20 Best Quotes From 1980s Movies (2024)

The 1980s is known for its bold and expressive fashion trends, influential music, and some of the best movie quotes in cinematic history. From “wax on, wax off” to “here’s Johnny,” the '80s provided a decade’s worth of memorable and iconic movie lines that have endured for over 40 years. The cinematic landscape of the era was filled with blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed films that not only entertained but also produced some of the most unforgettable phrases in movie history.

The quotable writing, paired with memorable performances from stars like Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson gave rise to instantly recognizable one-liners and impactful monologues that have stood the test of time. From sci-fi to dramas and comedies to horror, some of the highest-grossing movies of the 1980s resulted in an abundance of classic dialogue. The memorable quotes from 1980s movies demonstrate the decade's lasting influence on the media and the resonant power of standout movie writing and delivery.

20 “She Gave Me A Pen. I Gave Her My Heart, And She Gave Me A Pen.” - Lloyd Dobler

Say Anything (1988)

The 1989 romantic film Say Anything follows the unexpected romance between Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) and Diane Court (Ione Skye) which forms as they prepare for their next stage in life after high school graduation.

While Lloyd is somewhat aimless in life, Diane is ambitious and has big plans which suggests this romance is a fleeting one. Indeed, as the summer draws to a close, Diane breaks up with Lloyd, giving him a pen so that he'll write to her. In looking back at the end of the relationship, Lloyd recalls the imbalance in what they were willing to give to each other.

It is a great line but it is Cusack's delivery that really sells it. His sad laugh suggests he is coming to the realization of how blind he was about the reality of the romance. It is a moment that helped to cement the actor as a deeper and more interesting teen star at the time.

Say Anything (1989)

PG-13

Say Anything is a romantic comedy-drama film that follows Lloyd Dobler, a charming but aimless recent high school graduate, as he pursues a relationship with Diane Court, the beautiful and intelligent valedictorian.

Director

Cameron Crowe

Release Date

April 14, 1989

Cast

John Cusack , Ione Skye , John Mahoney , Lili Taylor , Amy Brooks

Runtime

100 Minutes

Writers

Cameron Crowe

19 “I’m Not Bad, I’m Just Drawn That Way.” - Jessica Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

The innovative 1988 Robert Zemeckis movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit blends a lot of different elements to make a hugely entertaining project. Not only is it a groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation, but it also infuses a gritty noir mystery with the silliness of being set in a world in which cartoons and humans coexist. Perhaps the best character in the movie to highlight this perfect mix is Jessica Rabbit, Roger Rabbit's animated femme fatale wife.

Jessica utters this now-famous line in response to accusations of devious tendencies. As a hyper-sexualized cartoon character, her provocative appearance fuels assumptions about her morality. Jessica Rabbit's quote critiques the objectification of women in animation, as well as in live-action movies, and transcends her "drawn" role to show her true personality. It is just the kind of pulpy line that would be found in a hardboiled Raymond Chandler story albeit with a cartoon twist.

10/10

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit combines live-action and animation to create a world where humans and cartoon characters coexist. Set in 1940s Hollywood, the film follows a private investigator who is contracted to work on the case of a cartoon framed for murder, despite his dislike of cartoons. Bob Hoskins, Charles Fleischer, Christopher Lloyd, and Kathleen Turner all star.

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Release Date

June 22, 1988

Cast

Amy Irving , Christopher Lloyd , Charles Fleischer , Bob Hoskins , Kathleen Turner

Runtime

104 minutes

Writers

Peter S. Seaman , Jeffrey Price

18 "Hello. My Name Is Inigo Montoya. You Killed My Father. Prepare To Die!” - Inigo Montoya

The Princess Bride (1987)

This famous often repeated quote from The Princess Bride is delivered by the determined swordsman Inigo Montoya, played by Mandy Patinkin. This memorable quote represents Inigo's quest for vengeance against Count Rugen, who murdered his father.

