Ever found yourself hitting the pause button repeatedly during a movie or TV show, trying to catch that one elusive moment that everyone seems to be talking about? We've all been there. In this gallery, we're diving into those scenes that have become legendary for being the most paused moments of all time. From hidden Easter eggs to jaw-dropping revelations, let's take a closer look at the frames that had us reaching for the remote and hitting pause. Get ready for a journey through the still frames that sparked endless discussions and speculation!
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Fast Times at Ridgemont High's famous scene with Phoebe Cates' red bikini is highly controversial.
Phoebe Cates' famous paused pool scene, in which her character, Linda Barrett, emerges from the pool in a bikini, made waves when released because it was the first time such a sexually charged scene had been featured in a mainstream Hollywood film.
The Thing
1982 science fiction horror film that features a shocking and gruesome defibrillator scene.
Palmer, played by David Clennon, has been taken over by the alien creature from the film and is attempting to blend in. After becoming suspicious of Palmer, the group decides to shock him out of his disguise with a defibrillator.
Cool Hand Luke
Known for its sexualized depiction of women and celebration of the male gaze, the car wash scene in Cool Hand Luke has become an icon.
The film was set in the 1950s, when objectification of women was more acceptable and prevalent. This scene may not have aged well, but it's totally understandable why someone would want to play it over and over again until they reach the pause button.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
George Lucas decided to pay homage to his good friend, Steven Spielberg by including E.T. and his family as one of the many alien species to attend the galactic senate.
It's not a new alien race per se, but the film contains a scanning shot with what appears to be ET and his family. This one shot caused plenty of pauses from viewers checking if they saw what they really thought they saw.
American Pie
In spite of the films' controversy, one scene stayed with viewers for a long time.
Nadia, the international student, undresses in front of a webcam, believing she is alone. Inevitably, fans replayed and paused the moment.
Trading Places
Fans of Trading Places were captivated by Curtis' seductive and confident portrayal of Louisa in this scene.
Curtis is best known as Laurie Strode in Halloween, an introverted wallflower at best, but when she shows off all of her beauty, it's a pause button worthy moment.
The Deep
An iconic moment in film history is the famously paused scene at the beginning of The Deep.
The raw beauty and sensuality of Jacqueline Bisset's underwater swim, with a thin, white T-shirt clinging to her body and a black bikini bottom accentuating her curves, cannot be ignored.
Risky Business
It is one of the most iconic and memorable scenes in Risky Business when Tom Cruise dances to "Old Time Rock n Roll."
The scene takes place in a suburban Chicago home, where Cruise's character, Joel, dances and lip-syncs to the song while celebrating the fact that his parents are away.
Wild Things
The sultry '90s classic Wild Things continues to captivate audiences.
The fact that this moment remains one of the most talked-about in film history is testament to the film's unapologetic sensuality.
Basic Instinct
It's hard to get enough of Sharon Stone's interrogation in Basic Instinct.
Sharon Stone's Catherine Tramell is interrogated by detective Nick Curran to discover information about a murder. Catherine's legs cross and uncross as tension grows between the two characters.
The Wicker Man
Actress Britt Ekland performs a sexy dance in a memorable scene in the 1973 horror film The Wicker Man.
Over the years, the scene has been referenced and parodied numerous times for its bizarre storytelling and sex appeal.
Jaws
This film begins with a nighttime swim in the ocean by a young woman, Chrissie, that sets the stage for the terror to come.
Jaws' opening scene masterfully establishes the tone and setting of the film while creating an incredibly pause-worthy moment.
The Seven Year Itch
It's not hard to see why The Seven Year Itch's dress scene is one of cinema's most famously paused ones.
Marilyn Monroe's character, simply known as "The Girl," stands on a subway grate in a white dress, revealing her legs and panties as the subway air blows it up.
Take This Waltz
This 2011 drama has a lot going for it, despite not being a box-office hit.
The audience had to pause in disbelief after seeing the raunchy comedienne Sarah Silverman in anything other than her jeans and t-shirt.
