Meaningful Quotes From My Favorite Movies and TV Shows
If pictures are worth a thousand words, your list of favorite movies and tv shows are worth ten thousand.
One of the great joys of writing and interacting on Substack is that you get to meet a diverse group of individuals, all of whom have something valuable to say. Devoid of the “fakeness” and toxicity that dominates traditional social media, this place just feels better.
On the flip side, I am sure you are also no stranger to the growing number of “follow me, follow me back” notes that have been flooding our timelines lately. Admittedly, those notes are not my favorite, but I also empathize with the desire to grow a following and community away from the other social media sites.
One of the unique things about Substack is the very thing you are reading right now. No where on Twitter (X?), Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok will you find this. Long-form writing! A medium where you can express who you are, your interests, and your values using your true, full thoughts.
That’s great and all, but why I am saying all of this? Get to the movies already, Jack.
I am… just bear with me.
Because Blitz’s Backlot and I are new around here, I have been looking for a fun way to actually introduce myself to those of you who have taken a much appreciated interest in my writing. Something fun and different. Something that a simple note couldn’t articulate.
So that is what this is. A list of my top-25 favorite movies and top-10 favorite TV shows of all-time where I go one by one and pick out a meaningful quote and moment that has sincerely impacted my life.
I believe that if pictures are worth a thousand words, your list of favorite movies and shows are worth ten thousand. Seriously! You can learn a lot about someone by understanding what they like to watch.
Not only do I hope this list helps you to get to know me a little better, but I also think it would be fun if all of you created similar posts about yourselves. My fellow film and tv lovers can do something similar to what I’ve done here, but this can apply to anyone. Book lovers can break down their favorite novels just like sports fans can describe their favorite moments. The things that make you you, are always the best way to introduce yourself.
Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! A newsletter for movie and tv junkies featuring discussions, reviews, and recommendations about the latest in entertainment.
I have created a page that you can access anytime on blitzsbacklot.com that has the following film and tv rankings. I might even consider adding my favorite books, songs, and video games at a later date. I consider all of these lists to be alive. What I mean by that is everything is subjective. I change my mind all of the time! Whenever I add or remove a new movie or show, I’ll be sure to update my rankings and make a post detailing my decision. I love film and tv breakdowns and comparisons, so I figure this will be a fun excuse to write more of those!
"Get Busy Living, Or Get Busy Dying." - Andy Dufresne
It is the probably the most memorable quote from the entire film and that makes sense because every time I find myself in need of little drive or inspiration, I think of Andy Defresne from my favorite movie of all time.
"Rich people are naive. No resentments. No creases on them." - Ki-taek
This line summarizes how beautifully this film depicts the modern day class-war. Those at the top have the glory and money, yet live in a world consumed by needless worry, ignorance, and an essence of naivety. All the while, those on the bottom envy, but simultaneously despise those at the top.
"I Hope That, At Least In Your Eyes, I've Earned What All Of You Have Done For Me.” - Private Ryan
A line that still hits as hard today as it did the first time I watched this film. It has repeatedly shown me that even acts of heroism and bravery can coincide with justifiable feelings of regret and sadness.
“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” - Yoda
Perhaps the wisest character is movie history, this quote always reminds me that there is far more depth to people than what’s on the outside.
"I Needed A Sweet Face To Buy Land." - Daniel
This heartbreaking revelation to his “son,” H.W., always feels heavy. It shows the lengths greedy people are willing to go, even at the expense of the few people who see good in you. Don’t be a Daniel.
"Someone Who Challenges You In Every Way. Who Takes You Places, Opens Things Up For You. A Soul-Mate." - Sean
A line that I will never ever forget. Sean reminds me every day that true unconditional love is when you provide that spark for your loved one’s so they can achieve their true potential.
"We Must Reach Far Beyond Our Own Lifespans." - Professor Brand
This quote may mean a variety of things to you, but I find Professor Brand’s words motivating to always attempt to leave a lasting impact behind.
“What does normal mean anyway?” - Mrs. Gump
You don’t need to conform and be what everybody else is. Be yourself and be great being you.
“Open The Pod Bay Doors, HAL” - Dave
I’ve long said that Darth Vader is and always will be the greatest villain in cinematic history, but I think HAL is a close second. This line in the full context of the movie expresses how alone, lost, and out of control Dave was. A chilling metaphor for AI and super computers that still rings true today.
"I'm Batman." - Bruce Wayne
The amount of times I randomly say this out loud is laughable.
“This Isn’t Flying. This Is Falling With Style!” - Buzz Lightyear
A reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to succeed.
