The Social Network’s 6 Best Scenes, Ranked

The Social Network is, without question, one of the most memorable films in the past 20 years. It features a pitch-perfect script from Aaron Sorkin, brilliant cinematography, and an unforgettable score. David Fincher leads the way with his precise direction, and the performances were top-notch. Jesse Eisenberg takes the lead role as a fictional version of billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. The film follows his journey from college student to tech icon. Along the way, he encounters a lot of drama, including the destruction of his friendship with Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). The film went on to win several awards and was beloved by audiences and critics alike.

Sorkin’s script reads almost like a Shakespearean play, giving this tech film a refreshing edge. It is filled with conflict throughout, and it even features some funny scenes as well. Even the supporting actors, like Rooney Mara and Dakota Johnson, bring something to the table. Sorkin and Fincher proved that they work brilliantly well together. It is no easy task to create such a thrilling film that is so dialogue-heavy. It takes sheer creative talent in front of and behind the camera to achieve such a feat. While every scene in The Social Network is worth watching, there are some that stand out among the rest. Let’s look at the best scenes from The Social Network, ranked.

6

The Boat Race

Sony Pictures Releasing

Although this scene is short and sweet, it is extremely significant to the overall plot of The Social Network. First and foremost, it portrays the theme of competition that is so heavily shown from beginning to end. The Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer) are competing with Zuckerberg in the tech industry, similarly to how they are competing in the boat race. Unfortunately, for the Winklevoss brothers, they come up short in both circumstances. At the same time, the scene is a visual achievement, as Fincher discussed with Slash Film. The cinematography uses a unique frame rate and the whole scene looks almost animated. The race is set to the tune of “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” creating that much more suspense.

Related: Here’s Where the Cast from The Social Network Is Today

5

Sean Parker’s Introduction

Sony Pictures Releasing

Introducing a significant character so far into the movie is a risky decision, but it absolutely works in the case of Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) and The Social Network. There is such an arc to Parker throughout his intro. He wakes up as a sluggish, normal man, but we quickly learn that he is a brilliant and determined entrepreneur. As Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score kicks in, we watch as Parker discovers his new endeavor: Mark Zuckerberg.

4

The Sushi Dinner Scene

Sony Pictures Releasing

This scene in The Social Network is where you really get to see Timberlake shine. It is filled with conflict, revelations, and entertainment throughout. It has great music and editing, and we get to really dive into the persona of Sean Parker. At the same time, we see the moment when Zuckerberg is convinced that he must work with Parker for Facebook to reach its full potential.

Related: The Girl Who Played With Fire: Why Didn’t David Fincher Want to Direct the Dragon Tattoo Sequel?

3

The Facemash Scene

Columbia Pictures

The Facemash scene not only consists of brilliant editing, it basically shows you an origin story of Facebook. We are brought into the mind of Zuckerberg through his narration, and we are also introduced to the entitlement and privilege of elite Ivy League students. It is a sharp scene filled with quick cuts. What is so impressive is the fact that Fincher and Sorkin were able to develop such thrilling moments that basically consisted of a character sitting at a computer.

2

The Opening Scene

Sony Pictures Releasing

The first breath of The Social Network lets you know that you are in good hands. The film kicks off with intense and sharp dialogue that builds tension. We watch a break-up happen before our eyes between Zuckerberg and Erica Albright (played by Rooney Mara). Elvis Costello’s “Beyond Belief” sets the mood and creates a great dramatic effect. The chemistry between Eisenberg and Mara was fantastic, and the dialogue was intense. It was the perfect start to the film, and we are able to learn a lot about the main character. ​​​​​​​

1

Eduardo Confronts Mark

Sony Pictures Releasing

The scene when Saverin confronts Zuckerberg about being pushed out of Facebook was intense, thrilling, and heartbreaking. It is a perfect mix of fine editing, acting, direction, and music. At the same time, Sorkin’s brilliant dialogue gives us a memorable, and somewhat comical, confrontation. It is a perfect climax for the film, and it is carried by the performance of Andrew Garfield. We see, through his emotion, the pain and portrayal of the circumstance. It is a Shakespearean showdown, and the best scene of the film.