“I see dead people”, whispered the little boy, in the movie ‘Sixth Sense’ to the shrink played by Bruce Willace. If you were watching this for the first time, you are practically on the edge of your seat. Popcorn is flying in your mouth. Perhaps you have the unhealthy habit of chewing your nails, as the scene changes.

Stories have a real impact on how and what we think. They become part of us. They teach us. They inspire us. I’ve said this before, inspiration is like food for the brain.

Hence, in no particular order, here are 10 inspirational quotes from the big screen.

1. Titanic (1997)

“I’m the King of the World”

Screamed Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo Di Caprio as he leaned on the tip of the Boat. Somehow, this dirt-poor artist had made it onto the most luxurious ocean liner of the time. It is a declaration of triumph. The line has been quoted so many times, it has become a cliché. It’s the line to use when we overcome our struggles.

2. The Terminator (1984)

“I’ll be back”

Oh yes, baby! This is way motivational. It is the ultimate line to use when something has gone wrong and you need to pick yourself up and try again. This was originally spoken by Arnold Schwarzenegger in his role as the Terminator.

3. Gladiator (2000)

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

All the times I’ve seen this movie, this particular line gives me goosebumps. In the scene, Maximus is forced to pull off his mask and reveal his identity. He claims his truth and declares his purpose.

To conquer this thing called life we must journey to find out who we really are. It is only then when we find our truth and calling. This is the line, which speaks to us to become masters of our Destiny. It is beyond inspirational.

4. Finding Nemo (2003)

“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming”

Sometimes, we need to remember to just move on, to just keep it together for the next few seconds and the next few seconds after that and so on. Take it step by step. Moment by moment.

5. Dead Poets Society (1989)

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

Robin Williams starred in this 1989 movie about an English teacher in an all boys school. The above quote is not only a good summary of the movie but one of the most inspirational lines in moving picture history.

6. Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

Lord of the Rings is one of those movies, which are played repeatedly on TV. The above line comes from a scene with the Elf Queen Galadriel and Frodo. Moments before she said:

“This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will.”

Talk about epic, inspirational movie moments. Not only does this tell us that even everyday people, ordinary people can change the world, but also that there are certain things that only you as a person can achieve. Only you can become the master of your destiny.

7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

This is one of Dumbledore’s savvy insights. Who am I to argue with the great Wizard?

8. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

“Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.”

Sometimes a shift in perspective can shed much light on a situation. Things may not seem as dark and gloomy from a different angle. A solution may just be around the corner. And like a butterfly which can not see it’s own wings, so some people can’t see how amazing they truly are.

9. Lion King (1994)

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.”

I vote you learn from it.

10. The Matrix (1999)

“There is no spoon”

I’ve saved the best for last. You may think what is so inspirational about this specific quote? In the movie, Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) is told the above quote by ‘the spoon boy’. It is fundamental in Neo’s realization that the ‘computer created reality’ is not the real reality. Anything is possible, and he starts creating his own reality.

In the same manner, ‘the real’ for you may be quite different from ‘the real’ for the Dali Lama for example. Much of what we perceive to be real has been shaped by society. The way we think about everyday things is governed by societies rules and expectations.

It’s a hard concept to explain. It’s something you need to get. While I’m on my way, I’m not there yet.

There you have it, I hope you enjoyed this list of movie quotes. What are your favorite movie lines?

*This post has been the sixth day of ‘it does not need to be perfect‘, a series currently running on this blog.

About the Author

Sarina often sat on the peaks of the dunes of Southern Africa watching the ocean tide drift in. A daydreamer, often dreaming up stories for lands somewhere over the rainbow. She is a mother, a wife, a blogger and an overall creative spirit. Above all, she is a human being.