The Most Paused Movies Scenes Of All Time
1 The Girl Next Door
Elisha Cuthbert dazzled audiences in the raunchy film The Girl Next Door. It tells the story of a boy losing his innocence and a young lady trying to regain hers. There are several memorable shots from the movie, but only one scene has viewers hitting pause to get another look.
In the movie, Cuthbert and Emile Hirsch take a dip in the neighbor’s pool and she steps into the house soaking wet. Eagle-eyed viewers grab the remote and stop the scene so they can feats their eyes on Cuthbert in all her dripping glory.
2 Dirty Dancing
One of the iconic movies from the 1980s is Dirty Dancing, which has another Hollywood scene that has everyone hitting pause on the remote control. The famous lift, when Patrick Swayze lifted Jennifer Grey over his head, is one of the most stopped moments of all time. Grey reflected on the scene during an interview with The Guardian.
“I only did it on the day I shot it,” said Grey. “Never rehearsed it, never done it since. I don’t know how all these people who reenact it have the guts to throw themselves into the arms of anyone other than Patrick Swayze. It’s insane!”
3 Basic Instinct
There are some scenes from films that are so epic they’re forever talked about. Sharon Stone left little to the imagination during an interrogation scene in the thriller Basic Instinct. In the movie, Stone’s character uncrosses her legs to expose herself and creates a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment.
The risque move caused quite a stir when the film was released in 1992. Stone later revealed that the director tricked her into it, which the director has denied. Either way, people are still curious about getting a look and pause the infamous moment to this day.
4 Titanic
James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster, Titanic, made quite a splash during its release, so it’s not shocking that it is home to another of the most-paused scenes in history. The moment where Rose (Winslet) takes off her clothes and asks Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) to draw her like one of his “French girls”.
Movie-goers stop the film to see a very nude Winslet, who told The Sun at the 2012 premiere of the re-release, “I wish I hadn’t shown so much flesh, but I was young and I knew I had things to prove.”
5 Striptease
The movie Striptease is well known for its numerous paused scenes featuring Demi Moore in various states of undress. Moore’s character, Erin Grant, works as a stripper in order to pay for a custody battle for her daughter. Viewers often pause the film to appreciate Moore’s stunning beauty and sensuality on screen.
In an interview, Moore commented on the attention her character received, saying, “Erin was always fully empowered in her choice, so I never saw it as objectification.” This movie is a proof of Moore’s undeniable sex appeal.
6 American Beauty
The 1999 American Beauty has one of the most memorable scenes in modern cinematic history. Kevin Spacey’s character, Lester, takes notice of a cheerleader, played by Mena Suvari, as he sits at a crowded basketball game in a crowded school gym.
As he stares at her, she stands in a spotlight as the surrounding crowd fades to black. Suvari then dances seductively before unzipping her jacket, only to have rose petals spill out. This scene has mesmerized movie-watchers for years, making this moment a favorite place for viewers to pause.
7 Porky’s
As a comedy from the early 80s, Porky’s is remembered for several of its memorable scenes, including the infamous shower scene. The scene involves a group of teenage boys trying to catch a glimpse of some female classmates taking a shower, only to be caught by the gym teacher. The scene has become so iconic that people still pause it to this day.
The reason is simple: it’s a classic example of a gratuitous and titillating scene that has become a part of film history. As one viewer described it, “I paused Porky’s to see the shower scene because I had heard about it. It’s worth it. Definitely worth it.”
8 Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 hit, Boogie Nights, chronicled the rise and fall of the adult film star Dirk Diggler. The film offers many unforgettable moments, but there is one scene in particular that stands out from the rest.
People frequently pause to see the actor wearing only a speedo, but the most-paused scene is when he is sitting in a changing room. He stands up and gives viewers a peek at his member, which had been discussed many times in the movie. It’s shocking and people are getting a better look at what he’s packing in his pants. Don’t worry, Wahlberg wore a prosthetic for the scene.
