When a movie quote is memorable and connects with audiences, it can change the entire course of the plot and leave an impression on viewers. There are plenty of movies with bad reputations that are actually good. However, while the quality of a film relies on many different moving parts, it’s easy to immediately identify a good quote. When a quote makes the maximum impact, it’s moving, philosophical, and well-crafted. These lines are elevated even more by their delivery, as plenty of great actors grace the screen of films that are received well by critics and audiences.
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Qualifying a movie as “bad” is subjective, as just because a movie isn’t of the highest quality or critically acclaimed doesn’t mean it can’t be fun to watch or enjoyable in a campy sense. Finding hidden gems within the dialogue of poorly reviewed films is like watching a project that wastes a great ensemble cast on a bad movie. The individual quotes and actors make up for some of the pitfalls and often stick out in the audience’s memory because they came as a shock. This is why amazing quotes are easy to recall, even in middling movies.
10 “Do You Think God Lives In Heaven Because He, Too, Lives In Fear Of What He Created?”
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002)
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams PGActionAdventureComedy
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams is an action-adventure comedy film written and directed by Robert Rodriguez and is the sequel to the 2001 Spy Kids. The first members of the official OSS Spy Kids Division, Carmen and Juni Cortez, must head to a mysterious island to retrieve a strange device. However, a run-in with a rival group of spy siblings and a dangerous scientist forces them to unite with their parents to survive and complete their mission.
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*Availability in US Director Robert Rodriguez Release Date August 7, 2002 Studio(s) Troublemaker Studios Writers Robert Rodriguez Cast Antonio Banderas , Carla Gugino , Alexa Vega , Daryl Sabara , Mike Judge , Ricardo Montalban , Holland Taylor , Christopher McDonald , Cheech Marin , Steve Buscemi Runtime 100 Minutes Franchise(s) Spy Kids Expand
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The Spy Kids movies are beloved cult classics for generations of audiences. However, there’s no question that the premises can lean into outlandish territory and that they’re meant to be fun rather than meaningful. However, there’s a shocking moment in Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams when a deep philosophical question is posed. This line is delivered by Steve Buscemi, who plays Romero, a scientist who is the creator of a technology used for evil in the film.
Hearing this quote in any movie would make the viewer think, but incorporating it into a children’s fantasy spy narrative is even more unexpected.
Hearing this quote in any movie would make the viewer think, but incorporating it into a children’s fantasy spy narrative is even more unexpected. However, it’s a great example of how films for younger audiences sneak meaningful themes and messages into the story to teach the audience a lesson. Additionally, this line might have been put in to capture the attention of older viewers who weren’t prepared to be moved by the project.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002) |
75% |
39% |
9 “Even In Death, There Is No Command But Mine.”
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
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5.3/10 transformers: revenge of the fallen pg-13Action Sci-FiAdventureThriller
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is the second film in the Transformers franchise. It follows Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) as he continues to help the Autobots in their ongoing war against the evil Decepticons. Sam learns of an ancient Decepticon known as the Fallen, who plans to eradicate all human life using an energon source from the planet Cybertron.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Bay Release Date June 24, 2009 Studio(s) Di Bonaventura Pictures Writers Michael Bay , Shia LaBeouf Cast Isabel Lucas , Shia LaBeouf , Megan Fox , Ramon Rodriguez , Josh Duhamel , John Turturro , Peter Cullen , Hugo Weaving , Tony Todd , Mark Ryan Runtime 150 Minutes Franchise(s) Transformers Expand
The Transformers movies have a complicated legacy, as they’re thrilling additions to the action genre, but the early films have faced criticism. These comments primarily have to do with the depiction of women and war, but the more recent installments of Transformers have successfully evolved. However, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is an especially low-rated part of the franchise, as it didn’t capture the intrigue of the 2007 movie and treads no new territory in terms of story.
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Megatron, voiced by Hugo Weaving, is the primary antagonist in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and he speaks this chilling quote to his second-in-command, Starscream (Charlie Adler). In the wake of Starscream trying to undermine him and leave him for dead, Megatron makes his authority clear and exposes how much he craves power and wants to be in charge. Though Megatron is ultimately defeated, this moment is terrifying and expertly establishes the stakes and Megatron’s motivations as a character.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) |
19% |
57% |
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8 “I Am The Gatekeeper To My Own Destiny And I Will Have My Glory Day In The Hot Sun.”
Nacho Libre (2006)
Nacho Libre PGComedySports
Nacho Libre is a comedy film directed by Jared Hess that was released in 2006. Jack Black stars as Friar by day and Luuchador by night. Ignacio is a kind-hearted dreamer who wrestles at night to pay the bills at the orphanage he works at.
