The 10 Best Movie Quotes of All Time, Ranked
The American Film Institute put out a list of what they considered to be the 100 best movie quotes in 2005. Some of these choices were definitely definitive for the time, but it's been almost 20 years since and it's time for a refresh. Here is a list of ten memorable lines said in both the 20th and 21st century that deserve to be alongside the most memorable lines in cinema history.
- Training Day (2001) Famous line: "King Kong ain't got s*** on me!" Who said it: Denzel Washington's Detective Alonzo Harris. This line was even used as a promotional campaign for the film. The reason this line is so great is that Alonzo is saying this only after his grip on the neighborhood has been broken. While his words are a manifestation of his rage, he knows his power over the civilians is gone.
- Gladiator (2000) Famous line: "Are you not entertained?!", Who said it: Russell Crowe's Maximus. This quote was also on our list of the best action movie quotes of all time. Maximus knows what the gladiatorial games are really about. When he triumphs over gladiators with brutality that shocks even hardened Roman crowds, he tells them to face what they've become.
- Frankenstein (1931) Famous line: "It's alive!", Who said it: Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein. This quote has been parodied many times in the following years, but the delivery of Dr. Frankenstein's line is what makes it memorable. He embraces his inner mad scientist after successfully animating a corpse.
- Scarface (1983) Famous line: "Say 'hello' to my little friend!", Who said it: Al Pacino's Tony Montana. This quote is said by Tony after he's lost the last people in his life he cared about. When his enemies descend upon him, he tries to fight them off all by himself.
- The Dark Knight (2008) Famous line: "Some men just want to watch the world burn.", Who said it: Michael Caine's Alfred Pennyworth. The Dark Knight had many memorable lines, but this one stands out as Alfred relates the story of a bandit who was similar to the Joker. The kicker is when he reveals that he burned down the forest where the bandit was hiding.
- Star Wars (1977) Famous line: "May the Force be with you.", Who said it: Harrison Ford's Han Solo. This quote was embraced by both fans and George Lucas himself. In the context of the film, Han is saying a heartfelt goodbye to Luke Skywalker since he doesn't think the Rebel assault on the Death Star will succeed.
- Dirty Harry (1971) Famous line: "You've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?", Who said it: Clint Eastwood's Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan. This is another great quote from Clint Eastwood's Inspector Callahan. Here he's bluffing a bank robber, with Harry knowing he's out of bullets, and the robber doesn't know that.
- The Shining (1980) Famous line: "Here's Johnny!", Who said it: Jack Nicholson's Jack Torrance. This quote is a reference to the iconic introduction that Ed McMahon gave for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show for decades. By this point in the movie, Jack Torrance is no longer himself and is willing to murder his wife and child.
- Casablanca (1942) Famous line: "Here's looking at you, kid.", Who said it: Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine. This quote is a reference to Rick's redemption. Instead of running off with his former lover, he sends her off with her husband to escape the Nazis with their letters of transit.
- The Godfather (1972) Famous line: "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.", Who said it: Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone. This line has been quoted and imitated many times, even by Marlon Brando himself. The reason this line is so memorable is that Don Corleone is at the height of his power and the movie chronicles his fall before the mantle of Godfather is passed to his son, Michael.