Isn't that more of a "continuity editing" where shots are put together in order to tell a story, as opposed to 'intellectual editing" in where random shot are strung together to tell a story; which is what a montage is.

- Batman: Danny Elfman's score still gives me chills when I see this opening. Probably my favorite opening sequence.

- Dick Tracy: Probably not a real popular choice, but again, a great score with a montage that perfectly sets the tone for the film.

- Little Miss Sunshine: Almost haunting music with accompanying scenes that lets the viewer know they're going to be seeing a comedy with dramatic tones.

- The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: I love, love, love the music and although it's a simple visual opening, it works.

- Spider-Man: Much like Batman, this opening never fails to give me chills.

- Sin City: I guess I just have a thing for comic book-inspired openings.

Speaking of opening montages, anyone ever watch a movie with someone who fast forwards them? My ex used to want to do this most of the time, using the "logic" that it was "just music and credits." This is a habit she picked up from her parents, who fast forward the movie until there's talking. Annoyed the hell out of me, too, since I've always viewed the opening credits as the bulk of the film that sets the mood for what follows.

not yet mentioned:

Saving Private Ryan

Fargo

25th Hour, even though I'm not an American.

Do any of you know what a montage is?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zixAjmrmn6g

boogie nights.

That reminded me that "even Rocky had a montage". That being said, the one at the beginning of ROCKY III is pretty damn good.

another vote for
Lord of war

Casablanca.

Streets of Fire
The Big Chill
All That Jazz (this may be wrong...I haven't seen it in a while, but it does start with the daily routine montage, doesn't it??)

I cannot believe nobody said these yet.

Rules of attraction - Amazing opening and character development.
Magnolia was also great.

I cannot believe nobody said these yet.

Rules of attraction - Amazing opening and character development.
Magnolia was also great.

Mallrats - Jason Lee's voice over about his Uncle Walter getting the cat stuck up his ass, all while showing the various scenes (and more importantly, the great store names) around the mall.

I would agree!

Flash Gordon. It's cornball. And there's Queen.

Alien 3. For basically saying "Fuck You" to happy endings.

The beginning of SW EpIV is not a montage.

What about Seven?

None of the SW movies have montages in them at all.

You don't need to tell me; tell the other 2 posters that think they are. :)