Way back in 1996 I had a career-defining moment. I was host to the filmmaking legend, Roger Corman. He directed some 60 features and produced 800 others. When I asked him the secret to his success, he said that he always starts with the movie title and tagline.
The more I work at Raindance, the more I agree. Creating a movie title and tagline is one of the most critical steps in the filmmaking process. These elements serve as the audience’s first impression. As they say, a picture says a thousand words. A great title encapsulates the essence of your film in a nut shell. A successful title will spark interest and intrigue in your film. A compelling title and tagline can make a significant difference in attracting investors, viewers and creating buzz. Done right, you might influence how the movie is remembered for years to come. As Roger Corman did with dozens of his films, like The Little Shop of Horrors (1960).
Come and explore with me the fundamentals of crafting memorable movie titles and taglines, supported by examples to illustrate the process.
These ideas were initially developed in my 2008 book: Raindance Writers Lab. You can buy it here
Why Are A Movie Title and Tagline So Important?
Your first and primary marketing tool starts with a movie title and tagline. They are tools of persuasion. Here’s why they matter:
- Branding: The title becomes the brand of your movie, influencing how it is marketed and perceived.
- Audience Connection: A good title resonates with the audience, giving them an idea of the movie’s tone, theme, and most importantly, the genre.
- Memorability: A strong title and tagline stick in people’s minds, creating word-of-mouth buzz.
- Emotional Hook: Together, they can evoke emotions or curiosity, compelling the audience to watch.
Characteristics of a Strong Movie Title
Roger told me that he often tries to make the first word of his titles start with the letters A, B or C. He reasoned that this would make your film appear at the top of a list.
A strong movie title is:
- Concise: Typically one to three words that are easy to remember. And easier to fit on the poster.
- Relevant: Reflective of the movie’s theme, tone, or storyline.
- Unique: Distinctive enough to stand out from other movies.
- Evocative: It creates a mood or sparks curiosity.
Examples of Effective Movie Titles
- “Jaws”
- Simple, sharp, and evocative of danger and fear.
- “Inception”
- Unique and intriguing, hinting at the movie’s complex themes of dreams and ideas.
- “The Dark Knight”
- Directly ties to the iconic character while suggesting a darker tone.
- “Parasite”
- Provocative and metaphorical, representing the movie’s layered social commentary.
How to Create a Movie Title
Don’t rush this process. The very first thing you should remember is to test every new title idea against Google or IMDb to see if there is a similar title.
Creating a movie title involves several steps:
1. Define the Core Theme or Idea
Start by identifying the central idea or theme of your film. Is it a story of love, adventure, betrayal, or survival? The title should align with the emotional and thematic core of your movie.
Example:
For a movie about survival in the wild, consider titles like “Alive” or “The Revenant” that reflect endurance and resilience.
2. Consider the Genre
The death knell is to think of your movie as a ‘drama’. All movies are dramas. It is too general. People want to know what genre your film is.
The title should hint at the genre. A horror film might have a title like the box office smash hit, the A24 Hugh Grant vehicle named Heretic
A comedy could use something light and playful like “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”
3. Use Intriguing Language
Titles that use metaphors, paradoxes, or intriguing words often stand out. They spark curiosity and invite audiences to learn more.
Example:
- “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” uses poetic language to evoke depth and introspection.
- “Pulp Fiction” hints at the gritty, unconventional narrative style.
- “The King of UFOs” appeals to two micro audiences: Royal Family watchers and Paranormal fans.
4. Keep It Memorable
Avoid overly long or complicated titles. Aim for something catchy and easy to recall.
Example:
- “Titanic” is short and unforgettable, instantly evoking the legendary ship and its tragic story. And you know what the ending is! The boat sinks!
5. Brainstorm and Test
Generate multiple options, then test them with others to see what resonates. You can also test title ideas on your social media, or run a poll on your top few title ideas to see which one resonates the most. Feedback can help identify which title has the strongest impact.
Characteristics of a Great Tagline
We call the short sentence under the title the tagline. Done properly, these taglines can often enter popular culture. Have a browse of the examples below.
A great tagline is:
- Concise: Usually one sentence or a few words.
- Catchy: Easy to remember and repeat.
- Descriptive: Gives a glimpse of the movie’s plot or tone.
- Emotional: Evokes curiosity, excitement, humour or fear.
Examples of Iconic Taglines
- “In space, no one can hear you scream.” (Alien)
- Combines the vastness of space with the terror of isolation.
- “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.” (Jaws 2)
- Builds on the fear established in the original, creating tension.
- “Why so serious?” (The Dark Knight)
- Taps into the movie’s central conflict and iconic villain.
- “Love is a force of nature.” (Brokeback Mountain)
- Reflects the powerful, uncontainable love story.
How to Create a Memorable Tagline
1. Identify the Film’s Hook
The tagline should centre around the movie’s unique selling point. Is it the thrilling action, emotional depth, or a central mystery? Highlight this in the tagline.
Example:
For a mystery movie, you might use a tagline like, “The truth lies within the lies.”
For the Raindance Raw Talent doc about the Royal Family’s obsession with the UFOs, “Royal UFO Secrets Revealed”
2. Reflect the Tone
The tagline should match the movie’s tone. A horror movie’s tagline will be suspenseful or ominous, while a comedy’s will be playful and humorous.
Example:
- Horror: “They’re here.” (Poltergeist)
- Comedy: “One man’s struggle to take it easy.” (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
3. Use Action Words
Dynamic language grabs attention. Use verbs that evoke action, tension, or emotion.
Example:
- “Pray for daylight.” (From Dusk Till Dawn)
4. Make It Provocative or Mysterious
A tagline that teases the audience leaves them wanting more.
Example:
- “The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.” (Fight Club)
5. Keep It Brief
Shorter taglines are easier to remember and more impactful.
Example:
- “Believe.” (The Polar Express)
Combining Titles and Taglines
The best titles and taglines work together to tell a cohesive story about the film. For example:
- Title: The Godfather
Tagline: “An offer you can’t refuse.”- Both hint at the film’s central themes of power and persuasion.
- Title: Forrest Gump
Tagline: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”- The tagline captures the movie’s whimsical yet profound perspective on life.
Practical Tips for Movie Titles and Taglines
- Study the Competition: Look at titles and taglines in your genre. What works and why?
- Keep It Relevant: Ensure your title and tagline accurately represent the movie’s content and avoid misleading your audience.
- Avoid Overused Phrases: Originality is key to standing out.
- Get Feedback: Share your ideas with trusted peers or potential audience members.
Examples of Movie Title and Tagline Pairs
- Title: The Silence of the Lambs
Tagline: “To enter the mind of a killer, she must challenge the mind of a madman.”
Evokes tension and psychological intrigue. - Title: The Avengers
Tagline: “Some assembly required.”
Cleverly ties into the theme of teamwork and the superhero genre. - Title: A Quiet Place
Tagline: “If they hear you, they hunt you.”
Builds suspense and explains the core survival premise.
Fade Out
This is the most important step in the writing process. The more I think about it, all screenwriters should try and start with a movie title and tagline. And these won’t come together easily. Crafting the perfect movie title and tagline requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and understanding of your film’s core essence. A memorable title and tagline can transform your movie from just another release into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re working on a romantic comedy, a gripping thriller, or an epic adventure, the tips and examples in this guide will help you create something truly impactful.
Take your time, test your ideas, and remember: the best titles and taglines resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
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Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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