5. Predator
Quote: You’re one ugly motherfucker.
Context: Nearing the final one on one man vs. alien battle between Dutch (Schwarzenegger) and the alien hunter, the Predator removes his thermal heat vision mask to reveal his extremely gaping mouth and eyes.
Why is it great: There is something about Schwarzenegger’s delivery which makes profanity hilarious and awesome at the same time. Obviously, Dutch realizes the enormity of the situation he finds himself in and has to rely on his wits as well as his strength to survive and prevail.
4. Predator
Quote: Get to the choppa!
Context: After one of the many run-ins with the predator, Dutch is struck down while he is in the company of Anna (Elpidia Carrillo). He sacrifices himself so she may try and get away.
Why is it great: Like a few others on this list, Schwarzenegger has now used this line many times throughout the years in his public life and has now taken on a life of its own.
According to the Urban Dictionary, “It’s used when there is no need to mention where you’re going, you all already know where you’re going. So you just yell GET TO DA CHOPPA!!!!”
3. Predator
Quote: If it bleeds, we can kill it.
Context: After Blain (Jesse Ventura) is killed, there is a massive discharge of ammunition in that area of the jungle before the true nature of the beast is revealed.
Why is it great: Until this time, the group was not sure what they were dealing with. The fact the beast appears to be mortal is important. They now know they have a chance for victory.
2. Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Quote: Hasta La Vista, Baby!
Context: In an attempt to introduce modernize his new protector’s speech, John Connor (Edward Furlong) explains slang to The Terminator. Connor says he needs to loosen up a bit and try using alternate laid back verbiage so people won’t think he is a dork.
Why is it great: Later on, after the T-1000 is frozen, The Terminator resurrects the phrase before firing the shot which blasts the liquid metal cyborg into a million shards.
The quote is currently listed at #76 on the AFI’S 100 GREATEST MOVIE QUOTES OF ALL TIME.
1. The Terminator
Quote: I’ll be back.
Context: The Terminator enters a police station to attempt to locate the third Sarah Connor after killing the first two listed in the telephone book. He asks if she is being held there and is told if he wants to see her he is able to wait.
The Terminator assesses the situation and decides to take matters into his own hands.
Why is it great: The phrase has become Schwarzenegger’s catchphrase of life and synonymous with him in every way. It personified The Terminator’s unending pursuit of its goal and the fact he would not quit before achieving it.
Schwarzenegger has used it in all the “Terminator” films and several others in different forms.
The quote is currently listed at #37 on the AFI’S 100 GREATEST MOVIE QUOTES OF ALL TIME.
Author Bio: Andy Kubica is a life-long cinephile. Having spend time as a video store manager, movie theater manager and the first DVD buyer for a former rental chain he now spends every waking moment reducing his film “bucket list”.