Greatest Movie Opening Scenes of All Time - Jaws or Scream (1996)
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Why This Battle Matters
What does the chilling phone call from Scream's opening scene have in common with the serene beach terror of Jaws? More than meets the eye. Both scenes masterfully manipulate tension, twisting everyday scenes into nightmares. Yet, their approach couldn't be more different. Wes Craven's modern, self-aware horror sharply contrasts with Spielberg's slow-burn suspense, often mimetic of classical horror. This battle isn't just about iconic scenes; it's a referendum on what kind of fear resonates more deeply with us today. Do we prefer the meta-scares or the primal terror of the unknowable deep?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Jaws over Scream (1996) when it comes to the greatest Movie Opening Scenes of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Jaws 59.3% of the time over Scream (1996).
Across all battles:
Jaws win rate: 62.5%
Scream (1996) win rate: 47.9%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup such a big debate?
This matchup pits two revolutionary horror films against each other, stirring up a big debate among fans who appreciate different kinds of thrills. Jaws offers that slow-burn terror while Scream flips slasher tropes on their head right from the start.
What makes Scream's opening scene a fan favorite?
Fans love the opening scene of Scream for its clever blend of horror and dark humor. Drew Barrymore’s unforgettable phone call quickly turns from flirty to terrifying, marking a revival of the slasher genre. It’s both gripping and genre-defying.
Why is Jaws beating Scream in the Greatest Movie Opening Scenes league on GoatWars?
Jaws has the edge because its opening scene is iconic! That chilling swim sequence sets the tone for the entire film and has left a lasting impression on fans over the decades. It's no wonder fans are leaning heavily towards it!