Most Paused Movie Moments Of All Time

1. Basic Instinct (1992)

This scene must makes it into every list of most paused moments in movie history!  Sharon's character Catherine Tramell uncrossed her legs several times without wearing her undies during a police investigation.  Apparently, Sharon Stone was uneasy about the scene as her lady parts were actually caught on camera before the final cut.Originally sourced from Femanin.

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Sharon Stone has confirmed in interviews that she was unaware of the explicit nature of the shots during filming and that the scene caused some tension between her and the filmmakers. She has also mentioned feeling uncomfortable and surprised when she saw the final cut of the film.

2. Total Recall (1990)

Ok, so it's quite common to expect the unexpected in movies and that can be half the excitement.  However. it doesn't get much weirder than this - a woman with three boobs.  The more you look at it (if you must) the more it looks authentic although, obviously, it's camera trickery  isn't it?

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The use of practical effects and prosthetics was common in films before the widespread use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Filmmakers would often rely on skilled makeup artists and practical effects to create visually striking and memorable scenes.

3. Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Ok, so own up and tell us how many times you've paused this Ridgemont High scene? The clip is continually ranked as number one for the best bikini movie scene! Actress Linda Barrett who took the part of Phoebe Cates looks very hot by the pool in her classic 80's red bikini.

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Phoebe Cates' emergence from the pool, set to the tune of "Moving in Stereo" by The Cars, has left a lasting impression on audiences and is considered a classic cinematic moment, particularly for its portrayal of youthful allure and the quintessential '80s aesthetic.

4. She's The Man (2006)

To prove she was a girl (there must be more innocent ways!) a young Amanda Bynes, playing Viola Johnson, flashes the whole soccer team during the tournament.  It's no wonder this paused scene is listed as being in the top 5 freeze clips of the noughties.

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As the soccer match reaches a pivotal moment, and skepticism about Viola's true identity grows, she seizes the opportunity during a break in the game. With a mischievous grin, she lifts her soccer jersey, proving her point...people clearly wanted a closer peek!

5. Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Here we see Margot Robbie having a little bit of a 'Sharon Stone' moment of her own.  In 1987, New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who founded brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont while still in his early 20s, develops habits of wretched excess and corruption while the SEC and FBI are closing in.

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It is often considered one of the most paused scenes for a combination of factors. While the film, directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, explores various themes such as excess, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

6. Wild Things (1998)

This scene doesn't really need an explanation as to why it's viewed so much.  It follows a high school guidance counsellor who is accused of rape by two female students and a series of subsequent revelations after a police officer begins investigating the alleged crimes.  Here we see Neve Campbell and Denise Richards getting close.

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The storyline involves deceit, manipulation, and unexpected alliances, leading to a memorable and talked-about sequence in the movie. The scene is known for its unexpected twists and turns, and it is often cited in discussions about memorable moments in thriller cinema.

7. Wizard of Oz (1939)

In one famous scene, there is supposedly a munchkin who has hung himself in the background - sorry!  This musical fantasy film received critical acclaim when it was released and now has the honour of being the most seen film in history.  A young Judy Garland was mesmerising.

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The impromptu prank went unnoticed by the filmmakers, and the scene was captured with the puppet hanging in the background. Rumors and whispers quickly spread among the cast and crew, leading to the birth of an enduring urban legend suggesting a Munchkin actor had mysteriously hung himself during the film.

8. Iron Man (2008)

Iron man is the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor.  He is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon.  He actually builds a suit of armour and manages to escape captivity.  If you look closely in this still you can see a prototype of Captain America’s shield in the background!

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Unbeknownst to the audience during the first Iron Man film, this hidden detail becomes a wink and a nod to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The shield prototype, barely noticeable in the background, sparks speculation and fan theories about the connections between Earth's mightiest heroes.

 9. The Lion King (1994)

You will have to click on the pause button super quick so you an see the abbreviation 'SFX' spelled out in the dust flying through the air.  Look more closely and it appears to be showing a different word, certainly not one suitable for the age group watching the movie.  Does it spell 'sex'?

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The controversy arose because some viewers, upon closer inspection or with a bit of imagination, thought that the arrangement of the dust particles resembled the word "SEX." This interpretation led to debates about whether it was an intentional hidden message or a mere coincidence.

10. Cabin In The Woods (2011)

This scene is paused so often because it lists all the monsters and creatures that they have at their disposal - and that is something! So, when you watch the movie and come across this scene don't forget to pause it to see all the possibilities of terror they can cause!

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Each creature is adorned with a name and a brief description, teasing the potential horrors that could be unleashed upon our unsuspecting characters. The scene invites viewers to revel in the intricate details of the monstrous lineup, encouraging them to speculate.

11. The Exorcist (1973)

One of the scariest movies in history.  This freeze frame has to be one of the most terrifying things in the world. It’s called Pazuzu and it is the main antagonist in The Exorcist. It makes an appearance in single frames scattered throughout the film and you have to be really quick to catch it as it disappears in a split second.