9 Animal House
In the classic comedy film Animal House, there’s a scene known as the “panty raid” where the Delta fraternity sneaks into the girls’ dormitory to steal their underwear. This scene has become infamous, and many viewers have paused it to take a closer look. The reason for this is that there are a lot of hidden details in the scene, such as posters on the wall and various items in the room.
Additionally, some viewers may pause to try and identify the various actresses playing the female characters. However, it’s important to note that this scene is often criticized for its sexist and objectifying portrayal of women.
10 Deadpool 2
A quick pause and you may have missed Brad Pitt’s cameo in Deadpool 2. His appearance at the very last moment of the film caught everyone off guard and turned it into one of the most paused moments of all time. He plays the Vanisher, who is an invisible character who is suddenly made visible.
Screenwriter Paul Wernick told Heat Vision about Pitt being cast, “We never saw Vanisher in the original script. He was always a mystery,” Wernick said. “When he got tangled up…we just thought, ‘Oh my god, what a perfect idea for a celebrity cameo.’ And then we thought, ‘Who is the hardest get in Hollywood? Let’s call him.’”
11 Suicide Squad
Margot Robbie’s debut as the Joker’s sidekick, Harley Quinn, gave viewers a reason to pause. One particular moment in the 2016 film Suicide Squad was so captivating that people stopped their DVR and DVD players to get a better look. Quinn lifts up her shirt to expose a red bra.
Robbie revealed to NYT how she felt about wearing such a revealing outfit in the film. “As Margot, no, I don’t like wearing that. I’m eating burgers at lunchtime, and then you go do a scene where you’re hosed down and soaking wet in a white T-shirt, it’s so clingy and you’re self-conscious about it,” she said.
12 She’s The Man
Amanda Bynes was just a fresh-faced young lady when she played Viola, a girl posing as her twin brother at school, in the 2006 film She’s the Man. In one scene, Bynes lifts her shirt to prove that she’s not a man, and it appears that every dude watching from their couch hit the pause button for the big reveal.
Much to their chagrin, the movie didn’t show her body, but that didn’t stop viewers from grabbing the remote control, just to be sure. Bynes later told People magazine that she fell into a depression after making the movie, because she didn’t like how she looked as a boy.
13 American Pie
American Pie is the quintessential teen 90s movie and has one moment that has all the fellas hitting pause. In the scene, Jim (Jason Biggs) spies on an exchange student, Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth). He sets up a webcam, and he and his friends watch her change clothes.
According to Page Six, Elizabeth reflected on filming the scene, which was shot in a warehouse with only one sound guy. “Just me and the boom guy, and trying to make jokes with the directors and make light of it because if I wasn’t nervous, maybe they wouldn’t be so nervous,” she said. “I just tried to make it no big deal.”
14 Furious 7
The Fast and Furious franchise suffered a horrible loss when Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Conner, passed away unexpectedly in 2013. The directors decided to continue production despite losing Walker and gave him an emotional send-off in the “Last Ride” scene in Furious 7. Many people pause the film at that moment to get one last look at him.
Vin Diesel told NME about the emotional scene, “It might be the best moment in cinematic history. Not just in my career, but in cinematic history. Men around the world—everyone was able to cry—but men around the planet for the first time in history were able to cry together,” he said.
15 Fight Club
Fight Club fanatics know the exact spot to pause the movie to see the first flash of Brad Pitt’s character, Tyler Durden, who is a figment of the main character’s imagination. The scene unfolds when the narrator is talking to his doctor in a hallway. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment happens when Tyler flashes behind the doctor.
It’s so unexpected and jarring that many movie-watchers have to rewind and pause the film, just to confirm what they’re seeing. It’s a moment that is synonymous with the movie, which is why we added Fight Club to this list.
16 Before I Go To Sleep
Nicole Kidman starred in the 2014 psychological thriller Before I Go To Sleep. She played Christine Lucas, a woman who suffers from anterograde amnesia and is forced to piece together her dark past. One moment in the movie makes people stop and look again.
