30 Iconic Movie Lines That Are Always Misquoted

21. White Heat

White HeatThe Misquote: "Top of the world Ma." The Real Quote: "Made it Ma. Top of the world." Why It Was Misquoted: An incredibly well recognised quote, in some ways dwarfing the movie it originates from, this is the premier example on the list for laziness. We€™ll see more famous movies that have brilliant lines chopped down, but here it happens at the expense of two words, just so it can be made into one sentence. The misquote amps up the craziness in James Cagney€™s line, in a way helping its renown.

20. The Italian Job (1969)

ItalianThe Misquote: I've got an idea. The Real Quote: Hang on a minute lads, I've got a great idea. Why It Was Misquoted: The Italian job has always stuck with me, thanks in no small part to some cracking Michael Caine quotes and its literal cliffhanger ending, which combine together in this misquote. The film€™s final line can€™t fail to leave you elated, but it€™s the overall meaning (Croker has a plan) is the important part of the joy, not the line itself. As can be seen, the overall meaning is exactly the same, just in an easier to remember form.

19. The Treasure Of Sierra Madre (1948)

BadgesThe Misquote: Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges! The Real Quote: Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges! Why It Was Misquoted: Parody is one of the key ways a misquote can come about, but rare is it that an entire line change can be attributed to one source. The original quote is memorable thanks to the excellent, increasingly manic delivery, but it became commonly misquoted in pop culture thanks to Blazing Saddles. Sure, the mistake had existed before, but it was yet to become a fully, widely known one.
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Film Editor (2014-2016). Loves The Usual Suspects. Hates Transformers 2. Everything else lies somewhere in the middle. Once met the Chuckle Brothers.