Of all the many integral components that go into making a truly great film , great writing may just be the most essential. Words have the power to evoke emotions, awaken change, and to inspire.
So in an effort to compile some of the best lines in film, I’ve selected 10+ of the most memorable movie quotes that are sure to go down in history.
“They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!” — William Wallace in *Braveheart*.
If you can listen to the poetry of Mel Gibson’s words without getting goosebumps than you are made of stronger mettle than I.
William Wallace uniting the Clans of Scotland is nothing short of inspiring.
“I am Maximus Decimus Meridius…” — Maximus in *Gladiator*.
“…Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, and I will have my vengeance. In this life, or the next.”
If they had microphones back in the Roman Empire, this would be the moment that Maximus would drop it.
“And you will know my name is The Lord when I exact my vengeance upon thee.” — Jules Winnfield in *Pulp Fiction*.
After watching this scene, I think every single person with a dusty old Bible in their house ran to the bookshelf and tried to find the passage Jules had memorized.
Spoiler alert: it isn’t there.
“Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” — George Taylor in *Planet Of The Apes*.
Even more than 50 years after its initial release, I still regard Planet of the Apes as one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time.
Charlton Heston was a master.
“If he weren’t up there now, I don’t think it would be snowing. Sometimes, you can still catch me dancing in it.” —Kim in *Edward Scissorhands*.
This is a personal favorite of mine. I’m a big Tim Burton fan and Edward Scissorhands is undoubtedly his opus.
Every single time I watch this movie I burn through at least one box of Kleenex.
“You know that place between sleep and awake; that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you, Peter Pan.” — Tinkerbell in *Hook*. “
Speaking of heartfelt moments from my childhood, Hook doesn’t come close to getting the respect it deserves.
Without a doubt, it’s one of my fondest memories of Robin Williams.
“They’re here!” — Carol Anne Freeling in *Poltergeist*.
Two little words terrified an entire generation of moviegoers for years. I still remember watching Poltergeist as a kid and not being able to sleep for weeks.
Also, if you’re into conspiracy theories or movie curses , the story of Poltergeist is enticing.
“Go ahead, make my day.” — Henry Callahan in *Sudden Impact*.
I would wager that everyone living in North America either has said or will say the phrase “make my day” at least once in their lives.
It’s become so ingrained into our culture that we don’t even question it.
“Hasta la vista, baby.” — T-800 in *Terminator 2: Judgment Day*.
I know that Arnold Schwarzenneger was a movie star long before he uttered this iconic phrase.
But T2 was the moment he cemented his status as being a true action hero.
“I do wish we could chat longer, but I’m having an old friend for dinner.” — Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
How can you possibly resist the delicious double entendre hidden in Hannibal’s words?
It’s one of the tastiest endings to a film that I’ve ever seen.
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“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” — Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint in *The Usual Suspects*.
Speaking of double entendre…
I don’t want to spoil anything in case there still happens to be someone walking around on planet earth who hasn’t seen The Usual Suspects . But if you haven’t — sort yourself out and watch this movie.
“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.” — Doc Emmett Brown *Back To The Future*.
The cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers! Watching Doc and Marty pull away in the flying Delorian filled me with unrivaled excitement.
If you’re looking to point the finger at the “Best Movie Trilogy,” look no further than Back to the Future .
“I am your father!” — Darth Vader in *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back*.
I’ve said before that I often try to imagine what it must have felt like to be in that theater, hearing Darth Vader say those words for the first time; in effect shattering an entire fandom’s mind in one fell swoop.
Ugh. What I wouldn’t give…
“The thing about a shark, he’s got lifeless eyes. Black eyes, like a doll’s eyes. When he comes at you, he doesn’t seem to be livin’ — until he bites you.” — Quint in *Jaws*.
I know, you were probably expecting to see “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
And while that is a memorable line, there’s nothing quite so chilling as listening to Quint recall his harrowing tale aboard the S.S. Indianapolis .
“It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” — Michael Corleone in *The Godfather*.
This is the first time that we begin to see a flash of Michael’s ambition; where he starts to come to terms with his desire to reluctantly follow in his father’s footsteps.
Just look at the conviction in his eyes as he speaks, it’s electric.