The Wizard of Oz
Does 'The Wizard of Oz' have a munchkin hanging in the back?
A shadowy figure can be seen in the background hanging from a branch in this chilling still. For decades, audiences have been fascinated by this suicidal munchkin.
Saturn 3
This troubled production's only highlight is the love scene between Farrah Fawcett and Kirk Douglas.
Its star power was not enough to overcome the film's critical and commercial disappointments upon its release, with many critics citing weak scripts and poor pacing as major problems.
The Shining
In the 1980 Stanley Kubrick horror film The Shining, a bear suit scene is famously paused.
Due to its unexpected and surreal nature, as well as Jack Nicholson's intense performance, the scene became so popular.
Bobbi Jo and the Outlaw
Lynda Carter's character Bobbi Jo drops her outfit on screen in the classic film Bobbi Jo and the Outlaw.
This scene gives audiences a chance to see her in all her glory and admire her beauty and sex appeal.
Star Wars: A New Hope
The stormtrooper who hits his head on a low hanging door frame in the original Star Wars: A New Hope has become an iconic moment in the film.
The scene is at the start of the movie when a stormtrooper in the background hits his head on a low hanging door because the actors in the uniforms apparently couldn’t see well out of their helmets.
She’s The Man
This teen flick inspired by Shakespeare, starred Amanda Bynes pretending to be a boy to play on the men’s soccer team.
When she confesses in the end, nobody believes her, until she finally flashes them to prove herself. People paused this scene a lot, but ultimately all you can see is her face.
Wolf of Wall Street
While Leonardo DiCaprio was a star in this film, the world was also introduced to Margot Robbie.
She hated filming her “weird” seduction scene with Leo. “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. All men,” she explained.
The Lion King
In the beloved Disney film, The Lion King, Simba flops down in the grass and flower petals fly away in the wind.
The petals, if you look closely, seem to form the word “sex.” Disney argues it was supposed to be “SFX” but… we’re not too sure about that one.
Promises Promises!
Jayne Mansfield's performance and its juicy plot make it a memorable 1963 film.
Among the things that set Promises! Promises! apart from other films of its time is the fact that it featured a prominent female lead who bared all.
Animal House
Many parodies and references have been made to the panty raid scene in the 1978 comedy Animal House.
Tim Matheson's Otter leads a group of fraternity members in a panty raid on a nearby sorority house.
Porky
There has been both reverence and controversy surrounding Porky's famous shower scene over the years.
Through a peephole in a high school boys' locker room, a group of mischievous teens try to peek into the girls' shower room.
Psycho
"Psycho's" legacy can be traced to its masterful storytelling and iconic moments as well as its ability to conjure unease and intrigue.
A paused image from the film shows the face of Norman Bates's mother superimposed over his own. Many watched the haunting scene over and over again to be sure their eyes weren't deceiving them!
The Return of the Living Dead
To spice up the zombie genre, "Trash" performs a striptease for her punk friends.
Given the cultural context of the 1980s, when the zombie genre was primarily associated with horror and gore rather than sexuality and titillation, this scene is particularly noteworthy.
Back to the Future
The scene where the mall's name is revealed as "Lone Pine Mall" is a classic moment that has stayed with audiences for decades.
Marty McFly accidentally runs over a tree with his car when he travels back in time to the 1950s. After returning to the present, he discovers the mall he knows and loves has a different name.
The Beastmaster
Tanya Roberts' bathing in a waterfall in The Beastmaster is a nostalgically memorable moment.
Even though fantasy adventure movies are fast-paced, this scene exhibits a calm and tranquility that audiences want to pause for.
The Exorcist
Throughout the movie, several subliminal faces appear, which have drawn a lot of attention from fans.
They are thought to be the faces of the film's director, William Friedkin, and star, Linda Blair, as they appear very briefly on screen and are difficult to discern without pausing the film.
Young Doctors In Love
Against a chaotic hospital backdrop, Michael McKean and Sean Young share a playful and whimsical love scene.
