A killer intro for a game sets the vibe, and that's for sure. However, the GTAs' intros across the series haven’t always delivered the same punch. Some feel flat, others hit like fireworks, introducing characters, drama, and that signature Rockstar tone from the first seconds.We’ve seen intros that work like live‑action commercials, and others that throw you into classic heists, betrayal, or just a world on fire. From Liberty City betrayal to neon-soaked Miami deals to snowy bank jobs gone sideways, we’re ranking every main GTA intro from eh to epic.
GTA Intros from Worst to Best—Ranked
Here are our GTA Intros ranks from worst to best based on various sources and fan favorites:
8. GTA II
Rockstar went full experimental with the GTA Intros for GTA II, kicking things off with an 8-minute live-action short film starring Claude Speed as the lead criminal. Instead of jumping into gameplay, you got a cinematic promo that felt more like a cheeseball crime flick than a bold game opener, the kind of vibe that works as a throwback but doesn’t hype you up for the actual missions.
While others admit that it’s cool historically… but it hits more cringe than memorable. Of all the series’ intros, this one has nostalgia, but it definitely earns its spot near the bottom on pure gameplay hype. Think of it as an interesting short film, not a GTA prologue.
7. GTA: London / Advance / Chinatown Wars – The Nearly No-Intros
These entries from the GTA Series pretty much skipped cinematic opening scenes altogether, making them low on story hype and high on “jump right into chaos.” In GTA: London and Advance, your launch into Liberty City happens almost instantly, no real cinematic, no buildup, just gameplay. And Chinatown Wars tries to start with a dramatic scene, but it still doesn’t hit like the triple-A intros we’re ranking above; it’s more functional than theatrical. For fans who expect story drama from GTA Intros, these entries feel bare-bones and minimal at best.
While the gameplay itself might be fun, none of these came with the full cinematic, emotional weight that later games brought. Sure, they experimented with handheld formats or bite-sized missions, but when you compare them to Liberty City betrayal in GTA IV, neon chaos in Vice City, or cinematic bank heists in GTA V, these intros barely register. They're barebones, respect for trying, but definitely not stick-worthy when talking about iconic GTA Intros.
6. GTA: San Andreas
So, CJ lands back in Los Santos after five years in Liberty City. He then receives some terrible news right away: his mother has been murdered. You can feel the weight of it; it's a gut punch. But before he can even process, he's pulled over by Tenpenny and his corrupt crew. They shake him down, take his cash, and drop him off miles away from home. It's a solid setup that shows just how deep the city's rot goes.
Now, here's where it gets a bit... slow. You're handed a BMX and told to pedal your way back to Grove Street. It's not exactly action-packed, and some gamers have found that the pace drags here. Although the opening sets the scene, it is evident that, unlike some of the other GTAs, it doesn't get started right away.
The introduction does a fantastic job of setting the mood, even though it may not be the most exciting. The chaos that follows is set in motion by CJ's return, the family conflict, and the dishonest police officers. Although it's not the most spectacular beginning, it has heart.
5. GTA III
The game actually starts with a bang. Our protagonist, Claude, together with his lover, Catalina, and a third accomplice, is involved in a bank heist. Things quickly go wrong. While they are running, Catalina ambushes Claude, shoots him, and leaves him for dead. Claude is still alive, but he was ot caught and was given a ten-year prison sentence. This strong intro gives a sense of the tough, exciting story that follows.
The action is fast-paced, and the betrayal is intense. Although it may be out of date now, its release in 2001 was a significant event. Players were immediately captivated by the game's innovative and thrilling fusion of action and narrative.
4. GTA Vice City
The game begins with a literal bang. After serving 15 years in prison, Tommy Vercetti is dispatched to Vice City to supervise a drug operation by his boss, Sonny Forelli. However, things quickly go bad. Tommy just makes it out alive when the deal is attacked during their exchange at the docks. The game's chaotic beginning establishes the mood for the rest of it.
This is when things start to get interesting. Tommy calls Sonny after the failed transaction. Sonny expresses his disgust and rage during their talk. Tommy's determination to prove himself and retrieve the money and narcotics is fueled by this crucial event throughout the game. This phone conversation is a character-defining event that advances the plot, not merely a plot device.
The betrayal hits hard, and the pace is fast. You are pulled right into the mayhem of Vice City by its cinematic opening. Although it is already outdated, it was groundbreaking in 2002 as players were hooked by the game's innovative storytelling and gameplay fusion.
3. GTA: Vice City Stories
GTA: Vice City Stories intro started with Victor Vance rolling into Fort Baxter, ready to serve, but his new superior, Sergeant Jerry Martinez, has other plans. Martinez quickly ropes Vic into shady dealings, starting with a simple task: pick up a package from the airport. But things go sideways fast. The deal's ambushed, the package explodes, and Vic barely escapes with his life. Back at the base, Martinez frames Vic, leading to his dishonorable discharge. This sets Vic on a path deeper into Vice City's underworld.
The intro was solid in establishing Victor's motivations and showing the chaotic world he will navigate. It's not just about mindless action; there's a personal story at play here. While it might not have the same explosive start as some other GTA intros, it hooks you with its character depth and sets the stage for the empire-building chaos to come.
2. GTA V
The intro started with a high-stakes bank heist in the wintry village of Ludendorff, North Yankton. At the Bobcat Security depot, Brad, Trevor, and Michael are involved in a robbery. Things quickly go wrong. A wild shootout happens when local law enforcement ambushes the crew. Michael was shot and acted dead, staging a fake death so he could escape from his criminal life. The intro hooks gamers with its fast-paced action and deep character relationships.
The pacing is fast, and the betrayal comes suddenly. It was a huge hit when it was released in 2013, and it has a powerful intro that sends players straight into Ludendorff's madness. The way the story and gameplay come together was fresh and exciting, and it immediately drew players into the world of GTA V.
1. GTA IV
GTA IV’s intro? Absolute fire. You hit Liberty City and instantly feel the weight—the ship docks, you step off, and Roman’s waiting with that unforgettable “Niko! My cousin!” moment. From the gloomy skyline to the music cue drop, it nails tone, emotion, and stakes all at once.
Most fans from Reddit and GTAForums still stand by it; GTA IV’s opening cinematic is considered legendary. The way the music builds and sets a tone that drops hints for the whole story? That intro was absolutely groundbreaking. Even vets on GTAForums say it’s pure brilliance, especially that shot of the logo against the skyline; it still hits. It shifts the tone from previous games, combining great narrative and cinematic elements, making it the top among all GTA intros.
And that ends our ranking in all GTA intros from worst to best. If you like this one, you can check more of our GTA pieces, such as Ranking the GTA Series Based on Story Depth, GTA 5 Originally Planned 10+ Story DLCs, and Ranking the Most Difficult GTA Games.
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