We've decided to take a look back and celebrate what we consider to be the top 25 videogame-related cinematics of all time. These can be in-engine cutscenes or pre-rendered openings or even E3 trailers. While looks are a big part of why we like these cinematics, some have been picked for their storytelling, others for their technical achievements, and there are also a few we picked just because they're really, really cool.

Read on for our picks and view streaming videos of each entry, or download all 25 videos from FilePlanet.


10. Final Fantasy VII (PS2) - Sephiroth Kills Aeris

Every medium has an unforgettable tragic death. Spider-Man has the death of Gwen Stacy, Star Wars has the deaths of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru, and the Final Fantasy series has the death of Aeris. This scene is as dramatic as it is beautiful.

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9. Resident Evil 2 (PS2) - Opening

More than a few gamers were relieved when they first booted up Resident Evil 2 and saw pre-rendered graphics instead of cheesy, poorly-compressed full-motion video. That relief turned to glee as they got to see Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield make their way through a Raccoon City that has been overwhelmed by a zombie infestation. It was a great way to kick off a great game.

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8. Silent Hill (PS1) - Opening

A guitar plays a mesmerizing melody as you are introduced to a series of odd-looking characters who look a little bit creepier than you'd like. You see a policewoman in motorcycle leathers, a blonde nurse, and the foggiest town in gaming history. This is Silent Hill and the opening served as a warning, a warning which said, "we dare you to try to make sense out of this game." We may still not be clear on the true nature of Silent Hill but we do know that there is no other place like it.

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7. Kingdom Hearts (PS2) - Opening

Square Enix hits another one out of the park. By mixing beloved Final Fantasy characters with legendary Disney characters it created a game that was nearly impossible to resist. The pre-rendered beauty of the Kingdom Hearts opening is rousing and by the time it's done you'll have the theme song stuck in your head and be itching to get playing. That's the kind of effect every opening should have.

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6. MechWarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy (PC) - Opening

Just three words are all that are needed to explain why this introductory sequence is one of the best cinematic moments in videogame history. Those are: death from above. The opening of this expansion pack to the classic MechWarrior 2 is short but sweet, and etched into our memories.

Click here to view it.