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*Availability in US Director Jared Hess Release Date June 16, 2006 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures , Nickelodeon Movies Writers Jared Hess , Jerusha Hess , Mike White Cast Jack Black , Peter Stormare , Ana de la Reguera , Hector Jimenez , Silver King , Carla Jimenez Runtime 92 Minutes Expand
Mike White, known for sharply written projects like The White Lotus and School of Rock helped pen Nacho Libre, a comedy movie starring Jack Black that isn’t afraid to get silly. The film follows Ignacio (Black), a priest who has a double life as a luchador, leading to plenty of hijinks and mistaken identities. Filled with slapstick comedy and at-times offensive humor, Nacho Libre doesn’t live up to the other works from the filmmakers behind the project.
Ignacio can be a sympathetic character, and his drive to achieve his dreams is one of the most compelling parts of the story.
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However, Ignacio can be a sympathetic character, and his drive to achieve his dreams is one of the most compelling parts of the story. This comes through in lines like this, which inspire watchers to take control of their own lives and destinies. While not every audience member might want to be a professional wrestler, there’s still plenty to relate to about Ignacio and his enduring ability to stay positive and know that he’ll be recognized for his true self.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Nacho Libre (2006) |
39% |
55% |
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7 “Fate. There is Fate. But It Only Takes You So Far, Because Once You’re There, It’s Up To You To Make It Happen.”
Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
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6/10 Can’t Hardly Wait PG-13ComedyRomance
School is finally over, and a diverse group of graduating seniors—from athletes and popular students to the academically inclined—converges at a rich classmate’s house for a celebration. At the party, artistic Preston (Ethan Embry) aims to confess his long-held feelings to Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), the school’s most admired beauty. Meanwhile, geeky William (Charlie Korsmo) plots revenge against jock Mike (Peter Facinelli) for years of torment. In another twist, aspiring rapper Kenny (Seth Green) finds himself accidentally trapped in a room with the sarcastic Denise (Lauren Ambrose).
Director Deborah Kaplan , Harry Elfont Release Date June 12, 1998 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures , Tall Trees Productions Writers Deborah Kaplan , Harry Elfont Cast Ethan Embry , Charlie Korsmo , Lauren Ambrose , Peter Facinelli , Seth Green , Jennifer Love Hewitt Runtime 101 Minutes Expand
Of all the teen coming-of-age rom-coms from the 1990s, Can’t Hardly Wait is often overlooked and hasn’t aged as well as some of the more iconic films. However, there’s still plenty to recommend about Can’t Hardly Wait, as it features a stellar ensemble cast with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green, and Lauren Ambrose. The movie centers on one night at a high school graduation party, following several misguided teens as they try to make their mark and create their ideal high school experience.
Related 10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching 1990s Rom-Coms
1990s rom-coms are always great for a movie night in, but when rewatching all these years later, a few problems make them less fun than we remember.
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Of course, this is no easy task, and many of the characters aren’t always the most kind to each other of themselves. However, the movie has something to say about what should be left up to chance and what a person must achieve for themselves. This kernel of wisdom is delivered by a woman dressed as an angel that the protagonist runs into when he’s about to give up on the girl of his dreams. Through the quote, he’s convinced to keep trying and find out if he can make things work without the help of destiny.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Can’t Hardly Wait (1998) |
42% |
63% |
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6 “No Measure Of Time With You Will Be Long Enough, But Let’s Start With Forever.”
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
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6.8/10 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 PG-13DramaFantasyRomance
The fourth film in the Twilight film franchise, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, sets up the finale for the adaptation of the popular book series. Following the wedding of Edward and Bella, the two are soon with child, but its unnatural rate of growth begins to threaten Bella’s life, as well as strike fear into the hearts of the wolves. However, a greater threat marches ever closer for the residents of Forks.
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*Availability in US Director Bill Condon Release Date November 18, 2011 Studio(s) Temple Hill Entertainment , Sunswept Entertainment Writers Melissa Rosenberg Cast Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson , Taylor Lautner , Billy Burke , Peter Facinelli , Elizabeth Reaser , Kellan Lutz , Nikki Reed , Jackson Rathbone , Ashley Greene Runtime 117 Minutes Franchise(s) The Twilight Saga Expand
Fans of the Twilight franchise know that even though the central relationship between Bella and Edward isn’t always aspirational, it’s consistently romantic. The wedding between Bella and Edward, played by Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in the movies, was one of the most highly anticipated moments in the series, and the scene delivered. Edward proclaims his love for Bella many times throughout the works, but this is one of the best lines.
This ineffable bond and star-crossed love between the pair is the driving force behind the entire series, making it vital that the depth of their affection is convincing.
