The Most Iconic Opening Lines in Movie History

A movie’s opening line can hook you instantly, setting the stage for the story to come. It can introduce a character, hint at the plot, or capture the film’s vibe in just a few words. These lines are so powerful they’re quoted everywhere, from casual chats to pop culture references. They’re the kind of words that stick with you long after the credits roll.

This list ranks the 15 most unforgettable opening lines in movie history, counting down from number 15 to the top spot. Each line is tied to its film and broken down for why it’s so memorable. These aren’t just words—they’re cinematic moments that define their movies. Let’s jump into the countdown.

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988) – ‘I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.’

Jessica Rabbit’s sultry line kicks off the film with humor and seduction. It paints her as a femme fatale with a cartoon twist, blending wit with the movie’s playful vibe. The line grabs you instantly, hinting at the mix of reality and animation the story explores.

This opening shines because it’s bold and quotable, capturing Jessica’s charm in one sentence. It sets up the film’s unique world where cartoons and humans collide, delivered with a wink. The line’s confidence makes it unforgettable.

‘Fight Club’ (1999) – ‘People are always asking me if I know Tyler Durden.’

This line throws you into the narrator’s chaotic world, teasing the mystery of Tyler Durden. It’s casual but loaded, hinting at the wild story ahead without spilling details. The question sets up themes of identity and rebellion, pulling you into the narrator’s mind.

The line’s conversational tone makes it feel like a secret shared with you. It builds intrigue around Tyler, making him a legend before he appears. This opening hooks you by sparking curiosity about a larger-than-life character.

‘Airplane!’ (1980) – ‘I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.’

Dr. Rumack’s deadpan comeback starts the film with its signature absurd humor. The line, a response to “Surely you can’t be serious,” lands perfectly thanks to Leslie Nielsen’s straight-faced delivery. It sets the tone for the movie’s relentless gags.

This opening works because it’s sharp, quotable, and captures the film’s silly energy. It tells you right away not to take things seriously, inviting you to laugh. The line’s timing makes it a comedy classic.

‘Goodfellas’ (1990) – ‘As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.’

Henry Hill’s opening is raw and confessional, laying out his obsession with the mob life. It’s direct, pulling you into his world of crime and ambition. The line sets the gritty tone and foreshadows his rise-and-fall journey.

Its power lies in its honesty—Henry doesn’t sugarcoat his desires. It makes you curious about his path while hinting at the moral cost. This line is iconic for capturing the allure and danger of the gangster life.

‘The Mask’ (1994) – ‘This is the story of a man named Stanley Ipkiss.’

The narrator’s simple line sets a whimsical, fairy-tale tone for the film. It introduces Stanley as an ordinary guy, making his transformation into a wild antihero more striking. The line feels like the start of a quirky storybook.

Its charm is in its straightforward setup, hinting at the chaos to come. The calm delivery contrasts with the film’s zany energy, making it memorable. This opening hooks you into Stanley’s wild journey with ease.

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007) – ‘What do you do when there is no hero?’

Sheriff Bell’s weary voiceover opens with a heavy question about morality and violence. It sets a grim, reflective tone for a story about a world out of control. The line introduces the film’s core theme of finding meaning in chaos.

Delivered with Tommy Lee Jones’ gravitas, the line feels philosophical yet grounded. It makes you ponder the absence of heroes before the story unfolds. This opening’s weight lingers, perfectly framing the dark narrative.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001) – ‘The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth.’

Galadriel’s poetic line sets an epic, mystical tone for the trilogy. Her words evoke a world on the brink, hinting at the One Ring’s ancient power. The vivid imagery pulls you into Middle-earth’s vast history and stakes.

The line’s lyrical delivery feels timeless and urgent, carried by Galadriel’s commanding voice. It sets up the saga’s grandeur, making the world feel alive. This opening is iconic for immersing you in a fantasy epic instantly.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998) – ‘There was a time when the world asked ordinary men to do extraordinary things.’

This reflective voiceover sets a somber tone for the wartime story. It frames the film as a tribute to sacrifice, hinting at the challenges ahead. The line feels personal, like a memory from a veteran’s heart.

Its simplicity and emotional weight capture the bravery of everyday soldiers. It sets up the film’s focus on duty and loss without being heavy-handed. This opening resonates for honoring real-world heroism quietly.

‘The Godfather’ (1972) – ‘I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.’

Don Corleone’s calm, menacing line introduces the mafia world’s power and danger. It’s a promise of control, delivered with chilling confidence, setting up a story of loyalty and betrayal. The line drips with authority.

Its brilliance is in capturing Vito’s dominance without raising his voice. It hints at the violence and manipulation beneath his calm, pulling you into the Corleone family’s web. This opening is legendary for its understated threat.

‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939) – ‘After all, tomorrow is another day!’

Scarlett O’Hara’s defiant line, sometimes used as the film’s opening in certain versions, captures her unyielding spirit. It sets up her resilience amid war and loss, defining her character from the start. The line is hopeful yet tinged with struggle.

Its staying power comes from Scarlett’s fierce optimism, making it timeless and quotable. It promises a story of survival, hooking you into her journey. This line’s emotional punch makes it a classic in cinema.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939) – ‘There’s no place like home.’

Dorothy’s heartfelt line, often tied to the film’s opening in cultural memory, sets up her journey from Kansas to Oz. It frames the story as a quest for belonging, carrying deep emotional weight. The line’s simplicity resonates universally.

Its iconic status comes from its truth—home is where the heart is. It captures the film’s mix of wonder and comfort, appealing to all ages. This opening sets a nostalgic, magical tone that defines the movie.

‘Star Wars’ (1977) – ‘May the Force be with you.’

This iconic phrase, spoken early in the film, introduces the spiritual core of the Star Wars universe. It’s a blessing and a rallying cry, setting the tone for a galactic battle of good versus evil. The line feels like a sacred mantra.

Its versatility makes it both a farewell and a call to courage. It connects you to the Jedi’s ideals, bringing the galaxy to life. This line’s legacy endures as a symbol of hope across generations.

‘Citizen Kane’ (1941) – ‘Rosebud.’

Charles Foster Kane’s whispered word opens the film with a haunting mystery. It’s simple, loaded with meaning, and hints at a life of lost dreams. The single word sets up a puzzle that unfolds through flashbacks.

Its genius lies in its brevity—one word sparks endless curiosity about Kane’s life. It’s a perfect hook, making you want to unravel the man behind the myth. This opening is iconic for its emotional depth and narrative pull.

‘Dr. No’ (1962) – ‘My name is Bond. James Bond.’

This cool, confident line defines James Bond’s charisma from the start. Delivered with a smirk, it sets the tone for a world of espionage, charm, and danger. The line is pure swagger, making Bond an instant icon.

Its strength is in its simplicity and Sean Connery’s smooth delivery. It tells you everything about 007—bold, suave, and ready for action. This opening launched a franchise and remains the ultimate character introduction.

‘The Shining’ (1980) – ‘Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I’m not gonna hurt ya.’

Jack Torrance’s chilling line, spoken early as he descends into madness, sets a creepy tone for the film. It’s a twisted mix of affection and menace, hinting at the horror to come. The line’s delivery makes your skin crawl.

Its power comes from Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance, blending charm with danger. It foreshadows the psychological terror of the story, pulling you into the Overlook Hotel’s nightmare. This opening tops the list for its bone-chilling impact.

Which of these iconic movie opening lines is your favorite—drop it in the comments and let’s talk about what makes it unforgettable!