Mr. Write's Page

Now and then, a list surfaces of the “greatest movie quotes of all time,” in the subjective opinion of some person or group.

The American Film Institute once asked 1,500-odd people in the movie business to nominate their favorite movie quotes — dialogue that made a film memorable, clicked with popular culture, and became a part of the national lexicon.

On the AFI list, the same familiar quotes are in the top 10. Namely, these:

• “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Gone with the Wind, 1939.

• “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The Godfather, 1972.

• “You don’t understand! I could’ve had class. I could’ve been a contender. I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.” On the Waterfront, 1954.

• “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz, 1939.

• “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Casablanca, 1942.

• “May The Force be with you.” Star Wars, 1977.

• “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke, 1967.

• “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” Apocalypse Now, 1979.

• “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Love Story, 1970.

• “E.T. phone home.” E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982.

The concept is fine. Movie quotes are entertaining and fun. But ranking them? Why make it a competition? I say lighten up. Celebrate and enjoy them for their individual merits.

In that spirit, here are more standout movie quotes, in my subjective opinion, presented randomly and unranked.

———

• “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” Casablanca, 1942.

• “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room!” Dr. Strangelove, 1964.

• “I’ll have what she’s having.” When Harry Met Sally, 1989.

• “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” A Streetcar Named Desire, 1951.

• “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.” Babe, 1995.

• “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” The Princess Bride, 1987.

• “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” Airplane, 1980.

• “I see dead people.” The Sixth Sense, 1999.

• “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!” The Wizard of Oz, 1939.

• “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” The Wizard of Oz, 1939.

• “I feel the need — the need for speed!” Top Gun, 1986.

• “Round up the usual suspects!” Casablanca, 1942.

• “Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” Planet of the Apes, 1968.

• “Hey! I’m walkin’ here!” Midnight Cowboy, 1969.

• “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” Sunset Boulevard, 1950.

• “Show me the money!” Jerry Maguire, 1996.

• “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” Chinatown, 1974.

• “You can’t handle the truth!” A Few Good Men, 1992.

• “Is it safe?” Marathon Man, 1976.

• “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.” To Have and Have Not, 1944.

• “Listen to them, the children of the night! What music they make!” Dracula, 1931.

• “Say hello to my little friend!” Scarface, 1983.

• “Go ahead, make my day.” Sudden Impact, 1983.

• “I’ll be back.” The Terminator, 1984.

• “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” Star Wars, 1977.

• “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” The Godfather, 1972.