Glass breaking is one of the most recognisable stock sound effects in film, television and theatre, where it has long been used to sell the illusion of a smash without breaking real glass on set. Recorded versions vary from a single bottle crack to a full window shatter, and they are now widely shared online as short clips for creators. Because the sound is instantly understood without any context, it remains a go-to choice for comedy, drama and prank edits, signalling damage, surprise or a sudden accident in seconds.