The Best First Lines Of Famous Film Characters
First impressions are everything, especially in the movies. Screenwriters go to great lengths to think of how to introduce characters in a film. Every line of dialogue is sacred, each word must be crafted in order to create three dimensional, memorable characters. But which are the best first lines of famous film characters?
A lot of these best film character first lines actually begin the movie. Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) tells the spectator in voice over at the start of Goodfellas, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster... To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States." It’s not only the perfect way to open Martin Scorsese’s tale of the old school glory days of gangster life, it also introduces us to the movie’s protagonist and how sacredly he views that lifestyle.
This list of best first lines from famous movie characters spans nearly every genre and decade. Which line is your favorite? Cast your vote and make your voice heard.
- 1
"I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you stranger."
The JokerThe Dark Knight
- 2
“I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor. From now on, you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be 'Sir!' Do you maggots understand this?”
Gunnery Sergeant HartmanFull Metal Jacket
- 3
“… Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”
Gen. George S. Patton Jr.Patton
- 4
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster...To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States."
Henry HillGoodfellas
- 5
"Hello. My name's Forrest. Forrest Gump. You want a chocolate?"
Forrest GumpForrest Gump
- 6
"Why did you go to the police? Why didn’t you come to me first?"
Don Vito CorleoneThe Godfather