good speeches from movies

The 30 Best Movie Inspirational Speeches

Cinema's most stirring oratories and spirit-raising team talks.

In times of trouble, you need a little help getting up and going, and film can often provide just that. Cinema has a long and storied history of providing great words of motivation and encouragement, sometimes for the characters' own benefit and occasionally to the audience. Here, we've chosen 30 of the best that should fit almost any occasion - but if you're really pressed for time, here are 40 condensed into a two-minute span { =nofollow}. If you have a little longer, read on!

Also: The 25 Best Movie Bollockings

The Great Dictator

Made at a time when the shadow of World War II was looming over Europe, Charlie Chaplin’s speech here – he’s playing a poor Jewish barber in disguise as a preening dictator and forced to address a Nuremberg-style rally – is a heartfelt plea for sanity and compassion in a time of madness. It’s the perfect antidote to extremism, and uses fiery rhetoric for good. If only we’d be able to pull this switcheroo in real life.

Buy The Great Dictator

Independence Day

Sure, there are cheesemongers with less cheese on offer than you see here and OK, the American jingoism doesn’t work at all for those of us not of a Yank disposition. But Bill Pullman’s slightly sheepish style blends here with steely determination, and he delivers the American St Crispin’s Day speech with conviction. Then, like any US President, he leaps into his fighter jet and flies off to battle aliens.

Buy Independence Day

For those who prefer a little humour in their motivational speeches, try the pitch-black streak in this opener, establishing Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius as a leader of men and a helluva guy. Galloping around the Legions in his cool armour and fur-lined cloak, you might question whether he really needs an entire army to back him up, but you’ll never doubt for a moment that they’d choose to follow him as he unleashes hell.

Buy Gladiator

Any Given Sunday

There’s a lot to be said for a little personal touch to leaven your high-flung rhetoric, and it’s a trick that Al Pacino uses well here, in the first of three American football speeches we’re going to include (hey, we can’t help it if the heavily-padded sport produces some great pep talks). Pacino’s troubled Tony D’Amato unveils his own problems with brutal honesty before using his own failures as a spur to rev on his team to greatness, speaking of team spirit and commitment as someone who has been known to suck at both.

Buy Any Given Sunday

Friday Night Lights

The film has been somewhat overshadowed nowadays by the equally good TV show that followed it, but watch Billy Bob Thornton here and be reminded that Kyle Chandler isn’t the only fundamentally decent man who can inspire a team of small-town boys to great efforts in pursuit of perfection. It’s also worth noting that he puts his emphasis here on excelling and not winning, making it clear that victory isn’t only measured by the scoreboard. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

Buy Friday Night Lights

It is, and will probably always be, the greatest inspirational speech ever made. It’s endlessly flexible, and works even when not declaimed by the classically trained (see this Renaissance Man version for proof). And it’s by Shakespeare, still the best writer in Hollywood. We have, controversially perhaps, chosen Branagh’s version over Olivier’s because the latter sounds a little shrill to the modern ear, while Branagh convinces us that he could convince his men. This speech, given by the titular monarch to a vastly outnumbered force about to fight the French, obviously works especially well for English people, but by God, Harry and St George, it’s universal in its rousing effect.

Buy Henry V

This is a little-known film in the UK but it’s revered in certain communities in the US. Sean Astin’s Rudy has overcome dyslexia, poor grades and his relatively small stature to win a place on Notre Dame’s famous Fighting Irish American football team. Only problem is that he’s never been off the bench, and with his final game approaching he threatens to quit the team if he isn’t allowed to play – prompting this inspirational speech / telling off from a friend who points out that he’s being whiny and entitled and needs to grow a pair. Soon he’s back on the bench and given a starting position when his entire team threatens not to play unless he’s given a shot.

An honourable mention for Hector’s pep talk but Achilles wins the battle of the inspirational speeches just as he wins their duel (c’mon, that’s not a spoiler; it’s in the 2000 year-old Iliad). This is a short snippet, but then godlike Achilles, the man-killer, is a man of action rather than words. And what he does say – focusing on lions, glory and the manifold abilities of his small, hand-picked group of Myrmidons – would convince a rock to fight any Trojan who dared oppose it.

Animal House

Not every inspirational speech is about trying to inspire his cohorts to kill people or batter them up and down the length of a football field. Some aspire to a higher goal. Some aspire to debauchery, drinking and probably nudity. Some aspire to party like 1999 might have done had it tried harder. Some aspire to a particular kind of grubby, deranged greatness. One such is John Belushi’s Bluto, and this is the greatest night of his life.

Buy Animal House

The Goonies

Come the hour, cometh the man – and in this case the man is a small, asthmatic Sean Astin, inspiring his fellow Goonies to never say die and to keep going in their quest to find treasure and save their community. In his yellow rain slicker and with his voice on the edge of breaking he may not look like a modern Napoleon, but he has the same effect on his exhausted and discouraged troopers. He’s so good you’ll almost forget to laugh at his mentions of One-Eyed Willy. snigger

Buy The Goonies

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Death comes to us all, and Aragorn ain’t going to lie about it. But he still gees up his troops with the assurance that their civilisation will survive the onslaught of the forces of Mordor. Sure, they’re vastly outnumbered and sure, it seems likely that Frodo has failed in his quest to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom (especially if you’re watching the Extended Edition) but Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn ensures that no one will be quitting any time soon. Not this day!

Buy The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Bill Murray isn’t usually the guy you turn to for sincere, inspiring words of comfort. He’s more the type to puncture any attempt at same, and probably to fast-talk his opponents into giving up and going for a karaoke session while he’s about it. But after his heart grows two sizes during the course of Scrooged, he makes a plea for kindness and niceness from all mankind. He still does it in a recognisably Murray, manic and scattershot way, but that just makes him all the more compelling. Someone hire this man to play Santa Claus.

Buy Scrooged

Stirring sports speeches are limited to American Football. Miracle On Ice chronicles the based-on-truth tale of how the US Olympic hockey team triumphed over their Russian rivals. Kurt Russell's the speech-giver here, playing coach Herb Brooks. "Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world," he tells them. You'll feel a swell of pride and inspiration too.

Rent Miracle

Deep Blue Sea

“You think water’s fast? You should see ice.” Samuel L. Jackson’s been around the block more than once, and he’s seen the worst of mankind. It’s with the weight of that history behind him that he takes charge and orders his fellow survivors of a marine disaster to start pulling together and quit arguing. His speech also has what is, unquestionably, the greatest punchline on this list. Still, it achieves the desired effect once everyone has quit screaming.

Buy Deep Blue Sea

If in doubt, steal from classical history, something that David Wenham’s Dilios demonstrates with aplomb here. In actual history, the one survivor of the 300 was so shamed by his survival that he executed a suicidal one-man attack on the Persians at this Battle of Plataea, but Wenham seems more in control and also like he has quite a bit of back-up. “The enemy outnumber us a paltry three-to-one,” notes Dilios triumphantly. Why, it was hardly worth the Persians turning up.

Good Will Hunting

Here’s an inspirational speech well-suited to highly-paid sports teams and the enormously talented. Ben Affleck’s argument is, basically, that if you’re lucky enough to get extraordinary chances in your life, it’s your duty to the rest of us schmoes to actually take those chances and run with them as far as you can. If you can get past the shellsuit and the hair, he’s basically Yoda-like in his wisdom.

Buy Good Will Hunting

Most people only remember the last word – “Freedom!” – but the rest of the speech is pretty killer too. Mel Gibson’s William Wallace starts off by puncturing his own legend, and acknowledges the urge to cut and run in the face of a far superior English force. But then he reminds his men what they’d be missing if they do, and soon they’re all back on side and facing down the hated English. By the end of this speech, you’ll all hate the English with them – even if you are one.

Buy Braveheart

Coach Carter

You’d expect the inspiration in this basketball film to come from the titular no-nonsense coach, played by a fiery Samuel L. Jackson. But in fact it’s one of his players who nabs the best lines, as he and the team sit studying to keep their grades as high as their scores. There is a little cheating here: Rick Gonzalez’ Timo actually steals his inspirational speech from Marianne Williamson (it’s sometimes wrongly attributed to Nelson Mandela) but he delivers it well so we’re going to allow it.

Buy Coach Carter

While it’s his skills in the ring that he is most lauded for, Rocky Balboa is something of a poet to boot. An incoherent one, certainly; a poet who says “I guess” a lot more often than Wordsworth might like, but a poet nevertheless. His moving words here, as he single-handedly ends the Cold War and ushers in a new era of East-West relations, are just one example. Another is…

Buy Rocky IV

Rocky Balboa

If his last speech was incoherent – in fairness, his rhythm may have been thrown off by the translator – this one verges on incomprehensible when he really gets going. Still, there’s real passion in Rocky’s plea for one last shot and an argument that’s applicable to all sorts of situations of institutional injustice or unfeeling bureaucracy.

Buy Rocky Balboa

Stand And Deliver

Those who've watched him on the modern Battlestar Galactica know that Edward James Olmos is a past master at giving speeches. This is him from a little earlier in his career, playing Jaime Escalante, a real-life teacher who inspired his students to stop dropping out and start taking calculus seriously. Here, he's handing out as pop quiz, so anyone having to home school their kids can take note.

Rent Stand And Deliver

Good Night, And Good Luck

This one is couched particularly at media moguls, but there’s a call for excellence and the highest moral standards here that we would all do well to live by. David Strathairn’s Edward R. Murrow, in a speech lifted directly from Murrow’s actual address to the Radio and Television News Directors Association in 1958, pleads for TV to inform as well as entertain. We feel that if more people saw this speech, Made In Chelsea would be cancelled immediately and reality TV would be banned, so spread the word!

Buy Good Night, And Good Luck

Anyone who has ever flirted with a romantic interest knows the risk of being knocked back, and Jon Favreau's Mike is experiencing a crisis of confidence. Luckily for him, he has Vince Vaughn's Trent to talk him back into the game, and Alex Désert's Charles to remind him that he's so money. He's a bear! And she's a bunny! Everything is going to be fine.

Buy Swingers

Charles Dutton’s second appearance on this list, after Rudy, sees him once again reminding lesser men (and women) to get with the programme, pull the finger out and generally stand up and be counted. But this time they’re facing unstoppable acid-blooded xenomorphs rather than American football players, so he has to be extra-emphatic.

Buy Alien 3

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End

Remarkably few women get to deliver inspirational speeches in movies – apparently they’re relegated to clapping admiringly from the sidelines. Thank goodness for Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) who is elected King of the Pirates and rouses her troops into action for a last-ditch fight against the Lord Beckett’s overwhelming forces, led by the Flying Dutchman. She may not have quite the lungs of others on the list, but there’s no doubting her conviction as she calls for them to “Hoist the colours!” – the Jolly Roger – and sail out one last time.

Buy Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End

The Replacements

One doesn’t expect lengthy speeches from Keanu “Woah” Reeves (although he’s done his share of Shakespeare actually) but he’s rarely more succinct and to the point than in this chat with his fellow Replacements. And in fact there are few speeches more likely to be effective in motivating an exhausted team for one last effort. “Chicks dig scars” could be used by virtually every example here to drive on the listeners.

Buy The Replacements

Bill Murray at it again, and once more an unconventional speech. This time out, he's John Winger, a loser who decides that he and best pal Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) will join the Army. Stuck with a group of oddballs, and, after a night of partying, decides to rally his fellow troops. It works... Sort of. But Murray's typically laconic style works well for the speech itself.

Rent or buy Stripes

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King

All seems lost for Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin again) and Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as they lie, exhausted, on the slopes of Mount Doom. Frodo’s beyond endurance and raving as the influence of the Ring grows ever stronger on him, and his desperate straits drive Sam to one last push. It’s barely a speech, really – he uses his words better here – but there are few moments more inspirational.

Buy The Lord Of The Rings: Return of The King

The Shawshank Redemption

A quiet moment between Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman's Red became one of the more memorable moments in Shawshank , a movie with no shortage of them. And for those who are spending more time inside than perhaps they might be used to, Andy's musing on what he would do if he got out of prison are inspirational in themselves, even before he gets to that iconic line.

Rent The Shawshank Redemption

Avengers: Endgame

Steve Rogers, AKA Captain America, is not shy of breaking out speech mode when the moment calls for it. And inspiring the Avengers as they're about to embark on a trip through space and time to retrieve the Infinity Stones certainly seems like that moment. "Whatever it takes," indeed.

Rent Avengers: Endgame

32 Most Inspiring Speeches In Film History

There's nothing better to fire you up than an inspiring speech.

A lot of great speeches come from sports movies, but that's not the only genre that can make us want to run through walls. Some speeches are so good it has us rooting for the bad guys. Most are by the good guys though, and we'll follow those good guys anywhere. Here is our list of the most inspiring speeches in film history. 

Independence Day - President Witmore

President Thomas J. Whitmore's ( Bill Pullman ) speech in Independence Day has become one of the most iconic film moments of the last 50 years. While the movie can be polarizing, some people can't get enough of it, others hope to never see it again. Still, it's hard to find anyone who truly hates the speech and that moment in the film. If you ever find yourself fighting against annihilation by a bunch of E.T.s, this is the speech for you. 

The Hunt For Red October - Captain Ramius

If you thought you could never get fired up about the Soviet Union picking a fight on the United States during the Cold War, check it out. When Captain Marko Ramius ( Sean Connery ) tells his crew that the salad days of the Cold War are not behind them, and the United States will "tremble again - at the sound of our silence," it makes you want to stand up and fight for communism. At least for a brief moment. 

Any Given Sunday (Coach D'Amato)

It's used at almost every professional football game in America, almost every Sunday, because in Any Given Sunday , Coach D'Amato implores his team and the rest of us to claw for every inch we can. It might not be Pacino's most award-winning role, but that scene... that scene is some of his finest and most enduring work. 

Gladiator (Maximus)

"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius." If those words don't immediately fire you up, it's time to check for a pulse. Audiences spend most of Gladiator waiting for Maximus ( Russell Crowe ) to finally get his revenge on that conniving Commodus ( Joaquin Phoenix ) and finally we get it. Maximus will have his vengeance, in this life or the next.

Friday Night Lights (Coach Gaines)

In Friday Night Lights , Coach Gaines ( Billy Bob Thornton ) tells us how to be perfect. It has nothing to do with the final score, or winning. It's about how we treat each other and ourselves. It's about telling the truth and not letting anyone down. Live in the moment, "with joy in your heart." That's what makes us perfect. The swelling music by Explosions in the Sky only adds to the drama of the moment. 

While he doesn't say "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose," (that comes from the TV show), he does mention his clear eyes and his full heart and afterward, none of us lose. 

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Henry V (Henry V)

It's not just one of the most inspiring speeches in film history, it's one of the most famous speeches in human history. When William Shakespeare wrote the words to the famous St. Crispin's Day Speech in Henry V , he could not have known that it would be used for centuries afterward to inspire men. For we few, we lucky few, we can watch the speech brilliantly delivered by Kenneth Branagh in one of his finest roles , in his film version from 1989. 

Animal House (Bluto)

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" Of course it wasn't! Bluto (John Belushi) does a lot to inspire the brothers of the Delta house in Animal House but nothing more so than his speech after "Wormer dropped the big one" and suspended the fraternity. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, the men of Delta are inspired to have the best time of their lives, and Wormer? He's a dead man! Marmalard? Dead! Niedermeyer...

Gone With The Wind (Scarlett O'Hara)

Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) is not the most sympathetic movie character of all time. In fact, she ranks close to the bottom in that category, but you can't deny the power of her speech just before the end of the first part of the movie. Her family's plantation, Tara, is in shambles, her mother is dead, and her father has lost his mind. When all hope is lost, she promises herself she will fix it, and she will "never be hungry again."

Barbie (Gloria)

It's truly a show-stopping moment in Barbie when Gloria ( America Ferrera ) lays out what it's like to be a woman in today's world. The entire essence of the movie's message is summed up in that brilliant speech. It makes everyone want to jump up on their feet and applaud. It's a moment that will forever live in cinema history. 

Good Will Hunting (Sean Maguire)

It's not just the words that matter. It takes a special actor to deliver a speech like Sean Maguire's in Good Will Hunting . Thankfully there was the great Robin Williams. In a speech that is meant to devastate and inspire Will (Matt Damon), Williams tells him everything he is doing wrong but manages to show him how he can fix it, and open up an entirely new world for himself. It's cutting and loving. And brilliant. "Your move, chief."

Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King (Aragorn)

Like so many other battle scenes in movies, Aragorn's (Viggo Mortensen) speech at the Black Gates in Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King has us willing to fight to the death with our fellow soldiers. There is nothing like a leader riding back and forth on horse inspiring his troops. 

Braveheart (William Wallace)

Always remember, that no matter how badly you are treated by a tyrannical English king, he can never take your freedom! William Wallace (Mel Gibson) brilliantly reminds us of that in Braveheart . While it's easy to mock the poor history telling in the movie (and we argue if it was really one of the best movies of 1995 ), you can never say that the speech Wallace gives before the biggest battle in the movie won't have you ready to take on the entire British Empire. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Elizabeth)

Speeches made by leaders to inspire men in battle aren't unique in movies. What makes the speech unique in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is that the speech is made by a woman. Elizabeth's (Keira Knightly) speech isn't a lot different than a lot of its ilk, but it's more inspiring to hear it from a woman because we've never heard that before. So hoist the colors! 

Stripes (John Winger)

John Winger (Bill Murray) is the biggest misfit in a platoon filled with them in Stripes . He's the least likely to inspire the rest with a razzle-dazzle speech firing them up, yet that's exactly what he does before their graduation from boot camp. Bill Murray has some of the best lines in movie history, and this speech is near the top of them. 

Miracle (Herb Brooks)

"Great moments are born from great opportunity." That is something we can all stand to remember. In Miracle , Herb Brooks inspires his rag-tag team of college kids to defeat maybe the greatest hockey team ever assembled in the Soviet National Team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The movie is based on a true story and while it's impossible to know exactly with the real Brooks said, if it was anywhere close to what Russell delivers, it's no surprise we all believe in miracles today. 

Rocky IV (Rocky Balboa)

The Cold War inspired a lot of movies, even sports movies like Rocky IV . Early in the Rocky series, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) wasn't a man of many words, but at the end of Rocky IV , he finds some of the most inspiring words of the whole series, imploring all of us to get along, despite our differences. 

Swingers (Trent)

What's a good friend if not someone to pep you up when you're feeling low? That's exactly who Trent (Vince Vaughn) is to Mike (Jon Favreau) in Swingers . Not only does he take him to Vegas for a night of fun, on the way home, after the trip doesn't pep Mike up as much as it should, Trent explains exactly why Mike is so money, and he doesn't even know it. 

Network (Howard Beale)

It's scary just how much a movie like Network , released almost 50 years ago is still so relevant. We don't need Howard Beale (Peter Finch) to tell us just how bad things are, we just need to him to inspire us to go to the window, open the window and yell to the world that we're not going to take it anymore! 

The Goonies (Mikey)

"The Goonies never say die!" When all seems lost in the Goonies quest to rescue their neighborhood from developers, Mikey (Sean Astin) reminds them all exactly how far they've come in the quest for One-Eyed Willie's gold. We don't get a lot of inspirational speeches from kids, but when we do, we love them. 

Clueless (Cher)

When Cher (Alicia Silverstone) compares her garden party to a refugee crisis, your inclination is to think she's an airhead. But like so many before and after her, there is kind of a subtle brilliance to her thought process. She takes what she knows and uses that to find the emotion we should all feel for her side of the argument. 

Milk (Harvey Milk)

Milk , based on the true story of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), is inspiring in and of itself, but Milk's speech on the steps of San Fransisco City Hall at the Gay Pride Rally is a masterpiece. 

Troy (Achilles)

In another classic example of a military leader inspiring his troops, Achilles' (Brad Pitt) speech reminding his men that they are lions, is enough to get anyone to storm the beaches of Troy. There's a reason the story has been told for thousands of years. 

Norma Rae (Norma Rae)

The best thing about Norma Rae's (Sally Field, in one of her best roles ) speech in Norma Rae is that the most important word isn't spoken at all. She simply holds up a sign that says "Union" in the middle of her sweatshop. That's all she needs to "say" to get everyone in the textile mill to agree. It's brilliant. 

We Are Marshall (Jack Lengyel)

We Are Marshall tells the tragic and heroic story of the 1971 Marshall University football team. At the end of the 1970 season, a plane carrying most of the team and its coaches crashed in North Carolina. Before the start of the next season, the new coach, Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) makes a speech at a memorial for some of the lost players and what he says about never forgetting the past but looking to the future will bring a tear to anyone's eyes.

Legally Blonde (Elle Woods)

More than 20 years after the first Legally Blonde movie was released Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) continues to inspire us. With an address like the one she makes at the end of the movie, as she's graduating, it's easy to see why. "You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself."

Avengers: Endgame (Captain America)

In a room full of superheroes, leave it to Captain America to make the hype speech. In Avengers: Endgame , that's exactly when Cap (Chris Evans) psyches the cadre up for their mission to reverse the Snap. "Whatever it takes."

Hoosiers (Norman Dale)

When tiny Hickman High School makes it to the Indiana State Basketball Finals, they are facing a huge school, in a huge arena. Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) takes only a minute or so to lay out what will make them successful, and a minute is all he needs. It's why Hoosiers one of the best sports movies ever made. 