As he explains to Westley when they first meet, this is what he will say to the man who killed his father when he finds him. True to his word, it is the line he repeats over and over when he comes face to face with the murderer. Inigo's declaration has become an iconic moment, celebrated for its emotional weight and the character's pursuit of justice.

When he first explains the line to Westley, he delivers it with pride and stoicism. However, when he meets Rugen and says the line as the two men fight, it becomes clear what a cathartic moment it is for Inigo. Each repetition is filled with more passion, becoming an unforgettable mantra for revenge.

10/10

The Princess Bride

PG

Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.

Director

Rob Reiner

Release Date

October 9, 1987

Cast

Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Robin Wright , Cary Elwes , Christopher Guest

Runtime

98 minutes

Writers

William Goldman

17 “Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner.” - Johnny Castle

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing tells the story of Baby (Jennifer Grey), a wealthy and innocent young woman vacationing in a summer resort with her family when she is introduced to a local subculture of dancers. Among the people she finds in this world is Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), who not only shows her how to move on the dance floor but also teaches her how to stand up for herself and embrace her happiness.

In the climactic ending of Dirty Dancing, Baby is not permitted to take part in the dance by her stuffy family. However, Johnny arrives to deliver this memorable line insisting that Baby is not the kind of person whose passions can simply be pushed aside. While the line is often seen as a heroic moment from Johnny, standing up for the girl he loves, it is more about Baby remembering that she is her own person and she will not stay in the corner if she doesn't want to.

8/10

See Also

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Dirty Dancing

PG-13

Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows Frances "Baby" Houseman, a young woman on vacation at a summer resort with her family who becomes the unwitting competition partner of one of the resort's dance instructors, Johnny. As Baby and Johnny's relationship deepens over the course of the summer, the disapproval of Baby's family, especially her father, threatens to tear them apart.

Director

Emile Ardolino

Release Date

August 21, 1987

Cast

Jennifer Grey , Patrick swayze , Jerry Orbach , Cynthia Rhodes , Jack Weston , Jane Brucker

Runtime

100 minutes

16 “Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid.” - Veronica Quaife

The Fly (1987)

The Fly follows scientist Seth Brundle, whose teleportation experiment goes awry, transforming him into a monstrous human-fly hybrid. The movie is very effective at its gradual building of horror, beginning as an uneasy sci-fi cautionary tale and ending up as a grotesque body horror movie that leaves many audiences shaken from the experience. The quote is said by Geena Davis' character, Veronica, as she begins to witness the terrifying changes in Seth and her concern about where it is heading.

What is interesting is that Veronica is only referring to the emotional changes in Seth at this stage as he becomes harsher and crueler with the transformation taking over. It is not something that he recognizes himself, but Vernoica's words serve as a warning that things are only going to get worse, which she is right about. This quote is even used as the film’s tagline, showing that this movie is not for the faint of heart.

10/10

The Fly

R

From legendary director David Cronenberg, The Fly tells the story of Seth Brundle, a scientist who, in attempting to create a device that facilitates teleportation, accidentally merges his DNA with that of a fly, and begins to mutate into a human-fly hybrid. The film stars Jeff Goldblum as Brundle, with Geena Davis as Ronnie Quaife, Seth's partner and love interest.

Director

David Cronenberg

Release Date

August 15, 1986

Cast

Jeff Goldblum , John Getz , Geena Davis

Runtime

96 minutes

Writers

Charles Edward Pogue , David Cronenberg

15 “That's Why They Call Them Crushes. If They Were Easy, They'd Call 'Em Something Else.” - Jim Baker

Sixteen Candles (1984)

Sixteen Candles is a classic 1980s romance film that details the trials and tribulations of teen life. Samantha (Molly Ringwald) is a particularly sympathetic young woman as she is being overlooked by the popular boy she has a crush on and her own family even forgets about her 16th birthday.