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There have been various urban legends and rumors associated with the film, suggesting that subliminal images of Pazuzu were inserted in single frames to create a subconscious sense of unease. However, these claims have been frequently denied by the filmmakers.

12. Boogie Nights (1997)

Everyone wanted a better look at Mark Wahlberg’s (prosthetic) giant ----!  This comedy drama features a well-endowed young man who finds fame and fortune as a star in the disco-era pornography industry.  It's one of those stupid films that you watch over and over again.

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Dirk Diggler showcases his "talent" in a particularly humorous and explicit way. The film, despite its explicit content, is known for its depth, character development, and exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of the adult film industry.

13. The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Probably one of the most widely known moments of cinematic history is Marilyn Monroe’s dress blowing over the grate in the subway.  This paused still from the movie now adorns posters and paintings all over the world.  Marilyn was and still is the ultimate pin-up girl.

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The image of Marilyn Monroe's white dress billowing around her has become an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour and sensuality. The shot is not only an iconic moment in film history but also a cultural touchstone that has been referenced and parodied in numerous films.

14. Jurassic World (2015)

Jimmy Buffet saving his two margaritas, probably looking for a shaker of salt!  Jurassic World, a fully functional dinosaur park that sees 20,000 visitors a day, is the realisation of owner John Hammond's dreams. The scientists may have gone just a tad too far in creating a hybrid dinosaur which manages to escape to escape and terrorises the park.

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In the film, during the pterosaur attack on the park, there is a brief shot where Jimmy Buffett is seen running away with two margaritas in hand. This amusing moment showcases the light-hearted tone that the filmmakers injected into the film, even in the midst of the dinosaur chaos.

15. The Little Mermaid (1989)

When Ariel is getting married, the priest appears to be a little over-excited in the trouser department!  It makes us look at the movie in a different light from the fun-loving mermaid, with her best friend, an adorable flounder and a reggae-singing Caribbean crab, saving her father's kingdom from a sneaky sea witch.

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In this  scene, the officiating priest has an animated personality that goes beyond the typical solemnity of a wedding ceremony. As the camera pans, it appears that the priest, played by a quirky and comedic character, can't contain his excitement for the union of the mermaid princess and the human prince.

16. Man of Steel (2013)

A Batman and Superman mash-up was clearly in the cards, when Superman is seen grabbing a satellite made by 'Wayne Enterprises.'  Though struggling with the ramifications of his extraordinary origin and abilities, a young Clark Kent must become a hero and save those he loves from a dire threat.

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Fans of both Superman and Batman franchises often appreciate subtle nods and connections between the characters' universes. If the Wayne Enterprises logo is visible on the satellite, it could serve as a clever Easter egg, hinting at a potential collaboration or conflict between the two superheroes.

17. Scanners (1981)

When Michael Ironside’s character makes a man’s head explode, it looked too real for comfort.  This was such a scary movie where a lethal conflict arises between two groups and their extraordinary powers include the ability to kill someone by telepathy.

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In this shocking sequence, Revok demonstrates the dark side of his telepathic abilities by causing the head of another character to explode. The visceral and realistic special effects, particularly for the time, contributed to the scene's impact and its lasting reputation in the horror genre.

18. Psycho (1960)

When Bates (Anthony Perkins) is arrested, he stares into the camera and a skull appears to be superimposed over his face, even if very briefly.  This iconic thriller is probably one of Hitchcock's best.  A thieving woman who is on the run, stops at a small cabin motel run by a crazy Norman Bates.

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In "Psycho," the story follows Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, who steals money and ends up at the Bates Motel, run by the mysterious Norman Bates, portrayed by Anthony Perkins. The film is renowned for Hitchcock's innovative filmmaking techniques.

19. Signs (2002)

When you finally see that bi-pedal alien walk by, I bet you paused the screen, too. A former preacher's discovery of mysterious crop circles on his farmland sets in motion a sequence of the strangest happenings that sees Earth threatened by extra-terrestrials.  Not for the faint-hearted.

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The atmospheric tension and the slow reveal of the aliens contribute to the film's overall sense of unease and suspense. Viewers paused the screen during the iconic appearance of the bipedal alien in the movie, to scrutinize the creature and see how terrifying it was.

20. Teen Wolf (1985)

In one scene there is a shot of a celebration in the stands and one fan has forgotten to zip up his trousers.  Michael J. Fox as Scott Howard is amazing in this movie.  A high-school student's popularity soars when it is discovered that he is cursed with the mark of the werewolf.

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21. The Rescuers (1977)

Not sure if Disney wanted to shock by showing images of naked women standing in the window.  Loved the two mice, jittery janitor Bernard (Bob Newhart) and his co-agent, the ever so elegant Miss Bianco (Eva Gabor).   Excellent animation (apart from the saucy females in the background).

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There is a notable controversy associated with the film. In the original release, there was an image of a topless woman in the background of two frames in one of the scenes. This was an oversight, and Disney recalled the film to remove the controversial frames in subsequent releases.

