50 Best Movie Closing Lines

Citizen Kane (1941)

The Context: Charles Foster Kane’s butler Raymond (Paul Stewart) orders the destruction of the piece of evidence that everyone has been looking for the entire film.

The Line: “Throw that junk in!”

If It Was Longer: “Damn, I should’ve kept it as a Christmas present for my kids.”

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

The Context: James Bond (Roger Moore) is caught pants down with Russian spy Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach). What's he doing?

The Line: “Keeping the British end up, sir.”

If It Was Longer: “Yes, I mean my cock.”

Blood Simple (1984)

The Context: Abby (Frances McDormand) shoots sleazy detective Visser (M. Emmet Walsh) – but still mistaken thinks it’s her husband, Marty.

The Line: "Well, ma'am, if I see him, I'll sure give him the message."

If It Was Longer: “I just hope I stay alive long enough to see your confused face when you come in here.”

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

The Context: Heartbroken romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) gets over Summer (Zooey Deschanel) by chatting up a cute woman (Minka Kelly). Her name?

The Line: “Autumn.”

If It Was Longer: “But you can call me Fall.”

Being There (1979)

The Context: As Chance the Gardener (Peter Sellers) seemingly walks on water, the American President (Jack Warden) is heard quoting one of Chance’s gnomic catchphrases.

The Line: “Life is a state of mind.”

If It Was Longer: “I’m not sure what it means, but it sure as hell sounds good.”

White Heat (1949)

The Context: Mama's boy gangster Cody Jarrett (James Cagney) goes out in a blaze of un-glory atop a gas tank, screaming “Made It ma, top of the world!” However, the final word goes to cop Hank Fallon (Edmond O’Brien).

The Line: “He finally got to the top of the world…and it blew right up in his face.”

If It Was Longer: “What a stupid mother-lover.”

Stand By Me (1986)

The Context: The Writer, aka middle-aged Gordie LaChance (Richard Dreyfuss), reflects on the passage of time.

The Line: “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”

If It Was Longer: “Jack Nicholson, maybe. Yeah, I bet his friends are cool even now.”

Its A Wonderful Life (1946)

The Context: George Bailey (James Stewart) learns that angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) has earned his wings for helping George regain his purpose in life.

The Line: “Attaboy Clarence!”

If It Was Longer: “Hey, you wouldn’t mind letting me know what happened to the $5000 Billy lost. Then I’d really be the richest man I know!”

The Social Network (2010)

The Context: It's left to junior lawyer Marilyn Delpy (Rashida Jones) to tell Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) the truth.

The Line: “You're not an asshole, Mark. You're just trying so hard to be.”

If It Was Longer: “Although if you’re thinking of trying to stalk that ex of yours on Facebook, that would probably tip the scales into actually being an asshole.”

The Thing From Another World (1951)

The Context: Scientist Ned Scott (Douglas Spencer) warns of the danger of invasion by aliens. Or Communists.

The Line: “Watch the skies, everywhere! Keep looking. Keep watching the skies!”

If It Was Longer: “What? No, I didn’t say 'watch these guys.' I’m not gay.”

The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)

The Context: Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) ends up detonating the very bridge he's been obsessed about protecting. Major Clipton (James Donald) is on hand to sum things up.

The Line: “Madness! Madness!”

If It Was Longer: “Nicholson really has gone One Step Beyond.”

Manhattan (1979)

The Context: About to leave on a plane for six months, Tracy (Mariel Hemmingway) tells boyfriend Isaac (Woody Allen) to stop worrying so.

The Line: “You have to have a little faith in people.”

If It Was Longer: “After all, I’ve stuck with you until now even though you’re much older than me. Hasn’t the fact that I’m not totally creeped out given you any confidence?”

Army Of Darkness (1992)

The Context: Having escaped medieval England, Ash (Bruce Campbell) reckons he can create his own fiefdom by snogging a random stranger in a supermarket.

The Line: "Hail to the king, baby!"

If It Was Longer: “…and kneel before my majesty. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Kneel.”

Videodrome (1982)

The Context: Max Renn (James Woods) realises that his body-horror mutations aren’t going to go away any time soon and heads for the exit.

The Line: “Long live the new flesh!”

If It Was Longer: “It’s even weirder than the old flesh.”

Network (1976)

The Context: The Narrator (Lee Richardson) announces the moral of the tale after crazed TV presenter Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is assassinated live on air.

The Line: "This was the story of Howard Beale: The first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings."

If It Was Longer: “Of course, nowadays, execs have firing squads on permanent standby in case the overnights are bad.”

Monty Python's Life Of Brian (1979)

The Context: Accidentally crucified by the Romans in the mistaken belief he's the Messiah, naughty boy Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman) leads his fellow cross-hangers in a rousing sing-song.