The scene happens when Kidman wakes up to look at a collage of evidence on her wall. Lucky for viewers, the character sleeps in the nude, so movie-goers catch a flash of Kidman’s backside. Many people pause the scene out of curiosity, making it the most paused moment in any Kidman film.
17 Wolf Of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street has many memorable scenes, but the most paused moment is when Margot Robbie’s character seduced Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the nursery. It’s a racy scene, but Robbie revealed it was far from sexy to film it.
“It doesn’t come across when you’re watching the movie, but in reality, we’re in a tiny bedroom with 30 crew crammed in,” she told Porter magazine. “All men. And for 17 hours I’m pretending to be touching myself. It’s just a very weird thing and you have to bury the embarrassment and absurdity, really deep, and fully commit.”
18 Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Fast Times at Ridgemont High contains a highly paused scene, thanks to Phoebe Cates and a red bikini. The moment shows Cates climbing out of her friend’s swimming pool in slow motion and undoing her bikini top, in the imagination of Judge Reinhold’s character, Brad.
So how did Phoebe Cates feel about filming the sultry scene? She told News.com.au, “the topless scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High was funny, which made it easy.” She added, “In this business, if a girl wants a career, she has to be willing to strip. If you’ve got a good bod, then why not show it?”
19 Spider-Man
Who could forget when Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst kissed upside-down in the rain in 2002’s Spider-Man? It can be added to the list of most paused scenes, but in reality, the shoot was far from romantic. The filming conditions were less than desirable for both of the actors.
Maguire told Deseret News, “There was rain pouring up or down my nose,” he said. “I couldn’t breathe and I was gasping for breath out of the corner of Kirsten’s mouth. Poor girl. I was giving her mouth to mouth rather than kissing her.”
20 Wild Things
Critics panned Wild Things, but one racy moment will forever grip movie-watchers. Denise Richards and Neve Campbell have an intimate moment in a swimming pool, and viewers are stopping the film mid-kiss to watch the action.
Campbell opened up to Rolling Stone about the steamy scene. “I got to kiss Denise in the film,” she said. “It was fun. We just sorta went in and did it. Actually, we mixed margaritas and brought a bottle of wine in my trailer and got drunk first,” she added. That scene will forever be linked to what was otherwise a terrible movie.
21 Cabin In The Woods
One of the most intriguing moments in Cabin in the Woods (2012) is when a character discovers a board displaying an exhaustive list of monsters. Viewers can pause the scene to examine the bizarre and terrifying creatures listed, adding depth to the movie’s story and themes.
Director Drew Goddard explained the significance of the scene, revealing that it represents a larger system at play in the horror genre. This moment has become a favorite among horror fans and showcases the impact and ingenuity of Cabin in the Woods.
22 Psycho
One of the most famous moments in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is when the camera zooms in on Norman Bates’ face, which slowly dissolves into an image of a skull. This haunting moment has become iconic in the horror genre and is often paused and analyzed for its symbolism and impact.
In an interview, Hitchcock described the scene as representing “the final realization of what he has become… a killer.” The moment not only reveals the depths of Bates’ disturbed psyche, but also serves as a warning to viewers of the horrors that can lurk beneath a seemingly normal exterior.
23 Closer
The most paused scene in Closer (2004) features Natalie Portman’s character Alice, who works as a stripper in a bar. In the scene, Alice is seen talking to a customer while dressed in a revealing outfit that leaves little to the imagination. The moment has been described as provocative and alluring, drawing viewers in with its sensual and intimate tone.
It has become a memorable moment in the film, with many viewers pausing and rewinding the scene to take another look. As Alice says in the film, “Everybody wants to be happy.” The scene captures the desire for happiness and connection, even in moments of vulnerability and exposed sexuality.
