Most Paused Movie Scenes In The History Of Hollywood (2024)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is undeniably an iconic '80s coming-of-age film. This cinematic gem introduced budding talents who would go on to achieve stardom, including Forest Whitaker, Nicolas Cage, Anthony Edwards, and Eric Stoltz. Their early appearances in the movie remain a testament to the talent that would shape their careers. It's a timeless classic that captures the essence of youth, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in the '80s."

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While the home viewers liked some good performances, they couldn’t control the urge to pause one scene the most. In the scene, Phoebe Cates' character Linda enjoys a swim with her friend Stacy. But the most paused moment comes when Linda climbs up the steps.

Basic Instinct (1992)

It won't be wrong to say that this is one of the most iconic and provocative scenes in movie history. This neo-noir erotic thriller was so huge that it grossed $352 million worldwide and became the fourth highest-earning film in 1992.Sharon Stone was spectacular in the movie, and this scene overshadowed the entire film. It is because Stone's character seems to be fully dressed, but there was a surprise, of course.

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When her leg crossover came, it gave viewers a lot more than any of them expected before going to watch the movie. So, there is no surprise it became one of the most paused scenes in Hollywood history.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

In Disney's 2-D animated classic, The Little Mermaid, there were moments that some considered a tad inappropriate for a family audience. It's crucial to remember that standards for content have evolved since then, reflecting changing cultural norms. The film serves as a window into the past, showcasing how perceptions and sensibilities regarding animated movies have shifted over time yet retaining its place in the hearts of those who grew up with it.

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For instance, Ariel is given human legs and the viewers say that they saw way more than what they anticipated to see in a children's movie.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

In The Wizard of Oz, fans have spotted some hidden secrets, and one really strange one appears in this scene. While Dorothy and her friends follow the yellow brick road, a mysterious figure lurks in the background. This discovery adds an extra layer of fun for those who love finding hidden surprises in the movie, making The Wizard of Oz an even more exciting film for those who are dedicated fans.

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The official story describes the figure as a bird, but viewers have developed a theory that it is munchkin that hung himself – what do you think about it?

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club, a beloved film for many, might hold a hidden gem that you missed that will have you going back to watch it again and pause. In a particular scene, Brad Pitt's character makes a quick appearance without a formal introduction. It's a subtle detail that can easily escape notice, but it adds to the intrigue of the movie, making it a rewarding experience for those who love discovering the hidden layers within the story.

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It is a mission to get ahold of that scene because it's just a frame of him and even if you blink, you'll miss it.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

In Star Wars: A New Hope, there's a scene that fans love to replay. It's when a group of stormtroopers enters through a door, and one of them comically bumps their head on the frame. This little blooper has become a favorite moment for viewers, and they can't help but hit rewind to enjoy the humor all over again. It's a charming reminder of the lighthearted moments in the Star Wars universe.

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Amazingly, the scene made it into the final cut and we are so happy that it did. It is a super hilarious moment that fans really love.

Jurassic World (2015)

The latest Jurassic Park movie brought joy to its fans with some exciting scenes. One of the highlights is a scene where Jimmy Buffett is seen sprinting away from a pterodactyl, creating a thrilling moment in the film. This particular sequence resonated with the audience, adding to the overall excitement and adventure that has made the Jurassic Park franchise a favorite for fans over the years. These details bring the storyline to life and make the film feel authentic.

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What's so special is this scene? Well, he is carrying two drinks when everyone is running for their lives. It seems like the party can never stop for him.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)

Jessica Rabbit is undeniably an alluring animated character that most people can instantly recognize. In the live-action/animated filmWho Framed Roger Rabbit?she dons a striking red outfit, drawing attention wherever she appears due to her captivating beauty. Jessica's eye-catching appearance has made her an iconic figure, standing out in the memories of those who have watched the film and emphasizing her role as a central, memorable character in the story.

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There is one scene in which the animated character reveals a lot more than many viewers expected to see. But it is important to keep in mind that it is not a real character.

Psycho (1960)

This American psychological horror film by Alfred Hitchco*ck,Psycho, has had a significant impact on the horror genre. To make this movie a masterpiece, Anthony Perkins delivered an outstanding performance as a creepy Norman Bates.If you have seen the movie, then you know how it ends. It's a genuinely chilling scene when we can see Norman Bates is finally arrested and taken to jail. But what part is the most paused scene of this film?

