The ’70s and ’80s produced some of the most beloved movies of all time, and with them came iconic quotes that have become ingrained in pop culture. But as often happens, time and repetition have twisted many of these memorable lines into something slightly different—sometimes even completely wrong. From sci-fi sagas to classic comedies, here are 12 iconic movie quotes from the ’70s and ’80s that everyone still misquotes, along with the correct versions that deserve their due.
1. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Misquote: “Luke, I am your father.”
Actual Quote: “No, I am your father.”
When Darth Vader drops one of the biggest bombshells in movie history, he never actually says “Luke.” The actual line is delivered during a tense exchange, with Vader responding to Luke’s claim that Obi-Wan told him Vader killed his father. It’s a small difference, but an important one—adding “Luke” to the line just makes it easier to recognize in everyday conversation.
2. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
Misquote: “May the Force be with you.”
Actual Quote: “The Force will be with you, always.”
While “May the Force be with you” has become a universal catchphrase for Star Wars fans, the actual line in A New Hope is slightly different. Obi-Wan Kenobi says, “The Force will be with you, always,” which carries a more reassuring and solemn tone. Over time, the shorter, punchier version took over—and now it’s hard to imagine it any other way.
3. The Shining (1980)
Misquote: “Here’s Johnny!”
Actual Quote: “Here’s Johnny!”
Okay, so the words are technically correct, but the context is often misunderstood. Jack Nicholson’s iconic line wasn’t from the Stephen King novel or even original to the film—it was an ad-libbed reference to Ed McMahon’s introduction of Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. The cultural reference may not be as clear today, but the line’s creepy delivery remains unforgettable.
4. Jaws (1975)
Misquote: “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Actual Quote: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
In Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller, Chief Brody (played by Roy Scheider) delivers the line after getting his first look at the monstrous shark. The actual quote uses “you” instead of “we,” adding a layer of dry humor to the already tense scene. It subtly shifts the responsibility away from Brody, making the moment even funnier.
5. Field of Dreams (1989)
Misquote: “If you build it, they will come.”
Actual Quote: “If you build it, he will come.”
The misquote changes the entire meaning of the movie’s mystical message. The “he” refers specifically to Ray Kinsella’s late father, giving the film’s ending its emotional punch. The broader “they” makes it sound like the line was about the Chicago White Sox or a general promise of success—missing the personal heart of the story.
6. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Misquote: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like victory.”
Actual Quote: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like… victory.”
Robert Duvall’s Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore delivers this line in a way that perfectly captures the character’s eerie detachment from the horrors of war. The pause before “victory” makes the line feel more reflective—and much more unsettling. The misquote often rushes the line, losing some of the impact of Duvall’s delivery.
7. Dirty Harry (1971)
Misquote: “Do you feel lucky, punk?”
Actual Quote: “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”
Clint Eastwood’s Harry Callahan doesn’t rush to the punchline. The actual line is more drawn out and methodical, which makes it all the more intimidating. The shorter version became popular because it’s snappier, but it misses the slow-burn menace of the original.
8. The Princess Bride (1987)
Misquote: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Actual Quote: “Hello! My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”
The misquote often drops the enthusiastic “Hello!” that Mandy Patinkin delivers with perfect energy. The correct line showcases Inigo’s mix of politeness, confidence, and deadly intent. The little exclamation adds an extra spark that makes this revenge line so iconic.
9. Poltergeist (1982)
Misquote: “They’re here!”
Actual Quote: “They’re here.”
The subtle difference between a dramatic exclamation and the original’s eerie calm changes the feel of the quote entirely. Heather O’Rourke’s Carol Anne says the line with a chilling sense of innocence, which made the moment even creepier. The misquote adds emphasis, but the original’s quiet delivery is what made it memorable.
10. Top Gun (1986)
Misquote: “I feel the need, the need for speed.”
Actual Quote: “I feel the need—the need for speed!”
The actual line has a dramatic pause and a lot of energy, ending with Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards sharing a perfectly timed high-five. Many people misquote it with a flat delivery, losing the original’s adrenaline-fueled spirit. The pause adds the right amount of theatricality that made the scene so fun.
11. The Terminator (1984)
Misquote: “I’ll be back.”
Actual Quote: “I’ll be back.”
This might not seem like a misquote, but the way it’s remembered is often exaggerated. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers the line in a calm, almost nonchalant tone, which makes what follows even more shocking. Fans tend to mimic the line with an over-the-top accent and emphasis, but the original was all about understated menace.
12. Airplane! (1980)
Misquote: “Surely you can’t be serious.” “I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.”
Actual Quote: “Surely you can’t be serious.” “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”
This classic exchange between Robert Hays and Leslie Nielsen is often misquoted with a comma instead of a period between the two sentences. The period makes Nielsen’s deadpan delivery even better, highlighting the absurdity of the joke. The difference may be small, but it’s a reminder that sometimes punctuation makes all the difference.
These quotes prove that sometimes the way we remember a line isn’t quite how it happened on screen. Still, whether we get them exactly right or not, these iconic lines from the ’70s and ’80s continue to bring a smile, a shiver, or a good chuckle—just like they did when we first heard them.