The Line: “Always look on the bright side of life!”

If It Was Longer: "...Although, we're losing lots of blood..." [to the tune of the whistling.]

Black Swan (2010)

The Context: Mad ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) might be dying, but at least she has the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Line: "I was perfect."

If It Was Longer: “Just as well, considering the scandal will probably shut down the production.”

Dr Strangelove (1964)

The Context: With the world about to end, at least hitherto wheelchair-bound Nazi scientist Dr Strangelove (Peter Sellers) has got something worth shouting about.

The Line: “Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!”

If It Was Longer: “And I can juggle! No, wait… I can’t. False alarm. Stupid disobedient arm.”

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Context: Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) waxes lyrical about Batman (Christian Bale).

The Line: “He's the hero Gotham deserves. But not the one it needs right now. And so we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A dark knight.”

If It Was Longer: “A man in fancy dress.”

Gone With The Wind (1939)

The Context: Dumped by Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) puts on a brave face.

The Line: “Tomorrow is another day.”

If It Was Longer: “Hang on, tomorrow’s Sunday. Maybe I’ll wait until the day after that.”

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

The Context: E.T. gets all sentimental saying goodbye to Elliott (Henry Thomas) and points to the boy’s heart.

The Line: “I’ll be right here.”

If It Was Longer: “I mean that literally. I’ve done some weird alien stuff to you.”

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Context: Paroled con Red (Morgan Freeman) follows the directions left by one-time prison buddy and legendary escapee Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) to an idyllic beach.

The Line: “I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”

If It Was Longer: “I hope he’s got a barbecue going. I’m starving.”

Babe (1995)

The Context: Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) express his pride after 'sheep-pig' Babe wins the sheepdog trials.

The Line: “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.”

If It Was Longer: “Now, let’s get out of here because the press starts asking stupid questions.”

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

The Context: Chief Basterd Lt Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) admires his handiwork after carving a swastika into the forehead of Nazi nemesis Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz).

The Line: “You know somethin', Utivich? I think this just might be my masterpiece.”

If It Was Longer: “…Except maybe the time I cut that fella’s ear off. Or accidentally blew a guy’s face off because of a damn speed bump. Or…”

The Thing (1982)

The Context: Survivors MacReady (Kurt Russell) and Childs (Keith David) size each other up, each unsure if the other is the shape-shifting Thing.

The Line: “Why don't we just wait here for a little while, see what happens...”

If It Was Longer: “How about a game of I Spy?”

Blade Runner: The Directors Cut (1991)

The Context: Gaff (Edward James Olmos) all but tells fellow blade runner Deckard (Harrison Ford) he might want to replicate Rachael’s (Sean Young) feelings for him.

The Line: “It's too bad she won't live! But then again, who does?”

If It Was Longer: “So there’s not much point driving off to the Overlook Hotel with her.”

The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

The Context: A tell-tale sneeze by fugitive subway robber Green (Martin Balsam) gives the game away to transport cop Zachary Garber (Walter Matthau).

The Line: “Gesundheit!”

If It Was Longer: “That’s German for 'you’re nicked!'”

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

The Context: Fugitive cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) can’t resist torturing FBI agent Clarice Starling with his dining plans.

The Line: “I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner.”

If It Was Longer: “I’ve found an amazing Jamie Oliver recipe I think would make him taste amazing.”

Se7en (1995)

The Context: Having seen the bad guy claim the (a)moral victory and his partner turned into a killer, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) muses on morality.

The Line: “Ernest Hemingway once wrote, 'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.' I agree with the second part.”

If It Was Longer: "...although, on reflection, the world gave us jazz and literature and some mighty fine hats. Hemingway knew his shit.”

Airplane! (1980)

The Context: In a classic post-credits twist, it's revealed that the taxi fare (Howard Jarvis) abandoned by Ted Stryker (Robert Hays) in the opening scene is still waiting.

The Line: “Well, I'll give him another twenty minutes, but that's it!”

If It Was Longer: “He doesn’t even have any good radio stations tuned in on his stereo.”

RoboCop (1987)

The Line: Pleased at how RoboCop (Peter Weller) has saved the day, the boss of Omni Consumer Products (Dan O'Herlihy) asks the cyborg for his name.

The Line: “Murphy.”

If It Was Longer: “Technically, Murphy’s dead, but I’m still using that name for tax avoidance purposes. Don’t tell anyone.”

The Untouchables (1987)

The Context: Elliott Ness (Kevin Costner) decides on his next move on hearing that Prohibition is to be repealed.

The Line: “I think I'll have a drink.”

If It Was Longer: “Actually, several drinks. Sod it. I’ve earned the right to get wasted.”

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

The Context: Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) realises that his soft-touch government has enabled him to resume his life of ultra-violence.

