- 6 months ago
What’s the first sound that comes to mind when we say “Jaws”?
Welcome to watchmojo.world, and today we’re counting down the Top 20 most instantly recognizable sounds in movie history — the ones that bring the entire film to mind with just a single note, effect, or line.
🎬 This list includes unforgettable audio moments from:
The Lord of the Rings 🧙♂️
The Matrix 🕶️
War of the Worlds 🛸
Star Wars, Inception, and more!
From iconic theme music to chilling sound effects, these are the sounds that have become part of movie legend.
💬 Did we miss a sound that immediately takes you back to a movie moment?
Tell us in the comments — and don’t forget to follow watchmojo.world for more pop culture countdowns!
Welcome to watchmojo.world, and today we’re counting down the Top 20 most instantly recognizable sounds in movie history — the ones that bring the entire film to mind with just a single note, effect, or line.
🎬 This list includes unforgettable audio moments from:
The Lord of the Rings 🧙♂️
The Matrix 🕶️
War of the Worlds 🛸
Star Wars, Inception, and more!
From iconic theme music to chilling sound effects, these are the sounds that have become part of movie legend.
💬 Did we miss a sound that immediately takes you back to a movie moment?
Tell us in the comments — and don’t forget to follow watchmojo.world for more pop culture countdowns!
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most identifiable sounds in film history.
00:19Number 20, Thumper, Dune Franchise.
00:22On the planet Arrakis, giant worms lurk beneath the sand.
00:32The local population, known as the Fremen, use these devices to call the creatures to a particular location.
00:38The rhythmic thumping works to ratchet up the tension masterfully.
00:42It's so subtle, and yet, we know that any time we hear it, something big is coming, and it's unstoppable.
00:55It's classic cinematic juxtaposition at its finest.
00:58In a sci-fi movie filled with ingenious technology, it's becoming that such a simple, sleek object is what allows the native people to rule the desert.
01:12Number 19, Tripods, War of the Worlds.
01:17When humans discover that massive alien tripods are taking over, they encounter some never-before-seen technology that threatens all life on Earth.
01:24This includes the booming sound that radiates from the terrorizing beings.
01:28It's an earth-shattering one that strikes fear into ordinary citizens.
01:41Turning people into dust, these extraterrestrials prove to be a formidable force against Earthlings.
01:46In the first dramatic reveal, their warning call is just one of many terrifying elements that shock the main heroes.
01:51It's possible that you could walk away from this movie forever scarred by the sound.
02:01Even in the final attack, it's still as effective as ever.
02:08Number 18, X-Men franchise.
02:12As a major standout of the superhero series, Wolverine needs to unleash his trademark claws from time to time.
02:18It's the super-satisfying unsheathing of metal, sometimes with the added breaking of leathery flesh.
02:27Logan makes the most of his superpower with these incredible attachments.
02:30We like to describe the sound as the slicing of chef's knives, on steroids.
02:41The claws also have their fair share of memorable run-ins with enemies, which they easily rip through.
02:45You certainly wouldn't want to come up against Adamantium, no matter what defenses you had.
03:00Number 17, Happy's Drive.
03:03Happy Gilmore.
03:04Here's a sound that adds a comical level of enchantment.
03:06Obviously, Happy Gilmore is an incredibly skilled golfer.
03:09But the blast-off effect following his swing and hit makes his ability seem supernatural.
03:21His drive may as well be comparable to a missile launcher.
03:23It's a fantastic way to signify Happy's sheer power, practically breaking the sound barrier.
03:28The fact that it's the same noise each time makes it even better.
03:37And we especially love when we get to see the golf ball's POV as it soars through the air and away from the player.
03:42We'll have to channel him next time we're at the tee box.
03:44Number 16, The Golden Snitch.
04:01Harry Potter Franchise.
04:02The Snitch is built up to be the most important element of any Quidditch game, since catching it always ends the game and almost always secures a win.
04:09As it's meant to be quick and nimble, the war of the Snitch's rapidly beating wings was vital to bring it to life on the big screen.
04:16The bludges are rough, followed by the Golden Snitch.
04:22We also get a high-pitched zipping sound, as the small Golden Sphere darts this way and that, always trying to be out of reach of each team's seeker.
04:29Our only complaint is that we didn't get to see more of the ball in action.
04:42He's got the Snitch!
04:43Harry Potter receives 150 points for catching the Snitch!
04:47Number 15, Cyberscreen.
04:49The Matrix.
04:50After Neo takes the red pill and learns the truth about life, the protagonist has to be truly unplugged from the Matrix.
04:56This process involves a frightening surprise and unmistakable noise.
04:59It's a primal scream complimented by CyberConnection.
05:08The filmmakers find a way to blend the sounds, digital and organic, into one dynamic and distinct effect.
05:15Along with the compelling visuals, this sonic experience captures the main character's first break from the shackles of this fake world.
05:25It's only fair that the sound used here attempts to capture that horrific and important turning point in Neo's life.