In a memorable scene, Samantha is having a heart-to-heart with her father, Jim (Paul Dooley). As she confides in him about her heartache, he reminds her that sometimes the road to love is rocky — and that a happy ending doesn’t come easily. This refreshing moment highlights the idea that parents, especially in matters of the heart, can be invaluable sources of wisdom.

John Hughes' movies were among the most popular teen flicks of the 80s and part of the reason was because they spoke to the generation without pandering to them. While it is not a quote that helps alleviate Samantha's pain, it is one that is oddly comforting as it suggests this is something everyone goes through.

7/10

Sixteen Candles

PG

In John Hughes's directorial debut, Molly Ringwald stars as Samantha Baker, a high school student in suburban Chicago whose sixteenth birthday is marred when her whole family forgets to celebrate the occasion due to her older sister's wedding. Navigating a school dance and a seemingly unrequited crush on an older boy, Sam's sweet sixteen becomes a day to remember. Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, and Gedde Watanabe also star.

Director

John Hughes

Release Date

May 4, 1984

Cast

Molly Ringwald , Gedde Watanabe , Anthony Michael Hall , Haviland Morris , Michael Schoeffling

Runtime

93 minutes

14 “Say Hello To My Little Friend.” - Tony Montana

Scarface (1983)

Scarface’s Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, is one of the most iconic yet ruthless anti-heroes from 1980s cinema. The film follows Tony's rise from a Cuban immigrant to a powerful drug lord in Miami, who got there by way of violence and excess. This quote is delivered during a climactic and intense scene where Tony confronts his enemies with a grenade launcher.

This iconic line has permeated popular culture with endless parodies and become synonymous with bravado and confrontation. The dialogue itself is not especially memorable, but like many of the quotes in Scarface, it is elevated by Pacino's electrifying performance.

At this point in the movie, Tony is in a depressive state, but as soon as his enemies come for him, he comes alive again. Vastly outnumbered and with no possible way to survive, it is as if Tony is having fun with the idea of going out in a blaze of glory.

7/10

Scarface

R

Brian De Palma's iconic crime drama is loosely based on the 1929 novel of the same name and follows Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Al Pacino), who begins a life of crime after arriving in Miami. It chronicles his rise from a penniless thug to one of the richest and most ruthless kingpins in the world, amassing a criminal empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Director

Brian De Palma

Release Date

December 9, 1983

Cast

Al Pacino , Michelle Pfeiffer , Robert Loggia , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , Miriam Colon , F. Murray Abraham

Runtime

170 minutes

Writers

Oliver Stone , Howard Hawks , Ben Hecht

13 “Here’s Johnny!” - Jack Torrance

The Shining (1980)

In Stanley Kubrick's chilling 1980 psychological horror masterpiece, The Shining, Jack Torrance and his family find themselves trapped in the haunted Overlook Hotel during a snowstorm. The isolation and his own battle with alcoholism (as well as some supernatural elements) gradually lead Jack down a dark path until he takes it upon himself to murder his wife and child. The notorious quote takes center stage during an intense scene where Jack uses an ax to break down a door, shouting the famous catchphrase of talk show host Johnny Carson.

Like the Scarface line, the impact of this quote has been somewhat deluded over time as it has been parodied in popular culture in many different ways. However, thanks to the unhinged delivery by Jack Nicholson, complete with his sinister smile, coupled with Shelley Duvall's terrified performance, the line is still chilling.

10/10

The Shining

R

Stanley Kubrick's horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge.

Director

Stanley Kubrick

Release Date

June 13, 1980

Cast

Danny Lloyd , Shelley Duvall , Jack Nicholson , Scatman Crothers

Runtime

146 minutes

Writers

Diane Johnson , Stanley Kubrick

12 “I Am Serious, And Don’t Call Me Shirley.” - Dr. Rumack

Airplane! (1980)

In the classic parody film Airplane!, Leslie Nielsen forever changed the way he was seen in movies. Though he was a fairly serious character actor up to that point, Nielsen's comedic performance as Dr. Rumack gets the biggest laughs in the movie. In the movie's most famous scene, with the pilots violently ill, Rumack asks former pilot Ted Striker if he can fly the plane and land it.

