As Time Goes By
By Peyton Schultze
Even with an iconic moment like this in Pretty Woman, the list for some of the most iconic images in the history of film was quite competitive (via YouTube).
Certain images live in our minds forever, whether it’s a moment from one of your favorite sport teams or a certain brand of ice cream that you may like. The same thing applies to the movies, where thousands and thousands of precise images live rent free inside our comfortable minds. From The Wizard of Oz to Parasite, film has changed so much over time but has consistently found a way to tell a unique visual story each and every time we head to the theatre.
This idea has spread into our upcoming show, so we decided to take it a step further and reveal some of the most impactful movies images that we could think of. With that being said, here’s a look at some of the most iconic images in the history of film, from Jaws to Citizen Kane.
The Hills are Alive (The Sound of Music, 1965)
Via Los Angeles Magazine
Possibly the most famous opening number from one of the most famous musicals of all-time from one of the most famous actresses of the 1960’s. Even 55 years later, the Austrian hills are still alive with the sound of music.
Across the Moon (E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, 1982)
Via The Mommy Avenger
It’s hard to pinpoint a single shot that defines a great director’s career, especially when he has so many blockbuster films under his belt. But for Steven Spielberg, nothing comes close to the awe-inspiring moment when audiences see Elliott soaring into the sky aboard his bicycle for the first time in the director’s 1982 masterpiece.
Bigger Boat (Jaws, 1975)
Via CinemaBlend
Spielberg may have wowed everyone once again with E.T., but his introduction to the world was introduced back near Amity Island in 1975. And with equal parts eye-popping and horrifying, our first real glimpse at one of cinema’s greatest villains is an shocking image that people will never forget.
Diamonds Shine, but Pink Pops (Gentleman Prefer Blondes, 1953)
Via YouTube
Marilyn could have easily taken more than one spot on this list, especially with her iconic dress in The Seven Year Itch. But when it comes to purely vibrant colors and something that will forever be an iconic movie moment for as long as time, look no further than her rendition of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Singin’ in the Rain (Singin’ in the Rain, 1952)
via Mental Floss
As cheerful as any number in a musical film, the image of Gene Kelly’s Don swinging, twirling, and dancing in the rain-soaked street is ought to bring an instant smile to anyone’s face. Walking down the lane with a happy refrain, Singin’ in the Rain is forever immortalized from this magical moment.
A Last Goodbye (Casablanca, 1942)
via Cleveland Scene
It could easily be regarded as the most iconic scene in the history of film, with memorable lines and a sudden turn of events that turns a former curmudgeon into a hero at the last minute. Casablanca’s closing act proves that not many images can tell an entire story based on one glimpse, but this does.
Falling with Style (Toy Story, 1995)
Via ABC7
It’s hard for an animated movie to make a generational impact, but that’s surely what Toy Story was able to do in fall of 1995. But the shot of Woody and Buzz flying through the sky not only lives inside Disney and Pixar lore; it floats around one of the most memorable moments in the history of movies.
Optimistic Voices (The Wizard of Oz, 1939)
via The Enchanted Manner
Color! Outside of Judy Garland’s iconic performance, that may be the biggest takeaway from perhaps the most famous film of all-time. Following the Yellow Brick Road on the way to the Emerald City, the world’s first film in Technicolor is highlighted by this wonderful blend of magic in the 1939 film.
Window-Shopping (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961)
Via Medium
Is there a simpler image in film history with such a wide mix of emotions? Part-mysterious, part-sympathetic, part-swaggering, and even part-lonesome, this spectacular shot from the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s sets the stage for Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic role.
The Reveal (The Empire Strikes Back, 1980)
Via Film Threat
Many Star Wars fans could easily argue that the Rebel blockade, Twin Suns, or the first lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are more iconic than this. But this single image of the infamous Darth Vader can be shown to any crowd, and everyone knows what comes next: one of the most stunning plot twists of all-time.
Through the Sky (Dirty Dancing, 1987)
Via StyleBlueprint
One would be hard-pressed to find at least one person who hasn’t made this reference while at some kind of dance in the past. It may be one of the least popular films on the list, but it’s one of the most iconic images you’ll ever see.
Into the Desert Storm (Lawrence of Arabia, 1962)
Via PRI
The infamous match cut may deserve more of the acclaim, but the shot late in the film of Lawrence leading his army into battle is one that looms large in cinematic history, With an emphasis on actor Peter O’Toole’s shocked face and vulnerability in the moment, this image tells us all we need to know about one of film’s most iconic characters.
A Whole New World (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 2001)
Via Insider
The very first time that many people were introduced to the magic of Harry Potter, the image of Harry trying out his new wand for the first time is as brilliant as anything you’ll see in the franchise. Many more great things are on the way, but there’s nothing like the first time we meet Harry and discover his magical capabilities.
First Sight (Dr. No, 1962)
Via Den of Geek
As soon as we see him for the first time, we know exactly who he is. James Bond’s introduction in 1962’s Dr. No may be one of the most swaggering character introductions of all-time, which has led to one of pop culture finest figures for the past six decades.
Master of Suspense (Psycho, 1960)
Via History.com
It’s incredibly rare where you can picture every movement and every sound based on one single black-and-white image. But one of the most horrific and memorable film moments of all-time makes it easy for audience members every time they relive Marion Crane’s stunning death.
Sacrificial Solider (The Dark Knight, 2008)
Via Screen Mayhem
There’s plenty of memorable moments that you can pin from perhaps the greatest superhero film of all-time, but this one shot of the Caped Crusader in 2008’s The Dark Knight tells us everything we already knew about the man in the suit. As a hero, tragic figure, and a symbol for hope and sacrifice in his own city, The Dark Knight proves that maybe there’s a bit more to a hero than all of the brawn and strength he or she may possess.
High in the Sky (Rocky, 1976)
Via Philadelphia Magazine
The famous training montage in Rocky deserves all the hype that it has earned, including a local statue in the city of Philadelphia that bears the boxer’s famous pose atop the steps. Even though Rocky ultimately loses in the end, the film’s greatest message is this: even in the midst of failure, it’s always about the journey to greatness rather than the destination itself.
Hope for Change (The Breakfast Club, 1985)
Via WatchMojo
A symbol of everything from the 1980’s, the final scene in The Breakfast Club ends with so much hope for a brighter future for all five kids in the film. Creating such simplicity with a raised fist pump into the sky, the image gives us a lasting thought that makes sure we’ll never forget about it.
The Destructible Giant (Citizen Kane, 1941)
Via Close-Up Film Centre
There are plenty of different images you could choose from arguably the greatest film of all-time, but this image from Charles Foster Kane’s speech on the campaign trail is one of the most powerful shots you’ll ever see. Even almost 80 years later, the film still remains very relevant and reminds us what too much power can do to any person on Earth.
Flight Over the Sea (Titanic, 1997)
Via The Daily Telegraph
You can nearly feel the wind at sea in this picture just by looking at it. One of the most popular films of all-time is captured in one stunning image in the story of Jack and Rose aboard the infamous ship. The end result of the film makes their eventual story even more heartbreaking, but this one scene captures everything that anyone loves about the movies.