05:30Easy Neo.
05:33Easy Neo.
05:34Easy.
05:35Get this thing out of me!
05:36Get this thing out of me!
05:37Get this thing out of me!
05:38Number 14, Web Shot.
05:40Spider-Man franchise.
05:41Every Spider-Man film comes with its own take on this sound.
05:44Sam Raimi's version sets the tone for the series, giving the web slinger hero an important detail.
05:49Peter Parker's power rests on the sound designer's ability to create the stretching and launching noises.
05:53It's something viewers might take for granted considering how much the hero uses the webs.
06:08Through every incarnation, the improved technology only makes this seem even more authentic.
06:13The filmmakers' continued dedication to this essential detail can't be overstated.
06:23It's an amazing achievement, helping the viewers believe that someone is really swinging around the city.
06:28Number 13, Proton Packs.
06:41Ghostbusters franchise.
06:43While hunting ghosts, the titular squad needs one key piece of equipment to do their jobs.
06:47The Proton Packs power on before every session, indicating that they're ready for use and, honestly, just making the team look really badass.
06:55Let's get ready. Switch me on.
07:03It's a cool, futuristic-sounding trill that connotes a large amount of energy stored in the pack.
07:07But we're not about to dissect the machinery of something that can lasso ghosts.
07:10Heat them up.
07:12The buzz accompanying the powering on does make us wonder how it all works.
07:26Petition to have our phones make this cool a sound when they turn on.
07:29Guys, you all have your side arms. I suggest you use them.
07:32Okay, power up!
07:36Number 12, Nazgul Cry.
07:38The Lord of the Rings franchise.
07:39They're known by many names.
07:41But the Nazgul make one iconic shriek.
07:44Their cries announced their arrival during many climactic moments of the Lord of the Rings series.
07:55In a franchise full of formidable foes, the race and their screams might be the scariest.
08:00It only adds to their threatening presence that you can often hear them before you see them.
08:04It's been reported that their cry was actually created by foley artists rubbing two plastic cups together.
08:16Several effects were overlaid on top of that base.
08:19And now we have an iconic monster screech that forever haunts our nightmares.
08:27Number 11, Snapping.
08:30West Side Story.
08:31How something as easy as snapping manages to appear so menacing, we'll never know.
08:36This calling card signifies when the gang members are on the prowl.
08:48Rather than using dialogue, the film employs rhythmic snapping,
08:52along with the dynamic music from Leonard Bernstein,
08:54to show communication between the members and communicate with the audience.
09:01This small action is enough to let the musical roots shine through.
09:07Pair with the impressive choreography,
09:09these sounds help to set the mood for a legendary confrontation in West Side Story.
09:13But it's all the in-sync snapping that it becomes synonymous with the iconic musical.
09:17Command.
09:19Command.
09:20Number 10.
09:21Two Notes.
09:22F and F Sharp.
09:23Jaws.
09:24For a movie as thrilling as this, Steven Spielberg needed exactly the right score to help set the mood.
09:29John Williams more than provides with two scary notes.
09:31The composer builds the score around this motif, giving every shark attack a terrifying resonance.
09:47It's also one of the few musical cues that you don't just immediately recognize,
09:51but it also effectively conjures up the threatening mental image of deep sea predators.
10:09The iconic F and F Sharp guarantees that you'll never see, or rather hear, the ocean the same way again.
10:29Number 9.
10:30Clicking.
10:31Predator Franchise.
10:32From Central American Rainforest to 18th century America,
10:35the Predator franchise has thoroughly explored what it would be like to encounter the titular creature.
10:39The various adventures also include the memorable clicking noise.
10:51It's a foreboding rattle that echoes in the distance, giving anyone nearby a dire warning.
10:55According to Peter Cullen, the man responsible for the predator's clicking,
10:58he was remembering an upside-down horseshoe crab at low tide,
11:01when he first made the noise in a mic for the movie's crew.
11:14While the inspiration is decidedly less freaky,
11:16it does little to detract from the chilling creature we now associate it with.
11:25Number 8.
11:30Bullwhip Crack.
11:32Indiana Jones Franchise.
11:33The most famous archaeologist in film history doesn't go anywhere without this unlikely weapon.
11:38His trusty whip stuns enemies and even helps him swing across platforms.
11:41But what we're interested in today is the loud cracking sound it makes.
11:45Other cinematic heroes might wield the same device,
11:55but few have made it part of their persona quite like Indiana Jones.
11:58The satisfying snap enhances his many action scenes that move at a breakneck pace,
12:11and manage to give audiences a jolt of nostalgia regardless of when or where they're hearing it.
12:15Number 7.
12:28Toy Story.
12:29When Buzz Lightyear mistakes a claw machine for a spaceship and crawls in,
12:32the alien toys up for grabs become enamored with him.
12:34It's completely adorable and also super hilarious thanks to their reactions.
12:38Their voices alone are memorable enough, but when they start speaking and oohing in sync,
12:46we're total goners.