Striker responds, "Surely you can't be serious," prompting Rumack to respond with the now famous line, mishearing the word “surely” and believing he was called “Shirley.” Many of the funniest Airplane! quotes get big laughs on these simple misunderstandings.

However, this line has become viewed as one of the greatest movie gags of all time. While the clever writing should certainly not be overlooked, a big part of the reason it is so funny is Nielsen's delivery. The actor knows that saying these ridiculous lines with a stone-cold straight face will make them even funnier.

Airplane!

PG

See Also

Memorable 80s Movie Quotes and Their Stories

Airplane! is a 1980 comedy film directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. It parodies disaster films, centering on Ted Striker, a former fighter pilot dealing with a fear of flying. When an in-flight emergency strikes, Striker must confront his fears to save the passengers and crew. The film stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Leslie Nielsen, employing a mix of slapstick humor and rapid-fire jokes.

Release Date

July 2, 1980

Director

Jim Abrahams , David Zucker , Jerry Zucker

Cast

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Lloyd Bridges , Peter Graves , Julie Hagerty , Robert Hays , Leslie Nielsen

Writers

Arthur Hailey , Hall Bartlett , John C. Champion , Jim Abrahams , David Zucker , Jerry Zucker

Runtime

88 minutes

11 “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid.” - Santa Claus

A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story is a holiday classic that contains an abundance of memorable moments, including this quote. The movie is filled with nostalgia of what it was like around Christmas as a kid, especially when there was one special present on the wishlist. In the case of A Christmas Story's young protagonist, Ralphie, he wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

However, every time he brings it up, he is told it is too dangerous. This line is repeated throughout the movie by various characters, including Ralphie's mom and his teacher, but the funniest instance comes when Ralphie gets dismissed in the same way by a mall Santa Claus.

It is a hilarious recurring joke throughout the movie that builds to the heartwarming moment when his father reveals that he did get him the BB gun after all. Of course, the line is then made even funnier when Ralphie takes the gun outside and immediately nearly shoots his eye out.

A Christmas Story

PG

In the quintessential holiday classic, A Christmas Story, young Ralphie Parker narrates the story of Christmas time when he was nine-year-old, and his relentless quest to attain the highly coveted Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas - despite everyone, including a mall Santa, telling him it's too dangerous to own.

Release Date

November 18, 1983

Director

Bob Clark

Cast

Darren McGavin , Zack Ward , Peter Billingsley , Scott Schwartz , Melinda Dillon

Writers

Jean Shepherd , Bob Clark , Leigh Brown

Runtime

94 minutes

10 “I Feel The Need. The Need For Speed.” - Maverick

Top Gun (1986)

To this day, whenever any sort of speed or adrenaline is involved, this iconic quote spoken by Peter "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, comes to mind. The desire Maverick has to go fast is felt in this simple but impactful statement, adding to the intense action that is present throughout the film.

Though the context has changed over time, the meaning behind the quote — the urge to push limits and fly as fast as possible — continues to resonate. It is the kind of exhilarating line that gets the audience in the mood for the high-flying action of the movie.

It also speaks to Maverick as a character as he is always chasing that feeling of pushing further than everyone else, for better or worse. What makes it especially notable among 80s movie quotes is that it comes back to be even more memorable with Maverick's return in Top Gun: Maverick. Though decades later, the sequel finds Maverick still embracing this mantra.

Top Gun

PG

In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.

