8 iconic movie lines

8 iconic movie lines that accidentally became life advice
Story by Mayank Shandilya


Just like Master Oogway once said in Kung Fu Panda, “There are no accidents,” these movie quotes were bound to become a great set of life advice.

These quotes weren’t written to be profound or to be posted on Instagram posts and status updates. They were put in the movie to serve the story’s purpose, but their writers were too good at their job.


Somehow, they found their way into people’s lives, leaving behind their original context. What makes these quotes iconic is how much they are referenced in day-to-day life all over the world.

So let's get right into eight movie quotes that accidentally became the most memorable life advice.

8 Great Movie Quotes That’ll Guide You Through Life
1. “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” - Forrest Gump (1994)

A still from Forrest Gump (1994)
A still from Forrest Gump (1994)
'Forrest Gump' (1994)Credit: Paramount Pictures

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) said this quote with a childlike innocence, but the metaphor is for all ages. Often, we try to control our life’s events to achieve certain ends, but things don’t always turn out the way we want.

You won’t know what kind of chocolate you’re gonna get unless you bite into it. Similarly, you don’t really know what every day of your life is going to be until you live it. It’s all about acceptance and our openness to experience new adventures in life.

2. “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” - Rocky Balboa (2006)

A still from Rocky Balboa (2006)
A still from Rocky Balboa (2006)
'Rocky Balboa' (2006)Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony Pictures Releasing

Whenever I am in the worst phase of my life, I remember this quote from Rocky (Sylvester Stallone). Talent is nothing without resilience and perseverance.

When there’s a big rejection, loss, or the worst pain life gives you, it feels like we have lost. But the fact of the matter is that life goes on. Getting hit square in the face doesn’t matter; what matters is if one is ready to stand up, dust their clothes, and try again and again and again.

3. “The things you own end up owning you.” - Fight Club (1999)

A still from Fight Club (1999)
A still from Fight Club (1999)
'Fight Club' (1999)Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

This brilliant quote is written by Chuck Palahniuk and spoken by Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), who is my spirit animal in this capitalist world.

We are all consumers. And once in a while, when I’m doom-scrolling on my smartphone, be it social media or Amazon, I remind myself of this quote. It’s important to take back control of the things we own; otherwise, the tables turn, and humans become slaves to what they built in the first place.

4. “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

A still from The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A still from The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
'The Shawshank Redemption' (1994)Credit: Columbia Pictures

What Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) means is that life is hard and it moves pretty fast. It’s up to the person to choose hope or to give up under pressure.

Most people don’t live enough. They give in to a boring career or a dull relationship because the road to getting out seems too steep. They slowly start to accept defeat. But hope is a superpower one can use to live a full life and break free from one's own prison.

Get a poster of this iconic quote and stick it on that blank wall of your room. It’s an existential line at its best and will help you out when you’re stuck.

5. “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.” - Kung Fu Panda (2008)

A still from Kung Fu Panda (2008)
A still from Kung Fu Panda (2008)
'Kung Fu Panda' (2008)Credit: Paramount Pictures

Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim)’s quote should be a mantra, and everyone should meditate on it.

For our entire life, we either dwell in the past or worry about our future. The brain doesn’t stop thinking for one second, and little do we know that every precious moment passes by.

The quotes teach us to be present in the now. Because what has happened has happened, and what will happen will definitely happen. So, why lose out on the gift that is present, both literally and metaphorically?

6. “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” - The Dark Knight (2008)

A still from The Dark Knight (2008)
A still from The Dark Knight (2008)
'The Dark Knight' (2008)Credit: Warner Bros.

In Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart) line focuses on the theme of moral decay. But in real life, this quote can be understood as a stern warning or reminder to keep one’s ego or ambition in check.

At the highest of highs, a person should know when to step away from the spotlight. Because too much glitter and glamour can make even the best of the best go blind and lose track.

7. “Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something.” - The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

A still from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
A still from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006)Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) gave one of the best pieces of advice a father could ever give to his son. The world is full of people trying to push you down; you have to develop a tough skin (with a gentle heart).

If you have a dream, preserve it and protect it. While making his first movie, Citizen Kane, Orson Welles was surrounded by naysayers who told him his ways were wrong. But history proved him right as he delivered a revolutionary piece of cinema through sheer ignorance.

Now, no one is asking you to be ignorant, but don’t even let yourself tell you that you aren’t enough. Because you are.

8. “Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” - National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002)

A still from National Lampoon\u2019s Van Wilder (2002)
A still from National Lampoon\u2019s Van Wilder (2002)
'National Lampoon’s Van Wilder' (2002)Credit: Artisan Entertainment

If becoming accidental or unintentional life advice is the theme, this quote is the king of them all. Disgusting and charming Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) says this to Taj (Kal Penn) as he spirals into overthinking.

Well, he was spot on in explaining anxiety. Just like a chair rocking back and forth, stressing over things is a cycle of thoughts with zero displacement. It does not provide you with any tangible results, but only an illusion of motion and a fried brain. Better stop that rocking chair, get off, and chase action instead of thoughts.

Related video: The greatest movie insults of all time (Looper - Video)


These great quotes weren’t meant to preach to the audience. Rather, these iconic lines were a part of honest interactions between fictional characters.

However, the experience and thought behind each of these lines are so powerful and universal that they resonate with audiences on a personal level. Credit goes to all the writers of these lines.