Rudy (Rudy)

The speech in Rudy is a little different. Rudy really has no audience, save for one person, but that doesn't stop him from delivering a first-rate speech that any Notre Dame alum gets goosebumps when they hear it, including the parts he lifted from the great Knute Rockne.

Juno (Mac MacGuff)

When Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page) is wondering what her future holds, her father Mac MacGuff (J.K. Simmons) explains simply and succinctly, "The best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. 

Stand And Deliver (Jaime Escalante) 

Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos) is a no-nonsense math teacher who is determined to get the most from his students. He decides he needs to raise the level of expectations inside and outside of the classroom and he starts by breaking down when he is going to be so hard on his students, to get the most out of them. All they need is ganas – motivation. 

Rocky Balboa (Rocky)

Leave it to Rocky to make a speech in 2006's Rocky Balboa meant to inspire his son to inspire all of us together. It's pure Rocky, leave it all out, don't accept things you don't like, and never make excuses, no matter how hard it is. And it seems like this was advice he took to heart when it became a struggle to make the film . 

300 (Dilios)

Dilios (David Wenham) fires up the Spartans like no other person could. It's truly one of the great hype speeches in film history. It's exactly what you would expect from a civilization of warriors. Whether it really happened or not is irrelevant. The message is the same, "Remember us."

From sports to war, love to education, and beyond, a great speech raises goosebumps like nothing else in film can. These examples are some of the best speeches we've used to inspire us. 

Hugh Scott is the Syndication Editor for CinemaBlend. Before CinemaBlend, he was the managing editor for Suggest.com and Gossipcop.com, covering celebrity news and debunking false gossip. He has been in the publishing industry for almost two decades, covering pop culture – movies and TV shows, especially – with a keen interest and love for Gen X culture, the older influences on it, and what it has since inspired. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in Political Science but cured himself of the desire to be a politician almost immediately after graduation.

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15 Best Movie Speeches of All Time

Dialogues and speeches are the string, which binds the beads of a good cinema. Acting, cinematography, production they can all fall apart if the writing sucks. There are so many movies with great stories who aren’t impactful, because of lame dialogues. On the other hand, people remember even mediocre movies because of a powerful speech. These speeches are so inspirational that they make the listener believe that anything’s possible. The sheer power of words is strong enough to move mountains. In these speeches, the speaker enthralls the audience with his wisdom and experience and motivates them to carry out the impossible in life. We, at the Cinemaholic, made a list of top movie speeches ever that will inspire you. Be ready to get motivated!

15. Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End (2007) – “Hoist The Colours”

Consider this. A fleet of pirate ship have been surrounded by the elite force of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. The pirates are broken, without any command and their faith lies in their pirate queen Elizabeth who probably due to a turn of fate, became their leader. Tricked into a cornered position, by a cunning lord Beckett, she is left with no choice but retaliate with whatever she has. And she choses this moment to rise to the occasion. She thunders at her fellow pirates, asking them to fight like free men and not surrender meekly like cowards. And it resonates with pirates, irrespective of their clans and they roar as every version of Jolly Roger starts flying high in the wind.

14. V For Vendetta (2005) – “The Revolutionary Speech”

Just like Hitler crafted a dictatorship, disguised within a so-called superior race driven government, in a not so distant future version of London, the chancellor Adam Sutler formed a reign where in the name of security, privacy was looted. In return of order and peace to the society, the people traded their foremost weapon – consent. In the garb of protecting the people, the reigning government unleashed tyranny and oppression. In such times, one fine day, every TV gets tuned into a channel where a man wearing a Guy Fawkes mask speaks to them. He reminds them of Guy Fawkes, who brought a revolution to the people 400 years ago. To end this cruelty and meek submission, he asks everyone to join him in exactly one year later, on 5th of September on the gates of the Parliament. This speech sets in motion, of the events of ‘V for Vendetta’.

13. The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013) – “I’m not fuckin’ leaving”

The high flying, corrupt and megalomaniac Jordan Belfort is finally caught and as a part of the deal with the FBI, he’s supposed to leave Stratton Oakmont and never ever indulge in the market of share trading, which made him so rich. He appears in his office and makes an announcement about his stepping down from the company, in front of his beleaguered colleagues. He explains his pain in leaving them in lurch and how he’s going to miss them all. While talking about their collective effort to make money overcoming their individual struggles in life, all of sudden he realizes, this is place where he belongs after all. And despite the warning of FBI, he screams his lungs out – ‘I’m not fuckin’ leaving !!’

12. Rocky Balboa (2006) – “It ain’t about how hard you hit”

Rocky Balboa is an ageing boxer, who has left the sport, only to come back to it again. His wife’s dead and his son is sick and tired of the name and pressure of being related to Rocky. His father’s fame has started to affect him professionally and personally as well. So he gets the news of his arthritic father, gearing up for another bout of boxing, he discourages him by stating his example of being a failure, despite of being a Balboa. Rocky thunders when he says, ‘It’s ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.’ He asks him to stop blaming others for his failure. It’s an moving speech with some profound advice for life. Life’s meant to be unfair and its sole plan is to keep you down. Instead of cribbing, you’ve to accept your loses and move forward. That’s how you win.

11. Any Given Sunday (1999) – “Life’s a game of inches”

Before an all important play off game, coach D’Amato, played by Al Pacino gathers around his players. Through many difficulties and infightings, they’ve reached a place where one mistake can cost them everything. He begins the talk with comparing their current position to being in a shit hole and it’s totally up to them to get beat the shit out of themselves or fight hard to come back. He cites his own example of being a broken man who lost money, family and himself for taking bad decisions in life. But life is just like a game of football . It’s all about the margin of error. Just like a game of football, where once one starts losing, he gets the drift of the game and then tries crawl into those inches. He urges them to come together as a team and win it for themselves.

10. Wall Street (1987) – “Greed, for lack of a better word, is Good”

Wall street is about money. Wall street is about power. Wall street is about greed. And greed, ladies and gentlemen, for the lack of a better word, is good. That’s what Gordon Gekko believed in. In a speech to the investors of a loss making paper company Teldar, he explains meticulously that the sole reason the company lost so much of money is because of inefficient people at the top and not because he broke the company to pieces. He argues that his greed of making money actually liberates loss making industries. Greed is an evolutionary trait and it’s greed which has made man go for more, be it knowledge, technology or profit. It’s an amazing take on something which itself is labelled as a biblical sin. Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko, gives an amazing performance.

9. Dead Poet’s Society (1989) – “Carpe Diem, seize the day boys”

In a school, where discipline is revered, a new English teacher comes in a breather among the strict disciplinarians. To a motley group of students, he reaches out and asks them to come out of their shell. He tells them to live their lives in their own way and not to someone’s expectations. One’s life duration is limited and eventually everyone will die. What will be left, is his legacy. So instead of living a dull life, one should do something to make it extraordinary. That’s the essence of Carpe Diem. The character of John Keating was played by the late Robin Williams , who demonstrates the importance of individuality to the students through this inspiring speech. He inspires them to be achieve greatness rather than to be successful.

8. Remember The Titans (2000) – “Take a lesson from the dead”

At the heights of racism, a black man is appointed as the head coach of a school, where traditionally it’s usually filled up by a white man. Tackling racism and discrimination at every step, coach Boone takes up the challenge. The team suffers from racially motivated conflicts and its success is deterred due to the ever meddling school authorities. Coach Boone takes everything to his stride and takes his team through a gruelling schedule of training at the Gettysburg cemetery where thousands of men died during the battle of Gettysburg. Through this speech, he asks his team to learn from those people, who laid their lives while fighting for each other. He urges them to be better by coming together and play as one team. His speech motivates his team to achieve success. Denzel Washington plays coach Boone in the sports drama ‘Remember The Titans’.

7. Braveheart (1995) – “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom”

In an English ruled Scotland, a young William Wallace witnesses the English massacring his family. He flees from the country only to return as a rebel who takes charge to lead the rebellion against the English. As he leads a rag-tag army of Scottish peasants and farmers, he asks them to fight as free men, against the enormous English army. When somebody from the army says that it’s better to hide and live than to fight and die, Wallace roars back by saying that the enemy may take their lives but they will never be able to take their freedom. Mel Gibson acted as well as directed this film, which went on to win five academy awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

6. Scent Of A Woman (1992) – “When shit hits the fan, some guys run and some guys stay”

At the Baird school, which traditionally has given the country many leaders and achievers, a disciplinary meeting takes place, for an act of mischief. While the reason remains trivial at its best, the focus shifts to two persons, who were supposed to be the witnesses of the events. One of those witnesses is a boy, whose father is a key figure in the school management. Hence he gets off the hook, after naming the suspects. Naturally it’s the other guy Charlie, who despite of being innocent, gets to take the blame. And it almost happens but for the presence of Lt Colonel Frank Slade. He makes his point that while everyone chose to be indifferent to the situation, Charlie showed integrity by not behaving as a snitch. And this is the stuff leaders are made of. Al Pacino played Lt Colonel Slade and gave a performance of a lifetime.

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5. Independence Day (1996) – “Today, we celebrate our independence day”

While the world burns and is at the mercy of aliens, it comes down to a few brave men who decide to join forces to fight against the aliens. After repeated attempts of failure, a final assault is planned in the lines of a kamikaze attack, similar to a suicide mission. The president, himself a pilot mans the mission. Before they leave the base, he reminds them that this mission, incidentally to commence on 4th of July will be the biggest battle of their lives. And should they win, it will no longer be an American holiday. Rather it will be the day, when the world will be liberated of their common enemy. It shall be the world’s independence day. It’s a speech that evokes thunderous applause from everyone, as their belief in their leader becomes firm.

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4. Network (1976) – “I’m mad as hell and am not going to take it anymore”

News these days, are more of shock inducing and eye grabbing details rather than journalism based on facts. In ‘Network’, a TV network’s struggle with declining viewership turns into a full-blown war when its own people start making factory made shows to get ratings. The movie is primarily about how TV controls the life and through it audio-visual medium, can sway public opinion about everything. In a way, this is what controls the masses today. When the veteran news anchor Howard Beale screams at his viewers to shout that they’ re mad as hell and are not going to take it anymore, he vents out his frustration at the growing influence of TV on the people. He cites example of life going astray while the TV shows paint a rosy picture. Many years later, as we see today, the real has imitated the reel and today literally the TV controls everything. This speech is truly pathbreaking.

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3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – “Get busy living or get busy dying”

There’s nothing new that can be told about ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ . Arguably the best movie ever, this is Andy Dufresne’s story spanning across nineteen years in the infamous Shawshank penitentiary. While Andy makes the most out of his time at the prison doing various jobs, he also gets into a tiff with a corrupt warden over his discharge which leads him into a solitary confinement. When he’s out, his friend Red becomes afraid that this may break him forever. However a nonchalant Andy tells him about his dream destination and his wish to spend rest of his life there, thus explaining that life is all about hope and at times, it comes down to one simple choice – Get busy living or get busy dying. This speech is also a metaphor for being hopeful in the most hopeless of situations.

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2. A Few Good Men (1992) – “You can’t handle the truth”

A soldier dies at GITMO base camp and the blame goes to couple of fellow soldiers as an act of negligence. While the soldiers plead that they were under order to punish the dying soldier, it comes down to one of the most laziest of military lawyers to take up their case. As the case reaches its final stage, upon repeated provocation from the defence lawyer, Colonel Nathan Jessup becomes enraged and tells that at times, despite being wrong, people need to take decision that may take one life but in return save thousands. Freedom comes at a price and being a provider of the same, that’s what entitles him to take decisions which may or may not be ethical. This’s the truth and that possibly cannot be fathomed by a layman. A stunning performance by Jack Nicholson !

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1. The Great Dictator (1940)- “We think too much and feel too little”

Charlie Chaplin ’s ‘The Great Dictator’ is a political satire, in the garb of comedy and it condemns the ways of the contemporary dictators of the time, namely Hitler and Mussolini. A Jewish barber, who’s also a lookalike of the tyrant ruler of a fictional country gets to replace the dictator and ends up in a podium where he has to deliver a speech. He rises to the occasion when he tells his subjects that instead of ruling everyone as a dictator, he wants to help everyone. As human beings, one should rise above the ever engulfing greed. Though the world has progressed into future through numerous innovations, still it does distinguish people based on their caste, creed and colour. Humanity has been lost its meaning in the countless machinery that does our jobs. We’ve become cynical due to our ever growing penchant for knowledge. And that’s where we all lose as mankind.

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The 20 Best Movie Speeches of All Time

Public speaking is not just a skill, it is an art form, one that very few can master.

For most, it is a source for anxiety. The sight of a large crowd and all the attention on one person can make even the most confident individual turn into a stuttering mess. However, when done correctly, they can inspire the very best and, sometimes, the very worst in humanity.

For these 20 films, the art of the speech is on full display, perfectly crafted by screenwriters and actors. Whether it is inspiring a team before the big game, soldiers before the big battle, students before entering the real world or as a rally cry against evil, corruption and the wicked, these speeches have transcended art and have entered the popular lexicon, sometimes as satire, but sometimes as a source of inspirations.

20. Invictus (2009) – “This is it! This is our Destiny!”

Following his release from prison in 1990, Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) ran for government and became President of South Africa, effectively ending Apartheid. Despite this, the country still remained divided and tense. Mandela, however, saw hope in the form of the Springboks, South Africa’s National Rugby Union team.

After beating heavyweights France, Western Samoa and Australia in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the team faces the number one side: the Legendary New Zealand All Blacks. Overcoming the odds and securing a 15-12 lead, the team only has to hold out for seven minutes. Team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) addresses his team, telling them to listen to the crowd, all singing in unison, “Heads up, look into my eyes”.

This is a real team captain talking, his message still simple for a rugby team, “Defence, defence, defence”. Plain yet inspiring. Pienaar is portrayed as a man who knows exactly the history he is about create. When asked at the end of the game if he could have done it without the 60,000 South Africans present at the game, “We didn’t have the support of 60,000 South Africans…we had the support of 43 million South Africans”.

The finale with Pienaar receiving the Web Ellis Trophy from a Springbok Jersey wearing Mandela remains not only one of the great moments of sport, but a great moment in human history.

19. Henry V (1989) – “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

Very few actors have been able to transport the Bard to the big screen. Lawrence Olivier, Orson Welles, John Gielgud, Ian McKellan are just a few that have succeeded. Today, most of Shakespeare’s plays are adapted into contemporary settings, from fairy tale Venice Beach (Romeo + Juliet) to gangland Melbourne (Macbeth).

However, Kenneth Branagh’s performance in Henry V (following in the footsteps of Laurence Olivier) shows that one can still enjoy a classic, especially when watching the St Crispin’s Day speech.

“From this day to the ending of the world, but we shall be remembered – we few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother”. Branagh does not deliver this line with awe and gravitas, but rather with joy. A great smile burnt across his face as he rallies his men with promises of immortality.

Perhaps Henry’s heart is filled with joy at the concept of being side by side with his men at his longest hour, or is Branagh portraying a naive boy king who is yet to understand the true horrors of war? One thing is for certain: audience will seldom find such passion and truth in modern Shakespeare.

18. Rudy (1993) – “Since when are you the quitting kind”

There are only a handful of films that men will acknowledge crying in. Rudy (Sean Astin) is one of them. How can you keep a dry eye when watching every member of the University of Notre Dame’s football team walk into the head office before the final game of the year, offering their position up for Rudy.

But before this immortal moment, Rudy quit the team, frustrated at failing to make the final team list of the year. It is only after the dressing down he receives from stadium janitor Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) that he changes his mind, “Since when are you the quitting kind,” he barks at a defeated Rudy. This not only acts as the key turning point for the film, it reveals the true character of Fortune, finally breaking down the emotional brick wall he built between himself and others.

Fortune, just like Rudy, had an opportunity but threw it away out of anger, “And I guarantee a week won’t go by in your life you won’t regret walking out, letting them get the best of you”. There is not softness, no compassion. Not Fortune’s style. Instead he gives Rudy the kick up the arse he needs to continue fighting to earn the title of ‘Fighting Irish’.

17. Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – “Well, I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr Paine”

There is no worse feeling than the moment you realise you have been beat. No second chances, no extra time. Nothing. You have lost. This was the moment that underdog Senator Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) not only realised he had lost but that he had been powerless all along. His first bill draws the wrath of a corrupt politician, not only destroying the bill, but turning Smith’s own constituents against him. Where he is shown the letters and telegrams sent demanding his resignation.

Beaten, exhausted and near collapse he seems resigned to his fate, “well, I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr Paine,” he mumbles, now barely conscious.

Instead, he finds one last ounce of energy, promising to continue the fight against political corruption, “You think I’m licked? Well, I’m not licked and I’m gonna stay right here and fight for this lost cause. Even if this room is filled with lies like these”. Mr Smith goes to Washington remains one of Frank Capra’s best and one of the truly great films on American politics.

16. Dead Poet’s Society (1989) – “Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary”

A good teacher is not meant to simply teach, but rather inspire his students. Guide them into finding their passion and push them into pursuing it. Inspiring teachers are a popular market with films like Stand and Deliver, Mr. Holland’s Opus and October Sky. However, nothing matches the wit, charm and passion found in Dead Poet’s Society’s John Keating (Robin Williams).

Despite the strict and conservative foundations of the school they attend, former student turned poetry teacher Keating encourages his students to rip out the mathematic formula for rating poetry and to stand on their desk shouting poetry, much to the chagrin of the headmaster.

But Keating’s teaching philosophy is laid bare when he shows his students photos of the past alumni who attended, “They’re not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts, full of hormones”, before whispering his magnum opus, “Carpe diem”. Keating is not just teaching poetry, he is teaching the boys to become individuals. To not be constrained by the social mores that there very school is trying to implement.

15. Friday Night Lights (2004) – “I want you to put each other in your hearts forever, because forever is about to happen here”

So inspiring is the coach’s speech to his team that it has become almost cliché. Halftime, down by a lot, exhausted and low morale, the team finds solace in the inspirational words of the calm and collected coach. Friday Night Lights is part of this cliché, but it is one of the few that gets it right.

Only gaining entry into the state final by virtue of a coin toss, the Permian Panthers and their coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) know they are the underdogs. But more than that, Gaines knows for many of them it will be their last game. Some may get a chance to play College Football and there might be that lucky one who goes on to play for the NFL. However, many of these boys will graduate from high school and live out the rest of their life.

In the end, it comes down to how they remember the game, “And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasn’t one more thing you could’ve done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentlemen, then you’re perfect”. For the film, football is not about winning or losing, it is about character.

30 Replies to “The 20 Best Movie Speeches of All Time”

Alec Baldwin as Blake in Glengarry Glen Ross.

Shocked this wasn’t here

Tim Robbins in Antitrust.

That speech in Rocky Balboa is awesome. Never gets a lot of love as it says a lot about life.

Anything by Brando as Kurtz in Apocalypse now… snail on a straight razor… but especially this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPPGMNOLaMw

Kikuchiyo’s speech about the true nature of farmers and samurai in “Seven Samurai” (1954).

Theoden’s Speech from LotR: The Return of the King.

Belushi’s speech in Animal House!!

Jim Garrison’s closing argument to the jury in JFK

Jim Garrison’s closing speech to the jury in JFK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BckPa2_A8gI

25th hour(not public but we all saw it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgL_5QcZCMo

This is a great idea for a list but Jesus F-ck, this list is embarrassing. The author seems to think that a great movie speech has to always be a motivational one. I mean sh-t, half of his picks are nothing but generic, clichéd sports movies. All the motivational sports speeches have the same message, just worded differently. The only pass I’d give is to “Rocky” because boxing is arguably the purest metaphor of life– “it’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward” is poetry.

If you wanna go for a sports speech, then why not one of the most iconic speeches in American history? 1. “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” –Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech, The Pride of the Yankees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyT4mPBe4YQ

2. “In the name of God, do your duty.” –Atticus Finch pleading with the jury to commit to social justice, To Kill a Mockingbird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYNxQL87tAY

3. “Every time you break the seal on that liquor bottle, that’s a government seal you’re breaking!” –Malcolm X opening the eyes and ears of folks living in Harlem, Malcolm X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT1jLY20tLo&t=40s

4. “Rehabilitated, it’s just a bullshit word.” –Ellis Boyd Redding lecturing to the parole board about the truth of prisoner rehabilitation, The Shawshank Redemption https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcn6v7IaIfA

5. “You’re no crazier than the average asshole out walking on the streets!” –Randall McMurphy advising the other patients that a person isn’t crazy simply cuz he doesn’t conform to society’s arbitrary standards, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehPcYibzUKc

6. “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?? HELL NO!!!” — Parody of clichéd motivational movie speeches, Animal House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-xgd_eETE

7. “Our great war is a spiritual war.” –Tyler Durden offering sobering realizations about life in the modern age, Fight Club https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi9ivZL7vmA

8. “Macho shithead” –Dorothy Michaels calling out a director for perpetuating female stereotypes, Tootsie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V95u7t_4WVc

9. “I have killed for my country and I don’t feel good about it.” –Luke Martin, a Vietnam vet laying out the truth about war to high school students, Coming Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duyYbn2TkvY

10. “Together we shall give them a 5th of November that shall never ever be forgot.” –V rallying the citizens of the UK to rebel against their tyrannical government, V for Vendetta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvvOFIHs4k

11. “I’m trying real hard to be the shepherd.” –Hitman Jules Winnefield lecturing a small time crook on the errors of his ways, Pulp Fiction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PeyiU3uWJ8

12. “The whole trial’s out of order!” –Arthur Kirkland pointing out the inherent flaws of the American legal system, And Justice For All https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGomfEiWS9Q&t=137s

13. “It’s called gentrification.” –Furious Styles speaking the truth about life in the ghettos of America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BadSZDpvq-s

The Return of The King – both Théoden’s and Aragorn’s pre-battle speeches definitely deserved a spot on here.

