Sometimes, a “line” from a film becomes very popular and then everyone starts saying it. Here are ten famous film and movie quotes that have become “catchphrases” – phrases that you hear a lot in conversations.
The quotes are from both classic (old) and newer films.
Famous Movie Quotes
Play it again, Sam. (Casablanca, 1942)
In fact, this is a “misquotation” as the character played by Ingrid Bergman says “Play it Sam” to the pianist. But we love the “Play it again, Sam” idea!
Bond. James Bond. (Dr No, 1962)
James Bond introduces himself in this way – and it has become a very popular (and humorous) way to introduce yourself ever since.
A martini. Shaken, not stirred. (Dr No, 1962)
Another very famous line from the same film. If you ever ask a British person for a martini (drink), they might reply asking you if you’d like it shaken or stirred!
Hasta la vista, baby (Terminator 2, 1991)
As Spanish speakers know, “hasta la vista” means “See you later”. Arnold Schwarzenegger is taught how to say “Hasta la vista, baby” – a funnier adaptation.
I’ll be back (Terminator)
Another famous catchphrase from Arnold Schwarzenegger, which combines both a promise and a threat!
Go ahead. Make my day (Sudden Impact, 1983)
This is spoken by the Dirty Harry character (played by Clint Eastwood) as a challenge to the “bad guy” in the film. You can hear it anytime someone wants to challenge another person so that they can take revenge (“make my day”.)
Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn (Gone With The Wind, 1939)
The character Rhett Butler says this to Scarlett O’Hara after trying to win her love for years. It’s a fantastic way to say that you don’t care any more.
May the force be with you (Star Wars, 1977)
You might hear this any time somebody is about to do something difficult.
Houston, we have a problem (Apollo 13, 1995)
This is another misquotation, but people say this when they encounter an unforeseen problem.
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to work I go (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, 1937)
This is the song that the seven dwarves sing when they go off to work. You can also hear it as “heigh ho” – which is something people say to mean “Oh well…”
Cultural references are very common in English – like in all languages! But sometimes it isn’t easy to understand the sentence if you don’t know where it comes from. That’s why it helps to have a native English teacher to explain! When you join the English Fluency Club you have direct access to me and lots of opportunities to practise your English.
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