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 ion, 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 ions 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 ing 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.

The dialogue itself is not especially memorable, but like many of the quotes in Scarface, it is elevated by Pacino's electrifying performance.

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.