Apparently the best movie speeches of all time were all in english…

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

Peter Graves’ final speech in It Conquered the World 1956 (MST3K version)

“He learned almost too late that man is a feeling creature… and, because of it, the greatest in the universe. He learned too late for himself that men have to find their own way, to make their own mistakes. There can’t be any gift of perfection from outside ourselves. And when men seek such perfection… they find only death… fire… loss… disillusionment… the end of everything that’s gone forward. Men have always sought an end to the toil and misery, but it can’t be given, it has to be achieved. There is hope, but it has to come from inside — from man himself.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx7A6eQqBc8

Scent of a Woman – Slades speech

Paltry, surely??

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Movies & TV

Performed by the most

Dramatic onscreen monologues aren’t just catnip for the Oscars . Whether they appear in emotional dramas, comedies, or even action films, they can be the defining moment of a character’s arc — especially when that character is a woman.

Many of the greatest actors of our time have had the chance to show their impressive chops with a well-placed speech — and stuck the landing. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the most memorable monologues, from the few classics you’re probably familiar with (it doesn’t get more iconic than Princess Leia begging Obi-Wan for help in the first Star Wars , setting off an entire franchise in the process), to some lesser-known speeches to impress and devastate you, too. Amy Adams and Ellen Burnstyn ’s monologues, in particular, will be sure to blow your mind if you haven’t seen them before. So sit back, relax, and let these performances wash over you. Spoiler alert, you will absolutely need tissues to make your way down the list, though they’re not all sad; more humorous speeches have also been included, to ensure you don't start sobbing at your desk. Happy watching!

Saoirse Ronan — ‘Little Women’

Jo (Saoirse Ronan), who’s basically the heroine of Little Woman , struggles with her creative passions, societal pressure, and longing to be loved. All of her emotions come pouring out in this monologue, making it one of the reasons this film feels so relevant to a modern audience. In Ronan’s brilliant hands, it’s not whining — it’s a revelation about the world and her place in it.

Watch On Amazon Prime

Laura Dern — ‘Marriage Story’

Marriage Story is the story about a union that’s ended, and it talks a lot about the roles that a husband and wife/dad and mom are supposed to take on. Leave it to divorce lawyer Nora (Laura Dern) to offer a scathing takedown of our “our Judeo-Christian whatever” society, and our deeply hypocritical treatment of women and mothers, all while wearing a fabulous dress. It’s deeply witty and true all at once.

Watch On Netflix

Frances McDormand — ‘Something’s Gotta Give’

This sweet Nancy Meyer rom-com embraces the middle-aged woman as a hot, sexual being. But it’s also a supremely smart takedown of social constructs that limit women as they get older. Here, Zoe (Frances McDormand) brilliantly takes Harry (Jack Nicholson), and society at large, to task for overlooking successful 60-something women. They deserve love too, dammit.

Watch On Hulu

Julia Roberts — 'Erin Brockovich'

There are a lot of terrific monologues in this movie, but the infamous "Numbers" speech is truly unforgettable — largely because of Roberts' no-nonsense delivery. It also offers Roberts’ character the chance to live out a fantasy that every woman has had: being able to tell off a guy who’s hitting on you when you're really just trying to live your life in peace.

Julia Stiles — '10 Things I Hate About You'

Kat Stratford's poem in 10 Things I Hate About You was notorious for making all '90s girls cry — chances are most of us felt exactly like this at some point during high school. It's also a great, universally relevant monologue about love and loss, perfectly delivered by Julia Stiles. (And bonus points for how it cements the movie’s brilliant inversion of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew .)

America Ferrera — 'Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants'

Even if you’re not a child of divorce, just thinking about the scene in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants when Carmen (American Ferrera) calls her dad, Al (Bradley Whitford), to confront him for leaving her is enough to break your heart. Ferrara plays Carmen as fierce and independent, so to watch her be so vulnerable is also a masterclass in acting.

Rosamund Pike — ‘Gone Girl’

It seems impossible to feel sorry for a sociopath — until you watch this monologue. Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) is enacting a plan to frame her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) for her murder, and she tells us exactly why. Underneath her quest for vengeance is an endless black hole of hurt and frustration. As horrified as we are by her, we can totally relate.

Carrie Fisher — 'A New Hope'

Carrie Fisher famously never forgot the lines to this Princess Leia monologue from A New Hope , and many fans haven't either. Four decades and two trilogies later, there isn't a Star Wars speech more iconic than Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi; these days, it’s also a tribute to the late Fisher’s immense talent. “You’re my only hope.”

Viola Davis — 'Fences'

There's no way that Viola Davis' monologue in Fences won't be taught in acting schools until the end of time. Davis took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for her performance as Rose — a devoted, unfulfilled housewife who, in a single monologue, sums up her life of joy, pain, and disappointment. Like Troy (Denzel Washington), all we can do is watch in awe.

Ellen Burstyn — ‘Requiem for a Dream’

Requiem for a Dream is a tough movie to watch, but this scene is particularly wrenching. Ellen Burnstyn’s Sara makes an emotional plea to her son (Jared Leto), telling him that she needs amphetamines to lose weight, be on her favorite game show, and really just have a reason to live. “It makes tomorrow all right,” she says tearfully.

Vivien Leigh — 'Gone With The Wind'

Despite its many faults, Gone With the Wind is probably one of the most quotable movies in Hollywood history, and this monologue performed by Vivien Leigh is a big reason why. Her character can be deeply unlikeable, but this is the exact moment you come to empathize with her. It also gave way too many people the burning need to say "as God as my witness" a whole bunch.

Amy Adams — 'Junebug'

Amy Adams earned her first Oscar nomination for Junebug , and after watching this monologue, you’ll understand why the critics couldn’t get enough of her performance. In this scene, Ashley (Adams) is desperately trying to put on a brave face after giving birth to a stillborn baby. She goes through every emotion: anger, fear, sadness, and finally a tiny bit of acceIt's as heartbreaking as it is impressive.

Alicia Silverstone — 'Clueless'

The fact that Cher's Clueless (1995) speech was everywhere in the Women's March of 2017 — "It does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty" signs galore — is proof enough of the lasting power of this monologue. But the most hilarious part of it might be that on some crazy, meta level... what she says kind of makes sense?

Michelle Williams — 'Manchester By The Sea'

In this heartbreaking monologue, Michelle Williams shows exactly why she was nominated for an Oscar for her turn in Manchester By The Sea . This scene shows Williams’ character, Randy, reaching out to her ex, Lee, who accidentally allowed their house to catch on fire, resulting in the passing of their young children. Through tears, she begs him to forgive her for her cruelty in blaming him.

Sally Field — 'Steel Magnolias'

Another tearjerker, Sally Field's devastated and furious monologue at the end of Steel Magnolias is as honest a representation of grief as one can find in a Hollywood production. Not long after having her second child, Shelby (Julia Roberts) loses her life. Her mom M'Lynn (Field) has to bury her daughter, and there’s nothing okay about it. And then, in the very last second, there’s a moment of lightness.

Hilary Duff — 'A Cinderella Story'

Millennials the world over will remember this movie as the modern-day fairy tale we all kind of needed growing up. Hilary Duff's monologue might not be known the world over, and it’s honestly a bit silly. But it's also a glorious moment of catharsis: a girl standing up to her former crush for his bad behavior and getting a bit of closure. It deserves a place on the list for that reason alone.

Lupita Nyong'o — 'Us'

Us is a terrifying look at how the suffering of some often underpins others’ joy and success. And in this monologue, Lupita Nyong'o's Red (the actor’s tethered character) explains in disturbing detail exactly how that works. It's a stunning performance from Nyong'o, featuring an altered voice and a slow delivery that just gets under your skin. Equally impressive? She’s acting against herself.

Jennifer Lopez — 'Hustlers'

It's hard not to cheer when Jennifer Lopez's Ramona goes off on the Wall Street corruption responsible for 2008’s economic crash. Lopez is a veteran actor, but here, she delivers a career-defining performance. In this one moment, she explains why Wall Street guys who come into the strip club deserve to be conned. It's enough to have even the most upstanding citizen ready to do some crimes.

Taraji P. Henson — 'Hidden Figures'

Taraji P. Henson's exasperated monologue in Hidden Figures is really the most memorable scene in the film, and the moment the audience has been waiting for. In this pivotal scene, Katherine (Henson), tired of being forced to live like a second class citizen at work, finally unloads on her boss about the struggles of working in a segregated office.

This article was originally published on April 13, 2017

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The Greatest Movie Speeches/Monologues of all time!

Starting with the following, I'm going to try and compile a definitive list of the greatest speeches ever captured on film...

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Scent of a Woman (1992)

R | 156 min | Drama

A prep school student needing money agrees to "babysit" a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated.

Director: Martin Brest | Stars: Al Pacino , Chris O'Donnell , James Rebhorn , Gabrielle Anwar

Votes: 328,068 | Gross: $63.90M

LT COL. FRANK SLADE (Al Pacino): "Mr. Sims...doesn't need to labeled: 'Still worthy of being a Baird Man'. What the hell is that? What is your motto here? Boys, inform on your classmates and save your hide; anything short of that we're gonna burn you at the stake? Well, gentlemen, when the shit hits the fan some guys run and some guys stay. Here's Charlie facing the fire; and there's George hidin' in big Daddy's pocket! And what are you doin'? You're gonna reward George and destroy Charlie. I don't know who went to this place, William Howard Taft, William Jennings Bryan, William Tell -- whoever. Their spirit is dead...if they ever had one. It's gone. You're building a rat ship here. A vessel for sea-goin' snitches. And if you think your preparing these minnows for manhood, you better think again, because I say you are killing the very spirit this institution proclaims it instills! What a sham. What kind of a show are you guys puttin' on here today. I mean, the only class in this act is sittin' next to me. And I'm here to tell ya this boy's soul is intact. It's non-negotiable. You know how I know? Someone here - and I'm not gonna say who - offered to buy it. Only Charlie here wasn't sellin'. MR TRASK: Sir, you are out of order! "Outta order? I'll show you outta order! You don't know what outta order is, Mr. Trask! I'd show you but I'm too old; I'm too tired; I'm too fuckin' blind. If I were the man I was five years ago I'd take a FLAME-THROWER to this place! Outta order. Who the hell you think you're talkin' to? I've been around, you know? There was a time I could see. And I have seen boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn't nothin' like the sight of an amputated spirit; there is no prosthetic for that. You think you're merely sendin' this splendid foot-soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are executin' his SOUL!! And why?! Because he's not a Baird man! Baird men, ya hurt this boy, you're going to be Baird Bums, the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there, FUCK YOU too! "As I came in here, I heard those words, "cradle of leadership." Well, when the bow breaks, the cradle will fall. And it has fallen here; it has fallen. Makers of men; creators of leaders; be careful what kind of leaders you're producin' here. I don't know if Charlie's silence here today is right or wrong. I'm not a judge or jury. But I can tell you this: he won't sell anybody out to buy his future!! And that, my friends, is called integrity! That's called courage! Now that's the stuff leaders should be made of. Now I have come to the crossroads in my life. I always knew what the right path was. Without exception, I knew. But I never took it. You know why? It was too damn hard. Now here's Charlie. He's come to the crossroads. He has chosen a path. It's the right path. It's a path made of principle, that leads to character. Let him continue on his journey. You hold this boy's future in your hands, committee. It's a valuable future. Believe me. Don't destroy it! Protect it. Embrace it. It's gonna make ya proud one day, I promise you".

2. American Beauty (1999)

R | 122 min | Drama

A sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.

Director: Sam Mendes | Stars: Kevin Spacey , Annette Bening , Thora Birch , Wes Bentley

Votes: 1,209,303 | Gross: $130.10M

LESTER BURNHAM (Kevin Spacey): "My name is Lester Burnham. This is my street. This is my neighborhood. This is my life. I am 42 years old. In less than a year, I will be dead. Of course, I don't know that yet, and in a way, I'm dead already. Look at me, jerking off in the shower. This will be the highlight of my day. It's all downhill from here. That's my wife Carolyn. See the way the handle on those pruning shears match her gardening clogs? That's not an accident. That's our neighbor, Jim, and that's his lover, Jim. Man, I get exhausted just watching her. She wasn't always like this. She used to be happy. We used to be happy. My daughter, Jane. Only child. Janie's a pretty typical teenager - angry, insecure, confused. I wish I could tell her that's all going to pass, but I don't want to lie to her. Both my wife and daughter think I'm this gigantic loser. And they're right. I have lost something. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I know I didn't always feel this...sedated. But you know what? It's never too late to get it back".

3. Patton (1970)

GP | 172 min | Biography, Drama, War

The World War II phase of the career of controversial American general George S. Patton .

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner | Stars: George C. Scott , Karl Malden , Stephen Young , Michael Strong

Votes: 107,838 | Gross: $61.70M

GENERAL PATTON (George C. Scott): "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. Men, all this stuff you've heard about America not wanting to fight - wanting to stay out of the war, is a lot of horse dung. Americans traditionally love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle. When you were kids, you all admired the champion marble shooter, the fastest runner, big league ball players, the toughest boxers. Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost and will never lose a war, because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans. Now, an army is a team - it lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team. This individuality stuff is a bunch of crap. The bilious bastards who wrote that stuff about individuality for the Saturday Evening Post don't know anything more about real battle than they do about fornicating. Now, we have the finest food and equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world. You know, by God, I actually pity those poor bastards we're goin' up against. By God, I do. We're not just gonna shoot the bastard, we're going to cut out their living guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun bastards by the bushel. Now, some of you boys, I know, are wondering whether or not you'll chicken out under fire. Don't worry about it. I can assure you that you will all do your duty. The Nazis are the enemy. Wade into them, spill their blood, shoot them in the belly. When you put your hand into a bunch of goo that a moment before was your best friend's face, you'll know what to do. Now there's another thing I want you to remember. I don't want to get any messages saying that we are holding our position. We're not holding anything. Let the Hun do that. We are advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy. We're going to hold onto him by the nose and we're gonna kick him in the ass. We're gonna kick the hell out of him all the time and we're gonna go through him like crap through a goose. Now, there's one thing that you men will be able to say when you get back home, and you may thank God for it. Thirty years from now when you're sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee, and he asks you: 'What did you do in the Great World War II?', you won't have to say: 'Well, I shoveled shitt in Louisiana.' All right now, you sons-of-bitches, you know how I feel - and I will be proud to lead you wonderful guys into battle anytime, anywhere. That's all".

4. Network (1976)

R | 121 min | Drama

A television network cynically exploits a deranged former anchor's ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit, but finds that his message may be difficult to control.

Director: Sidney Lumet | Stars: Faye Dunaway , William Holden , Peter Finch , Robert Duvall

Votes: 170,326

HOWARD BEALE (Peter Finch): "I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth, banks are going bust, shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter. Punks are running wild in the street and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it. We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat, and we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be. We know things are bad - worse than bad. They're crazy. It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out anymore. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we are living in is getting smaller, and all we say is: 'Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone.' Well, I'm not gonna leave you alone. I want you to get MAD! I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot - I don't want you to write to your congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street. All I know is that first you've got to get mad. (shouting) You've got to say: 'I'm a human being, god-dammit! My life has value!' So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell: I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take this anymore!"

5. Malice (1993)

R | 107 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller

A tale about a happily married couple who would like to have children. Tracy teaches art, Andy's a college dean. Things are never the same after she is taken to hospital and operated upon by Jed, a "know all" doctor.

Director: Harold Becker | Stars: Alec Baldwin , Nicole Kidman , Bill Pullman , Bebe Neuwirth

Votes: 27,282 | Gross: $46.04M

DR JED HILL (Alec Baldwin): "The question is, 'Do I have a 'God Complex'?...which makes me wonder if this lawyer has any idea as to the kind of grades one has to receive in college to be accepted at a top medical school. Or if you have the vaguest clue as to how talented someone has to be to lead a surgical team. I have an M.D. from Harvard. I am board certified in cardio-thoracic medicine and trauma surgery. I have been awarded citations from seven different medical boards in New England, and I am never, ever sick at sea. So I ask you: when someone goes into that chapel and they fall on their knees and they pray to God that their wife doesn't miscarry, or that their daughter doesn't bleed to death, or that their mother doesn't suffer acute neural trauma from post-operative shock, who do you think they're praying to? Now, you go ahead and read your Bible *Dennis*, and you go to your church, and with any luck you might win the annual raffle, but if you're looking for God, he was in operating room number two on November 17th, and he doesn't like to be second-guessed. You ask me if I have a God complex? Let me tell you something: I Am God".

6. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

R | 142 min | Drama

Over the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.

Director: Frank Darabont | Stars: Tim Robbins , Morgan Freeman , Bob Gunton , William Sadler

Votes: 2,882,538 | Gross: $28.34M

ELLIS BOYD 'RED' REDDING (Morgan Freeman): "Rehabilitated? Well, now, let me see. You know, I don't have any idea what that means. I know what you think it means, sonny. To me, it's just a made up word; a politician's word, so that young fellas like yourself can wear a suit and a tie and have a job. What do you really wanna know? Am I sorry for what I did? There's not a day goes by I don't feel regret. Not because I'm in here, or because you think I should. I look back on the way I was then, a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I wanna talk to him. I wanna try to talk some sense to him, tell him the way things are, but I can't. That kid's long gone and this old man is all that's left. I gotta live with that. Rehabilitated? It's just a bullshit word. So, you go on and stamp your form, sonny, and stop wasting my time, because to tell you the truth, I don't give a shit".

7. Braveheart (1995)

R | 178 min | Biography, Drama, War

Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England.

Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Mel Gibson , Sophie Marceau , Patrick McGoohan , Angus Macfadyen

Votes: 1,090,020 | Gross: $75.60M

WILLIAM WALLACE (Mel Gibson): "I am William Wallace! And I see a whole army of my countrymen here, in defiance of tyranny. You've come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight? Fight and you may die. Run and you'll live, at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!".

8. City Hall (1996)

R | 111 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

The accidental shooting of a boy in New York leads to an investigation by the Deputy Mayor, and unexpectedly far-reaching consequences.

Director: Harold Becker | Stars: Al Pacino , John Cusack , Bridget Fonda , Danny Aiello

Votes: 22,414 | Gross: $20.20M

NYC MAYOR JOHN PAPPAS (Al Pacino): "I was warned not to come here. I was warned. They warned me: 'Don't stand behind that coffin.' But why should I heed such a warning, when a heartbeat is silent and a child lies dead? 'Don't stand behind this coffin.' That boy was as pure and as innocent as the driven snow. But I must stand here because I have not given you what you should have. Until we can walk abroad and recreate ourselves, until we can stroll along the streets like boulevards, congregate in parks free from fear, our families mingling, our children laughing, our hearts joined - until that day, we have no city. You can label me a failure until that day. The first and perhaps only great mayor was Greek. He was Pericles of Athens, and he lived some 2,500 years ago, and he said: 'All things good of this Earth flow into the City, because of the City's greatness.' Well, we were great once. Can we not be great again? Now, I put that question to James Bone, and there's only silence. Yet could not something pass from this sweet youth to me? Could he not empower me to find in myself the strength to have the knowledge to summon up the courage to accomplish this seemingly insurmountable task of making a city livable? Just livable. There was a palace that was a city. It was a palace! It was a palace, and it can be a palace again! A palace, in which there is no king or queen, or dukes or earls or princes, but subjects all. Subjects beholden to each other, to make a better place to live. Is that too much to ask? Are we asking too much for thisIs it beyond our reach? Because if it is, then we are nothing but sheep being herded to the final slaughterhouse! I will not go down, that way! I choose to fight back! I choose to rise, not fall! I choose to live, not die! And I know, I know that what's within me is also within you. That's why I ask you now to join me. Join me, rise up with me, rise up on the wings of this slain angel. We'll rebuild on the soul of this little warrior. We will pick up his standard and raise it high! Carry it forward until this city - your city - our city - his city - is a palace of God! Is a palace of God! I am with you, little James. I am you".

9. We Were Soldiers (2002)

R | 138 min | Action, Drama, History

The story of the first major battle of the American phase of the Vietnam War, and the soldiers on both sides that fought it, while their wives wait nervously and anxiously at home for the good news or the bad news.

Director: Randall Wallace | Stars: Mel Gibson , Madeleine Stowe , Greg Kinnear , Sam Elliott

Votes: 151,058 | Gross: $78.12M

GENERAL HAL MOORE (Mel Gibson): "Look around you. In the 7th Cavalry, we got a Captain from the Ukraine. Another from Puerto Rico. We've got Japanese, Chinese, Blacks, Hispanics, Cherokee Indians, Jews and Gentiles - all Americans. Now here in the States, some men in this unit may experience discrimination because of race or creed. But for you and me now, all that is gone. We're moving into the valley of the shadow of death, where you will watch the back of the man next to you, as he will watch yours. And you won't care what color he is or by what name he calls God. They say we're leavin' home. We're goin' to what home was always supposed to be. So let us understand the situation. We are goin' into battle against a tough and determined enemy. I can't promise you that I will bring you all home alive. But this I swear before you and before Almighty God that when we go into battle, I will be the first to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off. And I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will all come home together. So help me God".

