Because they happen so rapidly, some of the most important moments in movies need you to just pause them to fully comprehend what is going on. Certain moments in movies are so captivating that we can't help but press the pause button, rewind, and watch them repeatedly.
We are going to assume that you are someone who enjoys movies and that you have participated in this activity more than once. You won't want to blink because you might miss the following 'pause-worthy' scenes, which range from filthy to unexpected. We've compiled a list of the film moments known for pausing the action the most.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street
Source: The Wolf of Wall Street
Moviegoers worldwide couldn't stop raving about "The Wolf of Wall Street" after it was released in theaters in 2013. It wasn't the slow-motion sequence of Jordan Belfort abusing quaaludes, but there was one scene that viewers felt compelled to halt for. Margot Robbie, who plays the protagonist, attempts to seduce Leonardo DiCaprio's character at this moment. Now you know why that sequence in that movie was interrupted so many times.
2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Source: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
One of the most paused moments in film history can be found in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," which may not be the best film ever made but does contain one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history. Linda Barrett, played by Phoebe Cates, dons a red bikini and heads to a friend's pool for a swim. When Linda finally ascends the steps and exits the pool, it is the most paused scene in the film and possibly in film history.
3. The Seven Year Itch
Source: The Seven Year Itch
An unforgettable sequence where Monroe offers us this moment by walking over a floor vent and having her dress blown up. Despite her best efforts, this sequence has been halted numerous times since the film's 1955 debut.
4. Iron Man
Source: Iron Man
A little bit of thought may be required for the next one. The "Iron Man" films were among the earliest entries in what has become a ubiquitous modern superhero genre. In addition, it is widely recognized as filming one of the most frequently halted scenes in cinematic history. What precisely happened in the sequence caused
Marvel fans to halt the film? A small section of Captain America's shield is displayed. We see the guard in the backdrop while Tony Stark's robot is dismantling him.
5. Before I Go to Sleep
Source: Before I Go to Sleep
Christine Lucas, played by Nicole Kidman in the psychological thriller "Before I Go to Sleep," keeps her memories clean every time she goes to sleep. While the picture as a whole didn't fare well with reviewers, one particular sequence ended up drawing in a lot of spectators. The sequence where Kidman appears to be standing nude and looking at a group of framed images on the wall was one that many viewers paused and watched again and again.
6. The Graduate
Source: The Graduate
The narrative of a young man who returns to live with his parents after finishing college is told in the Oscar-winning film "The Graduate," in which Dustin Hoffman gives a career-defining performance. Benjamin Braddock, portrayed by Hoffman, is a lost soul who falls for Mrs. Robinson, even though she is twenty years older than he. Mrs. Robinson locking Ben in a room and stripping naked is one of the most paused scenes in film history, despite its progressive plot causing chaos upon its premiere in 1967.
7. The Matrix
Source: Titanic
Many film critics rank the original "Matrix" film among the all-time greats. One particular sequence in the Oscar-winning film is beloved by viewers and causes them to pause for reflection. A doorknob is the target of a reflected gunshot in this scene. As opposed to the standard practice of having a shot reflect a camera, the director here intentionally staged a moment that made viewers do a double take. The camera was given a Morpheus makeover. One hundred percent commitment!
8. American Beauty
Source: American Beauty
A sequence in "American Beauty" is likely one of the most iconic in cinematic history. While watching a basketball game with his daughter and her best friend, Lester (Mena Suvari) becomes enamored with the lead cheerleader, who also happens to be his daughter's best friend. As his attention narrows to the girl, the lights focus on her, and the background goes dark. So many times have we paused this scene that it will always be clear in our memories.
9. Titanic
Source: Titanic
The cinematic adaptation of one of the greatest love stories of our time has become a global phenomenon. The narrative of Rose and Jack's love is impossible to ignore. Rose is impressed with Jack's photos of bare-assed Parisian women. She begs him to draw her in the film's most breathless scene. When the drawing is found among the rubble years later, it plays a pivotal part in the film.
10. Wild Things
Source: Wild Things
Even though "Wild Things" was panned by critics, there is one steamy scene that will always be remembered. Leading ladies Denise Richards and Neve Campbell share a passionate poolside embrace in this flick. Most people who didn't like the movie before saw this scene and ended up enjoying it. People had naturally paused the show at that point. Even though the movie was doomed to fail, this is one memorable scene.
11. The Little Mermaid
Source: The Little Mermaid
Many of us assume that
Disney films are child-safe, but a closer look reveals a wealth of adult references and undertones. The 1989 animated film "The Little Mermaid" contained several language and themes that were and are now widely deemed offensive. Many people had to pause the events to be sure they weren't dreaming. For a kids' movie, the amount of Ariel we see after she gets human legs is excessive.