1. Casablanca 1942，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 610557, ID: 0034583 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The final line of ‘Casablanca’, ‘Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.’, is a timeless classic that perfectly encapsulates the unexpected camaraderie between Rick (Bogart) and Captain Renault (Claude Rains), setting a hopeful tone for their future. The film itself is a masterpiece, with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman delivering unforgettable performances.
2. The Silence of the Lambs 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1564827, ID: 0102926 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The chilling final line of ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘I’m having an old friend for dinner.’, leaves a lasting impression. The film is a gripping psychological thriller, with Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter being particularly compelling. This line, delivered with a sinister undertone, hints at Lecter’s unchanging nature and leaves the audience in suspense.
3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 390865, ID: 0091042 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The final line of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’, is a memorable quote that encapsulates the film’s theme of seizing the day. The film is a light-hearted comedy about a teenager who skips school to enjoy a day in Chicago. This line, delivered by Ferris (Matthew Broderick), serves as a reminder to appreciate life’s moments.
4. Back to the Future 1985，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1321623, ID: 0088763 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The final line of ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.’, is an iconic quote that perfectly captures the film’s adventurous spirit. The film is a fun-filled time-travel adventure featuring a teenager named Marty (Michael J. Fox) who travels back in time. This line, delivered by Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), signifies the endless possibilities of their future adventures.
5. Gone with the Wind 1939，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 336640, ID: 0031381 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The final line of ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘After all, tomorrow is another day.’, is a classic quote that embodies the film’s theme of resilience. The film is an epic tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. This line, delivered by Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), reflects her determination to face whatever challenges the future may bring.
6. Alien 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 961382, ID: 0078748 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The 1979 film ‘Alien’ is a masterpiece of science fiction horror. The final line, ‘This is Ellen Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off,’ is a chilling conclusion to the film’s intense and suspenseful narrative. It encapsulates the film’s theme of survival against all odds and leaves a lasting impression. The film’s unique blend of horror and science fiction, combined with Sigourney Weaver’s powerful performance, makes it a must-watch.
7. The Dark Knight 2008，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 2900367, ID: 0468569 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Dark Knight’ is a brilliant exploration of the thin line between heroism and villainy. The film’s final line, ‘Because he’s the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now,’ perfectly encapsulates the complex character of Batman and the moral ambiguity of his actions. The film’s thought-provoking themes, combined with Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker, make it a standout in the superhero genre.
8. Some Like It Hot 1959，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 285690, ID: 0053291 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Some Like It Hot’ is a classic comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its clever humor and memorable performances. The film’s final line, ‘Well, nobody’s perfect,’ delivered with impeccable comedic timing, provides a hilarious and unexpected twist ending that challenges stereotypes through laughter, combined with Marilyn Monroe’s enchanting performance, making it a timeless classic.
9. The Godfather 1972，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2034474, ID: 0068646 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Godfather’ is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a compelling look into the world of organized crime. Its final line, ‘All right. This one time I’ll let you ask me about my affairs,’ signifies Michael Corleone’s complete transformation into a ruthless Mafia Don. The film’s complex characters, gripping storyline, and Francis Ford Coppola’s masterful direction make it an unforgettable viewing experience.
10. The Graduate 1967，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 290303, ID: 0061722 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Graduate’ is a seminal film that perfectly captures the uncertainty and disillusionment of the 1960s youth. The film’s final line, ‘Elaine! Elaine!’, encapsulates the film’s theme of youthful rebellion and the uncertainty of the future, and despite its controversial subject matter, the film’s insightful commentary on the generation gap and Dustin Hoffman’s nuanced performance make it a classic of American cinema.
11. The Wizard of Oz 1939，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 431955, ID: 0032138 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Wizard of Oz, a timeless classic, is known for its enchanting world and memorable lines. Its final line, ‘Oh, but anyway, Toto, we’re home – home!’, encapsulates the relief and joy of Dorothy’s return to Kansas, and the film’s magical journey and the longing for home resonate with viewers, making it a beloved masterpiece.
12. Planet of the Apes 1968，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 198958, ID: 0063442 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Planet of the Apes, a groundbreaking sci-fi film, ends with the chilling line, ‘You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! God damn you all to hell!’. This line reveals the shocking twist that the ‘unknown planet’ is actually Earth. The film’s exploration of human nature and societal collapse, combined with this impactful final line, make it a standout in the genre.
13. Chinatown 1974，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 353300, ID: 0071315 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Chinatown, a film noir masterpiece, concludes with the line, ‘Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.’. This line encapsulates the film’s theme of powerlessness against corruption. Despite its complex plot, the film’s strong performances and compelling narrative make it a classic in the genre.
14. The Terminator 1984，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 932889, ID: 0088247 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Terminator, a defining film in the sci-fi action genre, ends with the line, ‘It’s over.’. This line signifies the end of the relentless pursuit by the Terminator and the beginning of Sarah Connor’s fight for the future. The film’s blend of action, suspense, and compelling characters make it a standout.
15. Psycho 1960，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 724980, ID: 0054215 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Psycho, a pioneering horror film by Alfred Hitchcock, concludes with the eerie line, ‘It’s sad, when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son.’. This line reveals the twisted relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, adding a chilling conclusion to this suspenseful thriller.
16. The Shawshank Redemption 1994，IMDB Rating: 9.3, IMDB Votes: 2919449, ID: 0111161 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Shawshank Redemption, a tale of hope and resilience, ends with the memorable line, ‘I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.’. This line encapsulates the essence of the film – the power of hope. Despite the grim setting, the film manages to inspire with its message of perseverance.
17. Inception 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2576244, ID: 1375666 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Inception, a mind-bending journey through the labyrinth of the subconscious, concludes with the ambiguous line, ‘We’re building a house on a cliff!’. This line leaves the audience questioning the reality of the protagonist’s world, mirroring the film’s exploration of dreams and reality.
18. The Breakfast Club 1985，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 441635, ID: 0088847 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Breakfast Club, a classic exploration of teenage angst, ends with the poignant line, ‘Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.’. This line signifies the unity formed among the diverse group of students, reflecting the film’s theme of breaking down social barriers and the importance of understanding and acceptance.
19. The Lion King 1994 Australia Soundtrack Commercial 1994，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 30270279 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Lion King 1994 Australia Soundtrack Commercial doesn’t have a final line per se, but it’s a nostalgic trip back to the mid-90s. The commercial showcases the iconic soundtrack of the beloved Disney film, stirring memories of the film’s timeless music and story.
20. The Truman Show 1998，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1212915, ID: 0120382 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Truman Show, a thought-provoking critique of media influence, ends with the line, ‘In case I don’t see you… good afternoon, good evening, and good night.’. This line, delivered with a bow before Truman steps into the real world, encapsulates his journey from a constructed reality to freedom, highlighting the film’s exploration of personal autonomy and the quest for truth.
20 Iconic Movie Endings: The Most Memorable Final Lines Ever