10. No Country for Old Men (2007)

R | 122 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong and over two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande.

Directors: Ethan Coen , Joel Coen | Stars: Tommy Lee Jones , Javier Bardem , Josh Brolin , Woody Harrelson

Votes: 1,057,975 | Gross: $74.28M

SHERIFF BELL (Tommy Lee Jones): "I was Sheriff of this county when I was 25 years old. Hard to believe. My grandfather was a lawman, father too. Me and him was sheriffs at the same time, him up in Plano and me out here. I think he's pretty proud of that. I know I was. Some of the old time Sheriffs never even wore a gun. A lotta folks find that hard to believe. Jim Scarborough'd never carry one - that's the younger Jim. Gaston Borkins wouldn't wear one up in Comanche County. I always liked to hear about the old-timers. Never missed a chance to do so. You can't help but compare yourself against the old-timers. Can't help but wonder how they'd have operated in these times. There was this boy I sent to the 'lectric chair at Huntsville here awhile back. My arrest and my testimony. He killed a 14 year-old girl. Papers said it was a crime of passion, but he told me there wasn't any passion to it. Told me that he'd been plannin' to kill somebody for about as long as he could remember. Said that if they turned him out, he'd do it again. Said he knew he was going to hell: 'Be there in about fifteen minutes.' I don't know what to make of that. I surely don't. The crime you see now, it's hard to even take its measure. It's not that I'm afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willin' to die to even do this job. But, I don't want to push my chips forward and go out and meet somethin' I don't understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He'd have to say: 'OK., I'll be a part of this world".

11. Psycho (1960)

R | 109 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock | Stars: Anthony Perkins , Janet Leigh , Vera Miles , John Gavin

Votes: 717,152 | Gross: $32.00M

NORMAN BATES (Anthony Perkins): "It's sad when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son, but I couldn't allow them to believe that I would commit murder. They'll put him away now, as I should have, years ago. He was always bad and in the end, he intended to tell them I killed those girls and that man. As if I could do anything except just sit and stare, like one of his stuffed birds. Oh, they know I can't even move a finger and I won't. I'll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do suspect me. They're probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I'm not even gonna 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".

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The 21 greatest movie award speeches of all time

From the oscars to the golden globes to the indie spirits, some clips to get you through a winter without them.

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Queeries is a weekly column by CBC Arts producer Peter Knegt that queries LGBTQ art, culture and/or identity through a personal lens. 

If something didn't quite feel right this past weekend, it could have been one of a wide array of historically miserable reasons. Perhaps the fact that you didn't see your family for the holidays for the first time in your life? Or how we're just getting unsettled into what everyone is warning us will be the darkest winter our society has faced since at least World War II? (Hey, at least you didn't yet know that your week would have the rumblings of an American Civil War!) But for the many of us that rely on a different kind of "season" to get us through winters that are just a normal amount of dark, there was something else missing from our first Sunday night in January: the Golden Globes.

Whatever, I get it: awards shows are mostly meaningless, particularly the Golden Globes, which are voted on by a handful of journalists no one has really heard of (some of whom occasionally write wildly erroneous and offensive in-flight magazine profiles of Drew Barrymore ). But they are also fun , and if there's one thing completely absent from any person who is behaving's life right now, it's fun. Adding in that the greatest awards host duo of all time Tina Fey and Amy Poehler had already been announced to return, not having the Globes to ease our bluest post-holiday blues was especially unfortunate.

Now, the Golden Globes are still allegedly going to happen on February 28th with Fey and Poehler still on board . But February 28th sounds like years from now at this point, and in past years we would have had the SAG Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards, the BAFTAs and the Oscars all happen by that point as well. There's also a solid chance they'll get delayed again, as was just announced would happen with the Grammy Awards . So to help ease you through this awards-free winter, I took to one of my favourite past times: re-watching hours and hours of old speeches, largely by actresses. And I have come up with this highly scientific and completely undebatable list of the greatest movie award speeches of all time. May they help you get to the other side:

21. Melissa Leo's Oscar speech for The Fighter  

Not enough awards acceptance speeches are truly unhinged, which is what makes Melissa Leo's from the 2011 Oscars so very special. After a deeply creepy presentation by the late Kirk Douglas, Leo capped off a season where she went rogue with her own hilarious personal ad campaign with a speech so wonderfully wild it must been both watched (above) and read . 

20. Bong Joon-Ho's various Oscar speeches for Parasite

It's easy to forget that some very good things indeed happened in 2020, one of which was the sweep of the Oscars by Bong Joon-Ho's Parasite . The film won four trophies and became the first non-English language winner of best picture. And Bong's speeches throughout the night (and last awards season in general) were as charming as it gets, in part because of his flawless translator Sharon Choi .

19. Gabourey Sidibe's Spirit Award speech for Precious

Few awards season runs have been as delightful to watch as Gabourey Sidibe's for Precious . Nominated for essentially every award for her first time ever on camera, she would unfortunately lose the Oscar to Sandra Bullock . But the night before that, she got her moment at the Spirit Awards, offering an adorable speech that recalled how she saved her money to see Welcome To The Dollhouse in high school. 

18. Louise Fletcher's Oscar speech for One Flew Over The Cockoo's Nest

This classic Oscar speech from 1976 saw Fletcher win for playing the monstrous Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest . Her iconic opening line — "It looks like you all hated me so much that you've given me this award for it" — remains one that future Oscar winners should aspire to. 

17. Alfred Hitchcock's honorary Oscar speech 

The legend that is Alfred Hitchcock tragically never won a competitive Oscar despite five nominations. So when they finally gave him an honorary one in 1968, there was definitely some deserved shade thrown in the minimalism of his speech. 

16. Bette Midler's Golden Globe speech for best new female star

For decades, the Golden Globes would hand out two gendered awards for best "new star," which infamously ended shortly after allegations that Pia Zadora's husband may or may not have bought her a win . But a saving grace of the category's existence is this hilariously crass speech Bette Midler gave in 1980.

15. Meryl Streep's Golden Globe speech for The Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep has given dozens of acceptance speeches over the years, and few people are as good at them as she is. But while her three Oscar speeches are fine , she tends to be much more loose and entertaining at the Golden Globes, where she has won a record nine awards from 33 nominations. Of her competitive wins, this speech she gave for The Devil Wears Prada is the epitome of the grace, charm and humility that makes her so singular.

14. Jamie Bell's BAFTA speech for Billy Elliot

Jamie Bell was just 14 years old when he surprised the BAFTAs by beating out Tom Hanks, Michael Douglas and that year's Oscar winner Russell Crowe for the 2001 lead actor trophy. And the entire audience seemed to glow from his lovely little speech. It even got a smile out of Joaquin Phoenix!

13. Cher's Oscar speech for Moonstruck

Speaking of glowing, few actresses have ever looked quite as luminous as Cher when she took the Oscar stage in 1988 to accept her award for Moonstruck (which, if you're looking for a winter quarantine viewing, is a perfect movie). And her gracious, elegant speech that followed proved that even if winning that Oscar didn't mean Cher truly is somebody , she was already more than well on her way. 

12. Adam Sandler's Spirit Award speech for Uncut Gems

The Oscars might have snubbed his extraordinary work in Uncut Gems , but Adam Sandler still won last year's award season with this hysterical speech at the Spirit Awards the night before. It was hands down the best moment of the season and maybe one of the funniest speeches ever given at an awards show.

11. Ruth Gordon's Oscar speech for Rosemary's Baby

"I can't tell you how encouragin' a thing like this is." Just the delivery of Ruth Gordon's 1969 best supporting actress Oscar speech for Rosemary's Baby warrants inclusion on this list alone. Coming 55 years after her first film, it's also just lovely to see a legend get her due. 

10. Mahershala Ali's SAG speech for Moonlight and Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney's Oscar speech for Moonlight

While it was tempting to include the truly unprecedented and shocking 2016 best picture Oscar snafu on this list (which I surely don't need to remind you had the world thinking  La La Land won best picture when in fact Moonlight had), I'd rather direct you to the two best speeches given by the Moonlight team that season: speeches they weren't forced to deliver after spending a few minutes believing they'd lost. Mahershala Ali's SAG Award speech for best supporting actor and Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney's Oscar speech for best adapted screenplay are both mini-master classes in public speaking. And you can also read the speech for best picture that Jenkins would have given under normal circumstances here . 

9. Sally Hawkins's Golden Globe speech for Happy-Go-Lucky

There is a very special place in my heart for both Sally Hawkins's performance as Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky and this wonderfully raw and sincere speech she gave when she beat out Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson for a Golden Globe in 2008.

8. Shirley MacLaine's Oscar speech for Terms of Endearment

"I'm gonna cry because this show has been as long as my career," MacLaine opens her 1984 speech for Terms of Endearment . "I have wondered for 26 years what this would feel like. Thank you so much for terminating the suspense." An instant classic speech, it also is just wild to be reminded of the extraordinary gay fact that Rock Hudson and Liza Minnelli handed Shirley MacLaine her Oscar.

7. Every speech Olivia Colman gave for The Favourite

Every. Single. One. And they should have let her go on for 10 more minutes at the Oscars. 

6. Emma Thompson's Golden Globe speech for Sense and Sensibility

Emma Thompson delivered her 1996 Golden Globe speech for best screenplay in character as Jane Austen, and it is one of the most brilliant things an awards season stage has ever seen. 

5. Halle Berry's Oscar speech for Monster's Ball

The first and somehow still only Black woman to win the Oscar for best actress, Halle Berry's 2002 speech was criticized by many at the time as "over-the-top" . But I mean, what would you do if you had to get up on stage in front of hundreds of millions of people and represent becoming the first Black woman to ever win an Oscar?! Besides, we should be so lucky to get such genuine displays of emotion more often. This was history being made, and Halle Berry let herself feel it.

4. Sally Field's Oscar speech for Places in the Heart

In probably the most misquoted line in awards speech history, when Sally Field won her second Oscar in 1985 for Places in the Heart , she did not just say, "You like me, you really like me!" What Field actually says is: "The first time I didn't feel it, but this time I feel it. And I can't deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!" But either way, it's a wonderful speech and a wonderful moment, and we still can't deny the fact that we (really) like Field very much.

3. Tom Hanks's Oscar speech for Philadelphia

The only speech to have been loosely adapted into a movie (as far as I know at least), it was alleged that Tom Hanks outed his high school drama teacher when he accepted his Oscar for playing a gay man dying from AIDS  Philadelphia . This, of course, inspired the movie In & Out (which oddly enough got Joan Cusack an Oscar nomination for playing the fictionalized fiancée of Hanks's teacher) and a New York Post headline that screamed "OUTED AT THE OSCARS!" But Hanks had actually contacted his teacher , Rawley Farnsworth, asking permission to disclose his sexuality. Farnworth agreed, and what resulted is one of the most tear-jerking speeches to ever happen on an Oscar stage and a huge step forward for the mainstream acknowledgment of HIV/AIDS*. (* This statement is very complicated but this is supposed to be a fun list so just do some further reading if that's of interest to you!)

2. Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep's honorary Golden Globe speeches

Two years in a row, two of the most famous women in the world brought down the house at the Golden Globes with their powerful, rousing acceptance speeches for that year's respective honorary award (and these were the years 2017 and 2018, so there were some things to discuss). I re-watched both at least once a month to get me through 2020, and I'll keep doing the same until/if 2021 starts to lighten up. 

1. Julia Roberts's Oscar speech for Erin Brockovich

"I see you stick man!" One of the most joyous things available to watch on the internet, Julia Roberts's 2001 Oscar speech is basically the biggest movie star in the world having the biggest moment of her career and ... loving it up there. Nothing compares to its energy, and I dare future Oscar winners to challenge its glory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Knegt (he/him) is a writer, producer and host for CBC Arts. He writes the LGBTQ-culture column Queeries (winner of the Digital Publishing Award for best digital column in Canada) and hosts and produces the talk series Here & Queer. He's also spearheaded the launch and production of series Canada's a Drag, variety special Queer Pride Inside, and interactive projects Superqueeroes and The 2010s: The Decade Canadian Artists Stopped Saying Sorry. Collectively, these projects have won Knegt four Canadian Screen Awards. Beyond CBC, Knegt is also the filmmaker of numerous short films, the author of the book About Canada: Queer Rights and the host of the monthly film series Queer Cinema Club at Toronto's Paradise Theatre. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter with the same obvious handle: @peterknegt.

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The 10 Most Inspirational Movie Speeches For Cinephiles

Whether short and sweet or long-winded, some film speeches have stirred up intense emotions within their audiences.

Although films can be more about visuals, many carry impactful dialogue. While body language and facial expressions are necessary for actors, some have proven the mastery of spoken word. Some of these speeches are filled with words, while others have only a few lines. Regardless of how long the moment is, these speeches inspire their audiences.

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Several films contain historically accurate and entertainingly original movie speeches. Many of them stand the test of time, and others mark a new era.

10 The King's Speech: King George VI Challenges Us To Overcome Our Greatest Enemies

The King's Speech's  protagonist, Prince Albert, is pushed to overcome his speech impediment, while dealing with the pressure of being a member of Britain's Royal Family. The Prince and his wife turn to actor and speech therapist Lionel Louge, who digs into the emotional trauma behind the impediment.

The audience's emotional attachment only increases when Prince Albert is named the new King of England and is expected to lead the country into war with Nazi Germany in the late 1930s. His first act as King George happens to be his first wartime radio broadcast. As he works through the stress of relaying his hopeful words for victory, he takes his first steps into overcoming his disability, an inspirational moment in history and cinema.

9 The Return Of The King: Aragorn's Speech Made For A Stirring Start To The Final Battle

Throughout  The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Aragorn makes for a brilliant leader, but often stands aside to let another take over. His hesitation to claim his birthright as King of Men, along with his great humility, is only a part of why his rousing speech at the end of  Return of the King is so impactful.

RELATED: 10 Best Fantasy Movies For Lord Of The Rings Fans

The final battle at Mordor is the last obstacle the heroes have to face to end Sauron's chaos , but even after all they've overcome, victory still seems bleak. It's Aragorn's speech that brings back hope for better days and stirs up the men, and the audience's courage, to face the challenge that's ahead of them.

8 Independence Day: The President's Speech Is Iconic For Its Bold Honesty And Empowerment For All

The power of a speech lies in how the speaker captures their audience. Though he struggles at first to rally his troops, President Whitmore's wartime speech is the spark to the war effort against the alien enemy in  Independence Day , .

His honest start defining the venture that they were about to embark on, avoided sugar-coating the situation; they were about to fight for their survival . It's his change in topic, focusing more on how the world is going to fight together and how  "we will not vanish without a fight" , that gives everyone strength.

7 Ratatouille: Anton Ego's Critique Is A Victory For The Artists Who Dream Big

Though the concept of a rat cooking in a restaurant might leave some with an upset stomach, Pixar  took the idea and created the inspirational masterpiece  Ratatouille . The film follows the rat Remy, whose passion for cooing leads him to secretly become a chef at his idol's famed restaurant, Gusteau's.

As the restaurant's popularity rises thanks to Remy's cooking, the harsh critic Anton Ego steps in to test his talent, not realizing he isn't human. After a mass exit from the kitchen staff, Remy is helped by his family to serve Anton his finest meal. Upon discovering Remy's true identity, Anton is forced to accept and now uphold the late Gusteau's ideology of  "anyone can cook" , calling Remy  "the finest chef in France" in his in-depth food critique.

6 Remember The Titans: Coach Boone's Speech Unifies His Team And The Audience

Following the story of the first racially integrated football team in Virginia, Remember The Titans balances its societal commentary and engaging storytelling brilliantly. In one of the film's serious moments, the team is led on a grueling run that leads them to the land where the Battle of Gettysburg historically took place.

As the young athletes take a moment to catch their breath, Coach Boone compares the team's struggle to work together to the bloody battle that happened nearly a century ago.  "If we don't come together, right now... we too will be destroyed -- just like they were" , are some of the influential words Boone shares. As haunting as his speech becomes, it ends on a hopeful note of  "maybe we'll learn to play this game like men."

5 Dead Poets Society: Mr. Keating's Passion For The Arts Breathes Life Into The Audience

Viewers were not prepared for the emotional tour de force of  Dead Poets Society , the story of one English teacher's unique efforts to help his students live their best lives and overcome the pressures pushed onto them. With many of his students carrying a misunderstanding of why they are studying poetry and the arts, Mr. Keating shares poetic words of his own on the connection between poetry and the passion of life.

In his speech, he shares the words,  "poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for" , and in an effort to convince the young students to think and live for themselves, he adds,  "you may contribute a verse."  The inspiring speech ends with a call to action, both for the characters and the audience,  "What will your verse be?"

4 Hidden Figures: Mary Jackson's Bold Speech Stirs Up Viewers' Courage

With the restriction of segregation holding her from her potential, Mary Jackson's historical fight for an equal education is shared in the remarkable film  Hidden Figures . Mary was already brilliant in engineering before she was given the official job, but she needed the credentials from an accredited school in order to be granted the promotion.

The only school available was, at the time, an all-white high school. Mary boldly stands before a judge and declares  "I have no choice but to be the first."  The genius of her character shines in this scene as she makes a direct connection with the judge, who she points out has done some history-making of his own. The bold approach works and the judge allows her to bend the segregation laws, an empowering step for Mary and for the audience watching.

3 Good Night, And Good Luck: Edward R Murrow's Harsh Criticisms On Media Still Have An Impact Today

Though a moody piece ,  Good Night, and Good Luck presents a light at the end of the tunnel as far as the abuse of mass media goes. It highlights the monumental work of reporter Edward R. Murrow and his fight against the extremes of McCarthyism. It also emphasizes his belief in the power of radio and television broadcasting.

His speech in the film may be a bit dreary for those looking to be uplifted, but it hits inspirational notes where it needs to. In the words from the film,  "This instrument can teach. It can illuminate and, yes, it can even inspire,"  a sentiment that means a great deal to those who share in Murrow's ideology on the power of media.

2 The Princess Bride: Inigo Montoya's 'Introduction' Was Worth The Great Build Up

Inigo Montoya is incredibly likable even though he's helping one of the villains in the  The Princess Bride . His life as a rogue swordsman has all been for the sake of finding the man who murdered his father and taking his vengeance. Coincidentally, that same man is an enemy of the story's hero, Wesley, giving Inigo the support he needs to reach his goal.

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For decades he practiced the same speech over and over again, introducing himself to his father's killer, but when he finally has the man in his clutches, he loses, or so it seems. Unwilling to give in to his devastating wounds, Inigo repeats the same speech, raising his voice louder and louder as his attacks grow in power. At last, he has the murderer right where he wants him and deals the final blow, making for one of the most exciting final battles in cinema that has stood the test of time.

1 Pursuit of Happyness: Chris Gardner's Speech On Chasing After Dreams Applies To All Ages

In one of his most inspirational films, Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a man down on his luck after he and his son are evicted from their home. The father and son struggle living out on the street as Chris works hard to land a job at a brokerage firm. Toward the end of the film, Chris and his son are playing basketball together as the little boy proclaims one day he'll become a pro player. Without thinking, Chris shuts down his son's dream to spare him from disappointment .

After seeing the impact of his negative words, Chris tells his son,  "Don't ever let somebody tell you, you can't do something, not even me."  He then encourages his son to go after his dreams, telling him  "If you want something, go get it. Period." For everyone in the world, no matter their age, this speech inspired by a true underdog, means a lot.

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The 25 Most Inspirational Speeches from ’80s Movies

I really enjoy this video montage of “ 40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes ”…

That inspired me to put together a list of the best inspirational/motivational speeches just from ’80s movies . There were several choices that came immediately to mind, but some might be a little less obvious. Some are short and some are long. Some are made to big groups of people and some are made to just one. Some are funny and some are very serious. Whether they were intended to be or not, they all share the fact that they are inspirational to at least one character in the movie. In addition, they can also be inspirational to us, the audience.

I took a trip through my ’80s movie library and came up with quite a list of such inspirational monologues. With all of them, I will include at least a portion of the script and a video of the scene. So let’s get right to it then. Here are Old School’s Favorite Inspirational Speeches from ’80s Movies :

Honorable Mention.   Animal House (1978) – One of the best of all time, but I am only listing it as an honorable mention because it is technically from a ’70s movie. I kind of consider it an ’80s movie since that is when I saw it for the first time and it inspired the comedy genre for years to come.

“Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! And it ain’t over now. ‘Cause when the goin’ gets tough… the tough get goin’! Who’s with me? Let’s go!” -“John ‘Bluto’ Blutarsky” played by John Belushi

25. The Outsiders (1983) – This is a favorite coming-of-age film of mine with a star-studded cast (before they were stars) based on the S.E. Hinton novel. The story features the Robert Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” which is a personal favorite of mine. The scene when “Ponyboy” recites it to “Johnny” is very inspirational to me.  When “Johnny” dies near the end of the film, he leaves a letter for his friend “Ponyboy” and I find what he says to be an inspirational monologue.