24 Pulp Fiction
The shower scene in Pulp Fiction, where Butch Coolidge hears a toilet flush and realizes someone is in his apartment, is a crucial moment in the film that sets the tone for the rest of the story. As Tarantino himself has said: “The shower scene was important to me because it’s about vulnerability. Butch is naked and literally caught with his pants down, and then it’s like, oh shit, now what?”
This scene is so iconic that it’s often paused and analyzed by fans of the film, who are drawn to its intricate details and tension-building techniques. The use of sound, such as the constant noise of the shower and the sudden sound of the toilet flushing, adds to the feeling of danger and suspense.
25 The Crying Game
The most famous scene in The Crying Game (1992) occurs when the character Dil reveals to her love interest, Fergus, that she is transgender. The moment is a powerful and emotional one, often prompting viewers to pause and rewind the film to double-check that the revelation is true.
Director Neil Jordan has spoken about the impact of the scene, stating: “It had a profound effect on people… It was like a collective gasp.” The moment challenges societal norms and prejudices, and forces viewers to confront their own beliefs about gender and sexuality. The pause-and-rewind phenomenon surrounding this scene is a testament to its impact and the film’s ability to challenge and inspire viewers.
26 Frozen
One of the most paused scenes in the animated film Frozen (2013) occurs when Anna and Hans share a moment that pays homage to the TV series Arrested Development. In the scene, Anna and Hans engage in a conversation that is a direct recreation of a similar interaction between two characters from the show, complete with matching dialogue and hand gestures.
This moment is a fun and unexpected Easter egg for fans of Arrested Development, and it showcases the attention to detail and playful spirit that made Frozen such a massive success. The scene is a testament to the filmmakers’ love of pop culture references and their commitment to creating a movie that appeals to audiences of all ages.
27 Spider-Man: Homecoming
One of the most paused scenes in Spider-Man: Homecoming features Zendaya’s character, MJ, reading a book titled “Of Human Bondage” during a school trip. The clever wordplay of the book’s title is a source of humor and has made it a fan favorite.
However, the title also has a deeper connection to the film’s main character, Peter Parker, who, just like the main character of the novel, is also an orphan living with his aunt and uncle. This adds another layer of cleverness to the scene and further highlights the filmmakers’ attention to detail.
28 The Matrix
In The Matrix (1999), a small but noticeable break in the film’s illusion of reality has become a favorite Easter egg among fans. During a close-up shot of a doorknob, the reflection of the camera and the film crew can be seen, making it one of the most paused scenes in the movie.
Director Lana Wachowski has explained that the crew’s lack of permits and resources led to the quick, low-light shoot that captured the doorknob reflection. This anecdote adds to the scene’s charm and highlights the filmmakers’ resourcefulness in creating a groundbreaking film.
29 Sleeping With Other People
At some point, the movie Sleeping With Other People features Alison Brie’s character, Lainey, dancing in a backyard, lightly dressed. The moment is playful and carefree, capturing the character’s youthful spirit and carefree attitude. The scene has become a memorable moment in the film, with many viewers pausing to admire Brie’s performance and the character’s charm.
As Brie herself said in an interview about the scene, “It was just a fun scene to shoot… I felt like I was just dancing around in my backyard.” The moment captures the joy and freedom of letting loose and enjoying the moment, making it a beloved and paused scene in the film.
30 The Seven Year Itch
One of the most iconic moments in movie history is the scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955) where Marilyn Monroe’s dress flies up as she stands over a subway grate. The moment has become a pop culture phenomenon, with Monroe’s white dress billowing up and revealing her legs and figure.
The scene has been paused countless times over the years, with viewers marveling at Monroe’s effortless sex appeal and the playfulness of the moment. As Monroe herself said of the scene, “It was very funny and made me laugh. The whole idea of it was to make it as sexy as possible.”
31 Raiders Of The Lost Ark
In a The Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) scene, actor Paul Freeman delivers a lengthy monologue as his character, the villainous Rene Belloq, when suddenly a fly buzzes into his mouth. The moment has become a cult favorite among movie fans, who pause and rewind to watch the fly enter Freeman’s mouth in slow motion. The scene has even been analyzed by scientists for its depiction of how flies are able to navigate through the air and land with such precision.