The lighthearted romance and charming performances might tempt young men watching the film to pause the scene.
Total Recall
"Total Recall," one of Arnold's biggest films, caused many to hit the pause.
The science action film shows him surveying the Martian planet and encountering a character that is different from what most people expect.
Coffee
In the 1973 film Coffy, the famously paused scene depicts Pam Grier's character, a vigilante nurse seeking revenge on drug dealers who have hurt her community.
Coffy enters a hotel room pretending to be a prostitute to exact revenge for her sister's death in one of many paused scenes from this groundbreaking film.
The Graduate
"Are you trying to seduce me Mrs. Robinson?"
In the 1967 film "The Graduate", there is a famous seduction scene with innuendo and sexual tension. Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, seduces Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin.
Teen Wolf
When you pause "Teen Wolf" at the right time, you'll get more than expected.
Viewers have been intrigued by an alleged continuity error involving a background extra. In the scene, high school basketball fans are celebrating a major victory, and in the background, an extra can be seen with their pants unzipped.
Lifeforce
The 1985 film Lifeforce starred Mathilda May as a space vampire.
Members of the audience with a particularly powerful pause button may have been attracted to May's revealing costume and seductive demeanor.
Alien
Among the most anticipated and rewatchable moments in film history is Kane's moment when a creature bursts out of his chest in "Alien".
The scene has often been paused by fans so they can get a closer look at the creature and marvel at the special effects.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
An enthralling steamy scene displays Sophia Loren's charisma and sensual appeal as she seduces Pasquale, her husband's friend.
'Anna,' a segment featuring Loren and Pasquale, follows their fictional character's attempt to seduce her husband's friend in order to win back his affections.
Niagara
One of the most famous and paused scenes in cinema history is Marilyn Monroe's shower scene in Niagara from 1953.
One of the first instances of a major Hollywood star appearing in a sexually suggestive or risque scene. Monroe's bold move cemented her image as a sex symbol at that time.
Three Men and a Baby
During a pivotal moment in the plot, the characters are frantically trying to get the baby to sleep.
A cardboard cutout of a character appears in the background as they rush around the room. At the time, many people believed that the cardboard cutout was actually a ghost, which caused quite a stir among audiences.
Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
A refreshing change from the more traditional and serious portrayal of relationships in films of the era is how Alice and Bob flirt and tease each other in the hotel room.
In this scene, many people watching this film on late night television would completely miss the subtext of jealousy and revenge, but that's why there's a rewind button.
Halloween
In Halloween's most memorable scene, Lynda flashes her boyfriend, unaware that they're about to be savaged by Michael Myers.
The tension and excitement in this scene are heightened by Lynda's bold move, which serves as a moment of levity before the shocking and violent attack.
Scanners
Michael Ironside's character in Scanners makes a guy's head explode with telekinesis.
There is a lot of graphic and gory material in the movie, but audiences can pause it and take a closer look at the special effects.
Nightshift
Belinda Keaton, a New York City prostitute, having breakfast with Chuck Lumley while wearing barely anything is a memorable scene in Nightshift that has gained notoriety over the years.
Long's confident and playful sexuality was evident in the scene. Back then, many people paused and rewatched this scene over and over again.
Once Upon A Time In The West
A western film released in 1968, the heyday of the genre.
Claudia Cardinale stars as Jill, a prostitute caught in the middle of a violent land grab. A scene in "Flagstone" that has become iconic and frequently paused on screens around the world shows Jill taking a bubble bath as guns blaze.
Repulsion
One of the first jump scares in the genre, the mirror scene is a masterpiece of horror cinema.
For home audiences, pausing the mirror scene in Repulsion is essential to fully appreciate its expert craftsmanship. Each detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to build tension and suspense, from the chilling music to Catherine Deneuve's expressive face.
Pretty Baby
Certainly controversial at the time of their release, Susan Sarandon's intimate scenes in Pretty Baby remain controversial today.