Release Date

May 16, 1986

Director

Tony Scott

Cast

Tom Cruise , Kelly McGillis , Val Kilmer , Anthony Edwards , Tom Skerritt

Writers

Jack Epps Jr. , Jim Cash

Runtime

110 minutes

9 "Don't Mess With The Bull, Young Man. You'll Get The Horns.” - Richard Vernon

The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Breakfast Club follows a group of students forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. When rebel John Bender goes toe to toe with assistant principal Richard Vernon, Vernon asserts his authority with this cheesy but memorable warning.

As an authority figure, he expects obedience and seeks to intimidate, establishing a bullying dynamic against the students he supervises. Though Bender refuses to back down, Vernon clings to what little power he has, stubbornly determined, like a bull, to make the students as miserable as possible.

John Hughes often has fun playing around with adult characters in his movies, making them less serious than they think they are. Vernon wants to be taken seriously and acts as if he commands so much control over these students. However, there is a reason the character is made the assistant principal in the movie and this funny quote makes him the ideal character for these likable teens to rebel against.

The Breakfast Club

R

Release Date

February 15, 1985

Director

John Hughes

Cast

Molly Ringwald , Ally Sheedy , Anthony Michael Hall , Judd Nelson , Emilio Estevez

Writers

John Hughes

Runtime

97 minutes

8 “Life Moves Pretty Fast. You Don’t Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It.” - Ferris Bueller

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

This relatable quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off has become the anthem of 1980s teen comedies. Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, is a charismatic slacker who lives life to the fullest. While everyone around him is preoccupied with following the rules, Ferris spends the movie teaching them to just relax and have fun.

This quote is one of the first things Ferris says to the audience while breaking the fourth wall. To reiterate the line as an idea that Ferris lives by, he repeats it at the end of the movie as well, capping off his day of adventure. It is the time between the two quotes that makes the line so memorable.

When Ferris first says it, the line fits in with all the other quotes he has delivered that just sound like him justifying wanting to ditch school for the day. However, when he says it again at the end of the day, after the audience has been more exposed to Ferris's philosophies, it feels like a perspective that is worth considering.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

PG-13

John Hughes' comedy classic Ferris Bueler's Day off follows the titular high schooler, a self-assured, charming young man who wants a day off. Going to unheard-of lengths to secure that day for himself, his girlfriend, and his best friend, he conjures up the ultimate scheme to get them out of school. However, his sister and principal are confident he's up to no good, and his principal will embark on an equally overblown quest to expose Ferris' truancy.

Release Date

June 11, 1986

Director

John Hughes

Cast

Jennifer Grey , Matthew Broderick , Mia Sara , Alan Ruck , Jeffrey Jones

Writers

John Hughes

Runtime

103 minutes

7 “Wax On, Wax Off.” - Mr. Miyagi

The Karate Kid (1984)

The Karate Kid tells the story of a bullied teenager named Daniel who asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him karate so that he can fight back. Miyagi has Daniel perform repetitive tasks like washing and waxing cars in circular motions. When prompted with "wax on, wax off," Daniel complies despite his frustration.

When Miyagi asks Daniel to demonstrate "wax on, wax off," Daniel is shocked that he can expertly block punches. This quote hones in on Miyagi's unorthodox teaching methods and turns the quote into an example of “practice makes perfect.” It is a wonderful mentor moment in the movie, with the brilliance of Miyagi's teachings fully being exposed.

Looking deeper into the scene, it also speaks to how Miyagi sees karate. Daniel comes to him as an angry kid who wants to fight back against those who hurt him. However, it is fitting that the key thing Miyagi taught him was not an attack but a defensive move.

The Karate Kid

PG

Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.

Release Date

June 22, 1984

Director

John G. Avildsen

Cast

Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , William Zabka , Martin Kove , Yuji Okumoto

Writers

Robert Mark Kamen

Runtime

126 minutes

6 “I’ll Have What She’s Having.” - Lady In Restaurant

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

In 1989, Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan starred in the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, a film that explored the question, "Can men and women just be friends?" Over lunch, Sally tells Harry that all women have faked an orgasm at some point. Harry doesn't believe her, so she demonstrates it, right in the middle of the restaurant. After her performance, the camera cuts to a patron, who tells the waitress, "I'll have what she's having."

