WATCH: The most EPIC Olympic ceremonies in history

The Olympic Opening Ceremony happens Friday, 26 July 2024 at 8pm.

From fireworks to celebrity appearances and 'James Bond' (really Mr. Bean) jumping out of a helicopter... there have been SPECTACULAR moments in Olympic opening ceremonies and here are some of them:

Barcelona 1992 - flaming archery & Freddie Mercury

This ceremony made a lasting impression with the incredible flaming archery that lit the Olympic flame. The Montjuïc stadium rocked with a theatrical performance highlighting Catalan history and culture, as well as the music of Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé singing 'Barcelona.'

Atlanta 1996 - Muhammad Ali

The former boxing legend, battling Parkinson's disease, lit the Olympic flame, a moment charged with emotion and symbolism.

James Earl Jones (90) read quotes from famous writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and William Faulkner, followed by a dramatic interpretive dance about rebirth after the Civil War.

Sydney 2000 - A cauldron that didn't catch the flame... for four minutes

The staging included a fleet of traditional boats, indigenous dancers, and a spectacular sequence in which an Australian horsewoman, Nikki Webster, floated above the stadium.

Aboriginal sprinter Cathy Freeman lit the cauldron — despite a technical glitch that left the world holding its breath for four minutes as the flame got stuck on its ascent to the top of the stadium.

Notable performers were Human Nature, Olivia Newton-John (72) and John Farnham (72).

Salt Lake City 2002 - a wrecked space shuttle erected

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang the national anthem as the flag from the Challenger — recovered from the wreckage of the space shuttle — was raised.

Athens 2004 - the roots of the Olympic Games

Returning to the roots of the Olympic Games, the Athens ceremony showcased the history of ancient Greece through impressive artistic performances. The lighting of the Olympic flame by Greek sailing champion Nikolaos Kaklamanakis and the spectacular parade of athletes were highlights of the event.

But it was when Björk's 10,000-square-foot dress unfurled over the athletes on the field and a map of the world was projected onto the fabric that made it memorable.

Torino, 2006 - Giorgio Armani & a Ferrari display

This triumphant display of national pride included costumes by Giorgio Armani (87) and Moschino, music by Luciano Pavarotti and even an automotive display by a Ferrari F2005.

An art-themed section whisked viewers through centuries of culture, from Dante to Botticelli (with Czech-Italian supermodel Eva Herzigová emerging from a shell like The Birth of Venus) to the Futurist movement to the greatest Italian export of the 20th century, Sophia Loren, who was one of eight women carrying the Olympic flag.

Beijing 2008 - Jackie Chan sings

2008 musicians played the fou, an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, in perfect synchronicity - it was an awesome moment accompanied by performances by Singer Liu Huan (57), British soprano Sarah Brightman (60), pianist Lang Lang, Jackie Chan (67).

London 2012 - James Bond jumps out of a helicopter & Queen Elizabeth II appeared

James Bond (played by Daniel Craig, 53) and Queen Elizabeth II (95) appeared to jump out of a helicopter over the stadium.

Her Majesty really did appear in the video segment prior to the jump, before she was swapped out for a stunt double.

Mr. Bean and a parody of James Bond escorted Queen Elizabeth II by parachute, every segment was a surprise.

The ceremony also included a moving tribute to the National Health Service (NHS) and British literary heroes.

Rio 2016 - Gisele Bündchen, salsa and samba

Event co-director Fernando Meirelles, 65 — known for the films City of God and The Constant Gardener — decided to keep the budget low, so as not to waste funds in a country that was struggling economically.

The celebratory spectacle incorporated Amazonian flora and fauna, Indigenous culture, and samba and bossa nova — with Bündchen strutting across a catwalk as 'The Girl from Ipanema.'

Pop star Anitta joined music legends Gil and Veloso in a tribute to Carnival that included members from Rio's 12 samba schools.