Let’s be honest—some movie and TV quotes just exist rent-free in our brains. They creep into everyday conversation, get meme-ified, and even occasionally become life mantras. These quotes aren’t just memorable—they’re a part of the fabric of our culture. They make us laugh, inspire us, or bring us up short, and they have staying power because of it. So here’s counting down (because suspense is fun) the 15 most iconic movie and TV quotes that still influence pop culture—and perhaps even how we perceive the world.
15. “You drown not by falling in the river but by staying submerged in it.” — Extraction (via Paulo Coelho)
This isn’t an action movie tagline—it’s a life tip. Quoted in Extraction but originally by Paulo Coelho, it’s a reminder that failure is not what drowns you—it’s remaining there. As Lo Myrick reminds us, it’s all about the strength of perseverance.
14. “A day is long as hell. I am abundant. I am a gift.” — Collateral Beauty
Time talks in Collateral Beauty, literally. And this line? It’s a poetic reminder to never take your time for granted. Every day counts, even the ones that seem to be dragging on and on.
13. “If you focus on what you left behind, then how can you see what lies ahead?” — Ratatouille
Chef Gusteau lets this piece of advice fall in a movie about cooking rats—but the application is everywhere. Whether you’re pursuing a goal or recovering from something, this line is a call to keep your eyes on the horizon.
12. “If you wanna change things in a big way, then you’re gonna have to make some big changes.” — Creed II
Rocky doesn’t mince words. Different outcome requires you not to keep repeating the same thing. It’s honest, direct, and the type of advice that hits you when you need it most.
11. “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” — Rocky Balboa
Arguably the most quotable from the Rocky series, this one’s become the default for anyone fighting through the darkest of times. Resilience, toughness, and perseverance—that’s what this line is about.
10. “Come at the King, You Best Not Miss.” — The Wire
Omar Little’s signature caution isn’t TV only—it’s become real-life slang for going up against anyone in authority. HBO Watch points out how the line has left its origins far behind to become a full-fledged mantra.
9. “The Game is the Game.” — The Wire
A simple phrase with heavy meaning. Whether you’re talking about the streets, politics, or office dynamics, this line is a cold truth: systems are hard to beat, and some things just never change.
8. “May the Force be with you.” — Star Wars
More than a catchphrase, it’s become a symbol of hope, strength, and solidarity. Whether you’re headed into a big test or just want to wish someone luck, this line transcends its sci-fi roots.
7. “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — The Empire Strikes Back
Yoda didn’t play around. This is a quote that’s motivated millions of people to stop procrastinating and make the leap. Jean Rhodes points out how it represents the more profound mentorship in the line—it’s about believing and doing.
6. “With great power comes great responsibility.” — Spider-Man
Uncle Ben’s famous words aren’t exclusive to superheroes. They’re a code of ethics that’s been taken on by everyone from leaders to influencers. With power comes responsibility, as simple as that.
5. “May the odds be ever in your favor.” — The Hunger Games
What was once a menacing farewell in a survival game set in a dystopian future is now a somewhat snarky good luck greeting. Through interviews, painful group assignments, and countless other clichéd situations, this one’s developed an entirely new existence in the realm of pop culture.
4. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” — Casablanca
Smooth, ageless, and perpetually quoted. Bogart’s timeless line is the benchmark for vintage Hollywood glamour. It’s romance in six immortal words.
3. “I’ll be back.” — The Terminator
A mechanical promise evolved into a global comeback catchphrase. If you’re going out on an errand or ending a conversation, this phrase gets the job done with iconic swagger.
2. “Houston, we have a problem.” — Apollo 13
A sentence coined from the actual space crisis, now uttered whenever anything goes wrong. It’s the calm-before-the-storm equivalent of saying “Uh-oh,” and it applies to just about any circumstance.
1. “I am your father.” — The Empire Strikes Back
Darth Vader’s revelation is perhaps the most iconic plot twist in film history. Even if you’ve never watched Star Wars, you’ve likely heard this line. It’s been meme’d, parodied, and quoted ad infinitum—and it still resonates.
They’re not mere lines—these are cultural abridgments. They appear in memes, TikToks, graduation addresses, and conversations over coffee. Some propel us forward, others get us laughing, and some slap us in the face. But they all lingered for a purpose. So the next time you toss out a Yoda one-liner or tap into your inner Rocky, just remember—you’re part of a very long tradition of fans keeping these phrases alive. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.