The Line: “I was cured all right!”

If It Was Longer: “Now, where did I put my bowler hat and guyliner?”

The Apartment (1960)

The Context: C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) finally mans up enough to declare his love for Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), but not in the middle of a card game!

The Line: “Shut up and deal.”

If It Was Longer: “And by the way, we're playing for $10 dollars a hand.”

Apocalypse Now (1979)

The Context: Mad Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), having been hacked to death by military assassin Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), utters his final words.

The Line: “The horror. The horror.”

If It Was Longer: “The Hurrah! For he’s a jolly good fellow...”

Psycho (1960)

The Context: Captured killer Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) loses it completely as his psyche is taken over by his late mother Norma (voiced by Virginia Gregg).

The Line: "I'm not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching... they'll see. They'll see and they'll know, and they'll say, "Why, she wouldn't even harm a fly..."

If It Was Longer: “…I might chop off nice ladies in showers, but insects are my friends.”

The Usual Suspects (1995)

The Context: As Verbal (Kevin Spacey) walks away from a police station with a surprisingly footloose stride, his earlier words are repeated with heavy irony.

The Line: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist. And like that... he is gone.”

If It Was Longer: “Although he might pop back occasionally to bask in everyone’s astonishment.”

Casino Royale (2006)

The Context: Daniel Craig tells us what we’ve known all along.

The Line: “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”

If It Was Longer: “That’s Bond. Not blonde. Bond.”

The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

The Context: Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) is surprised and delighted to be back in Kansas with her family.

The Line: “There's no place like home!”

If It Was Longer: “...although if we could find some nice emerald paint, I’ve got some great ideas for redecorating.”

Planet of the Apes (1968)

The Context: Taylor (Charlton Heston) hadn’t planned on visiting New York City, but here he is.

The Line: “You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!”

If It Was Longer: “Hey, I wonder if Macy’s is still somewhere around here. I could do with a new suit.”

GoodFellas (1990)

The Line: Gangster-turned-informant Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) struggles to get used to life in suburbia under the witness protection programme.

The Line: "I'm an average nobody... get to live the rest of my life like a schnook."

If It Was Longer: “The worst thing is that nobody around here even knows what a schnook is. They’re only just getting the hang of calling someone a mook.”

There Will Be Blood (2007)

The Context: Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) admits he simply can’t get to grips with the rules of ten-pin bowling.

The Line: “I’m finished.”

If It Was Longer: “If I don’t strike out I’ll go spare.”

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

The Context: Looney tunes ex-star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) is carted off to jail, but thinks she’s still acting in the new movie by real-life director Cecil B. DeMille.

The Line: "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup."

If It Was Longer: “...but I want my make-up girl on standby in case my eyeliner needs touching up, a runner ready to grab me a cappuccino and a masseuse. Y’know, just in case.”

Back To The Future (1985)

The Context: Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) whisks Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) off to 2015 in a newly customised DeLorean.

The Line: “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!”

If It Was Longer: “...but you probably figured that out from the fact we’re flying, right?”

Fight Club (1999)

The Context: Schizophrenic Narrator and master of understatement Edward Norton watches a city’s skyline collapse into dust with the girlfriend he didn't know he had, Marla (Helena Bonham Carter).

The Line: “You met me at a very strange time in my life."

If It Was Longer: “…I mean, jeez, I didn’t even realise we’ve been screwing all this time. No, honestly. I thought you were seeing Brad Pitt.”

Memento (2000)

The Context: It’d be helpful if Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) could remember what he’d just done. Sadly, he’s an amnesiac.

The Line: “Now, where was I?”

If It Was Longer: “I’m pretty sure I was going to grab a burger.”

King Kong (1933)

The Context: Film director Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) offers an unscientific post mortem of how King Kong died.

The Line: “Oh no, it wasn't the airplanes. It was beauty killed the beast.”

If It Was Longer: “That said, falling off a skyscraper can’t have done him any good, either.”

Casablanca (1942)

The Context: Having saved his ex from the Nazis, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) walks into the fog with on/off buddy Captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains).

The Line: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

If It Was Longer: “How’s about we get blind drunk and find some women?”

Chinatown (1974)

The Context: Private eye J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is ushered away from a crime scene in the despairing knowledge an even worse crime is imminent. But some things are unstoppable.

The Line: “Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown.”

If It Was Longer: “Unless you want to stop for some egg fried rice?”

Some Like It Hot (1959)

The Context: Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown) is so eccentric he doesn’t mind the fact that fiancée Daphne is actually a musician named Jerry (Jack Lemmon).

The Line: “Nobody’s perfect.”

If It Was Longer: “...Except that young lady sitting behind us. Say, honey, you look a lot like Marilyn Monroe.”