Fourteen years ago, a superhero-animated movie hit the screens that completely changed the way we saw the genre and set a benchmark for both superhero and animated films for years to come. The Incredibles directed by Brad Bird did a fantastic job combining the suave and sleek action of superhero films with the heart and connect that is the signature of Pixar. Since then, it has gained a cult following, amassing fans from every generation, all across the world. On the eve of the release of its much-awaited sequel, The Incredibles 2, we look back at some of the most iconic moments of the Oscar-winning first film, which continues to bring a smile to our face.

1 Arriving in style: Barely a couple of minutes into the film, we see Bob Parr (Mr Incredible) driving an ordinary car, when an alert on his police scanner unveils a cool range of dials and modes. Within seconds, he is suited up as the car transforms itself into a supercar that could tempt even James Bond.

2 Gum-popping power: The scene — where Bob, frustrated with his mundane life, wrecks his car with his super strength and in the heat of the moment, picks it up like a matchbox, and gets caught by a bewildered boy on his tricycle, who pops his bubble-gum in disbelief — is pure gold. It still remains one of the best scenes of the film.

3 Dinner drama: The Parr family dinner table scene is hilarious. From Bob being impressed with how Dash had got away with mischief instead of reprimanding him, to the siblings fighting using their superpowers, to their mom  trying (unsuccessfully) to stop them, to Bob finally intervening and lifting the entire table along with all three of them up, as baby Jack-Jack laughs adorably, it is a riot from start to finish.

4 Hitherto heroics: The expression of longing and pride on Bob’s face as he looks at his wall adorned with souvenirs, articles and his now useless supersuit from his glory days, contemplating whether or not to return to his superhero ways, is one of the most brilliant shots in the film. 

5 Tattle tailor: Director Brad Bird has the best lines as Bob’s suit designer Edna. Her description of supermodels having nothing super about them but being “spoiled, stupid, little stick figures” is totally ROFL, as her dismissal of capes, which she justifies using examples of how they got heroes killed in the past.  

6 Not a good Sign(drome): The reveal of Syndrome — who wanted to become Incrediboy, Mr Incredible’s sidekick, but after being rejected became a genius weapons designer whose goal is to terminate his former idol — is a masterstroke. His hi-tech weapons make him a dangerous nemesis to our hero, increasing the stakes.

7 Self-obsession: We get to see Elastigirl’s solo prowess here. She manages to sneak into Syndrome’s lair with far greater stealth than her husband. Even when she’s, um, stretched thin and stuck between three gateways, she manages to take out all the guards with a smirk. She makes herself more awesome when she takes the time to check herself out in her new suit amidst all that! 

8 Super siblings: The jungle sequence, where both Dash and Violet come into their own, is outstanding. Dash toying with a guard for fun and punching him at will is a treat, not to mention his new-found ability to run on water. Violet leaping out of nowhere to create force fields and Jack using his speed within the force field bubble to carry them to safety is insane. Super cool!

9 Henpecked husband: Only Samuel L. Jackson could have done justice to Frozone. When Syndrome attacks Metroville, Frozone is desperate to help but finds that his wife has hidden his supersuit to avoid him giving their long planned dinner a miss. What follows is the most hilarious shouting match between husband and wife, as he demands that she tell him where his suit is for the greater good, to which she replies that as his wife, she is the greatest good he is ever going to get! Can we please get a Frozone spin-off movie?

10 Superbaby: Just when it seems like it’s time for a happy ending, we see that Syndrome has kidnapped Jack-Jack. As Syndrome flies off, Jack-Jack, who hadn’t shown the slightest trace of powers in the film, shows the baddie who’s the boss. He first bursts into flames, then transforms himself into solid iron, and finally turns into a red-coloured monster, who beats up Syndrome, pulls out his hair and breaks one of his boots, rendering him unable to fly. All before he transforms back to his cute baby form as he falls into his mother’s arms. 

Text: Vedant Karia