We live in a time filled with seemingly countless movies. There’s always something new coming out, but it takes something truly special to become a universally known and quoted film. Much of it is generational; movies simply aren’t made as they used to be, and those extraordinary films have included many lines that have become immortalized as part of our everyday vernacular. There are so many movies with some fantastic lines, but I could go on forever so I’ve attempted to narrow it down. So, after much difficult deliberation, here is a (completely non-inclusive) list of the most frequently quoted movies of all time.
1. The Princess Bride
This is without a doubt one of the most quoted movies of all time, and one of my personal favorites. With a beautiful love story and an incredible cast of characters, this film is filled with scene after quotable scene. “Inconceivable,” indeed.
Notable quote: “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Runner up: “As you wish!”
2. The Wizard of Oz
Everyone knows the story of Dorothy and her journey over the rainbow from Kansas to Oz and back again, and it never fails to make us remember how important home is.
Notable quote: “There’s no place like home!”
Runner up: “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”
3. Clueless
Another classic, telling the story of rich high school student Cher and her conquest to make her new friend, a transfer student named Tai, as popular as she is.
Notable quote: “As if!”
4. The Terminator movies
Exciting action flicks starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his most well-known role – except for possibly Governor of California.
Notable quote: “I’ll be back.”
Runner up: “Hasta la vista, baby.”
5. The Star Wars movies
No explanation needed. One of the (if not THE) greatest sci-fi series ever.
Notable quote: “May the Force be with you.”
Runner up: “No. I am your father.”
6. Titanic
I’m assuming you know what Titanic is, but if you somehow don’t, then you have a date with Netflix tonight.
Notable quote: “I’m the king of the world!”
Runner up: “I’ll never let go, Jack.”
7. High School Musical
If you were a kid in the 2000s, then these Disney films defined your childhood. I’ll admit it, I even still listen to the music sometimes. Plus, I’m physically incapable of hearing the question “what time is it?” and not responding with “SUMMERTIME,” no matter what time of year it is.
Notable quote: “What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats! Wildcats? Getcha’ head in the game!”
8. Apollo 13
This Oscar-winning film about a routine NASA mission gone wrong has many memorable moments, and a number of well-known and often-used lines.
Notable quote: “Houston, we have a problem.”
9. Forrest Gump
Another Oscar winner (and another Tom Hanks film!), this tale of a simple man yearning for his lost love has become a classic in the two decades since its release.
Notable quote: “Run, Forrest! Run!”
Runner up: “My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’”
10. The Lord of the Rings series
This film trilogy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous works is a pinnacle of the fantasy genre. This stirring tale of a small hobbit’s quest to destroy the Ring of Power is heartfelt, exciting and emotional, and has become one of the most well-known stories in the world.
Notable quote: “My precious.”
Runner up: “One does not simply walk into Mordor.”
11. The Hunger Games series
I’d be genuinely confused if you’ve never heard of this, as it is currently one of the biggest franchises in the world. The story of a girl’s journey to become the face of a rebellion in a dystopian world has touched and inspired millions across the globe.
Notable quote: “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
12. Scarface
An Al Pacino classic that is listed in IMDb’s Top 250 Movies. Everyone has at least heard of this one, and knows its most famous quote.
Notable quote: “Say hello to my little friend!”
13. The James Bond movies
Again, no explanation needed. No matter how many different actors play the title role, these films will never get old.
Notable quote: “My name is Bond…James Bond.”
Runner up: “Just a drink, a martini, shaken not stirred.”
14. Taxi Driver
A Robert De Niro classic about a Vietnam vet living in New York City and working as a nighttime taxi driver. A must-see.
Notable quote: “You talkin’ to me?”
15. Mean Girls
Literally everything about this entire movie is just pure gold. Thanks, Tina Fey. You’re, like, so fetch.
Notable quote: “She doesn’t even go here!”
Runners up: “You go, Glen Coco!," “The limit does not exist!," and "She doesn't even go here!"
Honorable Mentions: The Godfather (“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”) and The Sixth Sense (“I see dead people”).
