Over the years, numerous movies have graced the silver screen with the aim of leaving a lasting impact on the audience. This can be achieved through awe-inspiring action sequences, visionary special effects, or witty one-liners. Some movie quotes resonate more profoundly than others. When a character utters something that encapsulates the sentiments of many individuals in the real world, it becomes worth remembering.
Such was the case in “The Dark Knight” when Harvey Dent proclaimed, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” While the rest of the movie was legendary, owing to the remarkable performances by Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, this quote has etched itself into the minds of people worldwide. Other quotes, like “Just keep swimming” from “Finding Nemo,” were not intended to endure in the way they have.
To compile this list of memorable movie quotes, 24/7 Tempo consulted several film-related sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and ScreenRant. For more movie content, click here to read about the most surprising cameo roles in films.
“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
- Movie: “The Dark Knight”
- Who said it: Harvey Dent
This quote has lived in the hearts of superhero fans ever since “The Dark Knight” was released in 2008. What’s ironic is that the man who says it is Harvey Dent, who later becomes a villain named Two-Face. The character originally ran for mayor of Gotham City with the right intentions, but after surviving a disfiguring attack, he became one of the bad guys.
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”
1939: American actor Judy Garland (1922 - 1969), as Dorothy Gale, holding Toto the dog for the film, 'The Wizard Of Oz,' directed by Victor Fleming. (Photo by MGM Studios/MGM Studios/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Wizard of Oz”
- Who said it: Dorthy Gale
“There’s no crying in baseball.”
- Movie: “A League of Their Own”
- Who said it: Jimmy Dugan
“May the force be with you.”
- Movie: “Star Wars”
- Who said it: Obi-Wan Kenobi
“It’s alive! It’s alive!”
- Movie: “Frankenstein”
- Who said it: Henry Frankenstein
“Just keep swimming.”
- Movie: “Finding Nemo”
- Who said it: Dory
“Say ‘Hello’ to my little friend.”
- Movie: “Scarface”
- Who said it: Tony Montana
“Here’s Johnny!”
Jack Nicholson peering through axed in door in lobby card for the film 'The Shining', 1980. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Shining”
- Who said it: Jack Torrance
“I’m king of the world.”
- Movie: “Titanic”
- Who said it: Jack Dawson
“There’s no place like home.”
1939: Promotional studio portrait of American actor and singer Judy Garland (1922 - 1969) wearing her costume as Dorothy from director Victor Fleming's film, 'The Wizard of Oz'. She wears a gingham bodice and a white puff-sleeved blouse, with a satin ribbon in her hair. (Photo by MGM Studios/MGM Studios/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Wizard of Oz”
- Who said it: Dorothy Gale
“To infinity, and beyond!”
- Movie: “Toy Story”
- Who said it: Buzz Lightyear
“Why so serious?”
- Movie: “The Dark Knight”
- Who said it: The Joker
“Elementary, my dear Watson.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: Robert Downey Jr., winner of the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role award and the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award for 'Oppenheimer' poses in the press room during the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Sherlock Holmes”
- Who said it: Sherlock Holmes
“I’ll be back.”
- Movie: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”
- Who said it: Terminator
“If you build it, he will come.”
- Movie: “Field of Dreams”
- Who said it: God-like entity
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”
- Movie: “The Sandlot”
- Who said it: Ham Porter
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
American actor Cliff Robertson, wearing a tuxedo and bow tie, attends an event in Los Angeles, California, circa 1990. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Spider-Man”
- Who said it: Uncle Ben