PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sometimes, a single line of movie dialog is so powerful, so perfect in its context, it singlehandedly immortalizes the entire film. Many of these quotes become part of our popular vernacular, like “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse,” and, “I’m ready for my close-up,” or, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Horror fans have their own favorite one-liners, quotes that instantly evoke sensations far beyond the mere meaning of the words themselves. There’s a charge of excitement in each one of them!
Below are some of the most instantly recognizable single lines of dialog from the pantheon of horror movies. Hardcore fans will have no trouble identifying the films attached to the following quotes, but you can make a game out of it by quizzing your friends. Have fun!
“Welcome to Prime Time, bitch!”
Spoken by Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Context: Jenny had Hollywood aspirations before getting locked up in Westin Hospital for self-destructive tendencies. Leave it to Freddy to deliver her first big “break” into television.
“Get away from her you bitch!”
Spoken by Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in Aliens (1986)
Context: After rescuing Newt from a swarm of xenomorphs and escaping the abandoned facility moments before it went nuclear, Ripley’s especially pissed when Queen Alien surprises them on the Sulaco.
“We’ll tear your soul apart.”
Spoken by Pinhead (Doug Bradley) in Hellraiser (1987)
Context: After Kristy Cotton strikes a deal with the Cenobites, one that will save her from an eternity of suffering, Pinhead reminds her of the consequences should she fail to deliver.
“Here’s Johnny!”
Spoken by Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) in The Shining (1980)
Context: Jack Torrance’s utterance is terrifying and hilarious in retrospect, delivered at the peak of his axe-wielding depravity.
“Sometimes, dead is better.”
Spoken by Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne) in Pet Sematary (1989)
Context: Jud knows Louis Creed is so devastated by the death of his son, he’s thinking about burying him on the resurrecting soil deep in the woods—but the land is sour.
“There here.”
Spoken by Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O’Rourke) in Poltergeist (1982)
Context: Carol Anne has just made first contact with the “TV People”. After the house is shaken by a supernatural force, she introduces them to her family.
“I ate his liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.”
Spoken by Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Context: Hannibal tells Agent Starling what happened to the last guy who tried to psychoanalyze him!
“Be afraid, be very afraid.”
Spoken by Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) in The Fly (1986)
Context: Veronica absolutely disagrees with Seth Brundle’s declaration that his tele-pods are so safe, there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
“I see dead people”
Spoken by Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) in The Sixth Sense (1999)
Context: Dr. Malcolm Crowe just had a major breakthrough with his patient by getting Cole to verbalize the source of his fears.
“You’re going to need a bigger boat.”
Spoken by Brody (Roy Scheider) in Jaws (1975)
Context: Brody just got his first look at the shark; his response it quite the understatement.
“The power of Christ compels you!”
Spoken by Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller) in The Exorcist (1973)
Context: It was a good day for an exorcism. By chanting in unison, the Fathers seemed to have mean old Captain Howdy on the ropes in an epic confrontation.
“We all go a little mad sometimes.”
Spoken by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in Psycho (1960)
Context: Norman explains to Marion Crane why he won’t have his mother institutionalized. He’s such a good boy.
“They’re all gonna laugh at you!”
Spoken by Margaret White (Piper Laurie) in Carrie (1976)
Context: In her bid for Mother of the Year, Margaret gives her daughter yet another reason why she shouldn’t go to the prom. These words echo through Carrie’s mind when she snaps, unleashing a telekinetic fury.
“What’s your favorite scary movie?”
Spoken by Ghostface (Roger L. Jackson) in Scream (1996)
Context: Leave it to Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson to turn a seemingly innocuous question into a deadly threat. Too bad poor Casey wasn’t up on her horror trivia.
“Death by stereo!”
Spoken by Sam (Corey Haim) in The Lost Boys (1987)
Context: Sam and the Frog Brothers have started turning the tables on a gang of vampires attacking Grampa’s house. He just shot one through the heart with an arrow, into a vintage sound system—with explosive results.
“This is my Boomstick!”
Spoken by Ash (Bruce Campbell) in Army of Darkness (1992)
Context: After traveling through time, Ash uses his shotgun to appoint himself Alpha Dog of a mediaeval community.
“We all float down here.”
Spoken by Pennywise (Tim Curry) in It (1990)
Context: Pennywise knows how much Georgie loves balloons, using the tot’s weakness to lure him down into the sewers.
“I want to play a game.”
Spoken by Jigsaw/John Kramer (Tobin Bell) in Saw (2004)
Context: When the tricycle riding ventriloquist’s dummy named Billy delivers this message on his master’s behalf, don’t expect fun to follow. The details change but the game is always the same; it’s called: How Bad do you Want to Live?
“He’s got his father’s eyes.”
Spoken by Roman Castevet (Sidney Blackmer) in Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Context: Rosemary has just seen her child for the first time, and the look of utter shock on her face is as iconic as Roman’s quote.
“When there is no room left in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”
Spoken by Peter (Ken Foree) in Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Context: Peter reminisces on something his voodoo-practicing grandfather once told him. It’s as good a theory as any for a zombie apocalypse.
“They’re coming to get you, Barbara.”
Spoken by Johnny Blair (Russell Streiner) in Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Context: Karma’s a bitch, Johnny! That’s what you get for teasing your sister.
“We’ve traced the call… it’s coming from inside the house.”
Spoken by Sgt. Sacker (Bill Boyett) in When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Context: After a night of harassing phone calls, babysitter Jill Johnson gets the worst news possible.
“Every 23rd spring for 23 days it gets to eat.”
Spoken by Jezelle Gay Hartman (Patricia Belcher) in Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Context: Eccentric psychic Jezelle may indeed have a few screws loose, but her brief summation of The Creeper’s mythology is extremely chilling.
“Welcome to Fright Night… for real.”
Spoken by Jerry Dandrige (Chris Sarandon) in Fright Night (1985)
Context: When Charley Brewster and Peter Vincent attempt to rescue Amy Peterson, vampire Jerry Dandrige reminds them that this isn’t a TV show.
“It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent’s fritters.”
Spoken by Vincent Smith (Rory Calhoun) in Motel Hell (1980)
Context: The secret ingredient is people!
“Brains!”
Spoken by Tarman (Allan Trautman) in Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Context: Return of the Living Dead is the first film to postulate that zombies enjoy eating brains best!
“Outlander!”
Spoken by Malachai (Courtney Gains) in Children of the Corn (1984)
Context: He may play second fiddle to child prophet Isaac, but Malachai is one scary ginger motherfucker!
“Get out!”
Spoken by an invisible malevolent entity in The Amityville Horror (1979)
Context: It just took 2 words to send Father Delaney fleeing from the house in abject terror.
“Groovy!”
Spoken by Ash (Bruce Campbell) in Evil Dead II (1987)
Context: Ash likes his new chainsaw-hand!
“Pancakes!”
Spoken by Dennis (Matthew Helms) in Cabin Fever (2002)
Context: Dennis’s nonsequitur is followed by an impressive display of karate skills. The 2016 Cabin Fever remake sheds light on the origins of this statement.
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