For audiences seeking a thrill, Pretty Baby probably wasn't a deterrent to their quest for racy late-night viewing, despite its unhappy ending.
Return of the Jedi
One of the most famous paused scenes in the Star Wars franchise is Darth Vader's electrocution in Return of the Jedi.
Trying to turn Vader back to the dark side, the Emperor tortures him. Electrical charges passing through Vader's body cause his armor to briefly reveal his skeleton as he writhes in pain.
Sleeping With Other People
Alison Brie always does something quirky or out of the ordinary on screen.
As viewers watched Jake relive his former college fling, they were only able to pause the scene to make it last longer.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
A piece of protective glass can clearly be seen between Ford and the snake as he frantically tries to climb out of the pit.
It's an example of the type of continuity error that can happen during film production, and it's what makes movies so entertaining.
American Beauty
Possibly one of the most defining moments in modern film history.
As Lester, the protagonist of the film, sits in a crowded basketball gym, he becomes obsessed with his daughter's best friend. We have paused this scene so many times that it is ingrained in our minds.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
A red-haired woman often makes people around her stare at the screen. Even off-screen, it had a similar effect; only viewers had to physically pause the film.
Jessica Rabbit is already one of the most sexualized cartoon characters of all time, and in one scene of the film, that is often paused, it looks like you can see under her dress.
The Man With The Golden Gun
One of the most insane car stunts in film history is the corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun.
As a real stunt, it makes it all the more impressive, and it's no wonder audiences would want to pause the scene to fully appreciate the skill and bravery displayed.
The Girl Next Door
Elisha Cuthbert became the blonde beauty of the early 2000s with her role in "The Girl Next Door."
One scene in the movie makes viewers pause: Cuthbert appears dripping wet after taking a dip in the neighbor's pool.
Before I Go to Sleep
Although the film itself didn't win many accolades from critics, one scene caught the attention of many viewers.
Among the scenes that had viewers pressing pause on repeat was the one where Kidman stands bare, staring at a wall of hanging photographs.
Evil Dead 2
An excellent example of the film's clever combination of horror and humor is the woodshed scene.
Yes, if you pause the film at just the right time, you can see Freddy Krueger's glove from A Nightmare on Elm Street hanging on the wall.
Titanic
Love stories like Rose and Jack's are hard to resist.
Rose admires Jack's pictures of naked women in Paris. In the most paused scene of the film, she asks him to draw her.
The Cabin in the Woods
Chris Hemsworth doesn't seem like someone who would appear in a horror movie, would he?
The film has one of the most paused scenes in recent memory. During the scene, the monster controllers demonstrated how many monsters and demons they control.
Dirty Dancing
There is a moment in "Dirty Dancing" that has been recreated countless times around the world.
In the climax of the film, Jennifer Grey soars into Patrick Swayze's arms as "Time of My Life" blasts from the speakers.
The Matrix
The Academy Award-winning film has one scene that fans love and is pause-worthy.
This scene shows a reflection off a doorknob. The director chose to do something worthy of a double-take instead of showing a reflection of a camera.
Boogie Nights
Mark Wahlberg played Dirk Diggler, an aspiring adult movie star in the 1997 drama.
Not one, but several times during the movie, viewers could not help but pause. It was Diggler's bare all for the crew that seemed to have paused the movie the most.
Cruel Intentions
In Cruel Intentions, themes such as revenge, deception, manipulation, and the significance of outward appearances are explored.
Sarah Michelle Gellar dominated every scene she appeared in as Kathryn. Fans have been thinking about this scene for over two decades. We were treated to one of the most entertaining and paused lessons of all time when Kathryn taught Cecile how to kiss.
Fight Club
"Fight Club" is not just brilliantly directed and beautifully performed, but also rich in symbolism and social commentary.
Early on in the movie, we get a brief glimpse of Brad Pitt's character Tyler Durden. Tyler appears for a literal frame in this film, so if you blink, you will likely miss the subliminal effect.