As Freeman himself has said of the moment, “It was a wonderful accident… I just swallowed it, carried on and didn’t mention it until somebody said, ‘You know, there’s a fly going into your mouth.'” The scene has become a memorable and oft-paused moment in cinema history, adding a touch of unexpected humor to an otherwise serious scene.
32 Stranger Things
One of the most exciting moments in the last episode of the first season of Stranger Things is when viewers finally get a clear look at the Demogorgon, the show’s main antagonist. After spending the entire season in the shadows, the creature’s reveal is a tense and thrilling moment that had viewers pausing to take a closer look.
In an interview, the show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, explained their decision to hold off on revealing the Demogorgon’s appearance until the final episode, saying, “We wanted to build up to it…to make it special when you finally see it.” The reveal is a testament to the show’s ability to build suspense and deliver on its promises, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.
33 There’s Something About Mary
One of the most paused scene of all time can be found in the comedy classic There’s Something About Mary is when Ted (Ben Stiller) gets himself caught in the zipper of his pants while using the washroom at Mary’s house. The scene is both cringe-worthy and hilarious.
In an interview, the film’s co-writer and director, Peter Farrelly, explained the inspiration behind the scene, stating, “That actually happened to a friend of mine, and it was the most painful thing I’ve ever seen…but I had to laugh.” This movie is a perfect balance of shock humor with heart and sincerity, making it a beloved comedy classic.
34 The Wizard Of Oz
During the iconic yellow brick road scene in The Wizard of Oz, viewers have been pausing and rewinding to catch a glimpse of a strange figure in the background. As Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion walk down the road, a shadowy figure can be seen hanging in the distance. The scene has sparked countless theories and interpretations over the years.
There are many theories about the mysterious figure, with some suggesting that it’s a member of the crew who accidentally got caught in the shot, while others believe it’s a large bird or a Munchkin who hung himself on set. However, none of these theories have been confirmed, and the true identity of the figure remains a mystery.
35 Grease
Grease is a classic, and one of the most iconic moments in it is definitely when Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) arrives at the school carnival in her new, edgier look, complete with tight black pants and a leather jacket. The scene is a powerful symbol of transformation and self-expression.
In an interview, the film’s costume designer, Albert Wolsky, explained the intention behind Sandy’s new look, saying, “It’s about becoming who she really is…showing her true self.” The scene’s enduring popularity is a testament to the film’s message of individuality and the power of self-expression.
36 Total Recall
Both the 1990 and 2012 versions of Total Recall have this really often paused scene, when the character of Douglas Quaid encounters a woman with three breasts. The scene has become an iconic moment in the film, and has been the subject of much discussion and analysis among viewers.
As one of the film’s most outrageous and attention-grabbing moments, the scene has endured as a cultural touchstone, and continues to captivate and shock audiences to this day. As film critic Roger Ebert wrote, “The movie’s special effects are well done, and there is a certain cheesy charm in the way the movie cheerfully employs science fiction, film noir and comic book elements.”
37 Jurassic World
One of the most paused moments in the blockbuster movie Jurassic World is the one where we see a man being very careful with his two margaritas during the attack of the pterodactyls. If you press pause and take a closer look at the man, you’ll realise that it is, in fact, a surprise cameo by musician Jimmy Buffet.
Despite his brief appearance, Buffet’s cameo has become a favorite moment for many viewers, who appreciate the humor and unexpectedness of the scene. As one viewer on social media commented, “I had to pause and rewind to make sure that was really Jimmy Buffet! It’s the little surprises like that which make a movie even more enjoyable.”
38 Swordfish
In the action-thriller movie Swordfish, viewers often press pause when Halle Berry’s character, Ginger, is seen reading a book outside, topless. The scene caused quite a stir upon the film’s release. However, it is not the only paused scene in the movie, as Swordfish is known for its intense action sequences and intriguing plot twists. The underwear scene is often put on pause as well.
