Top 20 ASMR Movie Scenes

#20: Pouring Beer

“Django Unchained” (2012)

While the films of Quentin Tarantino are not the first that come to mind when it comes to soothing movies, the quick cuts, and precise sound design present in his films actually has a strong ASMR quality. An early scene in this revisionist western sees dentist-turned-bounty hunter King Schultz serving as his own bartender, and the sounds of him pouring the beer have an almost hypnotic quality. The repetitive nature of the handle being pulled, the mug being filled, the foam scraped away, and then the side of the glass tapped doesn't last long, but it's a perfect calming moment in a film full of tension and violence.

#19: Whispers and White Noise

“Poltergeist” (1982)

In the age of analog, a TV set to an unused channel was often accompanied by static and a loud buzzing frequency as the television tried to pull in a channel that wasn’t there. Although the days of analog TVs and the so-called “snow” appearing on vacant stations are mostly in the past, the white noise itself has remained, often as a low, relaxing sound to drive off the chaos or as a way to sleep. Just as popular in terms of soothing sounds is the human voice, spoken in hushed tones. So, naturally the most tranquil scenes in the horror film “Poltergeist” took place as two characters whispered while a child slept, the soft hum of TV static playing in the background.

#18: Making Marmalade

“Paddington 2” (2017)

Actor Ben Whishaw has one of the most comforting voices in the industry, so it comes as no surprise that he is perfect as the humble and lovable bear Paddington. All of the “Paddington” films are unquestionably comfort watches, made to calm stress and soothe a weary soul. Perhaps the best example of this comes in “Paddington 2” as the bear instructs Brendan Gleeson’s hardened criminal on preparing marmalade for sandwiches. The melodic sound of Whishaw’s voice, accompanied by the squeezing of oranges, pouring of sugar, and boiling pot of water made for a perfect soundscape.

#17: Waco, Texas

“The Tree of Life” (2011)

Perhaps the most recurring element of director Terrence Malick’s career is shots and sounds of nature with actors whispering dialogue over it. This gives his entire filmography an ASMR quality, which is perhaps best exemplified in the flashback scenes of a film many consider to be his masterpiece, “The Tree of Life.” As images of nature and a schoolyard in the wooded Texas suburb light up the screen, the serene voice of Jessica Chastain whispers alongside the sounds of the natural world, with crickets chirping and birds singing.

#16: Park Bench Conversation

“Good Will Hunting” (1997)

Best known for being loud, bombastic, and hilarious, legendary actor Robin Williams also had a quieter, more reserved side. A perfect example of this was his Oscar-winning role as therapist Dr. Sean Maguire in “Good Will Hunting.” In one unforgettable scene, he speaks to his patient and student, the titular Will, played by Matt Damon, about experiencing the joys and sorrows of life. The pair sits on a park bench, and the sounds of a swingset in the background, far-off traffic, chirping birds, and an assortment of other peaceful tones add to the grounding sensation we feel from William’s voice.

#15: Catbus!

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)

On a rainy night near the edge of the forest, Satsuki and Mei await the return of their father at a bus stop when they encounter an unexpected traveler. The mystical forest creature Totoro emerges, waiting for a bus, and his footsteps, grunts, and scratches add to the ambiance of the falling rain. Dripping both on the girls’ umbrella and the leaf covering Totoro’s head, the rain lets up eventually, and we are treated to a new sound as another strange creature arrives; the rhythmic running of the catbus, with its many legs rushing through the howling wind.

#14: The Sunken Place

“Get Out” (2017)

Perhaps the most sinister example of ASMR you are likely to find, “Get Out” uses the effect to put its main character, Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, into a trance, trapped deep within the confines of his own subconscious. He’s placed into a hypnotic state using auditory stimulation, specifically the metronomic scraping of a metal spoon against the side of a porcelain teacup. As the nefarious mother of Chris’ girlfriend continues to stir the tea, she probes into his trauma and childhood, Catherine Keener’s raspy voice paradoxically unnerving and comforting. She then sends him to “the sunken place,” an ASMR nightmare of muted sound and powerlessness.

#13: The Bar

“Lost in Translation” (2003)

The quiet and contemplative drama “Lost in Translation” follows two Americans adrift in their own lives, sharing a brief but powerful few days together in Tokyo. As the city outside shines with neon lights and roars with the endless noise of a metropolis, Bob and Charlotte are tucked away in the quiet and muted ambiance of a five star hotel. Meeting at the hotel bar near windows that look out over the city, music subtly plays in the background of their first conversation. As they chat, a dull murmur and sounds of the bar, like glasses clinking, fill out the soundscape.

#12: Strudel

“Inglourious Basterds” (2009)

One of the most popular elements of ASMR involves food, with the sounds of eating and dining being a favorite of many that enjoy the sensation. Those sounds are featured prominently as German officer Hans Landa interrogates Shosanna, a Jewish woman in hiding he crossed paths with before, in a French restaurant. The pleasant sounds of the restaurant are at odds with the tension in the scene, as the pair waits for the creme for their strudel. Once it arrives the noises of it being scooped onto the pastries is delightful, as is the sound of their forks cutting the crunchy pastry before they consume them, even if the rest of the scene is anything but.

#11:”I'm Afraid, Dave”“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

Much of it set in space, with subtle yet memorable sounds created by prolific sound engineer Winston Ryder, almost all of “2001” is pristine from an ASMR viewpoint. But if we have to single out just one scene, it has to when the murderous computer HAL 9000 is deactivated. As Dave floats towards the machine, the constant hum of machinery accompanies the long and deep breaths of the man in his spacesuit. Throughout it all the peaceful and robotic voice of HAL calmly but desperately asks Dave to stop, finally singing about a bicycle built for two.