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Breaking Dawn – Part 1 features one of Twilight‘s best quotes about love when Edward tells Bella that even being together forever wouldn’t be enough time. This ineffable bond and star-crossed love between the pair is the driving force behind the entire series, making it vital that the depth of their affection is convincing. It’s quotes like this that show how much Edward cares and why Bella would be so quick to change into a vampire to be with him forever.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011) |
26% |
60% |
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5 “Inside Each And Every One Of Us Is Our One, True Authentic Swing. Something We Was Born With. Something That’s Ours And Ours Alone.”
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
The Legend of Bagger Vance PG-13DramaFantasySport
The Legend of Bagger Vance is a sports drama directed by Robert Redford. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the film stars Matt Damon as disillusioned golfer Rannulph Junuh, who finds an unlikely mentor in the enigmatic caddy Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Charlize Theron co-stars as Junuh’s former love interest. The story revolves around a high-stakes golf tournament that becomes a path to redemption for the troubled protagonist.
Director Robert Redford Release Date November 3, 2000 Writers Steven Pressfield , Jeremy Leven Cast Will Smith , Matt Damon , Charlize Theron , Bruce McGill , Joel Gretsch , J. Michael Moncrief , Peter Gerety , Lane Smith Runtime 126 Minutes
Despite its strong cast and good intentions, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a notoriously terrible movie, largely because of its racial stereotyping. Charlize Theron, Matt Damon, and Will Smith lead the cast, with Smith playing the titular character who helps coach Damon’s Rannulph Junuh through a game of golf. It’s heavily implied that Bagger Vance is a mystical god-like figure who comes to help Junuh through his trauma from fighting in World War I through the game, and this is where the swing comes in.
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Most sports movies use a metaphor similar to this quote in The Legend of Bagger Vance, as the perfect swing that Vance is trying to get Junuh to tap into is his higher self. This deeper ability and plane of existence that Vance envisions for Junuh takes the golfer a long time to find and is a recurring motif throughout the plot. However, it’s only made important through the way Vance talks about it and convinces Junuh how critical it is.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) |
43% |
65% |
4 “We Seem To Have Reached The Age Where Life Stops Givings Us Things And Starts Taking Them Away.”
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
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7/10 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull pg-13AdventureAction
The fourth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull sees the return of the legendary hero 19 years after his last outing. In the film, Indy finds himself in a race against KGB operatives to locate a mysterious crystal skull, aided by his former lover Marion Ravenwood and their erstwhile son, Mutt Williams. Along with Harrison Ford, Karen Allen reprises her role as Marion, with Shia LaBeouf joining the cast as Mutt.
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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date May 22, 2008 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Writers David Koepp , George Lucas , Jeff Nathanson Cast Harrison Ford , Shia LaBeouf , Cate Blanchett , Karen Allen , Ray Winstone , John Hurt , Jim Broadbent Runtime 122 Minutes Franchise(s) Indiana Jones Expand
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While Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is full of plenty of engaging scenes, it’s one of the less successful additions to the franchise in terms of execution. Though the stories in Indiana Jones movies have always bordered on the fantastical, Crystal Skull goes all in with the existence of aliens, which was shocking for some viewers. However, the movie also gets to reflect on Indiana (Harrison Ford) as he ages and the impact of his legacy.
While this quote isn’t a revolutionary take on growing old and loss, it’s still a poignant moment in a more traditional action-adventure movie.
This isn’t an Indiana Jones quote that’s aged poorly, but one of the best of the franchise, as it focuses on how much the characters and narrative have changed since The Last Crusade. While this quote isn’t a revolutionary take on growing old and loss, it’s still a poignant moment in a more traditional action-adventure movie. It also touches upon how Indiana sacrificed so much to be an archeologist. The decision to make Crystal Skull seemed a little gimmicky, but lines like this show that it has depth.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) |
77% |
53% |
3 “Tell Me About The Loneliness Of Good, He-Man. Is It Equal To The Loneliness Of Evil?”
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Masters of the Universe (1987) PGActionAdventureFantasy
Masters of the Universe is the first live-action movie based on Mattel’s iconic 5.5-inch action figure line. The movie was released in 1987 and starred Dolph Lundgren. Despite the toys and animated series still being very popular in the late ’80s, the live-action film received largely negative reviews and was a disappointment at the box office for The Cannon Group, Inc.
