50 Best Movie Closing Lines
The end of the film, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship
![Citizen Kane (1941)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/82543d76b4ab5c89bcfb273923c1e89a-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8837d16ff277216779de230090a51b22-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8547f6a6685871ef33ee879285edb058-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/891b0d02c67cc95d9ce0d124b850e684-320-80.jpg)
(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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/13b03eab729f62f386735304dd5c15c0-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/18b6a3075a08e6e6ab53ce41ff539e35-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f72c424934d0c6c6a781cc7ca4e6db93-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f79cd40b9fd30abe740c1f25a37e5755-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/721d783c336c6c5bce93e3da7ac960fa-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2a3ca22d974b7b244b7db9bca87a9303-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c8f3700b554eae6f4872928a91773c59-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c96cb7f78703307013c76ce75c6e9af4-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5b3327bfa63cbb0ed37b753dbad7083b-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/91d81ecf53ace0a726c777b5da86406c-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/23283f6b4baa22140967c9c5a8150f6d-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e216a27c54e9d2122b17d2d57c0f10a4-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c469a1cb49c97aa4980216e756f4cef4-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7b6911f7909e80dcb0d8914542633f87-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e1c8b4740f15b5ff437ae80de66ded41-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/28128b7f30d71af6385e683ec658d90c-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8c63f7145729b98c46be85d0796169c2-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f9c34ff3340c7806c5bf727959ca8739-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aea47b06d47edaeb6cdb558075b0f206-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6005bd7210c2a4b84d9d99982e4c6136-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3d67fa6539a03ddddfbab521cff7c86d-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3fdc55595aa3dc3a45a7f1cdf1434b94-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bfef6dd04bd2b492de013d600571a66b-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/18612e49a376ff5c02eeb3dd0e003ad8-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b3867144ca36bb40c9b8282a0d565a4e-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/80f9fe79cc4af45ec08fb2421006d3fd-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6f82ad8c914ae8c4e230d6ccc62223ac-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/307010a021ec52b7f9c28f0012bec616-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b2942b5741985beed6c71306ca87b043-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7a5b1278eceaed7d919acccd05e38a74-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/677e09148271d3d8d8c7b5772182a29f-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/0ce788ec4293a0c33122696d429d7c0e-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/907911a69f7f3aa04cd8a333976ae63d-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/695bf1141965b27e35598506baef2313-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/791520536f4c9577fbd72a94b9be4e38-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/85198ad5693b6834546053b96a626696-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/894c943d38376796f0a2e970fdc2006d-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/624c1ca718fa967ebd16be1c8b849054-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/be67177bd0738a8e151ae1cab9a1006a-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/edcd843db227515cf6df7554ffb91f31-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/de372e0cace8e74b4c26f74bea1d98ba-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f3c00675ebc6786517adcbbe75cc457b-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6bcd0eed4bbce36028798f274db15411-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/35eb3fb29654c89f7889a30e5d04ae71-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/236a2791fcc14439769abe79b4d03887-320-80.jpg)
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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1e576c78d97405335c55dfd559b62ca1-320-80.jpg)
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.”