Shredder Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
The Entrance: Shredder puts the ‘grand’ into ‘grandiose’, appearing first as a stretching shadow, then slinking across a stone floor in regal attire.
Slowly he edges round to reveal that glinting silver mask as the soundtrack trembles and pounds.
Why So Awesome: It’s all about those leftover ‘80s shoulder pads…
Noah The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
The Entrance: How do you make a monster?
That question’s given a bracingly violent answer in The Boondock Saints II , as Noah (Matt Lemche) witnesses the murder of his boss and turns into a cold-blooded killer as a result.
Why So Awesome : Noah’s transformation from wide-eyed youngster to merciless killer is chilling – that look in his eyes when he simultaneously slits a guy’s throat while shooting another will give you nightmares.
Quiz Kid Donnie Smith Magnolia (1999)
The Entrance: ‘Quiz Kid’ Donnie Smith (William H. Macy) introduces himself in the most explosive way possible – by crashing his car right into a window.
Sheesh.
Why So Awesome: He crashes his car into a window!
Now that’s style.
The Goblin King Labyrinth (1986)
The Entrance: Sarah’s (Jennifer Connelly) baby brother has been kidnapped, but she soon discovers by who when the Goblin King (David Bowie) makes his grand entrance in her parents’ bedroom.
First appearing as a bird, then materializing out of floating material, he’s like a rock star with even cooler hair…
Why So Awesome: Uh, it’s David Bowie.
The Human Spider - Spider-Man (2002)
The Entrance: Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) enters a wrestling tournament after acquiring his new spidey powers, only he can’t come up with a good enough name.
“The Human Spider? That's it?” gurns the Ring Announcer. “That's the best you've got? Oh that sucks.” As does Parker’s first attempt at a Spidey costume.
His first match, on the other hand…
Why So Awesome: Raimi isn’t afraid to spin his origin story with a little humour, and this is the perfect example of that.
Also, it features Bruce Campbell, which automatically elevates it to ‘awesome’ status.
Dr Frank N Furter Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Entrance: Wallflower couple Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) stumble upon a castle in the rain.
Once inside, they’re treated to a show by tap-dancing transvestite Dr Frank N Furter (Tim Curry), who we first see emerging from a lift tapping his bespangled platform shoes.
Why So Awesome: It’s completely insane, and completely riveting. ‘Time Warp’ indeed.
Lisa Weird Science (1985)
The Entrance: Backed by a hazy hot pink glow, so-called ‘perfect woman’ Lisa – as created by Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) – emerges from the latter’s bathroom looking a million bucks.
“So…” she says. “What would you little maniacs like to do first?”
Why So Awesome: It’s not only every teenage boy’s dream made flesh, it’s also Kelly LeBrock.
Things don’t get much better than that.
Johnny Boy Mean Streets (1973)
The Entrance: A man comes round the corner of the street and drops something into a mail box.
Striding off, he checks his sideburns then ducks into a doorway just as the mail box explodes into smithereens.
Why So Awesome: Johnny even gets his own name credit on screen, just so you know who this trickster is.
Garland Greene Con Air (1997)
The Entrance: Serial killer Garland Greene (Steve Buscemi) makes his debut as he’s led to the Jailbird – the plane transporting prisoners across America.
Masked and strapped into a straitjacket, his escorts aren’t even allowed to touch him, instead manoeuvring him using arm-length sticks.
Why So Awesome: “What the fuck is that?” croaks an observer.
What indeed. Even Hannibal Lecter wasn’t treated like this.
John Preston Equilibrium (2002)
The Entrance: John Preston (Christian Bale) introduces himself as one heck of a badass when he charges at a door and bursts through it, riding it like a surfer board into a pitch black room.
The lack of light doesn’t put him off the fight, though – he still hits every target.
Why So Awesome: The voices whispering in the dark is a lovely touch.
