Gunslinger

Movie credits are great graphic design inspiration. The ultimate combination of images and text in motion. Here are five particularly great examples, plus a bunch more to keep you hunting.

1. Psycho

In many ways, designer Saul Bass invented movie titles. Every sequence made today draws from Bass’s work. Most often indirectly, but when a film maker wants that “old movie” look, like in Catch Me if You Can, they will go right for that “Saul Bass” look. By using cut and paste paper animation and minimal color schemes, Bass was able to convey the essential tone of the movie in an abstract, visceral way.

Also see:

-Anatomy of a Murder

-West Side Story

2. Ratatouille

Disney has always had a knack for the storybook look, no matter what the setting of the movie is. Whether it’s medieval manuscript illuminations, or the hand painted credits of Ratatouille referencing art deco posters, Disney credits always bring the magic. The endearing slapstick animation as well as the stylish animation style and text of Ratatouille can’t be beat.

Also see:

-Robin Hood

-The Sword and the Stone

3. Dr. No

James Bond isn’t just a film line, it’s a film genre. From its very origins in Dr. No, the “Gun Barrel” graphic became an icon. Filled with sexy silhouettes of women and guns, James Bond credits have always been hammy and fun with a classy flair.

Also see:

-Goldfinger

-Casino Royale

4. Iron Man

The video link is poor quality, but do yourself a favor and see this movie if you haven’t already. Translating comic books to movies has been en vogue lately, which is great for comic book lovers especially when it is done well. Iron Man makes this transition flawlessly, right down to the end credits. The animation uniquely melds the technology motif of the movie with a super cool arcade video game aesthetic. Credit sequences, which combine pictures and text just like a comic, are a great opportunity for designers to bring he look and feel of a comic book to the big screen.

Also see:

-300

-Batman (1966)

5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

These breathtaking titles by Danny Yount represent the new school of title design. A hint of Bass, a dash of James bond, and a little modern flair all add up to one hell of a good animation. By using bits and pieces of the past to make classic Hollywood references, and coupling them with today’s animation styles and technology, you end up with a great finished product that uses cinema’s iconography to its advantage.

Also see:

-Superbad

-Thank you for Smoking