“Ponyboy, I asked the nurse to give you this book so you could finish it. The doctor came in a while ago but I knew anyway. I keep getting tireder and tireder. Listen, I don’t mind dying now. It was worth it. It’s worth saving those kids. Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for. Some of their parents came by to thank me and I know it was worth it. Tell Dally it was worth it. I’m just gonna miss you guys. I’ve been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you’re gold when you’re a kid, like green. When you’re a kid everything’s new, dawn. It’s just when you get used to everything that it’s day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That’s gold. Keep that way, it’s a good way to be. I want you to tell Dally to look at one. He’ll probably think you’re crazy, but ask for me. I don’t think he’s ever really seen a sunset. And don’t be so bugged over being a greaser. You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want. There’s still lots of good in the world. Tell Dally. I don’t think he knows. Your buddy, Johnny.” – “Johnny Cade” played by Ralph Macchio

24. On Golden Pond (1981) – This is an interesting story about family relationships from several different angles. It stars Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn as an aging couple who have been married for a long time. The scene that I find inspirational takes place when Hepburn’s character shows how strong the ties of love and marriage can remain even after so many years.

“Listen to me, mister. You’re my knight in shining armor. Don’t forget it. You’re going to get back on that horse and I’m going to be right behind you, holding on tight and away we’re going to go, go, go!”

– “Ethel Thayer” played by Katherine Hepburn

23. The Princess Bride (1987) – This is a great fairytale of a movie that I recently was able to share with my daughter for the first time. She loved it because of the Princess, but my favorite character is “Inigo Montoya” the sword fighter who is on a life long search for vengeance against the “six-fingered man” who murdered his father. At one point, he explains why he is on this mission and I find it somewhat inspirational, so I decided to include this scene on my list.

“I was eleven years old. And when I was strong enough, I dedicated my life to the study of fencing. So the next time we meet, I will not fail. I will go up to the six-fingered man and say, ‘Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.’”

– “Inigo Montoya” played by Mandy Patinkin

23. Full Metal Jacket (1987) – I don’t know about you, but I am not personally motivated or inspired by someone berating me. Nevertheless, that seems to be the tactic often employed by Drill Sergeants in the armed forces (or at least that is how it is depicted in the movies which is all I have to go by). R. Lee Ermey has several outstanding monologues during the basic training scenes of this film which Stanley Kubrick wrote the screenplay and directed. I rank them lower on this list because I would not find them personally inspiring, but it does motivate the characters in the film. There are several that would qualify, but I will include the one he makes when they are graduating.

“Today, you people are no longer maggots. Today, you are Marines. You’re part of a brotherhood. From now on until the day you die, wherever you are, every Marine is your brother. Most of you will go to Vietnam. Some of you will not come back. But always remember this: Marines die. That’s what we’re here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.”

– “Gunnery Sergeant Hartmann” played by R. Lee Ermey

21. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – This one did not come immediately to mind, but I remember a profane rant that “Clark” goes on as his family is ready to give up. He drops a few f-bombs to help get their attention, but his passion is inspiring and afterward you know that he is resolved to get to Wally World.

“I think you’re all f****d in the head. We’re ten hours from the f***ing fun park and you want to bail out. Well I’ll tell you something. This is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun. I’m gonna have fun and you’re gonna have fun. We’re all gonna have so much fucking fun we’ll need plastic surgery to remove our godamn smiles. You’ll be whistling ‘Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah’ out of you’re a**holes! I gotta be crazy! I’m on a pilgrimage to see a moose. Praise Marty Moose! Holy S**t!”

– “Clark W. Griswold” played by Chevy Chase

20. Road House (1989) – This movie does not have too many redeeming qualities (except being fun to watch), but “Dalton” has the self-confidence and experience to certainly motivate others. When the character is first introduced to help clean up the seedy small-town Missouri bar, he delivers his message to the rest of the bar’s staff. The severity of the situation and by just looking at “Dalton,” I am sure they had their doubts about his methods. It does not take long for him to prove that it is his way or the highway.

“All you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it’s absolutely necessary. And three, be nice.”

– “Dalton” played by Patrick Swayze

19. Caddyshack (1980) – One of my very favorite comedies of all time, this is another movie which you would not expect to necessarily be on this list, but there are a few inspiring (although comedic) monologues made by “Ty Webb” to young “Danny” during the course of the film. Here is one of them…

“I’m going to give you a little advice. There’s a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.”

–  “Ty Webb” played by Chevy Chase

18. Stand By Me (1986) – This is one of my very favorite movies of all time. There is a particular scene where “Gordie” and “Chris” are talking about their future. “Gordie” implies that he was not going to take advantage of his opportunities and this angers “Chris” who responds. “Gordie” does not like “Chris” preaching at him and says, “Oh, gee, thanks, Dad!”

“Wish the hell I was your dad. You wouldn’t be goin’ around talkin’ about takin’ these stupid shop courses if I was. It’s like God gave you something man, all those stories you can make up. And He said, ‘this is what we got for ya kid, try not to lose it.’ Kids lose everything unless there’s someone there to look out for them. And if your parents are too f****d up to do it, then maybe I should!”

– “Chris Chambers” played by River Phoenix

17. Bull Durham (1988) – Sports movies are generally good sources for inspirational moments and speeches. There are some amazing monologues given in this movie which is about much more than just minor league baseball in North Carolina. “Annie” provides a great one as an introduction at the start of the film and “Crash” delivers a famous monologue about what he believes in. Both are great, but my favorite motivational speech is given by the team’s manager after “Crash” gave him advice on how to light a fire under the team.

“You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry! LOLLYGAGGERS!”

– “Joe ‘Skip’ Riggins” played by Trey Wilson

16. The Karate Kid (1984) – This movie is inspiring overall with the underdog coming out victorious in multiple ways. “Mr. Miyagi” provides many karate lessons that are also life lessons during the course of the film. One such lesson is when he tells “Daniel” that he “Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. Understand?” One of my favorites and particularly motivational is an analogy that he uses before he begins to train “Daniel.”

“Walk on road, hm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later (makes squish gesture)… get squish just like grape. Here, karate, same thing. Either you karate do ‘yes’ or karate do ‘no.’ You karate do ‘guess so,’ (makes squish gesture again) just like grape. Understand?”

– “Mr. Miyagi” played by Pat Morita

15. Glory (1989) – This movie is based on an extremely inspiring story, though some parts are difficult to watch. It depicts the story of a regiment of African-American soldiers in the American Civil War. Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with an outstanding performance, but to me, many of the inspirational scenes featured Morgan Freeman’s character “John Rawlins.” One in particular takes place as a prayer the night before they go into battle.

“Lord, we stand before you this evening, to say thank you! And we thank you, father, for your grace, and your many blessings! Now I run off, leaving all my young ones and my kinfolk, in bondage. So I’m standing here this evening, heavenly father, to ask your blessings on all of us. So that if tomorrow is the great getting up morning, if that tomorrow we have to meet the Judgment Day, oh heavenly father, we want you to let our folks know that we died facing the enemy! We want ‘em to know that we went down standing up! Amongst those that are fighting against our oppression. We want ‘em to know, heavenly father, that we died for FREEDOM! We ask these blessings in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

– “John Rawlins” played by Morgan Freeman

14. Rocky IV (1985) – Interesting that this movie has one of the LEAST inspirational speeches by Rocky’s wife when she says, “You can’t go with what you are. You’ve read the papers, it’s suicide! You’ve seen him you know how strong he is! YOU CAN’T WIN!” But later in the movie, there are a couple speeches that I feel are very inspirational. There is a scene before Rocky leaves for Russia and he is saying goodbye to his son. He tells him, “ By going that one more round when you think you can’t, that’s what makes all the difference in your life .” Words to live by for sure. There is another where his trainer “Duke” says to Rocky shortly after they arrive in Russia,

“ Apollo was like my son. I raised him. And when he died a part of me died. But now you’re the one. You’re the one that’s gonna keep his spirit alive. You’re the one that’s gonna make sure that he didn’t die for nothing. Now you’re gonna have to go through hell. Worse than any nightmare you ever dreamed. But in the end, I know you’ll be the one standing.”

– “Duke” played by Tony Burton

13. Three Amigos (1986) – Another movie you would not expect to be on this list, but there is one speech delivered by “Lucky Day” which is quite inspirational in an over-the-top comedic sort of way.

“In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face. For some, shyness might be their El Guapo. For others, a lack of education might be their El Guapo. For us, El Guapo is a big, dangerous man who wants to kill us. But as sure as my name is Lucky Day, the people of Santa Poco can conquer their own personal El Guapo, who also happens to be the actual El Guapo!”

– “Lucky Day” played by Steve Martin

12. Lean On Me (1989) – This film is based on the very inspiring true story of Joe Clark who became the principal of an inner-city New Jersey high school in dire need of some changes. I love to see anybody overcome the odds and triumph due to hard work and perseverance. That is what happens with the students at Eastside High. The principal delivers several motivational monologues, but the best is probably at the “pep rally” before the students are to take a basic skills exam which is to determine the future of the school (and quite possibly the future of many of the students themselves).

“ I want to tell you what the people are saying about you and what they think about your chances. They say you’re inferior! You are just a bunch of n****rs and sp**s and poor white trash! Education is wasted on you! You cannot learn! You’re lost! I mean ALL of you! … Are you getting my point, people? Is it beginning to sink in? We sink, we swim, we rise, we fall, we meet our fate together! Now, it took the help of a good, good friend to make me know and understand that and I do understand that and I’m grateful. I’m eternally grateful. And now, I’ve got a message for those people out there who’ve abandoned you and written you off! Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Good! You are NOT inferior! Your grades may be, your school may have been. But you can turn that around and make liars out of those bastards in exactly one hour when you take that test and pass it and win! So here’s what I want you to do. When you find your thoughts wandering, I want you to knuckle back down and concentrate. Concentrate! Remember what’s at stake and show them what Eastside High’s all about: a spirit that will not die!”

– “Joe Clark” played by Morgan Freeman

11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – This is one of my very favorite movies from the ’80s, but not necessarily because it is inspirational. That does not mean there are not any inspiring moments within it, though. “Cameron” is “Ferris’” best friend and experiences a great amount of change during the course of his day of misbehavior. This is evident in a scene towards the end of the film when “Cameron” declares his epiphany. I could not find a video link for this scene, but here is what he says just prior to the car crashing through the glass wall into the ravine.

“I am not going to sit on my ass as the events that affect me unfold to determine the course of my life. I’m going to take a stand. I’m going to defend it. Right or wrong, I’m going to defend it.”

– “Cameron Frye” played by Alan Ruck

10. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) – This silly movie about what kids are willing to do to gain acceptance is one of my favorite ’80s teen comedies. It stars Patrick Dempsey 18 years before he became “McDreamy” on Grey’s Anatomy . He delivers a great speech at the end which includes the real moral of the story and one that I wish more kids would recognize.

“Nerds, jocks. My side, your side. It’s all bulls**t. Its hard enough just trying to be yourself.”

– “Ronald Miller” played by Patrick Dempsey

9. Stripes (1981) – Here is a movie that you would not expect to be all that inspirational, but “John Winger” (played by the brilliant Bill Murray) seems to be a natural leader who takes control when necessary. And that is just what this rag-tag platoon needs. My favorite such moment takes place when the platoon is attempting to get ready to perform at graduation and the group starts to lose patience with each other. “Winger” jumps in and, in his own comedic way, inspires the guys to do what they need to do. This results in one of the funnier scenes in the movie. For this list, I include the motivational speech that gets them there.

“Cut it out! Cut it out! Cut it out! The hell’s the matter with you? Stupid! We’re all very different people. We’re not Watusi. We’re not Spartans. We’re Americans, with a capital ‘A’, huh? You know what that means? Do ya? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. We’re the underdog. We’re mutts! Here’s proof: his nose is cold! But there’s no animal that’s more faithful, that’s more loyal, more loveable than the mutt. Who saw Old Yeller? Who cried when Old Yeller got shot at the end? (raises his hand) Nobody cried when Old Yeller got shot? I’m sure. (other hands are reluctantly raised) I cried my eyes out. So we’re all dogfaces, we’re all very, very different, but there is one thing that we all have in common: we were all stupid enough to enlist in the Army. We’re mutants. There’s something wrong with us, something very, very wrong with us. Something seriously wrong with us – we’re soldiers. But we’re American soldiers! We’ve been kicking ass for 200 years! We’re 10 and 1! Now we don’t have to worry about whether or not we practiced. We don’t have to worry about whether Captain Stillman wants to have us hung. All we have to do is to be the great American fighting soldier that is inside each one of us. Now do what I do, and say what I say. And make me proud.”

– “John Winger” played by Bill Murray

8. The Goonies (1985) – This movie is about kids going on a treasure hunt in the hopes of saving their homes from being foreclosed on. At one point the kids are considering giving up, but “Mikey” gives an inspiring speech trying to convince them to continue on their adventure.

“Don’t you realize? The next time you see sky, it’ll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it’ll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what’s right for them. Because it’s their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it’s our time. It’s our time down here.”

– “Mikey Walsh” played by Sean Astin

7. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – I have always been a huge fan of the original trilogy. I feel George Lucas’ movies encourage and inspire you to imagine a whole different galaxy “far, far away.” The battle of good versus evil is also usually inspiring especially when the good side prevails. There are two particular monologues that I felt were appropriate for this list and they both take place as “Luke” is training in the swamps of Dagobah with “Yoda” to become a Jedi. First, “Luke” says he’ll try and Yoda quickly rebukes, “No, try NOT. Do or do not. There is no try.” Then there is another scene when “Luke” becomes frustrated and “Yoda” schools him again on some of the finer points regarding the Force.

“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.”

– “Yoda” voiced by Frank Oz

6. Revenge of the Nerds (1984) – This is another movie that inspires through the eventual triumph of the underdogs. The nerds keep on battling until they earn victory over the jocks and respect from everybody else. This is another of my very favorite ’80s teen comedies. The movie culminates with a great inspirational speech by “Gilbert” and “Louis” with the film ultimately ending as Queen’s song “We Are The Champions” plays.

“I just wanted to say that I’m a nerd, and I’m here tonight to stand up for the rights of other nerds. I mean uh, all our lives we’ve been laughed at and made to feel inferior. And tonight, those bastards, they trashed our house. Why? Cause we’re smart? Cause we look different? Well, we’re not. I’m a nerd, and uh, I’m pretty proud of it… Just join us ‘cause uh, no-one’s gonna really be free until nerd persecution ends.”

– “Gilbert Lowe” played by Anthony Edwards

5. UHF (1989) – This Weird Al Yankovic movie is actually kind of funny, but I would never had expected it to appear on this list (especially at #5). Those who know me probably are not surprised because of my fondness for this cult classic. For the majority, this film is just silly and campy, but in one of those moments I found a surprisingly inspirational monologue. It was delivered by the character “Stanley Spadowski” played by Michael Richards (before he became known as “Kramer” from Seinfeld ) and is about, of all things, his mop.

“This is my new mop. George, my friend, he gave me this mop. This is a pretty good mop. It’s not as good as my first mop. I miss my first mop, but this is still a good mop. Sometimes you just hafta take what life gives ya, ’cause life is like a mop and sometimes life gets full of dirt and crud and bugs and hairballs and stuff… you, you, you gotta clean it out. You, you, you gotta put it in here and rinse it off and start all over again and, and sometimes, sometimes life sticks to the floor so bad you know a mop, a mop, it’s not good enough, it’s not good enough. You, you gotta get down there, like, with a toothbrush, you know, and you gotta, you gotta really scrub ’cause you gotta get it off. You gotta really try to get it off. But if that doesn’t work, that doesn’t work, you can’t give up. You gotta, you gotta stand right up. You, you gotta run to a window and say, ‘Hey! These floors are dirty as hell, and I’m not gonna take it any more!’”

– “Stanley Spadowski” played by Michael Richards

4. Wall Street (1987) – First, there is a scene featuring Hal Holbrook’s character “Lou Mannheim giving some advice in which he says, “Just remember something. Man looks in the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him. At that moment man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss.” That is one of my favorite movie quotes from this film. It is not as well recognized as another speech made by Michael Douglas who won the Best Actor Oscar for his outstanding portrayal of the “Gordon Gekko” character. His “greed” speech is a favorite cinematic moment of mine. If you can see past the more literal translation and hear what he is really implying, I think it is quite inspirational. I like that he says “for lack of a better word” which makes me believe that it’s a composite of the hard work, determination, and ability that it takes to accomplish your goals. You have to be vigilant and focused on those goals and keep on keepin’ on until you achieve each and every one of them. You can’t take what “Gekko” says literally at face value, but instead, apply your own perspective and morals (because generosity can be just as important). The movie tells a story of the “make a fast buck” era that it took place in, but this particular speech says A LOT more to me. Here is the entire speech, so you can decide for yourself.

“The new law of evolution in corporate America seems to be survival of the unfittest. Well, in my book you either do it right or you get eliminated. …The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA. Thank you very much.”

– “Gordon Gekko” played by Michael Douglas

3. Hoosiers (1986) – You won’t find many movies about the underdog coming out victorious better than this movie inspired by a true story. The analogy of David slaying Goliath fits perfectly for this story, but it all happens due to hard work and trust. In my opinion, trust is one of the biggest factors in this movie and it is not just between the coach and his players, but between almost every character or group of characters. Like I said earlier, sports movies are naturals to have some great motivational speeches. There are not many moments more inspirational than when a coach is firing up his team before a big game. “Coach Dale” has a few of these speeches in this movie. Here is one of them.

“I’m sure going to the State finals is beyond your wildest dreams, so let’s just keep it right there. Forget about the crowds, the size of the school, their fancy uniforms, and remember what got you here. Focus on the fundamentals that we’ve gone over time and time again. And most important, don’t get caught up thinking about winning or losing this game. If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners!”

– “Coach Norman Dale” played by Gene Hackman

2. Field of Dreams (1989) – This is the film starring Kevin Costner about a farmer who builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield to ultimately resolve feelings of regret he had regarding his relationship with his father. That is all well and good, but it also includes what might quite possibly be my favorite monologue in cinema history.

“Ray, people will come Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won’t mind if you look around, you’ll say. It’s only $20 per person. They’ll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they’ll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They’ll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they’ll watch the game and it’ll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they’ll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh… people will come Ray. People will most definitely come.”

– “Terrence Mann” played by James Earl Jones

1. Dead Poets Society (1989) – This film is filled with inspirational monologues. Most are delivered by “John Keating” played wonderfully by Robin Williams. He is encouraging his students to experience life and think for themselves which is what I really feel the school should be all about. One of the best happens during his first-class with the boys and sets the tone for what is to come. Everybody can use a reminder no matter how old you are.

“They believe they’re destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? – – Carpe – – hear it? – – Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.”

– “John Keating” played by Robin Williams

There’s my list. As always, the order can be debated and could vary on any given day. I tried to catch my favorites, but I could have easily overlooked a bunch as well. I would love to hear about any scenes from ’80s movies you think I might have missed. Leave them in the comments below. There are so many more inspirational moments in movies from other decades as well, but for now I decided to narrow it down to my favorite decade only. Everybody finds inspiration in different ways. Movies have always been a source for me and these moments are some of the finest.

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• Scriptwriting

Best Movie Monologues — Top 20 Ranked for Writers & Actors

M ovies have been known to transport us to different worlds, times, and experiences through the power of storytelling. And one of the most magical ways that movies do this is through the use of monologues. From inspiring speeches that make us want to stand up and take action to heart-wrenching confessions that bring us to tears, the best movie monologues can capture the essence of a film and stay with us long after the credits have rolled. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best monologues in movie history that have left an imprint on our hearts and minds. 

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Best Monologues from Movies

20. call me by your name  (2017).

Call Me By Your Name Monologue 

In the film Call Me By Your Name , Elio’s father, played by Michael Stuhlbarg shares a powerful monologue with his son as they sit quietly together. The father reflects on his own experiences with love and heartbreak, and shares a powerful message about the importance of embracing life's challenges and being courageous in the face of uncertainty. 

The monologue is a poignant moment of connection between father and son, and a reminder to all of us to live fully in the present moment, and to never be afraid to take a chance on love, no matter where it may lead us.

Best Movie Monologues in Dramas

19. manchester by the sea (2016).

Manchester by the Sea Police Station Scene

Manchester by the Sea is a powerful film that deals with themes of grief, loss, and redemption. One of the most memorable moments in the film comes in the form of a monologue delivered by the character Lee Chandler, played brilliantly by Casey Affleck, in a police station. 

The monologue is a raw and heartbreaking exploration of the human condition and is a testament to the film's incredible writing and acting. The scene is a pivotal moment in the story and showcases the power of cinema to move us deeply and challenge our understanding of the world around us.

Best Monologues from Movies 

18. gone girl (2014).

Gone Girl  •  Cool Girl Monologue

In Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl , one of the most memorable and chilling moments comes in the form of the "cool girl" monologue by Rosamund Pike playing Amy Dunne. The monologue is both a scathing critique of societal norms and a poignant examination of the masks we wear to fit in.

With razor-sharp prose and a gut-punch of a message, the "cool girl" monologue is a standout moment in an already-iconic novel.

Famous Movie Monologues

17. hidden figures (2016).

