It’s very common to hear people repeating famous movie quotes, you could even say they are part of our everyday lives
Such is the effect that Hollywood has on millions of people who enjoy the bounty of big screen entertainment on offer. Many of the most famous movie quotes are used frequently and have even become colloquial sayings. See if you can spot any quotes in this post that are familiar to you from real life situations, you’d be surprised just how many you’ll recognize…
Some people may remember the funny quotes, some the meaningful ones but there are famous movie quotes that everyone knows…
I find it amazing how many times a day I hear colleagues and friends using famous movie quotes when chatting or usually to make a point. Whenever I hear a famous movie quote I play ‘Name that movie’ to see if the person knows who said it and what movie it was from. The quotes are split into genres for ease of reference:
Famous Gangster Movie Quotes
1. Goodfellas – 1990
The Movie:
Adapted from the 1986 book ‘Wiseguy’ and directed on the big screen by Martin Scorsese goodfellas is based loosely on a true story. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci feature in this all star cast focusing on the rise and fall of the Luchese crime family, set between 1955-1980.
The Quote:
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster
2. Scarface – 1983
The Movie:
Starring Al Pacino in his younger days playing the Cuban ‘Tony Montana’ who comes to Miami in 1980 as a refugee. One of the most famous and gruesome scenes is when Angel, Pacino’s friend gets dismembered with a chainsaw when the cocaine deal with the Colombians falls through, a scene remembered notoriously by many.
The Quote:
In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the woman
3. Casino – 1995
The Movie:
This is another Scorsese classic offering all the elements of a classic gangster movie. Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (Robert De Niro) is sent to run the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas with the protective Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) at his side. Pesci’s voilent temper and first class acting makes Casino one of the best gangster movies ever made.
The Quote:
Listen to me Anthony I got your head in a fu**in’ vise I’ll squash your head like a fu**in’ grapefruit if you don’t give me a name
4. The Godfather – 1972
The Movie:
This crime-gangster movie was so popular in the 70’s it ended up as a highly successful trilogy. Starring Al Pacino and Marlon Brando as father and son in the notorious ‘Corleone’ mafia family. Depicting the lives of this mafia family’s trials and tribulations in the underground world of crime this epic first part of the trilogy received 3 oscars in 1972.
The Quote:
It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business
5. A Bronx Tale – 1993
The Movie:
This crime drama set in the turbulent 60’s in the Bronx, New York focuses on mobsters and their gangs. Filmed in three New York city locations and featuring an all star cast including Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri the movie also incorporated a fantastic soundtrack including artists such as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Miles Davis.
The Quote:
I did a good thing for a bad man: I don’t understand that. Not at 9 years years old. All I knew was, a rat was the lowest thing anyone could be in my neighborhood. And I didn’t rat.
Famous Comedy Movie Quotes
1. The Big Lebowski – 1998
The Movie:
This classic has a cult following and is loved for it’s quirky, adult and sometimes close to the bone humor. Jeff ‘The dude’ Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is a single marijuana smoking bowling fanatic who bowls with his friends Walter (John Goodman) and ‘Donny’ (Steve Buscerni). There are many classic comedy quotes from the film, Here’s our favorite…
The Quote:
Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not “Mr. Lebowski”. You’re Mr. Lebowski. I’m the Dude. So that’s what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you’re not into the whole brevity thing
2. Airplane! – 1980
The Movie:
This satirical comedy set on a commercial airline was a great comedy opening to the 80’s. Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty and Leslie Nielsen head up the cast in this hysterical parody based on the 1957 film ‘Zero hour’. This slapstick, fast moving comedy also had a sequel Airplane! 2 although the sequel wasn’t nearly as successful as the original.
The Quote:
Ladies and gentleman, this is your stewardess speaking. We regret any inconvenience the sudden cabin movement might have caused. This is due to periodic air pockets we encountered. There’s no reason to be alarmed and we hope you enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
3. Monty Python And The Holy Grail – 1975
The Movie:
The Monty Python team made a number of classic comedies. This brand of unique, slapstick british humor isn’t for everyone and Monty Python enjoyed more of a cult following before enjoying more commercial recognition and success. This classic movie was one of the funniest as the slapstick knights set out to find the Holy grail.
The Quote:
I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries
4. Arthur – 1981
The Movie:
Dudley Moore plays the alcoholic New York millionaire Arthur in this hysterical romantic comedy. Accompanied by the talented Liza Minnelli and his trusty butler Hobson, Arthur avoids an arranged marriage he doesn’t want with a wealthy family friend favoring the working class girl. Never missing the opportunity for a drink Arthur personified humour and never missed the chance to say what was on his mind… Whatever it was!
The Quote:
We shouldn’t get married… we have nothing in common. You love horses. I don’t trust them. Their shoes are permanent. Who makes that kind of a commitment to a shoe?
5. A Fish Called Wanda – 1988
The Movie:
John Cleese wrote and starred in this side splitting heist-comedy from the late 80’s. Along with Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin. The plot surrounded a jewel Heist with the results not turning out as planned. With many hysterical twists and turns A fish called wanda enjoyed great success both in Europe and Stateside.
The Quote:
Oh, right! To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people! I’ve known sheep that could outwit you. I’ve worn dresses with higher IQs. But you think you’re an intellectual, don’t you, ape?
Famous Action Movie Quotes
1. The Terminator – 1984
The Movie:
Everyone remembers this classic from Arnold Schwarzenegger and co. Set in the year 2029 based on a plot by artificial intelligence to exterminate the human race. Arnie saves the day in this fast paced action packed movie. There are also some classic quotes from this one the most famous of all being…
The Quote:
I’ll be back…
2. Robocop – 1987
The Movie:
This sci-fi action movie set in downtown Detroit centers around police office Alex Murphy better known as ‘Weller’. He is murdered but then revived by the OCP corporation as a half man half robot super enforcer in this larger than life action thriller.
