Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – “The Ark of the Covenant” scene
The scene with the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is visually stunning, powerful, and mysterious. It’s a pivotal moment in the film, full of impressive special effects and memorable imagery. Fans love to pause and examine hidden details, such as the cherubim on the Ark’s lid.
The Matrix (1999) – “Bullet time”
The slow-motion effect is used to create a sense of “bullet time,” where the action appears to be frozen in time. This allows the audience to see the details of the fight scene in a way that would be impossible at normal speed. The effect is also used to create a sense of tension and suspense, as the audience waits to see what will happen next. It was a new and innovative way to use special effects, and it had a major impact on the way action scenes were filmed in the years that followed. The scene is still impressive today, and it’s a reminder of the groundbreaking work that was done on The Matrix.
Fight Club (1999) – Brad Pitt’s flash scene
The Brad Pitt “flash” scene in Fight Club (1999) is paused so often because it is one of several subliminal flashes that occur when the Narrator has a moment of frustration or anger during his insomnia daze. These flashes create the foundation for Tyler Durden’s character and are easy to miss, so viewers often pause the movie to catch them. Brad Pitt’s performance in these flashes is also noteworthy, as he looks like he’s having fun in the movie.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – Nicole Kidman’s rear-end flash
Famous, naked women are always pause worthy and this moment in Stanley Kubrick’s final film is certainly one of those. Kidman and Cruise both went all out for the master filmmaker and in a movie with a bunch of nudity, this is definitely one of the most exciting.
The three-breasted woman in Total Recall (1990), a sci-fi curiosity.
Let’s face it, three breasts are a lot of breasts. And for some people, that’s a sight that’s hard to resist pausing.
The Matrix Bullet stop scene
The bullet stop scene in The Matrix (1999) is paused so often because it is a visually stunning and iconic moment in the film.
The scene showcases the “bullet time” effect, which was achieved using a series of still cameras surrounding the subject on a green screen set. This effect warps time and space, blending the digital and material worlds, and is intrinsically tied to The Matrix and its themes.
It’s visual proof of Neo’s superhuman reflexes and his prophesized mastery of the virtually constructed space.
The Exorcist (1973) – Spider walk scene
The spider walk scene in The Exorcist (1973) is paused so often because it is an infamous and iconic moment in the film.
The scene was not included in the original theatrical release of the movie, but was later restored in an extended director’s cut.
The scene was originally deleted because director William Friedkin was not happy with the outcome using the practical effects available at the time.
The restored version used CGI to erase the wires and remaster the footage to fit with the rest of the film. Viewers often pause the scene to appreciate its shock value and technical wizardry.
The ghost boy in Three Men and a Baby (1987), a rumored urban legend.
The ghost boy in Three Men and a Baby (1987) is paused so often because it is a rumored urban legend. The scene shows what appears to be a ghostly figure of a boy standing behind a window curtain. This sparked debate and speculation among viewers, with some believing it to be the ghost of a boy who had died in the apartment where the movie was filmed. However, it was later revealed that the “ghost” was actually a cardboard cutout of Ted Danson’s character, Jack, that was accidentally left on set during filming. Despite the explanation, the scene remains a popular moment for viewers to pause and examine.
Han Solo shoots Greedo
The scene in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) where Han Solo shoots Greedo is paused so often because it has been the subject of much debate and controversy among fans. In the original 1977 release of the movie, Han Solo shoots Greedo first. However, in later versions of the film, the scene was edited so that Greedo shoots first. This change has been widely criticized by fans who feel that it weakens Han Solo’s character arc. The scene has been scrutinized and analyzed by fans, who often pause it to examine the details and changes made in different versions of the film.
Titanic (1997) – Jack and Rose on the bow of the ship
The scene in Titanic (1997) where Jack and Rose stand on the bow of the ship is paused so often because it is an iconic and visually stunning moment in the film. The scene, where Jack holds Rose as she stands on the railing with her arms outstretched, has become one of the most memorable and recognizable images from the movie. The scene is also emotionally charged, as it represents a moment of freedom and exhilaration for the characters. Viewers often pause the scene to appreciate its beauty and significance.
The changing room scene in Boogie Nights (1997), where Mark Wahlberg reveals his prosthetic p@n!$.
The changing room scene in Boogie Nights (1997), where Mark Wahlberg’s character reveals his prosthetic penis, is paused so often because it is a shocking and unexpected moment in the film. The scene is pivotal to the character development of Wahlberg’s character, Dirk Diggler, as it reveals the source of his confidence and success in the adult film industry. The use of a prosthetic also adds an element of curiosity and intrigue for viewers. The scene is often paused by viewers who want to examine the details and realism of the prosthetic.
The stormtrooper hitting his head in Star Wars A New Hope 1977, a famous blooper
The scene in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) where a stormtrooper hits his head on a door frame is paused so often because it is a famous blooper. The scene, which shows a group of stormtroopers entering a control room, includes a moment where one of the stormtroopers accidentally hits his head on the door frame as he enters. This mistake was left in the final cut of the movie and has since become a popular and humorous moment among fans. Viewers often pause the scene to catch the blooper and appreciate its unintentional humor.
The topless woman in The Rescuers (1977), a hidden easter egg
It is a hidden easter egg that was not intended to be in the final cut of the movie. The image of the topless woman was accidentally included in two frames of the film’s background and was not noticed until after the movie’s release. The scene is often paused by viewers who want to catch a glimpse of the hidden detail and appreciate its unexpected and out-of-place nature in a children’s movie.
The money shot in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), where Margot Robbie seduces Leonardo DiCaprio
The money shot in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), where Margot Robbie’s character seduces Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, is paused so often because it is a provocative and sexually charged moment in the film. The scene, which shows Robbie’s character, Naomi, using her sexuality to manipulate DiCaprio’s character, Jordan, is both titillating and revealing of the characters’ motivations and desires. The scene is often paused by viewers who want to appreciate the performances of the actors and the dynamics between their characters.
The hieroglyphs of R2-D2 and C-3PO in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), a tribute to Star Wars is paused so often
The scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) where hieroglyphs of R2-D2 and C-3PO can be seen is paused so often because it is a clever nod to another popular movie franchise, Star Wars. The hieroglyphs, which appear on a wall in the Well of Souls, are a hidden easter egg that pays tribute to the Star Wars movies, which were also created by George Lucas. The scene is often paused by viewers who want to catch a glimpse of the hidden detail and appreciate its clever inclusion in the movie.
Basic Instinct (1992) – Interrogation scene
The interrogation scene in Basic Instinct (1992), where Sharon Stone’s character uncrosses her legs, is paused so often because it is a provocative and controversial moment in the film. The scene, which shows Stone’s character, Catherine Tramell, being questioned by the police while wearing a short dress, includes a moment where she uncrosses her legs to reveal that she is not wearing any underwear. This moment was considered risqué and shocking at the time of the movie’s release and has since become one of its most memorable and iconic moments. Viewers often pause the scene to appreciate its boldness and the performance of the actors.