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Film Probe

From Singin' in the Rain to The Shawshank Redemption: How Rain Sets the Scene in Cinema

Rain in Cinema

Written by FilmProbe


Rain can be an important player within cinema, adding emotional depth to a scene. Amping up emotions, urgency or tension. Sometimes giving a cleansing effect to a scene, washing away uncertainty or forgetting about the past.


Rain is something I love to listen to within movies, it’s almost therapeutic to sit and listen to the rain fall. Rain can add so much dimension to a scene… which is why I wanted to showcase fifteen of my all time favourite rainy moments.


  1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Don Lockwood played by the incomparable Gene Kelly steps out in the rain with his umbrella, soaking up his happiness. As he pops open his umbrella he realises he'd much rather enjoy the rain, he disregards him umbrella and starts to sing in the pouring rain. Easily one of the most beautiful rainy scenes in cinema.


2. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Satuski and Mei wait at the bus stop in the pouring rain in this Studio Ghibli spectacle. Satiski slowly looks up from under her umbrella to see a large pair of feet settle next to her, as she reveals more with her umbrella Totoro is stood in the rain next to her.


3. IT (2017)

Little Georgie sets out on a rainy day adventure with his paper boat, the S S Georgie. Blinded by the rain, Georgie hits his head and looses his boat down a sewer drain. As Georgie looks closer to inspect the drain a clown pops up from the darkness to greet him... Pennywise may appear friendly but Georgie soon realises he isn't.


4. The Notebook (2004)

Noah and Allie laughing as the rain starts to pour has become one of the most romantic scenes in cinema, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams' laughter quickly turns into arguing as the pair question why they aren't together. Then, we witness one of the most memorable rainy day kisses in cinema.


5. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Elizabeth Bennet, standing in front of Fitzwilliam Darcy, the rain pouring as he confesses his love for her. A peaceful, quiet scene of romance and beauty.


6. The Truman Show (1998)

Truman walks to the beach to contemplate his life, to question his decisions as the rain starts to pour down on him fearlessly. Truman looks up to see the rain is only pouring down on him, the rest of the beach is dry, overwhelmed by the unbelievable weather Truman shouts into the sky before the rain consumes the frame.


7. Twilight (2008)

Bella Swan chases after Jacob, having lost contact she demands answers from him. With the rain pouring down on both of them, Jacob warns her not to provoke him, as she does he shows her his true form.


8. Se7en (1995)

Mills chases John Doe through the alley ways, climbing over fences and dodging cars before he loose him. Exhausted from running, Mills collapses to the ground, lying in anger as the rain pours down onto him.


9. Rush (2013)

The breathtaking story of James Hunt and Niki Lauda, as the pair waiting in their race cars for the flag to fly to start the race. The rival pair take one encouraging look at one another before they set off, speeding into the rainy race.


10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Brad and Janet are stuck in the rain, with nowhere else to go they look up Dr. Frank N Furter mansion. They sing their way up the steps on the lair and embark on an unforgettable journey.


11. Jurassic Park (1993)

Sam Neill's character Grant attempts to divert the loose T-Rex from devouring Tim and Lex, he lights a flair and grabs the dinosaurs attention before throwing it into the trees. They are safe, for now.


12. Twister (1996)

This film is filled with rainy scenes and extreme weather conditions but one of Film Probe's favourite scenes in particular is when Jo and Bill are fighting in the rain. Jo attempts to collect the remaining pieces of her invention Dorothy, Bill tries to talk sense into her before the pair have a large blowout before the tornado hits.


13. Spider-man (2002)

Easily one of the most memorable rain scenes in cinematic history, as Spider-man saves MJ from being robbed she offers him a kiss as a thank you. Peter, unable to resist accepts her offer, the two share an unconventional romantic kiss in the rain as Spider-man hangs upside down.


14. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Another romantic kiss in the rain see's the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn's Holly kissing Paul in the rain at the end of the film.


15. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

One of the greatest moments in cinema is when Tim Robbin's character Andy escapes from prison, after crawling through sewage pipes and falling out into the pouring rain. Andy stands and takes in his newly found freedom, as thunder and lightning can be heard in the distance Andy remains in the rain.


Thank you for reading, if you enjoyed this post go check out my instagram page @filmprobe, where you can watch this list as a reel! I have a variety of videos on my profile which break down memorable moments from cinema, like Dogs, Art and Running!

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