Director Gary Goddard Release Date August 7, 1987 Studio(s) The Cannon Group, Inc. Writers David Odell Cast Dolph Lundgren , Frank Langella , Courteney Cox , James Tolkan , Christina Pickles , Meg Foster , Robert Duncan McNeill Runtime 106 Minutes Expand
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The live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe was not the smash-hit start of a franchise that producers and audiences hoped it would be. However, its campy sensibilities and nostalgia for 1980s action movies have ensured that it hasn’t faded completely into obscurity. Dolph Lundgren stars as He-Man, the iconic hero. Though Lundgren certainly looks the part of He-Man, his performance was critically panned, as was the pacing and special effects featured throughout the film. Despite this, Skeletor, the antagonist, is a highlight.
Part of the reason this line hits so well in Masters of the Universe is because Frank Langella plays Skeletor and manages to bring nuance and complexity to a typically one-dimensional villain. Since the battle between He-Man and Skeletor is so obviously one-sided, it can grow tiresome to see He-Man continuously beat back his foe with no deeper exploration of their battle. However, Masters of the Universe provides a truly iconic quote that makes the audience empathize with Skeletor, if only for a moment.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Masters of the Universe (1987) |
21% |
41% |
2 “So This Is How Liberty Dies… With Thunderous Applause.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
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22 9.1/10 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith PG-13ActionAdventure Sci-FiFantasy
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is the sixth film in the Star Wars franchise and chronologically the third in the Skywalker Saga. Set three years after the events of Attack of the Clones, Anakin Skywalker is tasked with keeping an eye on Chancellor Palpatine while other Jedi battle across the galaxy. In the background, however, a mysterious Sith lord begins to make their move to destroy the Jedi once and for all.
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*Availability in US Director George Lucas Release Date May 19, 2005 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Writers George Lucas , John Ostrander , Jan Duursema Cast Ewan McGregor , Natalie Portman , Hayden Christensen , Ian McDiarmid , Samuel L. Jackson , Christopher Lee , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , Frank Oz , Ahmed Best , Temuera Morrison Runtime 140 Minutes Franchise(s) Star Wars Expand
Thankfully, the recent critical reevaluation of Revenge of the Sith has proved that the movie was underrated when it was first released and that it’s a pretty good movie. However, for many years, all the Star Wars prequels were considered terrible, and some of the dialogue throughout the trilogy was especially panned. While Revenge of the Sith does have some stilted moments, it’s also one of the most serious movies in the franchise, and many lines reflect this.
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Related 10 Prequel Movies That Are Seriously Underrated
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As Anakin (Hayden Christensen) succumbs to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader, the Jedi and Padmé (Natalie Portman) fight to uphold the universe’s right to freedom, even though Palpatine is corrupting the Republic from the inside. Portman’s delivery of the line is just as strong as the line itself, as the viewer can see the devastation and disappointment inside her as she watches the world she fought for crumble. It’s a dark part of the Star Wars canon but is vital to understanding its narrative push for liberty and equality.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) |
80% |
66% |
1 “For Every Person Who Dreams Up The Electric Light Bulb, There’s One Who Dreams Up The Atom Bomb.”
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005)
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl PGAdventureActionComedy
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl follows Max, a young boy with a vivid imagination, who discovers his imaginary heroes, Sharkboy and Lavagirl, are real. Together, they embark on an adventure, revealing Max’s potential to become extraordinary, despite his ordinary beginnings.
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*Availability in US Director Robert Rodriguez Release Date June 10, 2005 Writers Marcel Rodriguez Cast Cayden Boyd , George Lopez , Kristin Davis , David Arquette Character(s) Lavagirl , Sharkboy , Max , Max’s Dad , Max’s Mom , Linus / Minus , Marissa / Ice Princess , Mr. Electricidad / Tobor / Ice Guardian , Sharkboy’s Dad , Classroom Kid #1 , Classroom Kid #2 , Classroom Kid #3 , Sharkboy, Age 7 , Sharkboy, Age 5 , Lug , Shark (voice) (uncredited) , Principal (uncredited) , Teacher (uncredited) , Classroom Kid (uncredited) Runtime 92 minutes Expand
There are a decent number of inquisitive and thoughtful quotes throughout the children’s fantasy film The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. Primarily taking place inside the dreams of the protagonist, Max (Cayden Boyd), Sharkboy and Lavagirl is an epic quest for Max to accept who he is and come to terms with the parts of life he can’t control. The dream world is an escape for Max, who feels out of place and frustrated with his life.
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This quote is a reminder that all innovation and invention come with a price, and not everyone who creates things is doing so for selfless purposes. Mr. Electric (George Lopez) is the one who says this to Max, which makes sense as he’s Max’s teacher outside of the dream world and tries to help Max see the bigger picture and connect to reality. Though The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl don’t make too many ambitious points about life and humanity, this is a particularly compelling moment.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005) |
20% |
33% |