Three-Word Movie Quotes That Stand The Test Of Time
I probably can’t go a day without reciting a quote from one of my favorite movies. A noteworthy line of dialogue can act as an icebreaker, bolster a conversation, lighten the mood and on occasion, make you seem a lot funnier than you really are.
Everyone has their own supply of go-to lines for every social situation. Be it a first date, house party, work function or job interview. Although, I’d be careful about going to the well while searching for a job. I recall a few years back being asked to describe my then job duties, so I dropped this winner from Office Space:
“I just stare at my desk; but it looks like I’m working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch, too. I’d say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work.”
Even though I delivered it with a smile, the guy didn’t see the humor. Little did he know I was being 100% honest. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. Oh well. It makes for a helluva story, which in the end, made it worthwhile.
Point is, we all quote movies from time to time. And the shorter the quote, the easier they are to remember. Some of cinema’s greatest lines have been only one or two words, like “Rosebud” from Citizen Kane or “They’re here” from Poltergeist. For purposes of this exercise, I’m going to focus on three-word quotes, and as you’ll see, there have been a bunch of winners throughout the years.
“Well, we’re waiting.”
Delivered by: Judge Smails in Caddyshack
Why it’s memorable: Smails is an impatient douche who can’t stand losing. Ted Knight’s classic expression and impeccable delivery made Smails one of the best comedic characters ever.
“Free your mind.”
Delivered by: Morpheus in The Matrix
Why it’s memorable: It’s those three words that transform Neo into The One. Once he starts to believe, he becomes a force to be reckoned with inside The Matrix. Whoa.
“We rob banks.”
Delivered by: Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde
Why it’s memorable: He says it with such pride, as if robbing banks were the best career choice one could make. And for young Bonnie and Clyde, it was.
“One million dollars.”
Delivered by: Dr. Evil in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Why it’s memorable: The good doctor really thinks he’s sounding nefarious when he utters his ransom demands. Little does he know, the world economy has grown quite a bit since he was away.
“E.T. phone home.”
Delivered by: E.T. in E.T.The Extra-Terrestrial
Why it’s memorable: Like any lost kid, E.T.’s only wish is to return home to be with is family. I’d still like to know how much a phone call to the cosmos costs.
“Is it safe?”
Delivered by: Dr. Szell in Marathon Man
Why it’s memorable: Because it’s scary as shit. Dustin Hoffman’s character has no clue what Laurence Olivier’s sadistic Nazi war criminal is asking, but he gets tortured anyway.
“Time to die.”
Delivered by: Roy Batty in Blade Runner
Why it’s memorable: Roy knows his four-years are about up. He wants more life, but once he realizes that’s not possible, he accepts his fate and dies.
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