They're So Great, We Still Quote Them Today
The 2000s were an incredible decade for film. From epic fantasy adventures to laugh-out-loud comedies and heart-wrenching dramas, the movies of this time gave us lines so sharp, funny, or powerful that they became part of everyday language. Let’s look back at some of the most quoted movie lines from the 2000s, many of which have stuck with us today.
“Are you not entertained?!” — Gladiator (2000)
Russell Crowe’s Maximus bellows this line after slaying opponents in the Colosseum, calling out to the cheering crowd. It perfectly captures the film’s theme of bloodlust as spectacle, as well as Maximus’ defiance of Rome.
DreamWorks Pictures, Gladiator (2000)
“Why so serious?” — The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger’s Joker asks this chilling question before a horrifying act of violence. The line embodies the character’s chaotic philosophy and has been repeated endlessly, both in jest and in tribute to Ledger’s Oscar-winning, unforgettable performance.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Dark Knight (2008)
“With great power comes great responsibility” — Spider-Man (2002)
Uncle Ben’s advice to Peter Parker is more than a line—it’s a superhero creed. It’s been repeated in comics, films, and pop culture countless times. To this day, it’s the moral foundation for nearly every Spider-Man story told.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Spider-Man (2002)
“Vote for Pedro” — Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
This quirky slogan from Pedro’s school campaign became a phenomenon, appearing on t-shirts, posters, and memes. It’s proof that indie comedies can leave a huge cultural footprint, and for a time, it was one of the most recognizable phrases in pop culture.
Fox Searchlight Pictures, Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
“I live my life a quarter mile at a time” — The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Dominic Toretto’s defining philosophy, spoken by Vin Diesel, encapsulates the heart of the Fast & Furious franchise. It’s about living in the moment, prioritizing loyalty, and embracing speed.
Universal Pictures, The Fast and the Furious (2001)
“Just keep swimming” — Finding Nemo (2003)
Dory’s cheerful catchphrase is more than comic relief—it’s an uplifting life lesson. Simple and optimistic, it became a slogan for perseverance and hope, and its positivity is so universal that it’s often referenced during motivational speeches, therapy sessions, and even sports pep talks.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Finding Nemo (2003)
“My precious” — The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Andy Serkis’ unforgettable Gollum voice turned these two words into a worldwide phenomenon. Whispered, mimicked, and memed, “my precious” represents obsession in its most chilling form.
New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
“Gretchen, stop trying to make fetch happen” — Mean Girls (2004)
Regina George (Rachel McAdams) cuts down Gretchen Wieners’ attempt at slang with this perfectly savage line. “Fetch” never happened, but this quote sure did—becoming a classic way to dismiss failed trends. It’s one of those moments that helped Mean Girls become the endlessly quotable teen comedy of its time.
Paramount Pictures, Mean Girls (2004)
“Boo, you wh-re” — Mean Girls (2004)
Another unforgettable one-liner from the same movie, this insult delivered during a three-way call became an instant classic. Fans still shout it playfully with friends.
Paramount Pictures, Mean Girls (2004)
“This is Sparta!” — 300 (2007)
Gerard Butler’s King Leonidas roars this line before kicking a Persian messenger into a pit. The over-the-top delivery and stylized action turned it into both a meme factory and motivational cry.
Warner Bros. Pictures, 300 (2007)
“Sixty percent of the time, it works every time” — Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Paul Rudd’s Brian Fantana proudly pitches his cologne “Sex Panther” with this absurd line. The nonsensical math turned into a catchphrase that perfectly encapsulates Anchorman’s surreal brand of comedy.
DreamWorks Pictures, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
“I wish I knew how to quit you” — Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack Twist delivers this heart-wrenching line to Heath Ledger’s Ennis in a moment of unbearable emotion. It became symbolic of forbidden love, longing, and the tragedy of the story. The line has since been referenced in countless parodies, but it still resonates as a powerful moment in cinema.
Focus Features, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
“I have had it with these motherf---ing snakes on this motherf---ing plane!” — Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Samuel L Jackson demanded this line be written into the script, and thank goodness he did. It’s ridiculous, cathartic, and the one thing everyone remembers about the film.
New Line Cinema, Snakes on a Plane (2006)
“If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don’t have any money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills” — Taken (2008)
Liam Neeson’s threatening phone monologue became one of the most memed, parodied, and imitated speeches in film history. It helped rebrand him as an action star and remains endlessly quotable.