22. Tron (1982)

This movie is full of nostalgic Easter eggs, the most popular being a scene where Pac-Man is visible!  I'm sure it was enjoyed by as many adults as it was by kids.  A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security programme.

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The reference to Pac-Man and other nostalgic Easter eggs in "Tron" highlights the film's celebration of early video game culture. The movie was ahead of its time in exploring the potential of computers and digital environments, and its visual effects were groundbreaking in the early 1980s.

23. Fight Club (1999)

What a great movie!  Brad Pitt would make split second appearances in the vicinity of Edward Norton.  Every one of you who have seen the film will understand why it is so cool.  All the scenes where Brad Pitt’s character shows up in the background before he’s actually introduced are frightening!

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Edward Norton's character, known simply as the Narrator, forms an unusual and complex relationship with Brad Pitt's character, Tyler Durden. The narrative takes unexpected turns, and one of the intriguing elements is the way Tyler Durden is introduced in the story.

24. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)

You can see E.T. and his family in the bottom left  George Lucas decided to add this in because of the Yoda Easter egg in the movie E.T.  It's such a great scene so no wonder it's paused so much.  That movie takes so many of us back to our childhood and we thought it was the best film we had ever seen.

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This playful nod to Yoda in "E.T." was Spielberg's way of acknowledging the friendship between him and George Lucas. In return, George Lucas included characters from E.T.'s species in the Galactic Senate scene of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999).

25. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

One of the most hilarious moments in the Star Wars film franchise that people can't help rewinding is the scene where a group of stormtroopers can be seen walking through the door.  One of them accidentally hits his head on the top of the door and it actually made it into the final cut.

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This incident has become a beloved and iconic moment in Star Wars history. Fans and filmmakers alike have embraced it as a charming quirk, and it's often cited as an example of the unexpected and human aspects that can make their way into even the most meticulously crafted films.

26. Finding Dory (2016)

What many fans were surprised to see was that one of the main villains from the original instalment would end up making a surprise cameo, even though it was a quick background shot.  The niece of the scientist, Darla, can be seen in a photograph on the wall during the scene where Dory is quarantined.

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Darla was the main antagonist in "Finding Nemo" and was known for her energetic and somewhat chaotic behavior. Her unexpected appearance in a photograph is a clever nod to the original film and serves as an Easter egg for keen-eyed fans of the original movie.

27. Pulp Fiction (1994)

The most intriguing chapter of the story happens in the middle when Bruce Willis’s character Butch is on the run from Marcellus Wallace.  Although this shower scene is a trivial moment in the movie, many viewers paused and rewound because they were sure they saw Willis in all his glory as he stepped out of the shower.

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We can confirm that what they saw was actually true! Fans around the world, upon discovering this unexpected shower scene, pause and rewind in disbelief, confirming that, yes, they definitely did see Bruce Willis in a playful and (very) unguarded moment.

28. Toy Story 3 (2010)

In the first Toy Story (1995), Buzz and Woody end up on an adventure together that sees them locked up by Sid, the evil kid who dismembers toys.  Die hard fans of the movie series must have done a double-take when Sid showed up in Toy Story 3 working as a garbage man.  Talk about recycling.

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The decision to make him a garbage man is a clever nod to the idea of recycling and repurposing, fitting seamlessly into the themes of Toy Story. Die-hard fans likely did a double-take, marveling at the attention to detail and the continuity that Pixar maintained across the trilogy.

29. The Matrix (1999)

This shot is more of a trick of the trade than anything else but has caused many of you to pause and rewind.  Morpheus says. 'I can only show you to the door,' and Neo reaches for the doorknob to open it.   What a brilliant action movie with Keanu Reeves.

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"The Matrix" (1999), directed by the Wachowskis and starring Keanu Reeves as Neo and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus. "The Matrix" is indeed celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects, innovative storytelling, and iconic scenes. This scene is a powerful moment in the film.

30. Deadpool 2 (2018)

Our favourite outspoken anti-hero hires a misfit team of superhumans called the ‘X Force’ to help him on his adventures. One of the most skilled members is the Vanisher, an invisible man.  In a dramatic but funny scene, the Vanisher and the others jump off an airplane with parachutes but most of them die before reaching the surface.

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For a split second, Vanisher’s actual form is revealed as none other than heartthrob Brad Pitt! One of the members of the X-Force is the Vanisher, portrayed by Brad Pitt in a humorous cameo. The Vanisher is an invisible mutant, and his invisible nature becomes a running gag in the film.

31. Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is one of the most well loved films of all times -adults and children alike. And, there is one scene in particular which people just needed a second look at. When the Marshamallo man tears up NYC a crowd gather around. But the person in the crowd fans spotted was Ron Jeremy appearing in a cameo.Image Source/ Reddit

32. Fatal Attraction

I think we all know the moment in Fatal Attraction which caused viewers to pause the TV. The awful moment when Alex meets her end in the tub of water - as she drowns by the hands of Anne Archer. But then the next scene made everyone jump so much and also made everyone pause the TV.Image Source/ DGA