#10: The Painting

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)

Thanks to its sounds of paintbrushes or pencils scraping across canvas, it's no wonder that this film gives people the “tingles.” The story is an atmospheric one, as a woman sent to capture the likeness of an impetuous young lady develops into a love story. Among the quiet scenes are several involving the artist, Marianne, devoted to her craft. One in particular has her painting while the crackle of a burning fire can be heard in the background, as a rainstorm taps on the window.

#9: The Beach

“Moonlight” (2016)

In a scene set during protagonist Chiron’s childhood, we see a tender moment as he is taught to swim by father figure Juan, played by Mahershala Ali. The moment is a welcome respite from the chaos of Chiron’s surroundings and upbringing, as the sound of the waves crash in the background. Often used as a way to fall asleep, the sounds of the ocean are particularly calming, as are the words of encouragement that Ali speaks. It's easy to imagine someone putting this scene on in order to help them float off into a peaceful slumber.

#8: Cooking

“The Taste of Things” (2023)

The sounds of chopping, boiling water, and sizzling, combined with the often pleasant visuals have made the cooking ASMR subgenre extremely popular. This is on full display in “The Taste of Things,” following a chef and his head cook in 19th century France. The film is filled with long scenes of food lovingly being prepared in an old style. One nearly wordless scene features a number of intricate dishes being painstakingly prepared, shot largely with available light. The sequence is a visual and audible feast whether you're a foodie or not.

#7: The Pottery Wheel

“Ghost” (1990)

Even if you haven’t seen this supernatural romance, chances are you’re familiar with its most iconic moment, the pottery scene. Often cited as one of the most romantic moments in cinema history, the scene features Demi Moore and her boyfriend, played by Patrick Swayze, in a tender embrace. Setting the scene are sounds of dripping water, the pottery wheel spinning, the wet clay being shaped, and even the click of the record player. It's no wonder that the sensory experience has gone on to be so beloved.

#6: The Night-Walker

“Princess Mononoke” (1997)

The gentle sounds of nature, the old world, and the chatter of industry both exist in this animated masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. That old world is composed of magical and ancient spirits, including the deer god, who at night transforms into a gigantic creature that walks the woods. As he strides, tiny spirits, known as the “kodama”, gather, shaking their heads to make a sort of clicking sound in unison. As the forest spirit descends, turning back into the deer god, a mighty wind picks up, rustling the trees and kodama. Finally, as it walks, we hear the sound of vegetation sprouting and withering away with each step.

#5: Haircut

“Edward Scissorhands” (1990)

The soft sound of the metal shears scraping against each other, combined with the repetitive nature of the process has led to countless haircutting ASMR channels popping up. A few films scenes with haircuts that give us the same tingle as these videos, but only one character from any of those films has literal scissors for hands. That makes him the perfect person to trim hedges, make ice sculptures and of course, give a good haircut. Providing the service first to a dog, and then a number of suburban women, its clear that they are experiencing the ASMR euphoria from the unconventional haircut as well.

#4: Tears in Rain

“Blade Runner” (1982)

After the tense final chase at the end of “Blade Runner” one would hardly expect a beautiful ASMR scene, but that's exactly what proceeded. Moments after saving his foe Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, Replicant Roy Batty launches into a poetic soliloquy about the amazing things he’s seen in his short life. The largely improvised speech from Rutger Hauer spoken softly as rain falls is as tragic as it is soothing, culminating with the fluttering of a dove's wings. Even the unique score from composer Vangelis, with its odd tones, adds to the effect.

#3: Dress Fitting

“Phantom Thread” (2017)

Following a dressmaker, Reynolds Woodcock, in 1950s London, many of the sounds present in “Phantom Thread” are tailor-made for the ASMR community. When Woodcock first encounters his love interest Alma, played by Vicky Krieps, he quickly sizes her up, quite literally. The sounds of fabric stretching and shoes sliding across a creaky floor were expertly put together by Academy Award nominee Christopher Scarabosio. Daniel Day-Lewis, who actually learned to make dresses for the role, whispers as he works in a meticulously chosen dialect, adding to the experience. It’s no wonder he would be nominated for the role.

#2: Small Pleasures

“Amélie” (2001)

The scene in question takes place when the film’s narrator lists off the simple things in life that bring Amélie joy. Each of them is a sensory experience, and the audience gets to take a brief, but diverse, dive into these sensations. The first sees her dipping her hand into a bag of grain, the seeds making a satisfying sliding sound as she reaches deeper. That’s followed by the cracking of a creme brulee, with the metallic spoon hitting the caramelized sugar in a succession of satisfying “thwacks.” Finally, a shot over a flowing waterfall pans to the title character skipping stones across a canal.

#1: Fixing Woody

“Toy Story 2” (1999)

Perhaps the first introduction that many of us had to the ASMR sensation came when we were children, after Woody had lost an arm. When a peculiar old man arrives to fix and clean the cowboy doll, he brings out a miraculous tool chest, full of latches and levers, each with their own satisfying sound. The sound of a tiny chair squawking up, the cotton swab rubbing against the porcelain, and the hum of the airbrush coming to life all give us tingles. But most of all, what stimulates its audience is the sound of the thread stitching the beloved Woody’s arm back where it belongs.

Which movie scenes gave you that familiar feeling? Let us know in the comments below.