he could and should have done more to save more Jews. Kingsley tells him he saved hundreds with his phony operation and should not feel ashamed. The musical theme by Itzhak Perlman plays throughout Neeson's incredible performance to truly enhance this sad tragedy that was the Holocaust. 

14. Merry Christmas! (It's a Wonderful Life) 1946

I always get a kick that this movie is considered a Christmas movie, since it only has about five minutes of Christmas in it at the grand finale. George Bailey played by James Stewart has hit financial rock bottom and considers suicide before an angel intervenes. The angel is able to convince Bailey, of all the people he has influenced and how truly wonderful his life has been. When Bailey realizes he is not dead, he runs thru the snowy streets in total jubilation shouting Merry Christmas to everyone in town. He then enters his home to embrace his family, and the jubilation gets even better when the townspeople help contribute to his financial situation. Everyone in the house then sings Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and the daughter tells her father that whenever a bell rings an angel gets their wings. It's such an incredible happy feel-good moment, one of the best endings in movie history. 

13. D-Day Normandy Invasion (Saving Private Ryan) 1998

The opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan really kicks the movie off with a bang, as it gives a 20 minute depiction of the D-Day Battle of Normandy. Spielberg really creates some raw and graphic imagery here, as he puts the camera in the midst of all the action. Tom Hanks also gives off one of his finest performances as the Captain Miller leading his squad. The sheer scale of the scene is quite impressive as the landings unfold, hundreds of soldiers begin storming the beach. They are welcomed by an intense shower of gunfire and explosions. The fear and gore displayed in this scene truly establish the reality of this horrifying battle where thousands died. It's a scene you can't take your eyes away from with great acting, filming, and the musical score of John Williams. 

12. Rose's Death (Titanic) 1997

Here is yet another example of the beautiful film transition into the heavenly afterlife. I just love when the elder Rose passes away, travels thru the deep sea, and arrives to the Titanic as her younger self. She is then welcomed into the lobby by all those who died on the Titanic which of course includes her lover (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). She is so happy to see all these wonderful people united together, and this is no doubt her version of heaven. The scene is even multiplied by the beautiful music of James Horner's Hymn to the Sea. It's the ultimate feel good moment after an epic movie by James Cameron. 

11. Andy Dufresne plays Mozart over PA (Shawshank Redemption) 1994

Dufresne finally get's the funding for his library and receives a big shipment of books and albums. In a rather spontaneous moment of rebellion, he decides to play a record of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro over the PA system. The song is a beautiful operatic duet that completely entrances everyone at the prison yard. The filming does an incredible job to slowly capture the prisoners' state of wonder as they look up at the speakers. Morgan Freeman explains the event as it unfolds as if a songbird had flew in to the prison to make everyone feel free. Dufresne even goes a step further in his state of bliss, to ignore the warden's demands of turning the music off, by rather turning the music up. The scene of course comes to an abrupt end at last, but Dufresne achieved his mission of bringing hope to Shawshank if only for a couple minutes. 

10. Entering the Copacabana (Goodfellas) 1990

One of my favorite scenes from Martin Scorsese Goodfellas is when Ray Liotta escorts his date played by Lorraine Bracco thru the backdoor of the Copacabana. The filming uses a steadi-cam technique where the camera man follows the couple thru a very well choreographed scene. The couple enters thru the kitchen where Ray makes jokes with the staff and hands 20 dollar bills to the doormen. He eventually makes his way to the restaurant host, where he is able to skip the line and is escorted to the front of the stage. As the couple sits at their table, Lorraine is very impressed with her date and asks him what he does. It's just masterful cinematography played to the catchy 1960s song, Then He Kissed Me by the Crystals. 

9. You Shall not Pass (Fellowship of the Ring) 2001

There are so many artistic scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I could probably write a separate post just on that. But for now there are 3 from the movie series that stand out above the rest for me. The first one on this list occurs in the Fellowship of the Ring. The Fellowship is on the fun from the goblin army in the mines of Moria as well as the terrible beast known as the Balrog. It is here at the Bridge of Khazad-Dum that Gandalf makes his heroic stand. The special effects alone are amazing, depicting this magical devilish beast of fire and brimstone, known as a Balrog who carries a whip. Gandalf holds his staff at the Balrog as it shines a white light and he shouts "You Shall not Pass". At this point a force field stops the Balrog from advancing and the bridge collapses. The Balrog begins to fall down into the abyss and it appears it is defeated, until he cracks his whip one last time. The whip grabs on to Gandalf's foot, he clings to the cliff for one moment, before saying farewell to his friends, and falling down. At this point the musical score of Howard Shore shifts to a very sad melody of beautiful angelic vocals while the rest of the fellowship leave the mine and mourn the loss of Gandalf. 

8. Singing in the Rain (Singing in the Rain)

Here is a masterclass of musical performance, singing, and dancing from Gene Kelly. However what is equally impressive is the set design of a shopping plaza at night getting rained upon. Gene Kelly is in a state of love and can't help himself but sing and dance with joy despite the terrible weather occurring. He carelessly swings his umbrella as he strolls thru the pouring rain with a smile on his face. The other pedestrians watch him with utter shock as he acts a fool tapdancing in the puddles of water. He eventually brings his frolic to an end, when he runs into a police officer. He innocently tells the officer he's just singing and dancing in the rain, before he kindly hands his umbrella off to another pedestrian. It's a wonderful scene of utter happiness that I could just watch over again and again. 

