You’ll find lists upon internet lists of famous quotes from all genres of film, ones that everyone knows regardless of if they’ve actually seen the movie or not. This is another one of those, but fine tuned to include lesser known (not completely unknown, just mentioned less often) quotes and the reason they’re top picks. No particular order, (except for the last one). Some spoilers ahead!
Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make.
Count Dracula, Dracula (1931)
This is a quote for horror lovers, for sure. The Count is clearly smitten with his lifestyle — and who wouldn’t be?! His excitement for the dark and gloomy reminds me of every other horror fan out there. With every howl, every whisper, every creaky door, we are consumed by thoughts of Halloween and the horrors that possibly await us. I’d be excited about howling wolves too, Drac!
You know that part in scary movies when somebody does something really stupid and everyone hates them for it? This is it.
Trish, Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Though Scream (1996) is often quoted to be the first meta film recognizing the existence of horror tropes, I’d like to give a shout-out to Jeepers Creepers. Trish points out that actions have consequences, especially when something scary is going on. Even amongst people who don’t frequent the horror section of Netflix, everyone has a friend in the group who would say say something similar to this.
Wouldst thou like to live, deliciously?
Black Phillip, The Witch (2015)
Why does the devil have to be so… sexy? Black Phillip is Satan himself moonlighting as the family’s asshole goat. When we finally see the reveal, our ears are treated to a delightful, sensual ASMR-esque set of questions. After all she had been through, protagonist Thomasin didn’t need much pushing to choose the “dark” side. But I’m sure the sinister-yet-seductive voice helped.
The dead are not quiet in Hill House.
Mrs. Sanderson, The Haunting (1963)
I always love when people reference ghosts and spirits as real things… well, they are, but I’m talking about when they personify a now-deceased person or group. It gives a specific edge to the supernatural world. Yes, ghosts were once people (and probably would, under most circumstances, still be considered “people”), but now they are an “other” separated by realms. These ghosts have feelings, thoughts, and can interact with the living world. Sometimes they are angry, as is insinuated in this quote. All the more scary to think of a presence you can only feel being able to do you harm.
I get this ache… And I, I thought it was for sex, but it’s to tear everything to fucking pieces.
Ginger, Ginger Snaps (2000)
Y’know, this one is actually kind of realistic. If you haven’t experienced this for yourself, imagine being a girl on the verge of getting her period. You literally have an influx of all these hormones and emotions, mixing together and you can’t quite get a grip on what it is that you want. Now imagine figuring out that you not only had to eat, you had to consume flesh. What a horrible way to figure out you have a bloodlust for killing teen boys.
What an excellent day for an exorcism.
Pazuzu/Regan, The Exorcist (1973)
I’m not the biggest fan of exorcism films, but I do appreciate the personalities of all the demons. Here, Pazuzu is speaking in such a way as to signify he’s on the same footing as Father Karras. In this moment, they are equals, like two doctors discussing treatment options for a patient. Not only is this quote somewhat charming, it’s said so sarcastically that I almost want to see Pazuzu win.
That was a very student film.
Noah, The Ring (2002)
This quote always gives me a little chuckle every time I hear it. Our protagonist, Rachel, has just shown her old flame, Noah, the cursed tape, asking for help deciphering its origin. Noah, a media expert, gives a very blunt critique of the creepy VHS, effectively breaking the tension. It’s actually kind of smart storywise; he offers another explanation to the supernatural movie, making Rachel’s paranoia seem like exactly that — paranoia. If only he had believed her from the get-go!
It’s not the house that’s haunted. It’s your son.
Elise, Insidious (2010)
In today’s horror, it’s a common thing to recognize when you’re in a “horror movie” situation. But a few years ago, these realizations were few and far between. Insidious is by no means the first to do this, but it did start a new trend in the haunted house subgenre. Elise and her team are investigating a haunted family, and after traveling into The Further to see what’s what, she discovers what she already knew. You see, in this world, ghosts don’t typically haunt houses. You are the house, so spirits and demons have the ability to follow you anywhere. And her saying this so matter-of-factly just puts the icing on the cake, as if it’s a common thing!
You gotta be fucking kidding.
Palmer, The Thing (1982)
Often hailed as one of the best horror films of all time because of its enthralling plot and supremely good practical effects, The Thing is also a great example of dialog in terms of furthering the story. As the Thing is causing all sorts of destruction in the outpost and killing off the crew one by one, we get a peek into its regenerative abilities and see just how hard it will be to kill for good. A piece of the Thing breaks off from its burning main body in a sort of spider-form and scurries off into another room when the remaining crew spots its escape attempt. Palmer lets out a disgruntled sighing phrase of what we all were thinking. It’s something we often say when we’re annoyed, but it’s funny to hear it in a movie.
Eat shit and live, Bill.
Ricky, Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Lord have mercy, this is the quote that spawned this article! I feel like the entirety of Sleepaway Camp is full of amazing quotes, things you definitely wouldn’t hear today. This quote is spectacular, probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard in a horror film. Ricky will go down in history as giving the sickest burn to another camp member with this quote. And he says it so nonchalantly, like it ain’t no big thang! And he’s like this the entire movie too. If only I could muster this much swag in my everyday life, I would be one happy girl!
What are some of your favorite quotes? Leave a comment and let us know!