20th Century Fox, Taken (2008)
“Release the Kraken!” — Clash of the Titans (2010)
Shouted by Liam Neeson as Zeus, this thunderous line became bigger than the film itself. Though the movie wasn’t critically beloved, this single phrase turned into a pop-culture rallying cry.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Clash of the Titans (2010)
“That’s a bingo!” — Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Christoph Waltz’s Hans Landa delivers this line with unnerving glee, turning a simple phrase into something hilarious and chilling. Fans love using it as a quirky, over-the-top way to celebrate small victories.
Universal Pictures, Inglourious Basterds (2009)
“King Kong ain’t got s—t on me!” — Training Day (2001)
Denzel Washington’s Alonzo Harris shouts this during one of the most intense climaxes in crime drama history. The line is pure bravado, showing Alonzo’s inflated ego as his empire collapses.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Training Day (2001)
“Nobody makes me bleed my own blood. Nobody!” — Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Ben Stiller’s White Goodman hisses this ridiculous line after being humiliated during a dodgeball game. The absurd seriousness of the delivery turned it into a comedy classic. It’s quoted by fans whenever facing minor setbacks.
20th Century Fox, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
“What is this? A center for ants? How can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read...if they can't even fit inside the building?” — Zoolander (2001)
Ben Stiller’s Derek Zoolander delivers this line in outrage at a tiny model of a proposed school. His dramatic pause and cluelessness made it comedy gold.
Paramount Pictures, Zoolander (2001)
“I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” — The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Emily (played by Emily Blunt) says this line with perfect deadpan delivery in a film filled with biting wit. It’s both shocking and hilarious, embodying the toxic fashion-world mentality the movie skewered. Fans often repeat it as a tongue-in-cheek jab at unrealistic beauty standards.
20th Century Fox, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
“One does not simply walk into Mordor” — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Boromir (Sean Bean) warns the Council with this line, but the delivery spawned one of the internet’s earliest memes. It’s still a go-to phrase for impossible tasks, and its endurance in meme culture has cemented its place in the hall of legendary movie quotes.
New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
“Why is the rum gone?” — Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow mourns the loss of his precious rum in this comical moment. Fans loved it so much that it became a shorthand for lamenting missing essentials. The quirky delivery cemented Sparrow as one of the most quotable characters of the decade.
Walt Disney Pictures, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
“Fish are friends, not food” — Finding Nemo (2003)
A group of sharks declare this mantra at their support meeting. The scene is hilarious but oddly endearing, making it one of the film’s standout lines.
Walt Disney Pictures, Finding Nemo (2003)
“Very nice!” — Borat (2006)
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat gave the world this endlessly repeated catchphrase. Simple, absurd, and hilarious, it quickly escaped the film and became part of casual conversation. Even today, people quote it when joking around with friends.
20th Century Fox, Borat (2006)
“This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!” — Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Jack Sparrow’s flair for the dramatic made this line unforgettable. It captures everything about his character: charming, witty, and always one step ahead.
Walt Disney Pictures, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
“I drink your milkshake. I drink it up!” — There Will Be Blood (2007)
Daniel Day-Lewis’ furious delivery in the film’s climax turned this bizarre metaphor into an unforgettable moment. It’s both terrifying and meme-worthy in equal measure. Its mix of menace and absurdity gave it staying power.
Paramount Vantage, There Will Be Blood (2007)
“You shall not pass!” — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Gandalf’s booming command as he faces the Balrog is one of fantasy cinema’s greatest moments. Fans still shout it jokingly when blocking doors or hallways. It’s a line that became instantly tied to power, bravery, and epic storytelling.
New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
“What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?” — No Country for Old Men (2007)
Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh delivers this line in one of the tensest scenes in modern cinema. The chilling calmness behind it made the quote unforgettable. It’s a haunting reminder of fate, chance, and the terror of randomness.
Miramax Films, No Country for Old Men (2007)
“May the odds be ever in your favor” — The Hunger Games (2008)
Effie Trinket’s sinisterly cheerful blessing became an instant catchphrase. It’s ironic, chilling, and yet still quoted by fans whenever they face competition.
Lionsgate, The Hunger Games (2008)
You May Also Like:
The Most Quoted Lines In TV History
Quotes From Animal House That Prove It's Still The Best Comedy Movie