7. The Battlefield Run (1917)

This is the penultimate moment that has been brewing the entire story with such vivid and intense filming by Sam Mendes. The WWI British soldier played by George MacKay must deliver a crucial message to the general to stop the attack. However he arrives at the onset of the charge, and must run out in no-mans land to move along the trenchline. As he runs he must dodge oncoming German artillery as well as charging British soldiers. The camera then zooms out to capture the epic scale of this moment amidst a terrible WWI battle. The acting by George MacKay, the directing of Mendes, and the dramatic music of Thomas Newman make this one of the greatest scenes in movie history. 

 

6. Salieri Describes Mozart's Music (Amadeus) 1984

The older Salieri played by F. Murray Abraham is describing the first time he met Mozart to a priest. Mozart had just given a performance for the arch-duke, and Salieri walks over to glimpse at Mozart's sheet music. At this point Salieri gives a poetic explanation of each detail of Mozart's Serenade for the Winds, 3rd Movement. While the beautiful song of Mozart is probably the defining piece of the scene, the screenplay and passionate acting of F. Murray Abraham is also what makes it even more special (and well deserving of the Oscar he won for the performance). It's without question my favorite scene from one of my favorite movies.  

 

5. The Car Scene (Children of Men) 2006

This scene is incredible for several reasons. It was a total plot-twist in the story, but was also filmed in one very long shot. The scene began as a friendly drive of reacquainted lovers (played by Julianne Moore and Clive Owen) as they listen to music and play games in the car. Then out of nowhere their car is attacked by a group of insurgents, one of which is riding a motorbike with a gun. The passenger on the motorbike shoots at Julian thru the front shield of the car, which causes a blast of blood (that spurts on the camera). Theo is then able to knock the motorbike down with his door, which causes the bike to flip over the front of the car. As the car turns around, the passengers are frantic with emotion, as the windshield bursts into shattered pieces. As the police quickly chase down the car, Chiwetel Ejiofor gets out of the driver seat and shoots the officers dead on the spot. Everyone in the car is shocked at what happened, just as the audience were when they first saw this scene. In incredible moment from director Alfonso Cuaron for it's story twist but also it's groundbreaking film technique. 

4. The Sunrise at Helms Deep (The Two Towers) 2002

Facing certain oblivion at the Battle of Helms Deep, Aragon convinces King Theoden to make one final heroic stance at the gates. Gimli blows the horn of Rohan, while Theoden leads a charge down the ramp for death and glory. However at this point Aragon looks to the east and sees Gandalf the White standing atop a mountain with the rising sun at his back. Gandalf then speaks to Eomer that his king stands alone, of which Eomer then calls upon his army of Rohirrim. A glorious charge then ensues down the mountainside led by Gandalf, filmed in slow motion. The Uruk-Hai rush to meet this charge, but as the Rohirrim arrive, the sun blinds the enemy army, making for a crushing assault. All this occurs to the most beautiful musical composition by Howard Shore, Forth Eorlingas, once again with angelic vocals. It's an inspiring turning point in the story, where it appears the good guys are defeated, until one heroic moment completely changes the tide of events.

3. Miracle Cease Fire (Children of Men) 2006

Although this is not one of the several incredible long take shots in the film, it's without question the most climatic and artistic from Alfonso Cuaron. In the midst of the final battle, Kee has just given birth to the first baby in nearly 20 years. The refugees, insurgents, and British military are all shocked at this miracle. The fighting comes to a complete halt as everyone freezes to look upon the baby. Theo and Kee are able to walk out of the building as if they were Mary and Joseph carrying the baby Jesus. The scene has a very religious implication to it, with a angelic chorus playing in the backdrop. It always hits a powerful emotion to think that something so beautiful could bring an end to war, even if it is momentary. In this case a rocket blast then comes firing from the building to bring this beautiful moment to an abrupt end and return us all back to the harsh reality. It's one of the most beautiful scenes that always chokes me up. 

2. The Ride of the Rohirrim (The Return of the King) 2003

This is my favorite scene in the Lord of the Rings trilogy that always chokes me up with such a blissful sensation. It appears yet again that the good guys are facing defeat as Gandalf's staff is obliterated by the evil witch king. Then suddenly a horn is heard far from Minis Tirith amidst the battlefields of Pelennor. The camera shows an incredible encouraging scene of the Rohirrim arriving at the rear of the orc army, with thousands of Rohan cavalry led by King Theoden. The music changes to an uplifting score, as King Theoden begins rallying his army with a riveting speech to ride into the world's end. At this point the charge begins, once again in slow motion as the musical score continues with it's theme of Rohan. It's such a beautiful moment of courage and honor, facing certain death against impossible odds. 

1. Now We are Free (Gladiator) 2000

There are quite a few afterlife transitions on the list, but this one is without question my favorite. It is my favorite moment of the film Gladiator and a big reason why this is my all time favorite movie. Maximus played by Russell Crowe has just achieved his vengeance against the evil emperor Commodus played by Joaquin Phoenix. The music of Lisa Gerrard and Hans Zimmer's Now we are Free sets the emotional tone. Maximus slowly begins to fade into the afterlife feeling his hands on the wheat fields that lead to his family in Elysium. But he is then awakened back to reality and must give the final orders to free the prisoners and to reinstate Rome to a republic. He then falls to the floor and bids Lucilla farewell before crossing over. He then floats into his Elysium where his wife and child are waiting for him. His child runs to him in the backdrop of the rolling wheat fields. His body is then carried away from the coliseum in a glorious ending to the beautiful music of Now we are Free.