In an interview, Berry defended the topless scene, saying, “It was a very hard scene for me to do, but I felt that it was important in terms of the story.” Is this really the case? Maybe. In any case, we bet that many people are happy that this scene exists.
39 Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
The number of viewers who paused this moment in the Star Wars prequel film, “The Phantom Menace”, is huge! The scene takes place in the Galactic Senate chamber, and eagle-eyed viewers have spotted the E.T. lookalikes in the background, prompting many to pause the movie to be sure they saw the right thing.
The reference to E.T. is a nod to director George Lucas’ close friendship with Steven Spielberg, who directed the iconic 1982 film. The cameo has become a favorite among Star Wars fans, with many pausing the movie just to catch a glimpse of the famous extraterrestrial. As one viewer on social media commented, “I had to pause the movie and do a double take when I saw those E.T.s in the Senate chamber. It’s little Easter eggs like that that make the Star Wars universe feel even more connected.”
40 The Shinning
One of the most unforgettable scenes in Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film The Shining is when Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) stumbles upon a strange and disturbing tableau in a hotel room. Two men, one wearing a bear costume, are engaged in an inexplicable act, and the scene is unsettling and nightmarish in equal measure.
As Jack watches the surreal scene unfold, he recoils in horror and confusion, and viewers are left feeling equally disoriented. The scene has become iconic in its surreal and unsettling imagery, and has been paused and widely analyzed and interpreted by fans and scholars alike. As critic Roger Ebert wrote, “The scene is a surrealistic, horrifying nightmare…[it] is the point of no return.”
41 Men In Black
One of the most paused scenes in the movie Men in Black is the moment when Agent K shows Agent J the list and map of known alien species. The scene is not only informative but also hilarious, as viewers pause to take a closer look at the list and map, which includes well-known celebs like Steven Spielberg and Sylvester Stallone.
It’s a fun easter egg for movie fans to spot their favorite celebrities in a sci-fi setting. As Agent K says in the movie, “We do not discharge our weapons in view of the public!” but it seems that fans can’t help pausing to take a closer look at this list.
42 Thor: The Dark World
In the movie Thor: The Dark World, there is a scene where Dr. Selvig is in a mental institution, and he has a chalkboard filled with complex equations and diagrams. Many viewers have paused the movie to get a closer look at the chalkboard and try to decipher the hidden messages.
Among the notes on the board is the name “Nidavellir,” which is a key location in the later Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War. The scene has become a popular subject of online discussion, with fans analyzing every detail of the chalkboard and speculating about its significance.
43 The Wicker Man
In the 1973 film The Wicker Man, Britt Ekland’s character performs a seductive dance while completely naked. This scene has become notorious over the years, with many viewers pausing to get a closer look. The scene is memorable not just for its nudity, but for Ekland’s sensual and hypnotic movements.
As critic Roger Ebert wrote, “Ekland is particularly successful in the extended dance sequence in which she seduces Howie [the main character]…It is one of the most memorable seduction scenes in recent movies.” The scene has since become a cult classic, with Ekland’s dance immortalized as an iconic moment in film history.
44 Three Men And A Baby
In the 1987 comedy film Three Men and a Baby, viewers often press pause during a scene where the three main characters are standing in a room with a cardboard cutout of Ted Danson’s character in the background. The rumor was that the ghostly figure of a young boy can be seen lurking in the window behind the cutout.
However, it was later revealed that the “ghost” was actually a cardboard standie of Ted Danson’s character. This mistaken belief has become an urban legend and is still a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts today.
45 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, there’s a scene where Harry and Hermione share a brief and tender kiss after saying horrible things to Ron. In the reflection of Ron’s worst fear, the two friends find solace in each other. This is a scene that many did not expect, especially since the actors look naked.
