Throughout movie history, certain films have become classics that everyone knows and loves. With that, movie quotes have become so famous that some people quote them without recognizing the origin. They are no longer just quotes, but everyday proverbs or jokes. Here are some movie quotes that still show up everywhere.
7. “Life Is Like a Box of Chocolate, You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get” – Forrest Gump
This is one of the most famous quotes from the hit movie Forrest Gump. What started as a classic movie line has developed into a modern-day proverb.
Used to describe the unpredictability of life, the meaning of this phrase rings true throughout the movie and throughout our lives. Today, people use it as a part of everyday language, often without even knowing the origin.
Through casual use, commercials, songs, and even TikTok trends, this quote is here to stay. While often used in the present-tense, Forrest Gump actually said, “My momma always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,” in the past tense. This goes to show how this phrase started as a quote and became a commonly used phrase.
6. “Say Hello to My Little Friend” – Scarface
Not only is this quote jokingly referenced by friends, but it has also made appearances in popular forms of modern media. Films like Ghostbusters (2016) and shows like South Park feature this famous line in reference to Scarface.
Ghostbusters even recreates a similar scene, as one of the characters shouts it as she’s aiming her proton beam.
This famous scene has gone down in history, resulting in frequent references and even merchandise featuring the famous phrase.
5. “Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner” – Dirty Dancing
This line is a defining moment in the popular film, Dirty Dancing. In the movie, the main character named Baby, goes on vacation with her parents. She learns to dance with an instructor named Johnny, with whom she develops a relationship.
Though she is supposed to perform the dance, her parents forced her to sit with them at a table in the corner instead. When Johnny sees her, he says the famous line before performing the dance with her.
Today, people use the phrase to indicate that no one will stifle their talents or hold them back. People also use it jokingly in conversation with friends. It is not only used to refer to the film, but to aid everyday conversation with laughter or empowerment.
4. “Just Keep Swimming” – Finding Nemo
What started as a cute or funny moment in cinema turned into a life motto for many people. While Dory uses it literally, fans have found a deeper meaning in the phrase that has led to its regular usage.
“Just keep swimming” serves as a reminder to be resilient through life’s challenges. Though progress seems far off, just keep swimming to reach your goals.
Though the quote was first said by the forgetful yet lovable Dory, its popularity has extended beyond the popular film. The phrase is featured on clothes, wall decals, and even inspirational books. The phrase may be attributed to Dory, but its meaning has grown into something much greater.
3. “You Shall Not Pass” – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
While originally attributed to Gandalf, this phrase is very popular among meme users. The phrase from the 2001 film skyrocketed in popularity, with a myriad of memes developing.
The original book quote said, “You cannot pass.” However, in attempts to create a more booming effect, it was changed to “you shall not pass” in the screen adaptation. This small change resulted in the most iconic line in the Lord of the Rings series.
It continues to be quoted frequently today in the same booming voice that made it so iconic, or in relatable memes.
2. “May the Force Be With You” – Star Wars
Even if you’ve never seen any of the Star Wars films, you have likely heard this famous quote. Repeated throughout the series, it has become the most popular and recognizable phrase in the movies.
In fact, it is so iconic that it was the inspiration for May 4th being dubbed as Star Wars Day. On this day, fans greet each other with the clever play on words, “May the 4th be with you!”
1. “My Precious” – The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
In this film, Gollum is famously known for saying “my precious” to the One Ring. Though it is only one moment in the film, this phrase has famously become a catchphrase for Gollum.
This phrase has made appearances in other pieces of pop culture, such as Alvin and the Chipmunk: Chipwrecked. While fighting over a mango on a deserted island, Eleanor grabs it and says the famous line, “my precious,” in a grovely, Gollum-like voice.
The line is often used to reference the famous movie or as a way to joke with friends.