Ever confidently quoted a movie only to be reminded that, in fact. Correction? Don’t worry, you’re amongst friends. Many of the most famous lines in movie history are also the most badly misquoted, thanks to pop culture, parodies, and repetition down the years. Here are ten of the worst offenders, from slightly inaccurate to completely made-up.
10. Titanic – “I’m king of the world!”
We’ve all shouted this one at least once, but Leo’s Jack Dawson actually declares: “I’m the king of the world!” That tiny “the” might seem minor, but James Cameron himself even repeated it during his Oscar acceptance speech.
9. Forrest Gump – “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
The most oft-repeated line omits the most important detail. Forrest isn’t talking in general—Forrest is quoting his mom. The actual quote is: “My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Hat you’re gonna get.”
8. The Silence of the Lambs – “Hello, Clarice.”
Creepy? Yes. True? Absolutely not. Hannibal Lecter never utters these words to Clarice in the original movie. His actual first words to her are: “Good morning.” The misquote is likely from the sequel Hannibal, where the misquote actually takes place.
7. Field of Dreams – “If you build it, they will come.”
This was a common phrase on motivational posters throughout the world, but it’s not quite correct. The whisper speaks thus: “If you build it, he will come.” The “he” is speaking of the main character’s father, not a whole team of ballplayers.
6. Star Trek – “Beam me up, Scotty.”
Quite possibly the best Star Trek line ever—and it was never uttered. Captain Kirk most closely approximates with: “Scotty, beam me up,” in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
5. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!”
The abridged one that you’ve heard a thousand times is actually a parody. The original quote in the 1948 film is: “Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need any badges! I don’t have to show you any stinkin’ badges!” The abridged one took on a life of its own in comedies such as Blazing Saddles.
4. The Wizard of Oz – “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”
Dorothy never actually says it quite like that. The true line is: “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” It’s a subtle difference, but one that’s been rewritten by decades of pop culture references.
3. Jaws – “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
When Chief Brody lays eyes on the shark, what he really says is: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” The shift from “you” to “we” makes it more collective, but the original line is aimed at his crewmates.
2. Casablanca – “Play it again, Sam.”
This is another of those that are better known in their incorrect form than in the correct one. What Ilsa really says to Sam is: “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.'” The misquote became so well-known that Woody Allen even produced a play and movie under its title.
1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – “Luke, I am your father.”
Most grossly misquoted misquote. When the classic surprise happens, Darth Vader never speaks the name of his son. The quote really is: “No, I am your father.” It’s the ultimate case of the Mandela Effect—where everyone collectively remembers something ever so slightly different.
So the next time you’re about to spew out a line you’ve heard somebody else say, think twice—Hollywood did not always talk like you are talking. But hey, if everyone else is doing it too, then you’re in good company.