Ever since the original Jurassic Park stunned audiences in 1993, the Jurassic Park/World franchise has remained one of the most enduring and popular series in film history. Each entry has drawn huge box office returns and captured the public imagination, offering a mix of spectacle, suspense and technical innovation whether through groundbreaking CGI, practical effects or animatronics.
Across nearly thirty years, four different directors and many writers, the films have delivered moments of awe, terror and wonder. Every installment brings something new—moments that spark conversation, inspire nostalgia and remind viewers why the franchise endures.
Below we examine all five films, from Jurassic Park (1993) through Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and present the ten best on-screen moments from the series. These are the 10 Best Moments from the Jurassic Park Franchise.
If you enjoyed this list, share your own favorite moments in the comments and tell us which scenes you think belong on a list like this.
10. Introducing… the Pterodactyl
(Jurassic Park III)
While Jurassic Park III is often remembered for its lighter moments and for not reaching the heights of its predecessors, the introduction of the Pterodactyl is a standout beat. The scene leans into classic monster-movie atmosphere: fog, a slow reveal and a score that heightens anticipation. Even when some elements of the sequence feel campy—such as the parachute rescue—the first full reveal of the flying reptile captures a sense of wonder and dread that briefly restores the film’s gravitas and reminds viewers of the franchise’s ability to create memorable creature moments.
9. Mr. DNA
(Jurassic Park)
The whimsical Mr. DNA sequence in the original Jurassic Park is both charming and functional: it explains the park’s cloning process through the guise of a deliberately cheesy corporate-style animation. More than a bit of comic relief, the sequence delivers essential exposition in an engaging way, while also revealing character details—especially about John Hammond’s grand, marketable vision. Mr. DNA remains a memorable, clever device that balances humor with necessary scientific explanation.
8. Raptors in the Grass
(The Lost World: Jurassic Park)
Despite mixed reactions to The Lost World: Jurassic Park, the raptor ambush in the tall grass is a masterclass in suspense. Spielberg stages the attack from an observational perspective—an aerial view that conveys fate closing in while keeping the predators largely unseen. The scene emphasizes the raptors’ intelligence and hunting coordination, producing genuine tension in a compact but unforgettable sequence.
7. Flatliners
(Jurassic World)
The forest ambush on the Indominus Rex early in Jurassic World marked a tonal shift for the franchise. The sequence follows a military-style task force as they attempt a capture that goes catastrophically wrong. Director Colin Trevorrow punctuates the scene with sudden, brutal losses that raise the stakes and introduce a more mature edge to the series. The editing and sound design make the sequence harrowing without feeling gratuitous, and it signals that the new films would not shy away from darker moments.
6. “That Is One Big Pile of S**t”
(Jurassic Park)
Jeff Goldblum’s iconic line about the large pile of dung is hilarious, but the sequence it punctuates is much more than a punchline. The discovery of a sick Triceratops is the first time characters and audience can get physically close to a dinosaur in a believable, tactile way. The animatronic work and intimate staging ground this fictional world in reality, providing both wonder and an early hint of the franchise’s ethical and ecological questions.
5. Cliffhanger
(The Lost World: Jurassic Park)
The RV cliffhanger—featuring Jeff Goldblum, Vince Vaughn and Julianne Moore—is a tense highlight from the sequel. Spielberg uses tight framing and inventive camera angles to keep the audience invested in every precarious moment. The scene is a textbook example of craftsmanship: character interaction, escalating peril and precise visual storytelling combine to create a sequence that stands out in a film otherwise criticized for inconsistency.
4. Raptors in the Kitchen
(Jurassic Park)
The kitchen scene remains perhaps the franchise’s most famous raptor moment. Spielberg’s direction builds dread with classic suspense techniques—door openings, silence, the slow revelation that raptors can open doors—so that by the time the predators close in, viewers are on edge. The sequence balances terror and relief with impeccable pacing and remains a benchmark for creature-based suspense.
3. Goodbye Isla Nublar
(Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom)
Although opinions on Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom vary, its farewell to Isla Nublar is deeply affecting. The volcanic eruption and the loss of the island’s last great creatures—captured in a poignant, cinematic sequence—symbolize the end of an era. Seeing the island itself succumb to nature’s fury while witnessing the emotional toll on characters makes this a powerful and surprisingly elegiac moment in the franchise.
2. “Welcome to Jurassic Park”
(Jurassic Park)
The reveal that accompanies the line “Welcome to Jurassic Park” is perhaps the franchise’s defining moment. After careful buildup, the first awe-inspiring sight of a living, breathing Brachiosaurus—accompanied by John Williams’ sweeping theme—establishes the series’ blend of wonder and cinematic innovation. Spielberg times the reveal to maximize emotional impact, moving from character reactions to the full-scale vision of recreated prehistory. This sequence changed expectations for visual effects and remains one of cinema’s great “wow” moments.
1. Earth, Wind and Fire
(Jurassic Park)
The T. rex attack in the original Jurassic Park stands as the franchise’s single most iconic sequence. From the trembling cup of water that heralds the creature’s approach to the terrifying, chaotic moments when the characters confront the predator, the scene fuses suspense, horror and exhilaration. The brief visual cue of rippling water—achieved through a creative on-set effect—embodies the sequence’s power: it communicates menace without revealing the monster, then delivers a spectacular payoff. The blend of practical effects, CGI, sound design and direction makes this chase an enduring high point of blockbuster filmmaking.
With so many hours of cinema in the franchise, plenty of other memorable scenes could have made this list. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your pick in the comments and join the conversation about the most unforgettable moments from the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films.