20 Best Quotes From 1980s Movies

Summary

• The 1980s produced memorable movie quotes that have endured for over 40 years, showcasing the decade’s lasting influence on media.
• Memorable lines from popular movies like
  Say Anything
  ,
  Who Framed Roger Rabbit
  , and
  Dirty Dancing
  have become cultural catchphrases.
• These iconic quotes reflect relatable emotions, critique societal norms, and showcase the power of standout writing and delivery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.