The moment creates a bit of tension between the three friends. Fans have often paused the scene to catch a glimpse of the kiss and to analyze its significance. But in the end, it’s pretty simple: Ron is in love with Hermione, but was always afraid that she would prefer Harry to him.
46 Signs
In the movie Signs, there’s a scene where a family watches a home video and briefly sees an alien walk by. This scene is often paused by viewers who want to catch a better glimpse of the mysterious creature. The tension and anticipation built up in this scene make it a memorable moment in the film, leaving viewers with a desire to see more.
As Mel Gibson’s character Graham Hess remarks in the scene, “I don’t know what’s happening here. Is it real or not real?” This sentiment reflects the uncertainty and intrigue surrounding the alien sighting, and why viewers may feel compelled to pause and study the footage.
47 Not Another Teen Movie
In the raunchy parody film Not Another Teen Movie, Chris Evans makes an unforgettable entrance with whipped cream and cherries covering his entire body. It’s no surprise that viewers often hit the pause button during this scene, taking in every inch of Evans’ comedic performance.
As he struts into the room with confidence, he declares, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” This memorable moment has become an iconic part of the film, leaving audiences laughing and reaching for the remote to catch a second look.
48 Speed
In the climactic scene of the action thriller Speed, the villain Howard Payne meets his demise as he falls from a subway car onto the tracks below. Many viewers have reported pausing the scene to catch a glimpse of the moment when a dummy is substituted for actor Dennis Hopper. If the timing is right, the swap is clearly visible, revealing a rare behind-the-scenes moment.
While it may detract from the suspense of the scene, it’s a fascinating detail for fans of film trivia. As Hopper’s character declares in the movie, “Pop quiz, hotshot. There’s a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do?”
49 Sixteen Candles
It’s not uncommon for viewers to pause the opening shower scene in Sixteen Candles, when Samantha and her friend sneak a peek at the popular girl taking a shower. The scene is significant because it sets up the dynamics of high school social hierarchy and highlights the character’s desire to fit in and be popular.
The voyeuristic nature of the scene also adds a touch of teenage rebellion and mischief. As Samantha’s friend Caroline says in the scene, “I can’t believe I gave my panties to a geek.” This quote emphasizes the pressure teenagers feel to conform to societal norms and highlights the theme of the movie as a whole—the struggle of coming of age.
50 Bohemian Rhapsody
Some film cameos have fans pushing the pause button because they can’t believe their eyes. They featured one of the best cameos in a film in Bohemian Rhapsody. Adam Lambert starred as a trucker that catches Freddie Mercury’s attention when he’s exploring his sexuality.
Lambert was hardly recognizable in the role as he wore a bushy wig, trucker hat, fake mustache, and plenty of make-up to disguise himself. He posted a pic of him from the film on Instagram, along with the caption, “Who is he!? #BohemianRhapsodyMovie is available for digital download on 1/22!”
51 Cruel Intentions
The cult classic Cruel Intentions is filled with pause-worthy moments, but one scene in particular had everyone talking when it was released in 1999. The action appears when Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) teaches Cecile (Selma Blair) how to kiss. It’s a tantalizing scene that is one of the most-paused moments in the film.
Gellar spoke to Us Weekly on the 20 year anniversary of their little kissing lesson and had fond memories of shooting the scene. “Selma’s a great kisser. I mean, I’ll tell you, her skin is soft, she smells great. It was a wonderful day,” Gellar said.
52 The Graduate
The Graduate is one of those timeless movies that has endured for over 50 years. Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft delivered amazing performances in the film about a college-aged boy, Benjamin Braddock, being seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson. One suggestive scene has everyone pushing pause.
The moment happens when Mrs. Robinson pulls Braddock into a private room and slowly removes her clothing. It’s a scene that has stood the test of time and will forever be associated with the movie, making it the perfect candidate for the most-paused movie moment of all time.
53 The Good Wife
The Good Wife first appeared on our screens in 2009, starring Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick and Josh Charles as Will Gardner. From the beginning of the series, the attraction between these two characters was palpable, with viewers eagerly awaiting the moment when the romance would begin.
