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What happens when the gushing blood of a 90s slasher flick clashes with the dizzying heights of a 50s psychological thriller? In the ring of the Greatest Movie Opening Scenes, it’s Scream (1996) versus Vertigo. Scream ripped open the quiet suburbia with a phone call that turned deadly, redefining horror tropes for a knowing audience. Vertigo, meanwhile, took us on a rooftop chase that spiraled into an obsession that would haunt cinema forever. This battle isn’t just about deciding who tops the cinematic charts; it's a face-off between modern cynicism and classic suspense. What matters more to you: innovative terror or timeless intrigue?
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Scream (1996) over Vertigo when it comes to the greatest Movie Opening Scenes of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Scream (1996) 75.0% of the time over Vertigo.
Across all battles:
Scream (1996) win rate: 47.9%
Vertigo win rate: 29.4%
Scream starts off with a bang that perfectly captures the '90s slasher vibe, mixing in clever twists and intense suspense. It's this blend of horror and self-awareness that makes it a fan favorite.
Fans can't get enough of its masterful suspense and intriguing setup. Hitchcock's craftsmanship in setting the tone is just impeccable. It's all about that eerie, dizzying effect that hooks you right from the start.
It's a nail-biter because both scenes are iconic in their own right. Scream's opening redefined horror for a modern audience, and Vertigo's has that classic Hitchcock touch that's been dissected by film buffs for decades. Fans are really split on this one!