20 iconic deleted scenes from movie and TV history

Steven Spielberg knows how to make a perfect movie, and sometimes doing so requires leaving scenes on the cutting room floor. But even Spielberg’s deleted scenes are better than most people’s best, which is why the deleted scene from Jaws that offers a little more insight into Quint is so iconic. 

A scene from Friends features Monica and Chandler on their honeymoon with Chandler cracking some jokes about hijacking and bombing. The episode was filmed prior to 9/11, but it was scheduled to air after, so the scene was deleted. 

In a deleted scene from The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly tells Andy Sachs, “Thank you,” a phrase most would assume the boss didn’t know. Though fun to get even morsels more of that film, it’s easy to theorize why the scene was cut given it’s not in line with Miranda’s quintessential iciness. 

There are loads of deleted scenes from The Office that are just as funny as what made it into the episodes. In a deleted scene from the episode “Booze Cruise,” Creed goes to town on electric guitar. It’s early proof that Creed deserved more screen time. 

Independence Day is an iconic film, but even its biggest fans have a problem with an apparent plot hole regarding David Levinson’s ability to infect alien computers. A deleted scene from the film fills that hole, making it a must-see deleted scene for fans.

In a deleted scene from the penultimate episode of Parks and Recreation, Shauna Malwae-Tweep and Bobby Newport get married after knowing each other for literally hours. It’s a very unexpected yet perfect way to wrap both of their storylines. 

Anchorman could make even the most joyless people smile, as could literally any of its many, many deleted scenes. One of the best features Champ Kind telling Ron Burgundy he loves him, only for Ron to ignore Champ. 

In a great deleted scene from Gilmore Girls, there’s a flashback of Lorelai and Rory when they lived at the Independence Inn. Lorelai promises Rory that they’ll have their own house one day, and it’s a heartwarming moment that gives even more depth to Lorelai’s character. 

In a deleted scene from The Lion King, Scar attempts to get Nala to become his queen. The scene was likely deemed inappropriate for the target audience, but it’s interesting to know all the angles of the film that were discussed. 

There’s got to be loads of extra footage from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In one deleted scene, Dee offers to defend Dennis in court and delivers a monologue so funny you can’t help but wonder how many takes it required. 

Cameron Crowe wanted to include “Stairway to Heaven” in Almost Famous , but Led Zeppelin didn’t clear it. The scene was included on the DVD release, though, so it wasn’t totally lost. (Who else misses all the bonus footage we used to get with DVDs?)

One of the running gags throughout How I Met Your Mother is wondering where Ted got the pineapple. In a great deleted scene from the show, the answer to the question is revealed. 

Any time a new actor gets the role of the Joker, the people want to see it as soon as possible. In a deleted scene from The Batman , Barry Keoghan’s interpretation of the famous villain is seen with more clarity than in the actual film, teasing his greater role in the series’ sequel. 

Leave it to Game of Thrones to have a deleted scene that actually serves a purpose to the later plot. In a deleted scene from the show, Tywin Lannister is seen fishing while having a discussion with Grand Maester Pycelle, and the exchange foreshadows the iconic Red Wedding. 

Mean Girls is an era-defining film with endless iconic quotes and themes that will always be relevant. In a deleted scene from the movie, Cady Heron and Regina George have a sweet moment of forgiveness that shows their friendship wasn’t totally based on terrible motives. 

The Sopranos could’ve had dozens of spin-offs because all the characters were so intriguing. In a deleted scene from the show, Tony and Carmela visit Christopher and Kelli, and the tension gives more insight into Tony and Chris’ fracturing relationship.

Alternate ending scenes are always entertaining, no matter how glad viewers are that it was scrapped. A deleted scene from I Am Legend features an alternate ending where Robert Neville lives, and there are loads of fans who wish the alternate ending had made the final cut. 

A deleted scene from Breaking Bad actually would’ve changed the entire ending. In it, Bryan Cranston’s character from Malcolm in the Middle wakes up from a dream in which he started making meth to earn some extra cash. 

A deleted scene from The Silence of the Lambs shows Hannibal Lecter feeling sympathetic toward Buffalo Bill. Fans find it fascinating to see more of the serial killer’s humanity, but many think the scene makes the character that much more upsetting. 

There’s a deleted scene from Twin Peaks with David Bowie playing his prequel film character. And any time the world is exposed to more David Bowie, it’s a good thing.