Greatest Classic Movie Quotes of All Time

We have all heard and read movie quotes here and there which have affected us in some way or another. We have tried to find and even make situations so that we could just say that particular quote verbatim. We try to remember and mimic them so that we could share the same feeling that the actor in the character of the movie felt. Every movie quote becomes a cinematic incantation because the actor's delivery and the movie's plot gave impetus to it.
In this article, I am going to mention some of my favorite quotes taken from "AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes" (American Film Institute - AFI) and what I felt as the significance behind them. I will be mentioning some elements of the plot as well, so proceed at your own risk. But they won’t be any major spoilers.

1.     Quote: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."          

Movie: "Gone with the Wind (1939)"

AFI Rank: 1

This famous line was said by Clark Gable in his portrayal of Rhett Butler to Vivien Leigh's character Scarlett O'Hara almost at the end of the movie. Gone with the Wind is an American epic historical romance film based on the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era. If adjusted for inflation, then it is still the highest grossing film in film history. What makes this line a memorable quote is Rhett's struggle in the movie for Scarlett's love and how he got disappointed at every turn. When he finally prepares to leave for good, she tells him how much she loves him and he says these words to her. You can feel the joy and sadness for both the characters concurrently. To understand the gravity of his words, one must see the movie.

2.     Quote: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” 

Movie: "The Godfather (1972)"

AFI Rank: 2

This memorable quote was spoken by Marlon Brando in his iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone to his godson Johnny Fontane played by Al Martino. The Godfather is an American crime film based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. It is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made in the gangster genre. This quote comes almost at the beginning of the movie and it shows the power and charisma of Brando’s character in the film. His role as The Godfather to Fontane is exhorted by this line and coerces the spectator to realize the command of Vito Corleone in the film as the Don of New York. The acting and direction of the movie is brilliant and is a must watch for any movie aficionado.

      3.     Quote: “You talking to me?”     

Movie: "Taxi Driver (1976)"

AFI Rank: 10

This was spoken by Robert De Niro in his portrayal of Travis Bickle while practicing drawing a gun in front of the mirror. Taxi Driver is a masterpiece of directing legend Martin Scorsese set in New York City after the end of the Vietnam War. This line is said multiple times by Travis, who turns a vigilante after being disgusted by crime and prostitution that he witnesses throughout the city. His character is an honorably discharged U.S. Marine who becomes a taxi driver to cope with his insomnia. This dialogue gives the viewer insight into the mind of Travis, a person who is not highly educated, a war veteran and doesn’t understand the propriety of social beings. You can fathom the workings of a mind whose thoughts are devolving into chaos and violence. You can’t be an idolater of Scorsese or De Niro if you haven’t experienced this film.

4.     Quote: “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”           

Movie: "The Silence of the Lambs (1991)"

AFI Rank: 21

This eerie line was spoken by great Anthony Hopkins in his portrayal of a psychotic cannibalistic serial killer psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter to Clarice Starling played by Jodie Foster. The Silence of the Lambs is an American thriller directed by Jonathan Demme based on the Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name. The novel was the second to feature Hannibal Lecter in the series. This film won Academy Awards in all the top five categories. This dialogue depicts the brilliance of the psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter in the manipulation of Starling’s mind. Simultaneously, it brings a horror mien to the movie giving a shudder and thrilling sensation to the watcher. One of the key points which I noticed was the close up head shots of Hopkins throughout the movie through which Demme showed the audaciousness of Lecter.

5.     Quote: “You can’t handle the truth!”    

Movie: "A Few Good Men (1992)"

AFI Rank: 29

This was spoken by magnificent Jack Nicholson in his portrayal of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup to Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee played by Tom Cruise. A Few Good Men is an American courtroom drama film directed by Rob Reiner adapted from the play of the same name. It is one of the best courtroom drama films I have ever seen. Each scene in this film is a chef-d'oeuvre especially the last half an hour of the movie. The dialogue delivery of Jack Nicholson has always been peculiar, the way he acts and speaks is dynamic. This dialogue reflects the antithetic veneer of moral wisdom and leaves you to think about virtues of life and honor. This movie is a must watch for any cinema lover and fans of Nicholson.

You can see all the quotes by going through this link: 

AFI'S 100 GREATEST MOVIE QUOTES OF ALL TIME


Do let me know any of your favorite quotes not mentioned by AFI in the comments below...