12:47Who's in charge here?
12:49The claw!
12:54We could have watched a whole movie with Buzz and Woody trapped in the claw machine with them,
12:58just to hear more of their commentary, but we'll have to settle for their appearances in the subsequent films.
13:03It certainly speaks to how beloved they are that, despite being far from main characters,
13:07we associate them so heavily with the Toy Story franchise.
13:10He has been chosen, God!
13:12What are you doing?
13:14Stop it!
13:15Stop it, you zealots!
13:17Number 6.
13:18Whistle Q.
13:19Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
13:21Throughout this adventure, the title character truly keeps you guessing.
13:24This includes his use of a flute to summon his Oompa Loompas.
13:28It's such a distinct and chaotic series of notes that any fan of the film will surely remember.
13:32Adding to Willy Wonka's personality, the sound effect enhances his whimsical energy well.
13:39When you think about it, how else would a chocolatier get the attention of his musical employees?
13:43Help!
13:44Help!
13:45We gotta let the air out of her quick!
13:47The first time it happens in the Chocolate Factory tour, you're only just beginning to understand how important music will be going forward.
13:53It's a fun and surprising detail in a movie full of wonderfully strange elements.
13:58Here it comes!
14:02Number 5.
14:03The Five-Tone Sequence.
14:05Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
14:07In the film world, there might not be a more famous sequence of five notes.
14:11Composer John Williams finds a way to bridge the gap between humanity and otherworldly life through music.
14:16It's a profound and simple sound that produces all the wonder of Steven Spielberg's finest work.
14:21Captioned Byukkah
14:32With an inviting spirit, these tones had become synonymous with the science fiction genre.
14:37genre.
14:45Williams knows how to get the maximum amount of emotion from the fewest amount of notes,
14:49and there's a sense of hope in the sounds that scores one of the more peaceful and iconic
14:53alien sightings.
15:00Number 4.
15:01Violin Strings
15:02Psycho.
15:03Bernard Herrmann is the secret weapon in many Alfred Hitchcock films.
15:06For Psycho in particular, the composer creates a tense score to haunt your dreams.
15:10The string section really comes alive in the movie's most famous scene.
15:22With each stroke of the violin, the sensations we feel watching Marion Crane being stabbed
15:26heighten.
15:27Hitchcock's legendary effort wouldn't have the same effect without this key element.
15:33It's almost as if the instruments personify the knife itself, following each of its motions.
15:43In a long list of scores for thrillers and horror films, this has arguably never been matched.
15:51Number 3.
15:52The T-Rex's Roar.
15:53Jurassic Park.
15:54When you think of Jurassic Park, you probably think of the dinosaurs.
15:56The incredible CGI is still impressive to this day.
15:57However, it wouldn't be complete without the extraordinary sounds that come out of each
15:58creature.
15:59They're singing.
16:00The Tyrannosaurus Rex might have the most intense and memorable roars of them all.
16:05This noise accompanies at least a few minutes, but the noise accompanies at least a few minutes
16:12to the size of the movie.
16:14In fact, the incredible CGI is still impressive to this day.
16:18However, it wouldn't be complete without the extraordinary sounds that come out of each
16:20creature.
16:21The Tyrannosaurus Rex might have the most intense and memorable roars of them all.
16:28This noise accompanies at least a few iconic sequences, just edging out the fearsome raptors.
16:38You can almost believe that a T-Rex is in the room with you.
16:48As a true technical achievement, this movie is full of so many intricate elements that
16:52bring the dinosaurs back to life.
17:00Number 2.
17:01Tarzan Yell.
17:02Tarzan Franchise.
17:03While he'd been on film in the silent era, Edgar Rice Burroughs character became a cinematic
17:07icon in the 1930s.
17:09Tarzan the Ape Man was the first to feature this legendary call.
17:12The Yell is like something out of another universe, but it's supposed to be coming out of Johnny
17:23Weissmuller's mouth.
17:24Its origins might be debatable, but it is undeniably one of the most famous sounds in Hollywood history.
17:29This helps to sell the hero's incredible strength, primal instincts, and extraordinary lung capacity.
17:42It's also become so beloved that it pops up in other films and television every once in a while.
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18:08Number 1. The Lightsaber. Star Wars Franchise.
18:13With the busing of this Jedi weapon, the Star Wars franchise really roars to life.
18:17The vibrating effect might just be one of the most imitated in all of the series.
18:25The lightsaber is nothing short of legendary, which is saying something considering all of the other imaginative sounds such as Chewbacca's growl and Darth Vader's breathing.
18:34From Luke's training in A New Hope to the climatic battle of Phantom Menace, these fantastic noises enhance every nail-biting battle.
18:43It's hard to imagine a more iconic sci-fi sound for a truly one-of-a-kind apparatus.
18:53Did we forget another sound that helps you identify a film as soon as you hear it?
18:56Let us know in the comments below.
18:58I am Frau Blucher.
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