The patron is played by Estelle Reiner, the mother of director Rob Reiner, who steals the movie with her single line and becomes part of pop culture history with one of its most iconic lines. It's rare that someone who is basically an extra gets the best line in a film, let alone one that's so iconic.

However, the entire scene is what makes it all so memorable. Ryan's hilarious performance is key to building this laugh-out-loud moment followed by the pitch-perfect punchline that takes it from being hilarious to being unforgettable.

When Harry Met Sally

R

Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally chronicles the life and relationship of Harry Burns and Sally Allbright, who meet just after college on a road trip to New York City and begin a decade-long relationship that slowly evolves from friendship to true love. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as Harry and Sally, with a further cast that includes Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.

Release Date

July 21, 1989

Director

Rob Reiner

Cast

Bruno Kirby , Meg Ryan , Carrie Fisher , Steven Ford , Billy Crystal

Writers

Nora Ephron

Runtime

95 minutes

5 "No, I Am Your Father." - Darth Vader

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Despite this being one of the most misquoted lines in movie history, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous. Darth Vader delivers one of the best plot twists in movie history when he drops this bomb on Luke Skywalker at the climax of The Empire Strikes Back.

When this line was heard for the first time, it was the ultimate surprise, as everyone thought that the main villain Darth Vader was the one who killed Luke’s father. The reveal that he actually was Luke's dad made the growing Star Wars franchise be seen in a whole new light.

Often misquoted as "Luke, I am your father," it remains deeply embedded in pop culture iconography, representing the ultimate dramatic reveal. Though wrongly remembered, its true impact as a narrative gut punch lives on. It is rare to pinpoint one line in a movie franchise that changes the course of the entire mythology in the same way that this one does.

9/10

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

PG

1980 saw the continuation of the Skywalker Saga with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Although this was the second film in the Star Wars series itself, it would end up being the fifth film chronologically in the Skywalker Saga itself. Created by George Lucas and directed by Irvin Kershner, this sequel sees Darth Vader attempting to locate the Rebel Alliance after they destroyed the Death Star.

Release Date

June 18, 1980

Director

Irvin Kershner

Cast

Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Frank Oz , Billy Dee Williams , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , David Prowse , Peter Mayhew , James Earl Jones

Writers

Leigh Brackett , Lawrence Kasdan , George Lucas

Runtime

124 minutes

4 "No Wire Hangers Ever!" - Joan Crawford

Mommie Dearest (1981)

Mommie Dearest depicts the tumultuous home life of famed actress Joan Crawford, based on the memoir written by her adopted daughter, Christina. In an infamous scene, Crawford (Faye Dunaway) flies into a rage after discovering wire hangers in her daughter's closet rather than the padded versions she prefers. Crawford berates her daughter, shouting the now iconic line before proceeding to beat her with one of them.

Even out of context, the quote evokes the unrestrained drama that defines Mommie Dearest. The line's iconic status is a bit of a complicated one. There is a sense that it is often quoted as part of its campy quality.

Mommie Dearest has something of a reputation as a movie that is so bad it's good and this quote, with Dunaway's performance, sells the over-the-top quality. However, there is also something effective about the character being so enraged by such a small detail that has helped it to stay with fans for so long.

mommie dearest

The story of movie star Joan Crawford and her unhealthy family. Unmarried, she adopts a couple of orphans, and the beginning of her somewhat conventional family seems happy, but when her love life and professional life take a turn for the worse, Joan starts mistreating the children.

