A well-written line of dialogue can live on in the memories of fans long after the film has finished, and even long after the film fades from relevancy and popularity with these lines gaining a new life of their own, either within circles of friends or on the internet. However, much like a game of Telephone, the wording of these lines can sometimes change after several years, with the incorrect version becoming more popular.
We’re here to set the record straight. Some of these changes are small, like a single word being altered, and some are far bigger. Here are 10 famous movie quotes that you actually remember wrong.
The Graduate (1967)
Anyone over the age of 20 (maybe 25) who considers themselves to be a film fan has said this quote at least once in their life, either mockingly to their group of friends, or even more mockingly to their partner (or seriously to their partner, whatever you’re into). But the line you remember is actually slightly wrong.
The Popular Quote: “Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?”
The Actual Quote: “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me, aren’t you?”
Wall Street (1987)
This is one of the lengthier examples on this list. However, it does make sense for people to use the more popular, incorrect version when quoting it to friends, as it would feel a little weird blurting out the entire thing.
The Popular Quote: “Greed is good.”
The Actual Quote: “The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.”
Apocalypse Now (1979)
One of the most iconic lines in any war film, this quote has been copied and spoofed in countless other films and tv series, however, the real quote is actually much longer.
The Popular Quote: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like victory!”
The Actual Quote: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t find one of ’em, not one stinkin’ dink body. The smell, you know, that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smells like victory.”
Casablanca (1942)
An older, and slightly less popular line in the 21st Century, however, it doesn’t change how iconic this line was at the time, and how everyone remembers it wrong.
The Popular Quote: “Play it again, Sam.”
The Actual Quote: “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.'”
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Potentially the most quoted Disney line ever, the iconic line from the Evil Queen is slightly misquoted.
The Popular Quote: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
The Actual Quote: “Magic mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”
Dirty Harry (1971)
Considering how often this line is spoofed in other shows and movies, its likely that the misquote is actually intentional, considering the real quote is far longer.
The Popular Quote: “Do ya feel lucky, punk?”
The Actual Quote: “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya punk?”
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Another classic of Hollywood that people remember slightly differently from reality. The real quote is only slightly longer but actually sounds better than what people often say.
The Popular Quote: “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.”
The Actual Quote: “All right, Mr. DeMille. I’m ready for my close-up.”
Hondo (1953)
People often accredit this misquoted John Wayne line to two films, when he actually doesn’t say it in either. While Wayne says something with a similar meaning in Stage Coach, the misquote actually comes from Hondo.
The Popular Quote: “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”
The Actual Quote: “A man oughta do what he thinks is best.”
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
Before Disney’s animated classic, this interpretation of Edgar Rice Burroughs was released and contains such an iconic line, that many people attribute it to the animated version.
The Popular Quote: “Me Tarzan, you Jane.”
The Actual Quote: *pointing* “Jane. Tarzan. Jane. Tarzan. Jane. Tarzan…”
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The most misquoted line in cinema history. The alteration is only slight, but considering so many consider the original trilogy to be among the best science fiction films ever made, it’s hard to see how this one got mixed up.
The Popular Quote: “Luke, I am your father.”
The Actual Quote: “No. I am your father.”
25 Best TV Shows To Binge on Hulu This Month Ranked by IMDB
Ready to binge-watch but not sure which series to sink into? Let us guide you! We’ve curated a list of the top 25 TV Shows on Hulu, as ranked by IMDb score. Take a look at our up-to-date list and get ready to enjoy one of these well-loved series.
Top 20 Movies to Stream on Hulu in July 2023 Ranked by IMDB
Hulu is undoubtedly one of the best streaming services available, so it’s no surprise that it’s packed with incredible films. To help you choose the right one for your movie night, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 movies on Hulu, ranked by IMDb score. Every film on this list is a winner, so what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn and get watching!
Top 15 Comedy Movies Streaming on Hulu Now According to IMDb
If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?), your Hulu subscription is the ticket to barrels of laughs right in your living room! There’s no shortage of comedic films on this platform, but we can guide you to the best ones. Take a look at our list of the best comedy movies streaming right now on Hulu, and get ready for a movie night filled with uproarious laughter!