Hidden Figures Bathroom Speech Scene

This powerful monologue from the award-winning   Hidden Figures is short, but powerful. As one of the few black women working as mathematicians at NASA during the Civil Rights era, Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, is constantly faced with discrimination and segregation. 

Her words ring with a raw truth and an unflinching determination to fight against the systemic racism that surrounded her every day. The bathroom may seem like a small issue, but it becomes a poignant symbol of the larger struggle for equality and dignity in a world that seeks to diminish the humanity of those who do not fit into its narrow mold.

Oscar Winning Best Monologues from Movies

16. everything everywhere all at once.

Everything Everywhere All at Once  •  Monologue 

One of the most recent monologues on this list comes from The Daniels’ iconic Everything Everywhere All at Once  (2022). The scene features the character of Ling, played by Michelle Yeoh, who reminisces about a past life where she wished to share the mundane yet intimate moments of daily life with someone she loved. 

We brought the monologues into StudioBinder’s screenwriting app to analyze it further and see how it helped land Ke Huy Quan his first Oscar.

The monologue is a testimony to the emotional depth and subtlety of the film's storytelling, and it will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

15. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow 

While the writing of the monologue itself can’t be attributed solely to the Coen’s, their adaptation of it on the screen as well as Denzel Washington’s brilliant performance gives it a spot on this list. 

In this  adaptation  of  Macbeth from the Coen Brothers , Denzel Washington delivers a haunting performance in the iconic "Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow" monologue. The Coen Brothers' haunting imagery , coupled with Washington's unforgettable performance, makes this one of the most captivating and memorable adaptations of Shakespeare's tragedy.

Tarantino’s Best Movie Monologues

14. inglorious basterds (2009).

Inglourious Basterds Monologue

Brad Pitt's opening monologue in one of Quentin Tarantino's best movies , Inglourious Basterds , is a tour de force in cinematic storytelling. Playing the role of Lt. Aldo Raine, Pitt delivers a fiery and captivating speech that sets the stage for the entire film.

His aggressive and almost comical demeanor adds to the intensity of his words, as the audience is pulled into the world of WWII-era Europe. 

As an actor, Pitt brings a larger-than-life quality to the role that perfectly captures Tarantino's punk rock style of filmmaking. Overall, Pitt's opening monologue in Inglourious Basterds is a masterclass in acting and writing, and sets a tone for the film that is both exciting and unforgettable.

Famous Movie Monologues in Voice Over

13. american psycho (2000).

Morning Routine  •  American Psycho

The morning routine voice-over monologue in American Psycho has become one of the most iconic and recognizable scenes in film history. Christian Bale's portrayal of the psychotic Patrick Bateman perfectly captures the absurdity and darkness of the character's morning rituals. 

The monologue's absurdity and dark humor have made it a favorite among fans, and it has since been parodied and referenced in countless films, TV shows, and even internet memes. Bale's mesmerizing performance and the monologue's unique mix of horror and humor have solidified its place in cinema history as one of the most memorable and iconic monologues.

Best Movie Monologues in Action Films

12. the matrix (1999).

Blue Pill or Red Pill  •  The Matrix

"Red or blue? The choice is yours." These famous words spoken by Morpheus in the sci-fi blockbuster, The Matrix , have become synonymous with the idea of making life-altering decisions. The moment when Morpheus holds out his palms, offering Neo the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, is a pop culture classic. 

The red pill or blue pill monologue is more than just a movie quote, it's a metaphor for the truth-seeking journey we all embark on at some point in our lives. Whether we choose the red pill and accept the harsh realities of the world or the blue pill and live in blissful ignorance, this moment in The Matrix will forever be remembered as a pivotal point in cinematic history.

11. The Godfather  (1972)

THE GODFATHER  •  Opening Scene

While there are a few great monologues in one of the greatest gangster films of all time The Godfather perhaps the most iconic is found in the opening scene.

"Bonasera, Bonasera." These two simple words, uttered by Salvatore Corsitta have become synonymous with cinematic brilliance. The opening monologue delivered by Corsitta is a masterful display of storytelling that sets the tone for what is to come. In just a few short minutes, we are transported into the world of the Corleone family and understand the power dynamics at play. 

The melancholic music, coupled with the somber tone of the scene is a stark contrast to the violence that lies ahead. Salvatore Corsitta's monologue is not only a scene-setting device but also an iconic moment in cinematic history. 

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Robin Williams’ Famous Movie Monologues

10. good will hunting (1997).

Robin Williams' Speech  •  Good Will Hunting

Robin Williams' performance in Good Will Hunting was unforgettable, particularly his powerful monologue in the park scene. In that scene, Williams, who played the character of therapist Sean Maguire, talked to Matt Damon's character Will Hunting about love, loss, and life.

It was a perfectly written and performed monologue that achieved exactly what it had to for the plot, character, and emotional story

Williams' performance in Good Will Hunting remains a testament to his incredible talent and his ability to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. His work in the film will be remembered for years to come as a true cinematic masterpiece.

9. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption  •  Rehabilitation

Through his measured and melodic delivery, Freeman brought a sense of wisdom and gravitas to his monologue in The Shawshank Redemption , making it a standout moment in the film. He spoke with empathy and insight about the challenges of re-establishing oneself in society after being incarcerated.

Critics and audiences alike praised Freeman for his performance, which was a testament to his incredible talent as an actor. His portrayal of Redding remains one of the highlights of his career, and his monologue is often considered to be one of the most poignant and memorable moments in the film.

Brando’s Best Movie Monologues

8. apocalypse now (1979).

Apocalypse Now: Marlon Brando Horror Speech 

It would be difficult to have any sort of best monologue list without one mention of Marlon Brando. In one of Francis Ford Coppola’s best films Apocalypse Now , Brando's character, Colonel Kurtz, delivers a haunting speech in which he reflects on his experiences during the Vietnam War.

Despite the notorious challenges on set with Brando, his performance in the monologue scene is truly mesmerizing. He was given free reign to improvise (since Brando never read the script) which in the end contributed to the truly immortal performance.

Overall, Brando's monologue in Apocalypse Now is a testament to his talent as an actor. Despite the challenges, he was able to deliver a performance that is still talked about and revered today.

Monologues Movies Female Performances

7. fences (2016).

Fences  •  The Same Spot As You Scene

Viola Davis' performance as Rose in the film Fences cements her as one of the best actors working today. As Rose confronts her husband (Denzel Washington) about his infidelities and his failure to appreciate her sacrifices, Davis delivers a raw and emotional performance that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. 

Her words are filled with pain and frustration, yet also with a deep sense of resilience and determination. Through her powerful delivery and aching vulnerability, Davis captures the essence of a woman who has endured years of hurt and betrayal but refuses to be broken. It's a stunning moment in a truly unforgettable film.

Great Monologues in Movies

6. to kill a mockingbird (1962).

All Men Are Created Equal  •  To Kill a Mockingbird

In the film adaptation of Harper Lee's masterpiece novel, To Kill a Mockingbird , Gregory Peck delivers a stunning closing argument monologue that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. 

Peck plays Atticus Finch, a small-town lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of rape. With unwavering conviction, Peck captures the essence of Atticus, delivering a poignant speech that speaks to the human spirit and embodies the virtues of courage, compassion, and equality.

His masterful portrayal of Atticus Finch is a testament to his exceptional talent as an actor and solidifies his place as a Hollywood legend.

5. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction  •  The Gold Watch monologue

In the iconic film Pulp Fiction , Christopher Walken proves his ability to captivate audiences even when he has only a few minutes of screen time. Playing the role of Captain Koons, Walken's character regales a young Butch Coolidge with the history of the watch, which had been passed down through generations of Coolidge's family. 

The intensity in Walken's voice and delivery captures the attention of audiences as he recounts the watch's journey from a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam to Coolidge's father, who died with the watch hidden in his rectum. 

Rocky’s Best Monologues from Movies

4. rocky balboa (2006).

Rocky Balboa's inspirational speech

In the 2006 film Rocky Balboa , Sylvester Stallone delivers an inspiring monologue as Rocky Balboa, the boxing legend, as he motivates his son. 

Stallone's delivery is masterful, depicting the wise and grounded wisdom of a seasoned fighter imparting his knowledge to his son. It is a powerful speech that resonates with anyone who has had to face struggles and hardships in life, and it serves as a reminder that the only things that can truly hold us back are the limits we place on ourselves.

3. Persona (1966)

Persona  •  Alma’s Confessions

The 1966 film Persona features a riveting monologue delivered by Bibi Andersson in her role as Alma, a nurse caring for a mentally unstable actress. In the monologue, Alma pours out her innermost thoughts and feelings, confessing her darkest secrets and desires to the actress. 

The monologue provides a deep understanding of who Alma is, giving the audience insight into her complex psyche.  The monologue beautifully explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. 

Spielberg’s Dramatic Monologues from Movies

2. jaws (1975).

Jaws  •  The Indianapolis Speech Scene 

The Indianapolis Speech monologue in one of Spielberg’s best films Jaws is considered one of the most iconic movie monologues of all time. In the scene, Quint, played brilliantly by Robert Shaw, tells the story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the horrific events that followed. 

Shaw's delivery of the monologue is spellbinding, drawing the audience in with his captivating storytelling and vivid descriptions of the shark attack, the struggle for survival, and the aftermath. Even decades after the movie's release, the Indianapolis Speech remains a powerful moment in one of cinema’s most unforgettable films. 

Best Monologues from Movies of All Time

1. the great dictator (1940).

Charlie Chaplin  •  Final Speech from The Great Dictator

Charlie Chaplin's closing monologue in the film The Great Dictator is a powerful plea for peace, unity and compassion, and it remains one of the most iconic speeches in cinema history. The speech denounces fascism, anti-Semitism, and intolerance, and calls for humanity to embrace love, respect and brotherhood. The speech's universal message is as relevant today as it was when the film was made over 80 years ago. 

It continues to inspire people all over the world to strive for peace and to stand up against hate and oppression. Chaplin's eloquent words remind us that, as human beings, we have the capacity to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. 

The Best One-Liners in Cinema

On the opposite end of the monologue is the cinematic one-liner. Check out our next article to see some of the best single-line deliveries in all of cinema, ranging from comedies to dramas.

Up Next: Best One-Liners→

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Cinematic Masterpieces: 25 Monologues That Shaped Film

A movie monologue is a speech given by a single character. The best monologues from movies mostly happen at important turning points, i.e., at the point of no return or near the end – at the movie’s climax . In other words, the most famous monologues in movies can turn the tide.

For the monologue to be convincing, the character who holds the speech has to convince the audience – big or small – in the film so that we, as viewers, are persuaded, and our disbelief is suspended.

I mention the rhetorical appeals throughout the article to add context to the quotes. If you’re unsure about what ethos, logos, and pathos are, click here .

1. The Newsroom: “America is not the greatest country in the world anymore.”

In this powerful monologue from The Newsroom (2012) , Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) explains to a sophomore why he thinks that America isn’t the greatest country in the world anymore.

Notice how he uses logos and pathos, which tells us that he has both the brain and the heart when it matters.

2. Contact. – Jodie Fosters Pitch

In this scene from Contact (1997) , we see Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) trying to secure funding for her SETI project.

Test your knowledge in the ultimate sci-fi movie quote quiz .

Notice how she abandons logos for pathos when she is initially denied funding by the board. And it’s her passion that convinces the mystical billionaire S.R. Hadden (John Hurt) to fund her research.

3. The Dark Knight: Joker meets the mob and does a Pencil Trick

In this scene from Batman: The Dark Knight (2008) , we see the Joker (Heath Ledger) trying to convince the mob of Gotham City to pay him half of their money to kill Batman.

Notice how he establishes credibility and authority (ethos) from the beginning so that the mob knows he is no fool (pun intended).

Heath Ledger did a great job as Joker, and his posthumous Academy Award for this role is well-deserved.

4. Hidden Figures. “Be The First” Appeal To The Judge

In this scene, Hidden figures (2016) , we see a strong appeal made by one of the female protagonists, Marie Jackson (Janelle Monáe), to the skeptical judge to allow her to attend an all-white high school.

In this 1-minute monologue, notice how she uses pathos to establish common ground and get the judge to see it from her point of view.

5. Independence Day. President Speech.

In this cult scene from Independence Day (1996) , the President of the United States, Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), gives a motivational speech to the Air Force before the final battle against the aliens.

It’s a powerful speech. It comes from authority (ethos) – POTUS himself – who in the movie is raised to a pedestal as if he is not only the president of the US but the entire human population on earth.

The motivational speech is a pure pathos appeal based on fear and hope – we fight, win, or die!

Independence Day has many memorable lines. Check out the best quotes from the Independence Day movie .

6. The Devil’s Advocate. Al Pacino’s monologue about God

Here’s a great example of a monologue from the antagonist in a movie.

In this scene from The Devil’s Advocate (1997) , we see the devil (Al Pacino) giving a speech about God. As the devil himself, you won’t find a more authoritative figure (ethos) except for maybe God.

The monologue is a pathos appeal – rooted in anger, of course – to establish a common ground with our protagonist, Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves).

7. Scent of a Woman. “I’ll Show You Out of Order!”

Here’s a dramatic monologue by Al Pacino from the movie Scent of a Woman (1992) .

In this scene, the blind military veteran Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Al Pacino) defends the young prep school student Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell).

We see Slade establish credibility and authority (ethos) through his powerful appearance and references to his time in the military.

And though he is blind, he sees right through the school’s hypocrisy, which he unveils with his passionate choice of words and intonation (pathos).

It’s a great scene and an iconic performance by Al Pacino.

8. Braveheart: Freedom Speech

In this monologue from Braveheart (1995) , we see William Wallace (Mel Gibson) give a powerful speech to the clansmen of Scotland.

The pathos appeal is rooted in fear of losing their independence and freedom from England. And the purpose is to persuade the clans to unite and fight against the English army.

9. Good Will Hunting. “Your Move Chief”

Here’s a favorite scene from one of my favorite films, Good Will Hunting (1997) .

In the scene, we see the therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), giving Will Hunting (Matt Damon) an important lesson about life.

The monologue from Williams’ character becomes the turning point for Will, as he finally decides to be honest with his therapist and himself.

Williams’s character has life experience and credibility (ethos). Though he might not be a genius like Will, he knows enough (logos) to dismantle Will’s intellectual bullshit, which up to this point, has worked as a shield not to let anyone see who he is inside.

Maguire sees right through Will’s facade. It’s a warm and caring talking-to and lecture (pathos) that persuades Will to drop his guard and open up, and one of the best moments in the film.

Robin Williams did a great job in this movie and was rewarded an Academy Award as Best Actor in a Supporting Role, well deserved if you ask me!

10. Good Will Hunting. “My boy’s wicked smart”

Here’s another scene from Good Will Hunting.

In this scene, we see some of Will’s (Matt Damon) genius as he rips apart a condescending Harvard student, Clark, who tries to make a fool of his best friend, Chuckie (Ben Affleck).

We see how Will uses logos to outwit Clark (Scott William Winters) while establishing authority and dominance (ethos) at the same time.

He already has the upper hand when he suggests a fight, as both he and Chuckie are used to fighting, as we can see from their bruised faces.

Ultimately, it’s a double-win for Will, as Clark loses to muscles and brains.

Speaking of wins, it’s no surprise that the script, which Damon and Affleck wrote, received an Oscar for Best Screenplay.

11. Wall Street. “Greed […] is Good”

In this scene from the movie Wall Street (1987) , we see the anti-hero Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) persuading the audience at a shareholder’s meeting, announcing that “greed [..] is good. Greed is right, greed works”.

He establishes himself as an authority when he speaks of himself as a liberator of companies instead of their destroyer. He refers to the massive amount of money his takeovers have afforded other shareholders through the years.

The monologue aims to persuade the shareholders that it is a good idea to accept Gekko’s takeover bid.

He does this by – apparently – establishing a common ground (pathos) with shareholders on the floor while speaking against the vice presidents on the board who make a lot of money.

12. Apocalypse Now. “The Horror”

In this monologue from Apocalypse Now (1979) , we see Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando) recalling the horrors of war. We’re invited into his mind to witness first-hand the cause of his insanity.

It’s a horrifying monologue (no pun intended) filled with pathos, which contrasts Kurtz’s screwed reasoning that if you can embrace horror, then you can “kill without feeling… without passion… without judgment”.

In doing so, Colonel Kurtz equals being able to kill without emotion and conscience with strength in its purest form.

13. The Matrix Reloaded. The Merovingian on Causality

In this scene from The Matrix Reloaded (2003) , we see the antagonist, The Merovingian (Lambert Wilson), lecturing Neo et al. on causality, i.e., cause and effect.

As a program himself (logos), he separates himself from human avatars in the matrix – embodied by the female guest – who are controlled by emotions and instincts (pathos).

The “why” in his monologue is reasoning (logos) and power.

If you don’t understand – “why,” a.k.a. the cause – you become a slave to your emotions (pathos) and those who understand the “why” because they can control you by manipulating those emotions.

14. Kill Bill Vol. 2: Kill Bill on Superheroes

In this memorable performance from Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) , we see Bill (David Carradine) speaking about how Superman differs from other superheroes.

Other superheroes – like Spider-Man – are weak and human, except when they have transformed into their superhero alter ego and put on their mask.

It is the opposite way around with Superman. Superman is always a superhero underneath his cape, and his alter ego, Clark Kent, is the weak one.

The speech is an analogy to female assassin Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman), a.k.a. The Bride, a.k.a. Arlene Plimpton.

As her former teacher, Bill doesn’t condone her wish to live a simple life like Arlene Plimpton. In Bill’s perspective, becoming Mrs. Plimpton resembles Superman becoming Clark Kent – a weak alter ego. Bill sees Beatrix Kiddo as “a natural born killer.”

As her former teacher and a feared assassin, Bill already possesses much authority (ethos). And though the Superman analogy might seem like a logos appeal, it is a pathos appeal where Bill tries to re-establish a common ground with his former apprentice.

It’s the classical “we are the same you and I” antagonist monologue, only it is wrapped in clever Tarantino writing.

15. Ratatouille. “Anyone can cook”

Here’s a scene from one of my favorite Disney films, Ratatouille (2007) by Pixar.

It’s a wonderful climactic monologue near the end of the film, where the cooking of the rat Remy (Patton Oswalt) and Linguini (Lou Romano) is judged by the feared food critic Anton Ego (Peter O’Toole).

It’s not only a well-written monologue on art and criticism. It is also about the transformative power of acceptance, courage, and risk-taking, as Anton Ego has to revise his biased views on cooking.

As a feared food critic, Anton Ego has established himself as an authority (ethos) that can make or break a restaurant through the power of his words (logos).

But when he writes the review, he risks and loses this credibility. Instead, he is reborn and reconnected with the happy feelings from his childhood (pathos), which he hasn’t been in contact with for years.

16. Mona Lisa Smile. Katherine’s speech to the class.

In this Mona Lisa Smile (2003) scene, we see art history teacher Katherin Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) in a passionate speech to her students at Wellesley College in 1953.

Julia makes a strong pathos appeal to get the students to see that there is more to life than getting married and fill out the roles the girls “were born to fill” – as her highly conservative student Elizabeth “Betty” Warren (Kirsten Dunst) had written in an editorial for the college paper.

She also uses logos appeals as she shows the class contemporary ads with demeaning portraits of women, which act like a mirror to the young students.

It’s a powerful 2-minute monologue of female empowerment.

17. The American President.

In this monologue from the movie The American President (1995) , we see the Democratic President of the US, Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), giving a speech before the press about free speech.

He also rebukes the attacks by his political opponent – the Republican Senator Bob Rumson.

It’s a passionate monologue (pathos) starkly contrasting his earlier measured speeches (logos). Again, we see how logos is overtaken by pathos when it matters.

18. Malcolm X

In this powerful speech from the movie Malcolm X (1992) , we see Malcolm X (Denzel Washington) address Harlem’s citizens.

It’s a classic us-against-them speech in which he first establishes a common ground with the black community of Harlem (pathos) by peeling away all that could divide them and then putting them against the white man, a.k.a. the government and politicians.

19. A Few Good Men. “You can’t handle the truth!”

In this famous movie monologue from A Few Good Men (1992), we see Col. Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson) admitting that he ordered Code Red – a violent extrajudicial punishment – which led to the death of marine officer William Santiago.

Up until this point, the courtroom battle has been a case of providing evidence and a battle of wits (logos) between Jessep and lawyers Daniel Kaffe (Tom Cruise) and JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore).

But as Kaffe catches Jessep in a lie, things heat up, and Nicholson gives a powerful and passionate monologue rooted in anger (pathos), starting with the famous words, “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!”

It’s also an excellent example of using a rhetorical question to set up the answer.

20. Skyfall. “Mommy was very bad.”

In this scene from Skyfall (2012), James Bond (Daniel Craig) meets the villain Silva (Javier Bardem) for the first time.

Check out our list of the best 007 movies of all time .

As Silva enters the room where Bond is held captured, he gives a disgusting (pathos) monologue about getting rid of a rat infestation on his grandmother’s island when he was a kid.

The rats thrived by eating coconuts, and the way to get rid of the rats was to capture them in an oil drum and let them eat each other until there were only two left.

The two survivors will now have changed their nature to feast on rats instead of coconuts and are released into the wild.

Of course, the two surviving rats are an analogy of Bond and Silva, whose nature has been changed as they are both trained MI6 agents. Instead of killing other rats, the two agents have a license to kill other humans. – Or at least one of them does. For Silva, killing is a feast in itself.

21. Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction (1994)

Another honorable mention is Jules Winnfield’s (Samuel L. Jackson) citation of the verse Ezekiel 25:17 in Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino:

Anyone familiar with Pulp Fiction might remember that the quote appears twice in the film.

The second time is in the final scene where Jules lectures Ringo, a.k.a. Pumpkin, on how to be a bad-ass motherfucker – or is it a shepherd?

Here is the monologue in full.

Well, there’s this passage I got memorized: Ezekiel 25:17: ‘The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.” I’ve been sayin’ that shit for years. And if you heard it, that meant your ass. I never gave much thought to what it meant. I just thought it was some cold-blooded thing to say to a motherfucker before you popped a cap in his ass. But I saw some shit this mornin’ made me think twice. Seee, now I’m thinking: maybe it means you’re the evil man. And I’m the righteous man. And Mr. 9-millimeter here, he’s the shepherd protecting my righteous ass in the valley of darkness. Or it could mean you’re the righteous man and I’m the shepherd and it’s the world that’s evil and selfish. I’d like that. But that shit ain’t the truth. The truth is you’re the weak. And I’m the tyranny of evil men. But I’m tryin’, Ringo… I’m tryin’ real hard to be the shepherd. – Jules Winnfield

22. Meryl Streep in One True Thing (1998)

In this heartwarming (and heartbreaking at the same time) monologue, Meryl Streep plays a cancer-stricken mother, Kate Gulden, talking to her daughter Ellen (Renée Zellweger). The latter is upset with her father, George (William Hurt).

It’s a moment of truth about marriage, the idea of a good father, and life and death at the most basic level. And it’s filled with pathos.

It’s another excellent performance from Meryl Streep, who was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

23. ‘Tears in the Rain’ by Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner (1982)

I’m a huge Blade Runner fan, so this may be biased. But I love this final monologue from the Nexus-6 model Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer):

It’s a pivotal moment in the film because the Nexus model chooses to save Rick Deckard’s (Harrison Ford) life.

At this point, it is assumed by most that Deckard is human, so for a Nexus model to save a human enforces the Tyrell Corporation’s idea of creating robots that are ‘more human than human.’

Viewed analytically, the logos from the cold-blooded soldier Nexus-6 model makes way for a pathos-filled moment in its final hour.

24. John Goodman in The Big Lebowski (1998)

One of the movie’s most hilarious monologues is from Walter Sobchak (John Goodman). Granted, this movie is filled with crazy dialog and scenes and is one of the best comedy movies of all time .

In this scene, Walter gives a ceremonious speech before he scatters Theodore Donald ‘Donny’ Kerabatsos’s (Steve Buschemi) ashes near the sea while The Dude (Jeff Bridges) listens in the background.

A trusted friend and bowling partner, Donny was true to the trio until the end. Donny dies from a heart attack after an altercation with the nihilists who’ve just set the Dude’s car on fire at the movie’s end.

But even though the three friends have bowled for years, the Dude and Walter don’t know much about Donny. So Walter has to make up a speech on the spot, which is more logos than pathos.

Here it is in full:

Donny was a good bowler and a good man. He was… he was one of us. He was a man who loved the outdoors… and bowling. And as a surfer, he explored the beaches of southern California from La Jolla to Leo Carillo and up to Pismo. He died.. he died as so many young men of his generation before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him… as you took so many bright, flowering young men at Khe Sanh, and Lan Doc, and Hill 364. These young men gave their lives, and so Donny. Donny who loved bowling. And so… Theodore Donald Karabotsos… in accordance with what we think your dying wishes might well have been… we commit your final, mortal remains to the bosom of the Pacific Ocean, which you loved so well. Goodnight, sweet prince. – Walter Sobchak

25. Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator (2000), directed by Ridley Scott, is one of my favorite movies. It’s a great story, and it is filled with amazing performances – not at least by Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus and Russell Crowe as Maximus.

In this pathos-filled scene, Commodus realizes that his father, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), won’t let his son be the new emperor of Rome. Instead, he’ll pass the torch to his general Maximus.

Commodus tries to redeem himself and let his father know that he is ready to be the new emperor:

[Commodus] You wrote to me once… listing the four chief virtues. Wisdom, justice, fortitude, temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, Father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness. Courage. Perhaps not on the battlefield, but… there are many forms of courage. Devotion… to my family… to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then, it was as if you didn’t want me for your son. [Marcus Aurelius kneels: Oh, Commodus… you go to far.] [Commodus] I search the faces of the Gods for ways to please you, to make you proud. One kind word, one full hug where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight… would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years. What is it in me that you hate so much? All I’ve ever wanted was to live up to you. Caesar. Father. [Marcus Aurelius: Commodus. Your faults as a son is my failure as a father.]

Tough love! That’s ancient Rome’s idea of a good father for you! Probably not the best or wisest way to respond to a disgruntled son from whom you’ve just denied the emperor’s throne.

Honorary mentions: Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator

Any famous movie monologues list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this quote from the final scene in The Great Dictator (1940) by Charlie Chaplin.

The quote is as relevant then as it is today:

Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent, and all will be lost.– A Jewish Barber A Jewish Barber

The quote encompasses pathos, logos, and ethos, making this one of the best movie monologues ever.

What makes great monologues from movies?

It can be valuable and fun to view and understand the monologues from a rhetorical perspective and apply the rhetorical appeals ethos, logos, and pathos .

Ethos, logos, and pathos are tools you can use to persuade an audience and turn them to your side.

An ethos appeal is the speaker’s credibility and authority, a logos appeal is to logic and reasoning (in what’s being said), and a pathos appeal is to the audience’s emotions and passions.

For a monologue to be effective, the character has to have credibility, and he or she has to speak with pathos, a.k.a. passion. In other words, he or she has to speak to our hearts.

I find that pathos, more than logos, often powers these speeches.

Monologues aren’t just for protagonists.

However, the best monologues from movies aren’t reserved for the protagonist. Villains have held some great movie monologues throughout film history, which we’ll examine.

Monologues for villains are so common that Disney’s Pixar made fun of them in The Incredibles. Check out this comedic monologue from Syndrome:

So, without further ado, here are the best movie monologues of all time (in no particular order).

If you’re an aspiring actor, it’s time to start practicing monologues yourself. Here, you can see some great examples of 1-minute monologues for auditions.

So those were the best film monologues I could think of.

Did I miss any obvious ones? What are your favorite famous movie quotes?

Let me know in the comments below.

Jan Sørup is a indie filmmaker, videographer and photographer from Denmark. He owns filmdaft.com and the Danish company Apertura, which produces video content for big companies in Denmark and Scandinavia. Jan has a background in music, has drawn webcomics, and is a former lecturer at the University of Copenhagen.

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4 thoughts on “Cinematic Masterpieces: 25 Monologues That Shaped Film”

This is really helpful for my drama class, and it has one that I’ve looked for before and couldn’t find, so thank you.

Thank you. I’m glad you found it useful. Good luck in drama class 🙂

Yoo I needed a monoloague to declaim in class, this website helped me a lot to find it. Thankss!!!

thank you so much this help me in my performance.

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10 Best and Most Inspirational Speeches in Movies

By Film Threat Staff | August 8, 2019

In addition to plot and cast, a vast number of movies can impress viewers with speeches they contain. In some cases, they are as meaningful that become assigned to be analyzed in the educational process. This blog post can be useful as online help with your assignment if you face issues with finding motivational sources for your presentation or writing task. You can read the  writemypapers.org review to find out more about writing help. It provides consideration of the best ten inspirational speeches from modern and classical movies.

When students need to write a speech, there are a few ways to help them compose a masterpiece. The first way is to turn to a  speech writing service  where they can hire a professional writer who will write a custom speech that meets their demands, and the other way is to have a look at some strong examples presented in this article.

10. “The Show Goes On” Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

In Wolf Of Wall Street , the main hero’s speech is inspiring because it includes consideration of success, mainly financial. Presented instances of how people achieve wealth, after being poor ones, can make individuals to take a chance when an opportunity appears. His speech has since, apart from being an honorable person, it is also significant to have decent living conditions.

9. “We are special” Gridiron Gang (2006)

The speech of the coach (Dwayne Johnson) reflects that all people are special, regardless of any circumstances, like imprisonment. He inspires to think that even in cases when human is not a part of high society, he or she can achieve considerable goals and show that he or she is worth to be recognized. It is only essential to make efforts and do all actions one can to be better.

8. “Dream” The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

It is worth saying that the entire film is quite touching since it reflects relations between father and son. In this scene, an adult man teaches his son to fight for his dream, when people around consider it impossible. The main idea of the speech: if somebody believes that you can not achieve your goals, then do not listen to such people. They are not right if they see you as a person with no power to reach your goals.

7. “Our Deepest Fear” Coach Carter (2005)

In Coach Carter , speech goes about fear to be successful, since it implies the possibility to influence other people. However, success can become an inspirational tool, which can make other people also to get past fears. Moreover, in the speech, one can see the rethinking of how it is significant to make efforts in order to “shine.”

6. “Being Perfect” Friday Night Lights (2004)

The movie includes a scene with the inspiring speech of the coach, who talks about what it means to be perfect. From his perspective, being perfect lies in the attitude towards relatives and friends, in love and truth, which a person express. His words can make an individual think over the noted points, as valuable indicators of perfection. As well, one can consider whether he or she expresses love towards surroundings, tells the truth, and have no remorse.

5. “Respect each other” Remember the Titans (2000)

Speech presented in Remember the Titans goes about friendship and respectful attitude to each other. It can make an individual think over the significance of peaceful relations since disagreements are destroying for mankind. The hero insists on being respectful despite any features of individuals like race, nationality, or point of view. From the selected scene, one can recognize that friendly relationships can be quite useful in achieving common goals, especially when it goes about teamwork.

4. “Presidents Speech” Independence Day (1996)

In this film, the president of America talks about the significance of humankind and friendship among all nations. His speech is inspiring since it goes about unification, which can be beneficial in terms of struggling with enemies and saving people. In general, it reflects the need to forget about nationality, race, gender, and other feature of identity because without focusing on them, humans can easily cooperate and protect humankind more effectively. This speech can be quite useful for consideration of international relations.

3. “Freedom” Braveheart (1995)

This scene contains the speech of William Wallace (Mel Gibson) about freedom, as an essential part of a human being. From his point of view, freedom is more significant than mere life with its routine. As well. The speech can inspire individuals to take actions for the sake of more meaningful things like love, faith, truth, or pride, instead of making nutrition and sleep crucial.

2. “Get Busy Living” The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This inspiring speech reflects the faith of a person in a successful and happy future, even if it requires a lot of efforts to achieve this goal, while another man surrenders. At this point, each person can choose own path, namely “get busy living” or “get busy dying,” as the main hero says. Therefore, you should always think about the future life with a positive attitude, and imagine how and where you will be happy.

1. “We are Mutants” Stripes (1981)

In the selected scene, the main hero John Winger (Bill Murray) talks to his military colleagues, inspiring them to be good soldiers. From his speech, it is possible to emphasize the significance of identity background, which is forming by generations. His statements can inspire individuals to be proud of their bloodline, even if their ancestors are not recognized as worthy people. Thus, this speech can be considered as an inspirational one in terms of American patriotism. 

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Not a single female speaker? Shocking

[…] gives a rousing speech about the world uniting against aliens. It’s been cited as one of the greatest speeches in film history on many different websites. Despite the widespread acclaim for this […]

Once you see the gender-based attack by valueless politicians in “The Contender,” where a female up for selection as VP is slandered by Congressional sleaze, you can appreciate the skillful civics lesson-counterattack orchestrated in the name of privacy. It seems party-specific to those who don’t recognize universal rights and decency.

How does Al Pacino’s “Game of inches” speech from Any Given Sunday not make this list? Should be top of the pile🙈

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Top 10 best movie battle speeches.

By Tom Piccolo · September 26, 2013

Remember the last time you watched a movie and wished you could attack the enemy right then and there!  Even if it were almost certain you’d go down in flames, you were psyched for the contest.  A great movie battle speech touches the audience with its passion, putting the viewer in the center of the conflict.  It can be a rallying cry for victory; the motivational force that propels a warrior to act with bravery, and disregard the paralyzing effects of fear. It can be the recognition of almost certain defeat in the short term, realizing the enemy must be engaged, and victory focused on loftier future goals.

Historically, movies have played an important role in rallying the American spirit in wartime. Battle speeches have been used not only to inspire patriotism, but also to highlight the ideals, issues, and conflicts of the time.

Have a great speech you want to include in a script? Write your first draft in 5 weeks with this guide .

Alas, I know I have left out many great speeches and movies in my list, so I invite you to add your personal favorites to the list in the comments section.

10. Dawn Patrol (1938)

As payback for his insubordination and daredevil antics, crackerjack pilot Captain Courtney is handed the command of the 39 th Squadron in this film about the World War I Royal Flying Corps. Given the unsavory task of sending inexperienced pilots in worn-out planes against a well-equipped German air force, Errol Flynn as Captain Courtney gives the following pre-battle speech:

CAPTAIN COURTNEY

GOOD Evening Gentlemen, There’s no secrecy about these orders. GHQ has discovered that Fritz is making a big push the day after tomorrow. They’ve started minor advances already. You’re to patrol the Belleau Wood sector, that’s opposite the German Sixth Army. You’ll fly four patrols a day, which means that every man will be in the air at dawn tomorrow. As usual you got the dirty work to do, low flying, machine-gunning infantry, strafing supply trucks, and any shock troops that they try to bring up. You’re flying directly below Von Richter’s Patrols. So you better watch out. That’s all.

9. The Dirty Dozen (1967)

After Major Reisman’s team of 12 convicted murders prove themselves trained and ready by winning a combat game using unconventional tactics, Reisman, played by Lee Marvin, preps them for their real mission, the mass assassination of Nazi officers in a fortified chalet.

MAJOR REISMAN

We still have one operation to go. If you guys foul up on this one none of us will ever play the violin again. Cause up until now it’s all been a game. But as of tomorrow night it’s going to be the real thing. And if you want to know how real, I’ll tell you. It’s my guess that a lot of you guys won’t be coming back. But there’s no sense in squawking about that, right? Cause the army never did love you anyway. And besides you all volunteered, right? That’s more than I did.

Reisman drills his troops, having them recite a 16-point rhyming plan to attack the Nazi stronghold.

8. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

As Aragorn rides back from the Black Gate, he delivers this impassioned speech:

Sons of Gondor, of Rohan. My brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me! A day may come, when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of Fellowship, but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you, stand, men of the West!

7. Zero Dark Thirty  (2012)

With the war on terrorism, we fight a new type of battle, the covert action. And so comes a new kind of battle speech.  In this intense action drama about the pursuit of Osama Bin Laden, CIA agent Maya, played by Jessica Chastain, lays out the mission to a skeptical team of Navy SEALS:

Quite frankly I didn’t want to use you guys. With your dip and your Velcro and all your gear bullshit. I wanted to drop a bomb. But people didn’t believe in this lead enough to drop a bomb.  So they’re using you guys as canaries in the theory that if Bin Laden isn’t there, you can sneak away and nobody will be the wiser. But Bin Laden is there. And you’re gonna kill him for me.

6. Braveheart  (1995)

Delivered by the legendary Scottish rebel, William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, this battle speech beckons the Scottish countrymen to lay down their lives as the cost of freedom from English tyranny:

Sons of Scotland, I am William Wallace.

YOUNG SOLDIER

William Wallace is 7 feet tall.

Yes, I’ve heard. Kills men by the hundreds, and if he were here he’d consume the English with fireballs from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his arse. I AM William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What would you do without freedom? Will you fight?

VETERAN SOLDIER

Fight? Against that? No, we will run; and we will live.

Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live — at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!!!

5. Gandhi (1982)

This film depicts a different type of battle for independence; not of brutal combat, but of non-violent resistance. Playing Mohandas Gandhi, who led the revolt against British colonialism in India, Ben Kingsley delivers this inspiring speech:

We must defy the British… Not with violence that will inflame their will, but with a firmness that will open their eyes. English factories make the cloth that makes our poverty. All those who wish to make the English see bring me the cloth from Manchester and Leeds that you wear today and we will light a fire that will be seen in Delhi, and in London! And if, like me you are left with only one piece of homespun, wear it with dignity.”

Moved to passion by these words, the massive crowd throws their English clothes onto a burning fire. At the end of the film, as Gandhi’s ashes are poured into the sea, we hear him speak:

GANDHI (V.O.)

When I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it: always.

4. Apocalypse Now (1979)

In this film co-written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Lt. Colonel Bill Kilgore, portrayed by Robert Duvall, assists Captain Benjamin L. Willard and crewman Lance B. Johnson by launching a strike on Viet Cong outpost on the Nung River:

You smell that?  Do you smell that?

Napalm, son.  Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning.  You know, one time we had a hill bombed for twelve hours…and when it was all over, I walked up.  We didn’t find one of them, not one stinking dink body. The smell, you know that gasoline smell? The whole hill – smelled like – victory.

He looks off nostalgically.  A shell comes in and HITS in the background.  Willard and the soldiers react; Kilgore ignores it.

Someday this war’s gonna end.

3. Spartacus (1960)

This movie has two great battle speeches intercut as the preface to the battle between the Roman Legions and a rebellion of slaves led by the gladiator slave, Spartacus. In the film directed by Stanley Kubrick, Kirk Douglas plays Spartacus:

Tonight a Roman army lands in the harbour of Brundusium.  Another army is approaching us from the west.  Between them, they hope to trap us here… against the sea…Rome will not allow us to escape from ltaly.  We have no choice but to march against Rome herself… and end this war the only way it could have ended: by freeing every slave in ltaly. “

I promise you…a new Rome…a new ltaly and a new empire. I promise the destruction of the slave army…and the restoration of order…throughout all our territories.

I’d rather be here, a free man among brothers…than to be the richest citizen of Rome…

I promise the living body of Spartacus…

We’ve fought many battles and won great victories…Maybe there’s no peace in this world…as long as we live…we must stay true to ourselves. I do know that we’re brothers, and I know that we’re free.  We march tonight!

…this campaign is not alone to kill Spartacus.  It is to kill the legend of Spartacus.

2. Armageddon (1998)

In this movie, the enemy is an asteroid the size of Texas that threatens the destruction of the entire earth. It is a fictional President that defines the battle:

I address you tonight, not as the President of the United States, not as the leader of a country, but as a citizen of humanity. We are faced with the very gravest of challenges; The Bible calls this day Armageddon. The end of all things. And yet for the first time… in the history of the planet, a species has the technology… to prevent its own extinction.

Rallying the entire population of the world to put their faith in the hands of a team of oddball deep core drillers, he goes on to say:

Through all the chaos that is our history, through all of our times, there is one thing that has…elevated our species above its origins. And that is our courage. Dreams of an entire planet are focused tonight… on those 14 brave souls… traveling into the heavens. And may we all, citizens the world over, see these events through. God speed and good luck to you.

1. Patton (1970)

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.

With that compelling line, George C. Scott as General George S. Patton delivers the film’s opening speech directly to the movie audience.

Dressed in his decorated general’s uniform and dwarfed by an enormous American flag, he goes on to say,

Americans, traditionally, love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle…the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.

One can imagine the impact of those lines as a 1970’s American audience embroiled in debate over the unpopular Vietnamese War listened to Patton’s incitement to winning as the only option in war.

In an introduction interview for the Cinema Classics collection DVD, Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay, explains how he was fired from the project, largely because the opening speech was seen to be strange. He goes on to instruct young people that the things you are fired for, are often the things later on that you are celebrated for.

The speech ends with a line that is almost an afterthought for Patton:

Oh… I will be proud to lead you wonderful guys into battle anytime, anywhere. That’s all.

For the full text of this opening speech, go to: Patton’s Speech .

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28 Romantic Movie Speeches That Will Make Us All Fall In Love

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37 Final Movie Lines So Good, They Have Gone Down In History As The Best Ever

Featuring more than one Morgan Freeman ending narration.

BuzzFeed Staff

Recently, we asked the BuzzFeed Community what their favorite final lines of movies are. Here are some of the agreed-upon best of all time!

— thehautefriend

2. The Princess Bride

3. Black Swan

4. some like it hot.

"No contest."

— aaronweeks101

6. Back to the Future

— matthewschonmorgan

7. The Usual Suspects

— brandy_lollis

8. Casablanca

— Maggie Shannon

"I second this! Such an iconic line from such a great movie."

9. Fight Club

— punchandpie

10. Toy Story 3

"WHY DID THEY END IT LIKE THAT?!"

— am6261410

11. Avengers: Endgame

12. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2

— a43920c533

13. Silence of the Lambs

14. shutter island.

16. Stand by Me

"A great movie that leaves you numb and nostalgic. Sticks with you for a long time."

— mrmclovin36

17. Sky High

"Such an underrated movie. Sure, it's totally cheese-filled, but some days that's just what you need. Turn off the rest of the world and just be silly."

18. Kill Bill Vol. 1

— trevorjdawson

"I planned on only watching the first Kill Bill that night, but I literally HAD to rent the second film immediately with a fantastic cliffhanger line like that."

— loulabelson

19. The Shawshank Redemption

— littleredshoes

20. It: Chapter 2

"I cry every time. It’s a horror movie and I’m sitting just sobbing!"

