Over the years, countless films have hit the big screen with one goal in mind – To leave a lasting impression on the viewers. This can be done through incredible action scenes, futuristic special effects, or witty one-liners. Some movie lines are more memorable than others. When a character says something that puts words to how many people feel in the real world, it’s worth remembering.
This was the case in “The Dark Knight” when Harvey Dent said, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” While the rest of the movie was legendary thanks to the performances of Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, this quote lives in the heads of people around the world.
Other quotes, like “Just keep swimming” from “Finding Nemo,” weren’t meant to live on the way they have. However, with how many things society is dealing with at any given moment, it’s nice and uplifting to remember the message of this quote to keep your day going.
Quotes like “May the force be with you,” from the Star Wars franchise are also part of this conversation. “May the force be with you” has been turned into an entire celebratory day for “Star Wars” fans around the world. Every year, May 4th is when fans of the franchise binge-watch the movies and spinoff shows. Creating a quote for a movie that stands the test of time can be challenging for scriptwriters. For this reason, it should be celebrated when it happens. For more movie content, click here to read about the most surprising cameo roles in films.
To compile this list of memorable movie quotes, 24/7 Tempo consulted several film-related sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and ScreenRant.
“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
One of the first films in history that was shown in color was “The Wizard of Oz.” In the movie, Dorthy Gale and her dog were transported to Munchkinland where she was forced to figure out how to return home to Kansas. The iconic moment of her realizing they weren’t home anymore has been uttered by millions around the world.
“There’s no crying in baseball.”
- Movie: “A League of Their Own”
- Who said it: Jimmy Dugan
“A League of Their Own” told the story of women’s professional baseball. This is a true story that took inspiration from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that formed in the 1940s. One of the most memorable moments is when the sentence, “There’s no crying in baseball,” was uttered. Anyone who’s played baseball since the film was released in the 1990s has heard this phrase told to them by at least one of their coaches.
“May the force be with you.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 04: Mark Hamill speaks onstage during the ceremony for Carrie Fisher being honored posthumously with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 04, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Star Wars”
- Who said it: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Few franchises around the world have had the same level of success as Star Wars. One of the reasons for its popularity is iconic quotes like “May the force be with you.” This quote has turned May 4th into a widespread holiday for anyone who loves watching Star Wars films. There are get-togethers for fans, television stations that play the movies throughout the day, and baseball teams that make a theme out of it.
“It’s alive! It’s alive!”
- Movie: “Frankenstein”
- Who said it: Henry Frankenstein
The events that took place in “Frankenstein” would be scary for almost everyone to deal with – except for a fictional character like Henry Frankenstein. When he first created the monster, he was so happy that he shrieked, “It’s alive! It’s alive!” Kids worldwide used their imagination and recited this phrase whenever they were on the playground.
“Just keep swimming.”
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage during the Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour at Warner Theatre on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Live Nation)
- Movie: “Finding Nemo”
- Who said it: Dory
Everyone needs a pick-me-up some days. Dory from “Finding Nemo” offered the perfect message to those who need one. Since Dory isn’t as smart as the other fish, her positive outlook on life feels more authentic than most. Thanks to Dory, millions of people have smiled when they’ve thought of this quote during hard times.
“Say ‘Hello’ to my little friend.”
- Movie: “Scarface”
- Who said it: Tony Montana
“Scarface” is one of the most intense movies ever made. However, it offers another quote that kids love to yell whenever they’re out and about playing with their friends. “Say ‘Hello’ to my little friend” implies that you’re about to do some serious damage to whoever you’re going up against. This quote will live in the minds of film geeks until the end of time.
“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
Scary movies have taken over during the last decade. However, before this recent surge in popularity, “The Shining” was widely considered one of the most frightening. Jack Nicholson’s iconic moment occurred as he tried to burst through a door. Over time, the face Nicholson made in that scene has been used in countless memes, but the quote will live on forever. He yelled, “Here’s Johnny!”
“I’m king of the world.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: Leonardo DiCaprio attends The BAFTA Tea Party presented by Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on January 13, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BAFTA)
- Movie: “Titanic”
- Who said it: Jack Dawson
One of the saddest stories in history is what happened to the real Titanic ship. When James Cameron made the movie “Titanic,” he had Leonardo DiCaprio stand at the front of the ship to yell, “I’m the king of the world.” This moment isn’t just used by fans around the world, but also by other directors who want to reference it. Having a quote that other filmmakers can’t help but gain inspiration from shows how memorable it is.
“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 get home in “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorthy had to click her heels together while saying, “There’s no place like home.” While that was true for her in the fictional tale, many people think about her words when they’re feeling sad about their own situations. The immediate comfort that comes from thinking of home brings a lot of people a sense of peace. This quote has helped millions through the stresses of life.
“To infinity, and beyond!”
- Movie: “Toy Story”
- Who said it: Buzz Lightyear
Kids in the 1990s were lucky enough to grow up with the Toy Story franchise as one of the focal points of childhood. The level of excitement most children felt watching Buzz Lightyear emphatically announce his intentions was unmatched. Buzz said, “To infinity, and beyond,” and it was beyond memorable. It also served as a message to kids that if they set their minds to anything, they could do it.
“Why so serious?”
- Movie: “The Dark Knight”
- Who said it: The Joker
“The Dark Knight” is a film that had fans sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for what was going to happen next. When The Joker talked to Gambol before he killed him, he told him a story about his father. “Why so serious?” has appeared on T-shirts, posters, and other Batman paraphernalia as a staple of how The Joker thought and treated people.
“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
Becoming a detective is a dream for adventurous people around the world. That career path is exactly what Sherlock Holmes pursued. During his time researching cases, he became known for his brilliance and brains. He also relied on his friend, Watson. When Watson asked how Holmes figured something out, Holmes’s simple response was. “Elementary, my dear Watson.” This implied that the case was easy for Holmes when it shouldn’t have been.
“I’ll be back.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 06: Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks onstage at the 15th Annual Holocaust Museum Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on November 06, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Terminator”
- Who said it: Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenegger took “The Terminator” to the next level when he made sure to let fans know that he was going to be back. When his character said that line, it was to make the point that he would not be defeated. His thick accent added more of an emphasis to what he said and brought fear into the hearts of viewers. Because of this phrase, the whole franchise took off in ways few people could have seen coming.
“If you build it, he will come.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Kevin Costner attends Netflix's 2024 Golden Globe After Party at Spago on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
- Movie: “Field of Dreams”
- Who said it: God-like entity
Few movies strike the same level of happiness as baseball movies. “Field of Dreams” takes place in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa. However, Ray Kinsella wanted to bring members of the infamous Chicago Black Sox out for a game. When he was unsure of whether or not players would come, he was reminded that baseball players didn’t care where the field was. All that mattered was that there was a good surface to play on. “If you build it, he will come,” a God-like entity said.
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”
- Movie: “The Sandlot”
- Who said it: Ham Porter
Another beloved baseball movie is “The Sandlot.” The movie is about a group of friends that loved playing baseball together. One player was brand-new to town. When Scott Smalls made mistakes, other players like Ham Porter would say, “You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” Whenever someone in a modern friend group makes a mistake, they’re often told that exact phrase. It doesn’t have to be regarding baseball, either. The fact it can be applied to anything is why it has such allure.
“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”
Power is something few people should have. Peter Parker’s family member, Uncle Ben, said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Ever since this line was uttered, it has changed the way leaders around the world were looked at and judged. Those who do right by society are praised. However, those who don’t are heavily criticized. For more movie content, click here for the best military films of all time.