It wasn’t until the season 2 finale that they finally got that long-awaited passionate kiss, which took place in an elevator after a hearty—and expensive!—dinner. After waiting so long for this kiss, we understand why this scene is one of the most paused in the history of television series!
54 Tron
In the sci-fi classic Tron (1982), many viewers pause a scene when they catch a glimpse of a Pac-Man game on a computer screen. The moment is a nod to the growing popularity of arcade games in the early 1980s and is a favorite among fans of both Tron and classic gaming.
In an interview, the film’s director, Steven Lisberger, explained the inspiration behind the scene, stating, “We wanted to acknowledge that video games were a big thing, and Pac-Man was the biggest thing going at the time.” The inclusion of Pac-Man and other arcade games adds an extra layer of nostalgia and fun to the movie, showcasing Tron‘s influence on both the gaming and movie industries.
55 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
In Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, there is a famous scene where a Stormtrooper hits his head on a low ceiling while rushing through a doorway. This moment has become an iconic part of Star Wars lore and is beloved by fans worldwide.
Despite its brief appearance, the scene has endured over the years and is often referenced in popular culture, showcasing the franchise’s cultural impact. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the Stormtrooper’s blunder is a memorable and lighthearted moment that adds to the fun and charm of the Star Wars universe.
56 Zootopia
One of the most paused scenes in Zootopia (2016) features a hilarious display of song titles on an old iPod that the main character, Judy Hopps, listens to on her way to work. The songs are all animal-themed puns, such as “Try Everything” by Gazelle and “A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrongadillo. This small detail adds to the film’s already clever humor and attention to detail.
The song titles on the iPod have become a favorite among fans, who appreciate the witty puns and references to animal culture. This scene is a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to creating a rich and immersive world in Zootopia, where even the smallest details add to the film’s charm and humor.
57 Passengers
One of the most striking elements of the movie Passengers is the bar and the barman, which many viewers have noted bear a striking resemblance to those in the classic horror film The Shining. The scene is a nod to the iconic movie, and viewers often pause to take a closer look.
In an interview, Passengers production designer Guy Hendrix Dyas explained the intention behind the scene, saying, “We wanted to create a feeling of familiarity…it’s a little nod to The Shining.” Is this proof that Passengers is more a horror movie than a love story? Maybe it is!
58 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
In the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, “Dead Men Tell No Tales”, viewers were pleasantly surprised to see music legend Paul McCartney make a cameo as a pirate named Uncle Jack. The scene was so unexpected that many fans found themselves hitting the pause button just to confirm that it was really him.
During the scene, McCartney’s character quips, “Weddings, I love weddings. Drinks all around!”, before being thrown into the ocean by Captain Jack Sparrow. McCartney’s brief appearance added to the overall comedic tone of the film and delighted fans who were quick to pause and confirm their suspicions about the legendary musician’s cameo.
59 Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
The film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is a classic, and one of its most paused scene is when Jessica Rabbit first appears on screen, stunning viewers with her beauty and sultry demeanor. The scene is a memorable example of animated characters interacting with live-action ones.
In an interview, the film’s director, Robert Zemeckis, explained the intention behind Jessica’s character, saying, “We wanted her to be the ultimate female cartoon character…we wanted her to be a really strong femme fatale.”
60 Ghostbusters
In the 1984 comedy classic Ghostbusters, viewers are often surprised to spot adult film star Ron Jeremy making a brief appearance. Jeremy plays an extra in the crowd during the film’s climax when the Ghostbusters are battling the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Fans of the movie have been known to pause and rewind the scene to confirm their suspicions.
While Jeremy’s cameo is brief and easy to miss, it has become a bit of a fun fact about the movie for those in the know. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Jeremy himself said of his Ghostbusters appearance, “I’m famous for a lot of things, but that’s one of them. It’s kind of cool. It’s one of those things that people still talk about today.”