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The scene that is paused the most comes when Bates looks at the camera, and the viewers can see the image of a skull over his creepy face for a brief moment.

The Lion King (1994)

Many 90s kids adored The Lion King, but there's a hidden detail in one scene that not everyone caught. As Mufasa and Sarabi sit on a rock, the dust and falling stars appear to spell a certain three-letter word. The debate continues over whether this was intentional or coincidental, sparking curiosity about Disney's creative minds. It leaves us questioning who might have had a playful sense of humor or if it's just our overactive imagination at play.

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We won't spell that word out here, but here's a guess for you: it had something to do with bringing Simba into this world!

Wild Things (1998)

The 1998 American neo-noir crime film went on to make $67.2 million in the box office. It gained notoriety for its more explicit scenes than what was common in the mainstream.

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There was one scene in the movies in which actress Neve Campbell and Denise Richards share a passionate kiss in a pool. So, many viewers couldn't help but press the pause button again and again.

Tron (1982)

Although there has been a sequel of 1982's Tron, it will always have a warm place in the hearts of many people. After all, it has many scenes in the movie that won people over.

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For instance, David Warner, who plays Ed Dillinger, can be seen playing a quick game of Pac-Man. If you don't believe us, look at the iconic circular character.

She’s the Man (2006)

Although 2006 comedy film She's the Man is not based on the works of William Shakespeare, it is somewhat of a modernized version of the play Twelfth Night.

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In the movie, Amanda Bynes gets into a soccer team while posing a man. When she is caught, she pulls her top up to confirm the fact that she is a young woman. So, it is quite obvious that many viewers paused that scene.

Boogie Nights (1997)

The subject matter of Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights is quite unique. In the movie, Mark Wahlberg's character Dirk Diggler is an aspiring adult movie star who starts to become someone else.

While viewers did pause for a number of scenes, there is one particular scene in which almost everyone had to pause it. In the scene, Diggler takes his shirt off in front of the crew and people get to see whatever was underneath.

Teen Wolf (1985)

This coming-of-age rom/com fantasy film was a huge commercial success. 1985 was the year of Michael J. Fox as he was the star of Back to the Future as Marty McFly and also the entertaining movie Teen Wolf (which later influenced a supernatural drama series of the same name).

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The end of the movie was quite predictable, but there was one thing that viewers didn't expect to see. At the end of the movie, a random guy is standing in the background with his pants down! Yeah, so now you know why it was the most paused scene of the film.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

Did you notice the little Easter Egg in the corner of one scene in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace? You can see that a group of aliens that appeared in E.T. can also be seen cheering.

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It is because George Lucas was paying homage to Steven Spielberg since Spielberg did the same thing when he dressed up a child in a Yoda costume in his movie E.T.

Cabin in the Woods (2012)

This 2012 American horror comedy received rave reviews and became an instant cult-favorite. Although it is a horror-comedy film, it has one of the most paused scenes for very different reasons. There is a scene in which scientists are trying to figure out what could happen to the main characters. The viewers can see a whiteboard that has a list of creatures that are under the control of scientists.

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Fans of horror movies pressed the paused button to get a look at all the monsters on the list. If you haven't watched the movie yet, give it a try - Chris Hemsworth is in the movie as well (not as a monster).

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Remember Sid, the evil kid who loves to dismember toys? In the first Toy Story (1995), Buzz and Woody get locked up by him.

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Only die-hard fans of the movie series noticed that Sid showed up as a garbage man in Toy Story 3. Sid was mean to everyone and it is rather a fitting end for en evil kid like Sid.

Titanic (1997)

Titanic was released in 1997 and the entire world fell in love with it. While the movie went on to become the highest-grossing film of that time, there was one scene that left everyone speechless. Yes, we are talking about the scene in which Jack draws Rose "like one of his French girls."

