Inventive title/credit sequences are one of those finishing touches that can give a film a remarkable quality, or set the tone in a fun and flamboyant way.
This term at Sparks Film School, we’re exploring the theme Finishing Touches – a playful exploration of all the details, bells, whistles and glitter that are added to a film to make it unique and characterful, either during post-production, or as part of the look and feel.
Here, we look at our top five (child friendly) examples of title sequences that make the most of the opportunity to grab attention and add to the overall effect.
1. “The Incredibles” (2004)
The title sequence of The Incredibles has a retro feel, echoing the style of Saul Bass from classic spy and superhero movies from the 1960s. It uses bright colours, abstract shapes, and dynamic transitions, reflecting the movie’s themes of action and adventure.
The use of jazz-inspired music combined with bold, sleek visuals captures the fast-paced, action-packed spirit of the superhero family while giving it a nostalgic twist that feels fresh.
2. “The LEGO Movie” (2014)
The LEGO Movie opens with a sequence filled with iconic LEGO bricks that seamlessly build various elements of the scene, bringing the entire LEGO universe to life.
The title sequence is constructed as if it’s being assembled in real-time by a kid with a box of LEGO bricks, creating a fun and immersive experience. The playful animation style perfectly mirrors the playful spirit of the film and lives true to the LEGO identity.
3. “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
The title sequence for Monsters, Inc. is full of colourful, imaginative animation. It starts with a variety of doors, which represent the portals to the human world, moving in sync with jazz music.
The animation features simple geometric shapes and brightly coloured doors, with the characters’ names popping up in playful ways. The sequence cleverly alludes to the core concept of the film—monsters traveling between worlds using doors—without directly revealing much.
4. “Up” (2009)
The beginning sequence of Up isn’t just a title sequence— it’s an emotional mini-movie that tells the life story of the protagonist, Carl, and his wife Ellie, all through a montage with minimal dialogue.
This sequence is a beautiful example of visual storytelling, serving as a prologue to the rest of the film. It captures a lifetime of emotions— joy, love, loss —in just a few minutes, all while setting up the emotional depth of the main story.
5. “Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
The opening sequence of Kung Fu Panda uses hand-drawn animation, with strong visual identity reminiscent of traditional art forms from Chinese culture.
The sequence starts with Po (the protagonist) narrating his dream of becoming a Kung Fu master in a highly stylised and exaggerated visual format. The art style is striking and helps to establish the world of Po and friends. It looks distinct from the rest of the film, making it memorable and setting the stage for Po’s larger-than-life aspirations.
These title sequences are not just visually striking but also perfectly set the tone for the films, blending style, music, and storytelling in inventive ways that resonate with the audience watching.
About Sparks Film School
Sparks Film School offer youth filmmaking programmes for ages 5-18.
Find out more about our filmmaking courses >>>