— PennywiseSav

21. Chinatown

22. the lost boys.

"Epically hysterical ending line/scene."

— suzannewarden

23. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure

24. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

25. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men's Chest

"All the Black Pearl 's crew looks toward the staircase as they hear the thud of heavy boots while the music swells. The mysterious 'captain who knows those waters' comes into view. It's the magnificent Geoffrey Rush's Barbossa. 'So tell me, what's become of my ship?' *Yaaaarrghing and general swashbuckling intensifies🤩🤩*"

— thefirsthovis

26. The Italian Job

27. The Crow

— greyladybast

28. Avengers: Infinity War

"'Oh god.' Steve Rogers in Infinity War. I got chills in theaters the first time I saw the ending. The gravity of what happened seemed to hit Captain America in that moment. It was perfect."

29. The Hunt for Red October

"Far too underrated a movie, IMHO."

— scottaaronm

30. Before Sunset

"The two characters spend the whole movie talking about how they can't spend too long hanging out because Jesse has a plane to catch. Then, in the last scene...

"Celine: 'Honey, you are gonna miss that plane.'

"Jesse: 'I know.'"

— emilym4e8497a33

31. Gone With the Wind

"Though Rhett says arguably the most famous line in film history ('Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn'), Scarlett gives us one of the finest closers (and mantra to millions for generations)."

— Mr. Spanky

32. The Apartment

— kirstyr435f741a2

33. Army of Darkness

— Phoenix97

34. Pirates of the Caribbean

35. secret window.

"I know it's not a super-popular movie, but I love it. The last scene of Secret Window , with Mort ( Johnny Depp ) quoting the line from his original story ... as the camera pans outside to a bunch of cornstalks, then down through the ground, basically confirming that's where the dead bodies were. Such a great movie; definitely worth watching."

— Michael David

"This is kind of controversial because I know not a lot of people like this movie, but I loved it."

37. And Finally, The Prestige

"A little longer than a last line, but I LOVE the last portion of The Prestige ."

"Goddammit, I love this movie! The way he says 'fooled' at the very end...amazing."

What closing lines didn't make the list? Let us know in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Screen Rant

How yoda's speech patterns once saved a planet (& the entire jedi council).

Yoda is well-known for his unusual way of speaking - but, incredibly, Star Wars has revealed one occasion where his speech pattern saved a planet!

• Yoda's unique speech patterns were actually a result of his immense age in the Star Wars canon.
• Yoda's eccentricity and cleverness saved an entire planet from destruction in "The Living Force."
• "The Living Force" is filled with rich humor and showcases Yoda's unforgettable contribution to the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars has revealed one staggering occasion when Yoda's unusual speech patterns saved an entire planet - and the Jedi Council to boot. Since Yoda made his debut in The Empire Strikes Back , viewers have been delighted at his strange speech patterns. According to Star Wars canon, there's a reason Yoda speaks in this strange way ; it's because of his immense age. He actually speaks a common form of Galactic Basic from his childhood, but language has changed over the centuries, and he's been unable to move with the times.

To be fair, Yoda probably had good reasons for refusing to adapt. He quite liked portraying himself as an eccentric figure, because it would lead people to underestimate him; he famously played this trick on Luke Skywalker himself in The Empire Strikes Back . Yoda also loved training younglings, and they would surely be charmed and entertained at the way he spoke. But, hilariously, John Jackson Miller's The Living Force has just revealed Yoda's speech patterns once saved the day .

How Yoda Defeated One Enemy Of The Jedi... With Six Words

In The Living Force , the Jedi Council depart on a mission to Kwenn - one that places both themselves, and the entire planet, in the crosshair of a group of pirates. The Jedi plan to stage a formal ceremony, promising to tell the people of Kwenn that the Jedi stand with them, and the pirates smartly plant explosives around the site of the ceremony. As soon as someone utters those promised words, the bombs will go off, killing everybody there - and leaving the Jedi Council itself vulnerable to attack.

"Stand with you, the Jedi will," Yoda declares to the crowd

Learning of the plan, the Jedi Council come up with the smartest possible way to sow discord in their enemies' ranks: they invite Yoda on to the stage. " Stand with you, the Jedi will, " Yoda declares to the crowd - and, because the exact phrase hasn't been uttered, the bombs don't go off. Some of the pirates attack, others don't; the chaos is exquisite, and it's all just as the Jedi Council planned.

The Living Force Is Absolutely Packed With Rich Humor

This is only one example of the rich humor in The Living Force , one of the most enjoyable Star Wars books in years. Miller is a skilled author - well-known for previous contributions to Star Wars - and he knows just how to balance light and dark. Somehow he manages to find time for every single character in the Jedi Council, giving each one a distinctive voice and an opportunity to shine. Still, Yoda's contribution alone makes this an unforgettable Star Wars novel.

Buy Star Wars: The Living Force from Amazon

Star Wars Movies In Order: How To Watch Release Order, Chronologically & With The TV Shows

The aged Jedi Master had trained Jedi for 800 years by the time he met Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. One of the most famed and revered Jedi, Yoda served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for centuries; he was powerful enough to duel Darth Sidious himself, although he was defeated. Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, where he learned how to become a Force Ghost and offered guidance to Luke Skywalker.

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The Funniest Famous Movie Speeches Of All Time

Some of the funniest movie speeches ever, not surprisingly, can be found in some of the most hilarious classic film comedies. Whether it's Bluto trying to be motivational by rallying his frat brothers in the comedic Animal House , Ferris' many speeches to the camera in Ferris Bueller's Day Off  or Groucho Marx entertaining a room filled with party-goers in Animal Crackers , these funny movie speeches represent the best of the best where hilarity is concerned. Check out inspiring movie speeches and the best tough guy monologues , too! 

Limiting a list of funny monologues from movies was a challenge– while most of these are from comedy movies, others are from funny parts of more serious movies. I'm sure I left off some of your favorites, so if I did, please add them. This is an Open List, meaning anyone can contribute. Please do! And while you're here, vote on your favorites, too.

What are some famous funny speeches? What are the funniest movie speeches ever? Looking for more movie speeches and monologues? Check out this list of the most inspiring movie speeches and this list of the best, most famous movie monologues for fun!

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It's a good non-specific symptom. A lot of people will tell you that a phony fever is a dead lock, but if you get a nervous mother, you could land in the doctor's office. That's worse than school. What you do is: you fake a stomach cramp, and when you're bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school.

I did have a test today. That wasn't bulls**t. It's on European Socialism. I mean, really, what's the point? I'm not European, I don't plan on being European, so who gives a crap if they're socialist? They could be fascist anarchists - that still wouldn't change the fact that I don't own a car. Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism, for that matter. Isms, in my opinion, are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism - he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon: "I don't believe in Beatles - I just believe in me." A good point there. Of course, he was the Walrus. I could be the Walrus - I'd still have to bum rides off of people.

Matthew Broderick delivers a series of really clever, genuinely funny speeches straight into the camera in 1986's Ferris Bueller's Day Off . Hard to pick a favorite, but this might be it!

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Hey! If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-a**, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey s*** he is! Hallelujah!

More Clark Griswold, you say? Why yes, of course. Second best Clark Griswold flip-out ever, this one from 1989's Christmas Vacation .

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So, OK, like right now, for example, the Haitians need to come to America. But some people are all "What about the strain on our resources?" But it's like, when I had this garden party for my father's birthday right? I said R.S.V.P. because it was a sit-down dinner. But people came that like, did not R.S.V.P. so I was like, totally buggin'. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, redistribute the food, squish in extra place settings, but by the end of the day it was like, the more the merrier! And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty?

Cher's speech to the class expressing her unique views on Haitian immigrants in 1995's Clueless  is definitely interesting. Clueless  is a great comedy - and, in my opinion, pretty underrated.

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Happy Gilmore

My name is Happy Gilmore. Ever since I was old enough to skate, I loved hockey... wasn't the greatest skater though. But that didn't stop my dad from teaching me the secret of slapping the greatest slapshot. My dad worshiped hockey, my mom didn't, that's why she moved to Egypt, where there's not a hockey rink within 15 hundred miles. Dad always took me to games to cheer for our favorite player, Terry O'Riley, the Tazmanian Devil. He wasn't the biggest guy in the league, but he feared nobody, just like me. Handsome fellow huh? He always said that when I grew up I could be anything I wanted to be, but I never wanted to be anything but a hockey player. Yeah my childhood was going great, but life is full of surprises. After the funeral, I was sent to live with my grandma in Waterberry. I was kinda nervous since I really didn't know her that well, but she dressed like Gene Simmons from KISS to cheer me up, she's the sweetest person in the world. See after my dad died I developed kinda a short fuse. You see that kid over there just stole my party blower, and instead of asking for it back, I felt that I had to belt him in the head a bunch of times with a hammer. Look at me go. But I was always quick to say I was sorry. During high school I played junior hockey and still hold two league records; most time spent in the penalty box, and I was the only guy to ever take off his skate and try to stab someone. After I graduated I had a lot of different jobs; I was a road worker, a janitor, a security guard, a gas station attendant, and a plumber. Lately I've been working construction, it's not a bad racket, I'm a pretty good shot with a nail gun, but one day my boss, Mr. Larson, uh got in the way. Apparently he also has a short fuse. Look at that monster. He got a few lucky punches in there, but I still feel I won the fight. Anyways, those other jobs weren't for me. I was put on this planet for one reason, to play hockey.

Adam Sandler's 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore  is a hilarious movie, and Happy's explanation here about why he was put on the Earth to play hockey is a classic example.

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I think you’re all f**ked in the head. We’re ten hours from the f**king fun park and you want to bail out! Well, I’ll tell you something, this is no longer a vacation, it’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun. I’m gonna have fun and you’re gonna have fun. We’re all gonna have so much f**king fun we’ll need plastic surgery to remove our g*d damn smiles! You’ll be whistling "Zippity Doo Da" out of your a**holes! (laughs) I gotta be crazy! I’m on a pilgrimage to see a moose! Praise Marty Moose! Holy s***!

Clark Griswold is barely hanging on, and in this hilarious bit from 1983's Vacation , Chevy Chase delivers without question one of the funniest rants from any comedy movie ever.

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License to kill gophers by the government of the United Nations. Man, free to kill gophers at will. To kill, you must know your enemy, and in this case my enemy is a varmint. And a varmint will never quit - ever. They're like the Viet Cong - Varmint Cong. So you have to lie back on superior intelligence and superior firepower. And that's all she wrote.

Bill Murray's demented groundskeeper, Carl Spackler, in 1980's Caddyshack  is my favorite Murray character ever. His description of why gophers (aka Varmint Cong) must die is a classic.

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National Lampoon's Animal House

Over? Did you say 'over?!' Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!

And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go! Come on! (runs out, nobody follows, runs back in) What the f**k happened to the Delta I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? 'Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble.' Well just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Wormer, he's a dead man! Marmalard, dead! Niedermeyer...

Otter interrupts Bluto's motivational speech at this point, throwing his support behind his frat brother, even though he's "psychotic."

In this classic funny speech from 1978's Animal House , Bluto (John Belushi) has just learned that Dean Wormer has kicked them all out of school. His speech rallying tries his fraternity brothers together is one for the ages.

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Blazing Saddles

I don't know if you ever heard of me before, but I used to be called 'The Waco Kid.' I was just walking down the street, and I heard a voice behind me say, "Reach for it Mister!" I spun around and there I was face to face with a six-year-old kid. Well I just threw my guns down and walked away....little bastard shot me in the a**! So I limped to the nearest saloon, crawled inside whiskey bottle, and I've been there ever since.

Gene Wilder's Jim (The Waco Kid) delivers a hilarious speech explaining his history in 1974's Mel Brooks comedy Blazing Saddles .

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The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

Jane, it's me, Funny-face. You love Frank Drebin. And Frank Drebin loves you. Jane, listen to me, if you don't love me, you might as well pull that trigger, because without you, I wouldn't want to live anyway. 

I've finally found someone I can love - a good, clean love... without utensils. It's a topsy-turvy world, Jane, and maybe the problems of two people don't amount to a hill of beans, but this is our hill and these are our beans. Since I met you, I've noticed things I never knew were there - birds singing, dew glistening on a newly-formed leaf, stop lights. Jane, this morning, I bought something for you. It's not very much, but pretty good for an honest policeman's salary. It's an engagement ring. I'd have given it to you earlier, but I wanted to wait until we were alone. I love you, Jane.

Leslie Nielsen's speech of love at the end of The Naked Gun is not only funny, but heartwarming in a simple way.

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Animal Crackers

Friends, I'm going to to tell you of the great mysterious wonderful continent known as Africa. Africa, God's country. And he can have it...Well, sir, we left New York drunk and early on the morning of February second. After fifteen days on the water and six on the boat we finally arrived on the shores of Africa.

We at once proceeded 300 miles into the heart of the jungle where I shot a polar bear. This bear was 6 foot 7 in his stocking feet and had shoes on. This bear was anemic and couldn't stand the cold climate. He was a rich bear and could afford to go away in the winter. From the day of our arrival we led an active life. The first morning saw us up at six, breakfasted, then back in bed at seven. This was our routine for the first three months. We finally got so we were back in bed at six-thirty.

One morning I was sitting in front of the cabin smoking some meat There wasn't a cigar store in the neighborhood. As I say, I was sitting in front of the cabin when I bagged six tigers. I bagged them, I bagged them to go away, but they hung around all afternoon. They were the most persistent tigers I've ever seen. The principal animals inhabiting the African jungle are moose, elk and Knights of Pythias .

Of course you all know what a moose is, that's big game. The first day I shot two bucks that was the biggest game we had. As I say you all know what a moose is? A moose runs around on the floor, and eats cheese and is chased by the cats. The elks on the other hand live up in the hills, and in the spring they come down for their annual convention. It is very interesting to watch them come down to the water-hole; and you should see them run when they find it is only water-hole. What they're looking for is a elk-a-hole. One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I'll never know. But that is entirely irreverent to what I was talking about. We took some pictures of the native girls, but they weren't developed. But we're going back again in a couple of weeks...

Now, of course I had to include the Marx brothers on this list somehow. In this hilarious speech, Groucho Marx (as Captain Jeffrey Spaulding), describes his many adventures in Africa to a captive group of party-goers in the classic 1930 movie Animal Crackers .

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The Big Lebowski

Donny was a good bowler, and a good man. He was...he was one of us. He was a man who loved the outdoors, and bowling, and as a surfer he explored the beaches of southern California from La Jolla to Leo Carillo, and up to Pismo. He died.. he died as so many young men of his generation before his time, and in your wisdom, Lord, you took him. Just as you took so many bright, flowering young men at Khe San, and Lan Doc, and Hill 364. These young men gave their lives, and so did Donny. Donny who loved bowling. And so, Theodore Donald Karabotsos.. in accordance with what we think your dying wishes might well have been....we commit your final mortal remains to the bosom of the Pacific Ocean, which you loved so well. Goodnight, sweet prince.

Walter's eulogy for his buddy Donny in 1998's The Big Lebowski  goes horribly wrong (and yeah, he has to somehow tie all of this in to Vietnam). After this speech, delivered on a beautiful bluff, Walter (John Goodman) dumps Donny's ashes - which promptly blow all over The Dude.

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City Slickers

Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, "What happened to my twenties?" Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you have a minor surgery. You'll call it a procedure, but it's a surgery. Your sixties you have a major surgery, the music is still loud but it doesn't matter because you can't hear it anyway. Seventies, you and the wife retire to Fort Lauderdale, you start eating dinner at two, lunch around ten, breakfast the night before. And you spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate in soft yogurt and muttering "how come the kids don't call?" By your eighties, you've had a major stroke, and you end up babbling to some Jamaican nurse who your wife can't stand but who you call mama. Any questions? 

Mitch's career day speech at his kids' school in 1991's City Slickers  definitely deserves a spot of honor on this list. Billy Crystal is hysterical in this movie!

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Raising Arizona

That night I had a dream. I dreamt I was as light as the ether, a floating spirit visiting things to come. The shades and shadows of the people in my life rassled their way into my slumber. I dreamt that Gale and Evelle had decided to return to prison. Probably that's just as well. I don't mean to sound superior, and they're a swell couple of guys, but maybe they weren't ready yet to come out into the world. And then I dreamed on, into the f*ture, to a Christmas morn in the Arizona home where Nathan Junior was opening a present from a kindly couple who preferred to remain unknown. I saw Glen a few years later, still having no luck getting the cops to listen to his wild tales about me and Ed. Maybe he threw in one Polack joke too many. I don't know. And still I dreamed on, further into the f*ture than I'd ever dreamed before, watching Nathan Junior's progress from afar, taking pride in his accomplishments, as if he were our own, wonderin' if he ever thought of us, and hopin' that maybe we'd broadened his horizons a little, even if he couldn't remember just how they got broadened. But still I hadn't dreamt nothin' about me 'n Ed, until the end. And this was cloudier, 'cause it was years, years away. But I saw an old couple bein' visited by their children, and all their grandchildren too. The old couple wasn't screwed up, and neither were their kids or their grandkids... And I don't know. You tell me. This whole dream, was it wishful thinkin'? Was I just fleeing reality like I know I'm liable to do? But me and Ed, we can be good, too. And it seemed real. It seemed like us, and it seemed like, well, our home. If not Arizona, then a land not too far away, where all parents are strong and wise and capable, and all children are happy and beloved. I don't know. Maybe it was Utah.

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• # 87 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Team America: World Police

See, there's three kinds of people: dicks, p*ssies and a**holes. P*ssies think everyone can get along, and dicks just want to f*ck all the time without thinking it through. But then you got your a**holes, Chuck. And all the a**holes want us to sh*t all over everything! So, p*ssies may get mad at dicks once in a while, because p*ssies get f*cked by dicks. But dicks also f*ck a**holes, Chuck. And if they didn't f*ck the a**holes, you know what you'd get? You'd get your dick and your p*ssy all covered in sh*t!

Random bar guy offers a downtrodden Gary a simple (and highly offensive) speech explaining how the world works in 2004's Team America: World Police .

• # 8 of 61 on The Funniest Movies About Politics
• # 434 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 90 of 115 on 50+ Movies That Need Sequels

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

He said war was too important to be left to the generals. When he said that, 50 years ago, he might have been right. But today, war is too important to be left to politicians. They have neither the time, the training, nor the inclination for strategic thought. I can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration, Communist indoctrination, Communist subversion and the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids .

• # 96 of 262 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
• # 725 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 1 of 61 on The Funniest Movies About Politics

It was this brother who, on the day of her death, swore to the good Lord above that he would follow in her footsteps, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, just, just, just, just, just, just, just, just, just, just owe it all up to her. But on her terms. As a woman. And just as proud to be a woman as she ever was. For I am not Emily Kimberly, the daughter of Dwayne and Alma Kimberly. No, I’m not. I’m Edward Kimberly, the reckless brother of my sister Anthea … Edward Kimberly, who has finally vindicated his sister’s good name. I’m Edward Kimberly. Edward Kimberly.

Dustin Hoffman delivers a hilarious speech in 1982's Tootsie , and you betcha he's on this list. Here, he decides he wants off of the soap opera (where he's been playing a woman, Dorothy). So he goes for the big reveal, letting everyone know that Dorothy is really Michael.

• # 16 of 67 on The Best Movies Of 1982
• # 548 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 390 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

After that, it got pretty late and we both had to go. But it was great seeing Annie again. And I realize what a terrific person she was and how much fun it was just knowing her. And I thought of that old joke. You know, the, this, this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc, uh, my brother's crazy. He thinks he's a chicken.' And uh, the doctor says, 'Well, why don't you turn him in?' And the guy says, 'I would, but I need the eggs.'

Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd and - But uh, I guess we keep going through it because most of us need the eggs.

• # 59 of 96 on The Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
• # 561 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 446 of 630 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
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U.N. climate chief says two years to save the planet

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Kate Abnett covers EU climate and energy policy in Brussels, reporting on Europe’s green transition and how climate change is affecting people and ecosystems across the EU. Other areas of coverage include international climate diplomacy. Before joining Reuters, Kate covered emissions and energy markets for Argus Media in London. She is part of the teams whose reporting on Europe’s energy crisis won two Reuters journalist of the year awards in 2022.

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Johnson Controls said on Friday its subsidiary Tyco Fire Products had agreed to a $750 million settlement with some U.S. public water systems that claimed toxic "forever chemicals" in firefighting foam made by the company had contaminated their water supplies.

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South Africa recalls J&J's cough syrup sold in six African nations after suspected toxicity

South Africa's health regulator said on Saturday it is recalling batches of Johnson & Johnson's children's cough syrup after detection of high levels of diethylene glycol.

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• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
• April 11, 2024   •   28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
• April 10, 2024   •   22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma
• April 9, 2024   •   30:48 How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall
• April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
• April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’
• April 5, 2024   •   29:11 An Engineering Experiment to Cool the Earth
• April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

A mexican drug cartel is targeting seniors and their timeshares..

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A massive scam targeting older Americans who own timeshare properties has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars sent to Mexico.

Maria Abi-Habib, an investigative correspondent for The Times, tells the story of a victim who lost everything, and of the criminal group making the scam calls — Jalisco New Generation, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels.

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Maria Abi-Habib , an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.

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How a brutal Mexican drug cartel came to target seniors and their timeshares .

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