15 Greatest Ending Lines In Film History

5. Why, She Wouldn't Even Harm A Fly - Psycho (1960)

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Universal Pictures

"They're probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I'm not even going to 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.'"

This is the final part of the speech Norman Bates gives himself, in his deceased mother's voice, as he languishes in a police cell for murder. As it turns out, it's not his mother who's been killing people in his hotel, but Norman himself, having developed an alternate personality inspired by his mother.

The twist is harrowing enough, but the final speech is where Psycho's terror lies, revealing that his murderous persona has completely overtaken his mind, and the man he once was is now long gone.

Mix that final declaration with Anthony Perkins' creepy smile at the camera, and what you have is a closing line of dialogue and a parting shot that perfectly exemplifies why director Alfred Hitchcock was always known as the Master of Suspense. This one will stay with you.

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Aidan Whatman hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.