Spider-Man
The first of many "Spider-Man" films was released in 2002, introducing Peter Parker and setting the stage for superhero movies to follow.
This scene of Spider-Man kissing Mary-Jane Watson upside down is paused so often, and it's easy to see why.
Pulp Fiction
Known for its nonlinear storytelling, memorable characters, and witty dialogue, it's a cinematic masterpiece.
During one of the most infamous scenes, Jules and Vincent successfully dodge bullets fired by someone hiding in the bathroom. It was noticed by some viewers that bullet holes were in the wall even before the shootout started.
The Little Mermaid
Disney movies seem innocent at first, but the more we watch them, the more we realize adult innuendos lurk around every corner.
Many of its references were considered inappropriate at the time, and are still considered so today. It was so shocking that people had to pause them to figure out if they saw things right. Seeing Ariel with human legs, for instance, is too much for a children's film.
Deadpool 2
It was the cameo that made "Deadpool 2" even more compelling.
The invisible man is portrayed by none other than Brad Pitt! "Deadpool" may not be one of Pitt's most famous movies, but trust us when we say he was there.
Grease
"Grease" has become a cultural classic due to its many memorable scenes.
Throughout the entire film, Sandra Dee has been such a "good girl" that even her innocence is celebrated in a song! Our jaws dropped in awe and our chills multiplied when we saw her come out after a complete makeover in the final scene.
Signs
A creepy scene in the film shows footage of the alien caught on camera.
Fans have stopped and paused the scene due to its briefness. The captivating performance by Gibson and the deft direction by Shyamalan are further enhanced by this unforgettable glimpse into the unknown.
Suicide Squad
It wasn't loved by critics, but audiences enjoyed seeing Margot Robbie as the deranged Harley Quinn.
In one scene, she quickly lifts her top, leaving audiences in shock. This scene was paused many times since viewers wanted to see just how stunning Harley was.
There’s Something About Mary
Funny mishaps, memorable characters, and an offbeat romantic angle make this a comedic gem that delights audiences.
One of the most memorable moments was when a teenage Ben Stiller had an unfortunate zipper incident.
E.T
One of the most breathtaking, well-known, and frequently paused shots in film history is the "E.T. bike flying scene."
Indelible marks have been left on the minds of countless viewers by its impact and its reminder of cinema's magic.
Closer
The movie has Natalie Portman playing the part of Manic Pixie Dream Girl.
Portman plays Alice, an exotic dancer seeking love and affection. It can be imagined that Portman's paused scene is repeatedly rewound.
A Space Odyssey
In his meticulous framing and precise camera perspective, Stanley Kubrick's signature style shines through.
A profound sense of involvement and intimacy is evoked by this visual composition, compelling numerous viewers to take pauses.
Baby Driver
Eiza Gonzalez plays Monica "Darling" Castello, one of Doc's gang of bank robbers.
For obvious reasons, this became a popular paused and GIF'd scene.
Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick takes us into a world full of secrets, lies, and deceit.
We witness an intimate ceremony when our protagonist, Bill Hartford, played by Tom Cruise, arrives at a mysterious event of an obscure cult. Throughout the past 20 years, viewers have paused to savor this unforgettable moment, and it will continue to do so for years to come.
Nerve
Sydney moons the crowd cheekily in an unforgettable scene.
As the audience watches this audacious act in awe, the pause button is automatically pressed.
The Greasy Strangler
Delivering memorable and pause-worthy moments while pushing the boundaries of discomfort.
The eye-popping strangulation scene in the movie will quickly come to mind. In disbelief, viewers reach for the remote control after watching this particular sequence.
Jurassic World
In this movie, when the pterodactyls are attacking the tourists one man hilariously saves two margaritas before he rushes for safety.
That man is none other than Jimmy Buffet.
Toy Story 3
Despite their best efforts, the Toy Story gang can't stay out of trouble. The third movie shows them being donated to a daycare center.
An old villain appears in this scene as the sanitation worker. It takes some sharp eyes to notice, but when you do, the pause button comes in handy.