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We have to say that it is not a cheap scene to make the movie hit. The drawing plays an important role at the end of the story. If you haven't watched it yet, we urge you to give it a shot. You'll fall in love with the movie.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Some people love it and then there are people who don't like it. But there is absolutely no denying the fact this film of Martin Scorsese takes enormous risks. In one of the scenes, Margot Robbie teases Leonardo DiCaprio so much that viewers can't get enough of the steamy scene.

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If you haven't watched the movie, waste no time reading about it here and just watch it. You can thank us later.

Total Recall (1990)

Although Total Recall is an exciting movie, it has a fair share of strange and bizarre imagery. For instance, this scene shows a woman with three body parts instead of two.

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While many fans pretty much skimmed through the entire movie, they had to do a double-take to confirm the bizarre moment in an overall entertaining film.

The Rescuers (1977)

Disney has a habit of sneaking strange extras into its movies. For instance, in this animated flick,The Rescuers, the "mouse" decided to include some individuals getting changed in their room and the shots are quite questionable.

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We have no idea at all how they got away with it, but it is what it is.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens received positive reviews and was the third-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release (now it sits at the fourth position). The film was about finding out where exactly Luke Skywalker was, and how Rey finds him in the end (although we won't say where).

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As she hands over his lightsaber to him, the movie ends on a cliffhanger. Many fans of Star Wars paused the moment where it is believed that he is standing next to a gravestone.

Three Men and a Baby (1987)

Did you know that Spock himself directed Three Man and a Baby? Many people find it hard to believe that Leonard Nimoy was behind this 1987 classic.

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He also did something in the movie that made many people pause one particular scene. He decided to have a cardboard cutout of Ted Danson standing in the background. That's crazy stuff.

Iron Man (2008)

This 2008 American superhero film was a big hit. As all Marvel fans know, the movies are connected through Easter Eggs and references. So, there is something for the fans in the first movie of the franchise.

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In one scene, Tony Stark is putting on his Iron Man suit when you can see Captain America's shield (half of it). So, fans knew that Captain America was in the middle of production at that time.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

There are some super unforgettable moments in this first installment of the Indiana Jones film franchise. And there's no denying one of the most despicable villains of the franchise is Dr. Rene Belloq (played by Raul Freeman).

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In a classic paused scene from the film, we can see Belloq delivering some brilliant lines even though a fly was crawling into his mouth. The fact that even a crawling fly didn't make him lose his focus is quite impressive.

Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel is another superhero movie that enabled us to enjoy a different cinematic universe. Although there were some mixed feelings of people about the portrayal of Henry Cavill as Superman, there is one reference that many viewers missed.

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As Superman is fighting in space, viewers can see a satellite with a logo of Wayne Enterprises on it.

Burn After Reading (2008)

This 2008 black comedy crime film did extremely well at the box office, grossing over $168 million. There is one scene in the movie in which Brad Pitt's character is hiding in the closet and George Clooney's character finds him. And, without any hesitation, he shoots him dead.

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As many Coen Brothers' movies have very quick moments of violence, this scene happens so quickly that viewers have to pause it to make sure he is dead.

Signs (2002)

If you have seen the classic movie Signs, you know that aliens are revealed at the end of the movie. However, did you know that we get to see a brief glimpse of them early on as well?

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It is such a brief scene that you have to pause it to get a closer look at them. Although the scene is not quite clear, it was done intentionally for a build-up to their actual reveal.

Finding Dory (2016)

When Finding Nemohit the big screen, it became a huge success both critically and financially. Its sequel, Finding Dory, was released after 13 years and fans were surprised to see one of the main villains of the first movie making a cameo.

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You can press the pause button for the scene to take a look at Darla, the niece of the scientist, when Dory is quarantined. This is indeed amazing Easter Egg by Pixar.

Before I Go to Sleep (2014)

As it is the case with a popular scene from Basic Instinct and other movies, fans wanted to see one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood when she was walking in one scene without clothes on.

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The funny thing is that the actress was wearing some clothes during the scene but fans still wanted to see whatever they could.

The Exorcist (1973)

This movie has a lot of shocking images and scary moments. There are some scenes that you want to see again and again and that's the fun about the horror genre as it keeps on surprising you.

