1. Salt Lake City, 2002

Held just months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Salt Lake Games were both a remembrance and a show of world-wide unity and strength. From start to finish, the show was a spectacular celebration of the heart and fire inside each athlete.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" by NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez. Although the rest of the ceremony was a modern, impressive performance, this simple song resonated with the viewers.

The Salt Lake Games reign supreme as the top opening ceremony in history so far because of their ability to meld a respect for the past with innovation of the future.

2. Vancouver, 2010

Although the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver were marred by the tragic death of a young luge athlete from the Republic of Georgia just hours before the opening ceremony kicked off, the event went on, and the fellow participants honored their fallen comrade.

While the opening ceremony did take a somber tone, it served as a reminder of the great risk and sacrifice all of the Olympians go through.

Wayne Gretzky, along with fellow athletes Rick Hansen, Catriona Le May and Steve Nash, were enthusiastically received as they lit the cauldron. 

3. Nagano, 1998

The theme of the 1998 Nagano Games was one of world peace, and that sentiment echoed throughout the opening ceremony. That tone was set immediately when Chris Moon, an anti-land mine activist, carried the torch into the stadium flanked by children who were wearing the colors of the flags representing all of the participating countries.

In a moving display of unity, conductor Seiji Ozawa led Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" with choruses coming in from five separate continents.

Though the technology seems outdated now, it was revolutionary at the time and provided a dramatic finale to Nagano's opening ceremony.

4. Turin, 2006

With the slogan of "Passion Lives Here," the 2006 opening ceremony was a celebration of all things Italy. Held before a capacity crowd, no expense was spared in making this Olympic kickoff one of the most memorable in history.

From the iconic Sophia Loren participating in the carrying of the torch to some of the greatest names in Italian sporting history playing a role in the show, the event was full of what Italy is famous for: passion.

5. Lillehammer, 1994

The Winter Games held in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994 marked the first time the Winter Olympics were held separately from the Summer Games. The opening ceremony was rich in Norwegian culture and pageantry, and Lillehammer was a fitting location for the Winter Olympics to take center stage.

The drama of the Games unfolded like a scene from a movie. Originally, ski flier Ole Gunnar Fidjestol was slated to carry the torch down a ski jump in what was supposed to be an unforgettable way to kick off the games. It was unforgettable—but not for the right reason for Fidjestol.

He was injured during a practice run, and his backup Stein Gruben got the glory of making the iconic jump into Olympic history.

According to bleacherreport.com. Source of photo: internet