“All I know is this: nobody's very big in the first place, and it looks to me like everybody spends their whole life tearing everybody else down.” - Ken Kesey
The perfect metaphor for modern politics.
“If you could see your whole life from start to finish, would you change things?” - Louise Banks
Imagine being in a situation where this was a choice. I think about it a lot. I’d answer no, but I can definitely see an argument for yes.
“35 pounds? 35 pounds? But you're so fat!” - Elliot to ET
Life is subjective.
“As the preacher said, I could write shorter sermons, but once I start, I get too lazy to stop.” - Abraham Lincoln
Reminder that, sometimes, the things with the most meaning are said using the fewest words.
“Live Another Sol would be an awesome name for a James Bond movie.” - Mark Watney
I adore The Martian, both in book and film form, because it teaches us that when things feel like they’re at an all time low, laughter and humor can often be the most effective remedy.
“When the horizon's at the bottom, it's interesting. When the horizon's at the top, it's interesting. When the horizon's in the middle, it's boring as shit. Now, good luck to you. And get the fuck out of my office!” - John Ford
The mere presence of something is not interesting. The way you present that something is.
“Only A Sith Deals In Absolutes.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan wasn’t a master Jedi for nothing. He teaches us to never look at something as black or white. You play a dangerous game when you do that. Take the time to appreciate the complexity of something, and you will be rewarded for that.
“You Underestimate The Power Of Faith” - Princess Irulan
For better or for worse, Princess Irulan teaches us that faith can be controlling.
“We just put Sir Isaac Newton in the driver's seat.” - Jim Lovell
A reminder that some things are simply out of your control.
“More like a NON-ja. Terrible what passes for a ninja these days.” - Pops Racer
I die of laughter every time. Pops is right, though. Ninjas aren’t what they used to be.
"Welcome To Seb's." - Sebastian
Things are often about what’s not said and this line embodies that. Sebastian acknowledges how meaningful and special Mia was to him without saying the words. And he doesn’t have to.
“Nieman, you earned the part. Alternates, will you clean the blood off my drum set?” - Terence Fletcher
This one is as gruesome as it is rewarding. While you should never teach anyone remotely similiar to the way Fletcher did, this serves as a reminder that hard work supersedes talent.
“Gorlami!” - Also Raine
He spoke awful Italian, but his confidence never wavered. Fake it till you make it!
“You're such a loser, dad, you're such a loser dad, just enjoy the show.” - Casey Beane
Billy Beane dedicated to his whole life to baseball and never won. He said he hated losing more than winning. When he finally “wins” and still doesn’t enjoy the show, his daughter points out the irony of his relationship with baseball. He learns that he shouldn’t be afraid of losing. A lesson we can all appreciate.
"I watched Jane die." - Walter White
This was the very moment we knew that the decent man from season 1 was gone, completely consumed by the evil Heisenberg. This line marks the end of one of the most compelling villain arcs in television history.
“I can live with being in the line of fire, made a career out of it, but my family?” - David Budd
The bodyguard business isn’t for the faint of heart and while David Budd definitely has his flaws, his relentless commitment to his job was admirable.
"I'm Gonna Be A Damn Good Lawyer, And People Are Gonna Know About It." - Jimmy McGill (Saul Goodman)
The emotional complexity of Better Call Saul is a remarkable achievement given viewers already know how the story ends. Despite Jimmy’s known fate, his depth and relatability makes lines like this mean so much knowing his downfall is imminent.
“Be a goldfish.” - Ted Lasso
I say this to myself all the time and you should too. We all screw up. Learn from those mistakes, then move on. Be a goldfish.
"I Would Like To See The Baby." - The Cleint
A sentence that will go down in the pop culture hall of fame. I say this a lot when I walk through the door and greet my cat and dog.
“Bazinga!” - Sheldon Cooper
Perhaps the most versatile catchphrase in tv history.
“I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don’t know. I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me.” — Michael Scott
You don’t want to be overconfident in life, but we can all learn from Michael Scott’s undeniable ability to be confidently himself.
“You don’t have to look tough to be tough.” - Ahsoka Tano
Toughness is about what’s inside. Wise words from a Padawan.
"Every Time You Find Yourself Here, It’s Because You Chose To Come Back." - Mark
Severance is filled with ethical dilemmas, perhaps none more prominent than the neglect for the wellbeing of the innies who are constantly at the mercy of their other halves. This quote highlights a beautifully constructed metaphor about consent and technology.
“Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken?” - Michael Jordan
This perfectly encapsulates the mindset necessary to be a winner. It also serves as a nice complement to Wayne Gretzky’s famous quote.
Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts on my list and my selection of quotes. I always love hearing your opinions. Blitz’s Backlot is better when everyone chimes in!