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In one scene, viewers can press the pause button in the movie at the right time and see the demon that possesses Regan, Pazuzu.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

This 2004 American comedy film is packed with so many Easter Eggs and in-jokes. For instance, the restaurant Escupimos en su Alimento is a name that only Spanish-speaking movie-goers will understand.

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The name means "we spit in your food" and this funny detail acted as a reward for those people who went through the trouble of pausing the movie and using Google Translate to find out what it means.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

In this Quentin Tarantino film, there is a scene you can easily miss if you blink. It is an intriguing chapter of the story in which Bruce Willis's character is on the run from Marcellus Wallace.

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Although it is quite a trivial moment, many viewers had to pause the scene to see the actor in his glory as he stepped out of the shower. All we can say here is that what anyone saw after pausing the scene is true.

Frozen (2013)

As we know, Disney doesn't mind adding some references that can help appeal to the adults, Frozen is no exception as well. In one scene, Hans and Anna are discussing sandwiches and it makes adults feel like they know that line from somewhere.

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Well, that scene in Frozen is a play by play repeat of a scene in Arrested Development. If you think that it is not crazy enough, you should know that the line also featured in The Simpsons. So, it is fair to say that Disney writers absolutely love Easter Eggs.

Back To The Future (1985)

The fans of this movie must have noticed this clever sign change. Marty McFly and Doc Brown have to travel back in time to 1955, so they meet up at Twin Pines Mall.

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Later on in the movie, McFly accidentally runs over one of the two pines when he is being chased. His action changed the future and he returns at the end of the movie to find that the mall's name has been changed. This was a clever little sign change that is quite impressive.

Beauty And The Beast (1991)

In Beauty And The Beast, there is one scene which you can easily miss if you blink. In the final scenes, Gaston attacks the castle with the help of the villagers.

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As he traverses the turrets to fight with the Beast, he ultimately stumbles and falls to his death. There, viewers notice little skulls in his pupils, showing the evil within him.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Rami Malek portrayed Freddie Mercury in this 2018 biographical drama film and won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Viewers with a keen eye were excited to see the cameo of Adam Lambert as a trucker who questions Freddie Mercury's sexuality.

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Thanks to the clever makeup, a mustache, and busy hair, Adam is almost entirely unrecognizable. What makes Adam's cameo so special and touching is that he has been stepping into Mercury's shoes as the touring lead singer of Queen since 2011.

Jurassic Park (1993)

In the movie, viewers had to hit the pause three times because of the incredible costume changes that pay homage to The Goonies.

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We know that The Goonies was a huge hit in the box office and thanks to some Reddit users, people were able to notice the reference. Given that Steven Spielberg wrote the script for The Goonies and directed Jurassic Park, the Easter egg makes a lot of sense.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Sometimes, there are little parts in a movie that deserve a pause and this is exactly what we are talking about in Spider-Man: Homecoming. In the movie, Michelle (played by Zendaya) is reading a book called Of Human Bondage.

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It is a 1915 novel by W. Somerset Maugham and you know what it is about? Well, it is about an orphaned boy who lived with his aunt and uncle. Now that's a clever reference.

Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia is, without any doubt, one of the funniest and cutest animated films. In the film, Judy Hopps joins the police force and try to solve a case. There is one cute detail in which many viewers looked closely after pausing the scene.

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The hilarious animal-based puns are out of this world. There are Fur Fighters, Let it Goat, Kanine West (OMG!!!), and Hyena Gomez. We have to admit that some of these names sound way better than the original ones.

The Matrix (1999)

Although this shot contains no Easter egg, it is the trick shot that made the scene so popular. When Morpheus says "I can only show you to the door," Neo reaches for the doorknob and there you can the reflection of a cameraman.

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To shot the scene in such a way, there was no other way than the doorknob shot. And that's why they couldn't hide the camera. Nevertheless, it is a good shot that deserves our attention.

Passengers (2016)

Some keen-eyed fans of Stanley Kubrick noticed how the film Passengers drops Easter eggs, referring to The Shining. It is because the director of Morten Tyldum is a huge fan of Kubrick and wanted to show it to the world in a subtle way.

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Moreover, the robot-bartender resembles a lot the bartender in the 1980 psychological horror film.

Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg's Jaws scared a lot of people with his classic shark flick and the movie is good enough to give you creeps even now. In the opening scene, Chrissie dies and then you know what happens.

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Audience members couldn't pause it at that time, but they surely did it later on. After all, the scene stunned everyone.

The Crying Game (1992)

This thriller from Neil Jordan was a huge success. While there were some remarkable performances in the movie, there is one infamous scene that made jaws drop.

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Nightclub singer, played by Jane Davidson, reveals that she's transgender and it shocked the audience so much that they had to respond with a collective double-take.

Deadpool 2 (2018)

You may find it hard to believe that some die-hard fans of Deadpool don't know Brad Pitt was in the Deadpool 2. Yes, it is true. So when our beloved anti-hero hires a team of misfit superhumans, there is a skilled member on his team: the Vanisher.

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In a scene when the Vanisher and others jump off an airplane and most of them die before reaching the surface, the Vanisher's actual form is revealed for a split second to be Brad Pitt.

Tarzan (1999)

When Tarzan arrived in theaters, the animated movie won the hearts of many, and the soundtrack of Phil Collins still echos in our heads today. Did you know that it has a fascinating crossover with another Disney movie?

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Ever wonder why the teapot and cup look so familiar? Well, it is because they are supposed to be Mrs. Potts and her son Chip from – yes, you've guessed it right –Beauty and the Beast. And please don’t start asking how they got into the jungle.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Thanks to one Reddit user, we got to know about this Easter egg in the movie. So, a lot of people paused and started looking at the notes. The list is about the things to catch up as Captain America is awake.

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This interesting thing about the list is that it changes depending on the country in which it is shown. So, the Reddit user DavinderB went on to compile screenshots of all the lists. The lists are for (clockwise from top left) USA, South Korea, UK, and Russia.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Although Suicide Squad has many wild scenes in it, there is one scene that got paused the most. The scene comes when Margot Robbie makes her first appearance as the sidekick of Joker, Harley Quinn.

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People simply couldn't get enough of the scene. As Quinn lifts her top, the viewers had just enough time to pause it. We have to say that it was probably the best thing for some viewers because the movie is not so great.

Scanners (1981)

This 1981 movie is not one of the most famous films on our list, but it has developed a strong following ever since releasing in 1981. Not many know that the movie also kick-started the career of David Cronenberg. There is one scene in the film that has been paused due to its gory nature.

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It is best we don't spoil it for you. So, you should watch the movie for two reasons: 1) it is fun 2) the gory scene is too good to miss.

Take This Waltz (2011)

This relationship comedy-drama really flew under everyone's radar in 2011, a rather weak year for movies in general. It was made more famous by some revealing scenes with New York-based comedian Sarah Silverman, who is already well known for her dirty sense of humor. But because she's usually only seen on stage in comedy specials or on network TV shows, one scene in particular got a lot of attention from fans wanting a closer look.

Silverman said that her motivation to do the scene was that it was a true reflection of everyday life. And she probably knows that everyday life also includes tons of people pausing a scene like this one.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Truly a modern classic romcom brought to us by the great Judd Apatow, this 2008 hit is still a fan favorite.Anyone who has ever seen the film will never forget the opening scene, but there are even more adult situations peppered in throughout the rest of the movie. Among all of them, though, one stands out as particularly engaging with audiences--Mila Kunis got her own share of enthusiasm, but Kristen Bell takes the award on this one.

Kristen Bell is mostly associated with different types of characters, ones generally less raunchy than Sarah Marshall. Perhaps that change in tone is what has gotten everyone so hyper-focused on this particular scene.

Wedding Crashers (2005)

The 2005 film that began an incredibly strong run of comedies that offered a shift from what fans got in the 90s. It may not hold up entirely in 2022, but it's still remembered fondly by comedy fans. WhileOwen Wilson and Vince Vaughn got to flex their comedy chops and become even more solidified as household names, Isla Fisher had a standout role that made a strong impression on anyone who's seen the film.

Apparently, Isla Fisher was perfect for the role from the outset--she was reportedlycrawling all over the casting director in the audition and immediately got the part. It's no wonder the wildest scene of a wild character has gotten so much attention over the years.

Most Paused Movie Scenes In The History Of Hollywood (2024)
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