The Quote:
Dead or alive you’re coming with me
3. Die Hard – 1988
The Movie:
Bruce Willis leads in this action packed Police based movie. John McClane (Bruce Wills) Takes on a highly organized team of criminals in a Los Angles skyscraper who take hostages in order to carry out a heist. The Movie enjoyed 4 sequels all based loosely on the first.
The Quote:
Nine million terrorists in the world and I gotta kill one with feet smaller than my sister
4. First Blood – 1982
The Movie:
Sylvester Stallone plays the misunderstood war veteran John Rambo who finds himself in the small fictional town of ‘Hope’, Washington. The police department there take an immediate dislike to Rambo and something resembling all out war ensues in this small town as a result with one man against the entire police force and national guard.
The Quote:
Don’t Push it. Don’t push it, or I’ll give you war you won’t believe. Let it go. Let it go!
5. Commando – 1985
THE MOVIE:
Arnie plays the ultimate elite commando in this classic from the mid 80’s on a mission to assassinate a South American dictator named Arius. Filmed on location in and around the Los Angeles area this movie was an icon in its time and enjoyed great success at the box office.
The Quote:
Remember Sully when I promised to kill you last?…I lied!
Famous Romantic Movie Quotes
1. Titanic – 1997
The Movie:
This all star cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is a romantic classic and an epic movie. Wanting to convey tragedy in an emotional way, Cameron, the world renowned director focused the movie, based on the story of the Titanic disaster, on the human loss suffered in the shipwreck. The love affair depicted between the two lead actors is one of the most famous of all time.
The Quote:
I’m the king of the world!!
2. What Woman Want – 2000
The Movie:
When Mel Gibson fell over in the bath and miraculously awoke with the ability to read woman’s minds most men in the world were jealous. The film takes a twist as the lead falls in love, as is to be expected. Not sure how really being able to read woman’s mind would work… In reality.
The Quote:
What’s the difference between a wife and a job? After 10 years a job still sucks
3. There’s Something About Mary – 1998
The Movie:
Probably one of the best ‘chick-flicks’ ever. Set in 1985 the awkward 16 year old Ted Stroehman (Ben Stiller) lands a prom date with the girl of his dreams Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz). When it all goes wrong due to a little ‘zipper’ incident the two lose touch, 13 years later Ted, who is still in love with Mary tracks her down. The ensuing events are a touching and funny romantic comedy.
The Quote:
I’m telling you, I did not solicit sex! I was just stopping to go the bathroom, next thing I know I tripped over something – well someone – and, poof, there’s cops and lights and…
4. Romeo + Juliet – 1996
The Movie:
Adapted from the Shakespeare play for the big screen this romantic drama stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the leading roles. A wonderful adaptation of the play with all the trademark Hollywood glitz you would expect this was truly a box-office blockbuster enjoying much success as well as a massive fan following.
The Quote:
If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss
5. When Harry Met Sally – 1989
The Movie:
Most people remember this romantic comedy for Meg Ryan’s famous orgasm scene in the restaurant. Other than that memorable moment this movie and the characters in it depict an urban love affair with a twist reflecting perfectly the end of the 80’s.
The Quote:
Sure! All men think that. How long do you want to be held afterwards? All night, right? See there’s your problem, somewhere between thirty seconds and all night is your problem
Famous Horror Movie Quotes
1. Friday The 13th – 1980
The Movie:
One of the scariest of all horrors this iconic film ushered in the 80’s as a supreme decade for slasher movies. Centering around a group of teenage boys who are murdered one by one whilst trying to enter an abandoned campground, considered to be the first true slasher-horror movie of its era.
The Quote:
I told the others, they didn’t believe me. You’re all doomed. You’re all doomed.
2. An American Werewolf In London – 1981
The Movie:
Although this movie was a comedy-horror in genre it was remembered to be very scary and much more horror than comedy. Starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and Griffin Dunne, set in London and following the story of these American tourists in a traditional British Village pub on the moors.
The Quote:
Alex: David, please be rational. Let’s go and see Dr Hirsch. David: Yeah, be rational. Sure I’m a F***ing werewolf, for Christ’s sake
3. A Nightmare On Elm Street – 1984
The Movie:
We all remember the fearsome Freddy Krueger from the nightmare on Elm street movies. As nightmares become realities this had all the traits of a classic slasher movie. Set in the fictional town of Springwood many an 80’s child had nightmares about Freddy’s Razor glove.
The Quote:
One two… Freddy’s coming for you… 3, 4 better lock your door..5, 6 grab a crucifix… 7, 8, gonna stay up late, 9, 10, never sleep again!
4. The Fly – 1986
The Movie:
Attracting almost a cult following ‘The Fly’ was the brainchild of Director David Cronenberg. A remake of the original movie from 1958 this sci-fi horror was brilliant in its conception and its delivery. As man meets fly in this science experiment gone wrong this film goes down as one of the classic horror movies of all time.
The Quote:
I’m saying… I’m saying I – I’m an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it. But now the dream is over… and the insect is awake
5. The Shining – 1980
The Movie:
This 1980’s adaptation of the novel ‘The shining’ by Stephen King starred Jack Nicholson as the lead role. Set in a creepy hotel, Jack interviews for the postion of winter caretaker so he can focus on his writing. This psychological horror was as scary as they come and included some classic one-liners.
The Quote:
Heeeeeeerrrrrre’s JOHNNY!
