31 Most Iconic Lines From Batman Movies
2. Wanna Know How I Got These Scars...?
The Quote: "You wanna know how I got these scars? My father...was...a drinker, and a fiend. And one night, he goes off caaazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself. He doesn't like that. Not...one...BIT. So...me watching, he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it. He turns to me...and he says..."WHY SO SERIOUS?". He comes at me with the knife..."WHY SO SERIOUS?!". Sticks the blade in my mouth..."LET'S PUT A SMILE ON THAT FACE!"...aaaand...why so serious?"
Though The Joker's best lines in The Dark Knight are most typically diluted down to those three creepy classic words, his entire routine dedicated to his scars is a highlight of the genre in its entirety. Not only is it a brilliantly affecting moment - and just about believable thanks to Ledger's commitment - it also offers an insight both into the character's dedication to theatricality and showmanship as well as the question marks over his origin.
The fact that the story - brilliantly delivered by the tragic actor - is all but proven false takes nothing away from it, as it aids the suspicion that The Joker simply arrived fully formed and outrageous.
1. "A Dark Knight"
The Quote: "He's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight."
It might be a little on the nose, but Gordon's assessment of Batman at the end of The Dark Knight - related a little too poetically to a child who probably doesn't understand the intricacies of blurred moral distinctions and shades of grey evils - is still an epic line.
In the space of a few moments, Gordon distills the major idea behind Nolan's trilogy in easily relatable terms, and peppering his sentiments with about six different slogans worthy of their own T-shirts. And of course it scores extra points for the title nod.
Which is your favourite line from the Batman film universe? Share your favourites below in the comments thread.