Release Date

September 25, 1981

Director

Frank Perry

Cast

Faye Dunaway , Diana Scarwid , Steve Forrest , Howard Da Silva , Mara Hobel , Rutanya Alda

Runtime

129 minutes

3 "They're Here!" - Carol Anne Freeling

Poltergeist (1982)

In the 1982 horror film Poltergeist, young Carol Anne Freeling says this chilling line after ghosts emerge from the family's TV set. As the scene becomes more sinister, she announces their menacing presence, setting off the horrifying events that follow. The quote remains one of the most memorable, not only in the film but in the horror genre. Both a warning and a frightful realization, "They're here!" promises a haunting cinematic experience.

The line is a perfect way to kick off the climax of the film. The family has been battling the strange occurrences in their home since the beginning of the story but this line shows that there is no avoiding the horrors that await them now.

A big part of why the line is so memorable is due to the very effective delivery of actor Heather O'Rourke. She has a young innocence to her reading of the line which makes it all the more chilling, with many horror movie kids following in her footsteps over the years.

4/10

Poltergeist

PG-13

A remake of the 1982 horror film of the same name,Poltergeist revolves around the Bowen family, whose home has been invaded by evil, supernatural forces.

Release Date

June 4, 1982

Director

Tobe Hooper

Cast

Jane Adams , Rosemarie DeWitt , Jared Harris , Sam Rockwell , Nicholas Braun

Writers

Steven Spielberg , Michael Grais , Mark Victor

2 "If You Build It, He Will Come." - Unseen Voice

Field of Dreams (1989)

The 1989 fantasy drama Field of Dreams follows Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, as he hears a mysterious voice urging him to construct a baseball diamond in his cornfield with the promise that “if you build it, he will come.”

It is a mysterious voice that comes to Ray from seemingly nowhere. While he initially tries to dismiss it and then ignore it, he cannot do so forever and he eventually gives in to the calling. This quote conveys the film's premise that faith and determination can make the impossible possible. The quote has endured as an inspirational motto, promising that if hard work is put into one’s goals, those efforts will be rewarded.

The premise behind the movie also helps add to how memorable it is, but the real power of the quote is in the reveal of what the quote really means. This comes later in the movie when Ray is able to share a game of catch on the magical baseball diamond with the ghost of his father.

Field of Dreams

PG

Based on a novel by W. P. Kinsella, Field of Dreams stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, a farmer living in Iowa who one evening begins hearing a mysterious voice urging him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. An avid baseball fan, Ray takes on the project in hopes of honoring his late father. Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster also star.

Release Date

May 5, 1989

Director

Phil Alden Robinson

Cast

Amy Madigan , Kevin Costner , James Earl Jones , burt lancaster , Ray Liotta , Timothy Busfield

Writers

Phil Alden Robinson

Runtime

107 minutes

1 “I’m Too Old For This S**t.” - Detective Roger Murtaugh

Lethal Weapon (1987)

The Lethal Weapon series follows mismatched police partners Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs. While Riggs is the wild one who is always up for rushing into dangerous situations and taking on the bad guys, Murtaugh is more cautious and can sometimes be the reluctant hero.

Part of that has to do with him feeling as though he is aging out of the job which he acknowledges with this often-repeated catchphrase throughout the franchise. The line makes Murtaugh an endearing character who is more relatable than the average action hero.

He gets sore and tired while saving the day with the sense that he would rather just stay at home where it is safe. What is interesting about the quote is that Riggs eventually says the same thing in Lethal Weapon 4, showing how long the franchise went on. It will be fun to see how the quote will be used in the upcoming Lethal Weapon 5 with the characters being even older.

Lethal Weapon

R

The film that started the iconic action franchise of the same name, Lethal Weapon stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as Detective Riggs and Murtaugh, two LAPD detectives on the trail of a high-profile drug ring. After the death of his wife, Riggs (Gibson) is increasingly volatile, but partnering with the level-headed veteran detective Murtaugh puts the two cops on the path to uncovering a huge criminal conspiracy.

Release Date

March 6, 1987

Director

Richard Donner

Cast

Tom Atkins , Mitchell Ryan , Danny Glover , Mel Gibson , Gary Busey

Writers

Shane Black

Runtime

109 minutes