Quote us on this:Westernmovies have some of the best lines worth repeating. Whether it’s an aggressive challenge at high noon or a simply well-placed, “Howdy, pilgrim,” saying a line from a cowboy flick is sure to cause a reaction. An old-time southern accent and a bowlegged walk can turn any line into a classic.
For fans of Old West Cinema, there are an abundance of great phrases to repeat and a number of unforgettable films in which they are said. This list chronicles five of the most quotable films ever released in that genre and 16 of the best lines that are worth repeating. Well, at least most of them…
The Searchers (1956)
In a film that truly defines “different time, different place,” this 1950stale of John Wayne’s Ethan Edwards returning home to Texas following the Civil War lands on the wrong side of political correctness. A true “Cowboys and Indians” picture,The Searchersis revered as a classic, but difficult for Hollywood to explain to the newer generations. It was a true case of shrugging shoulders and saying, “Oh well, The Duke’ll be the Duke.”
16“That’ll be the day.” – Ethan Edwards
You wouldn’t expect a line from John Wayne to inspire aBuddy Holly song, but here we are. Holly’s iconic tune “That’ll Be The Day,” recorded with The Crickets, is a tale of a broken heart. For The Duke, “That’ll be the day” was a line repeated by his Ethan Edwards character. The phrase was one that he would say upon hearing something he didn’t believe.
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This quote might sound like it has a racist slant to it until you realize that Wayne was referring to…oh, a Native American. Yikes. Yeah, maybe it was racist. 1950s were a long time ago, partner.
14“Figure a man’s only good for one oath at a time; I took mine to the Confederate States of America.” — Ethan Edwards
And the hits just keep on coming. As the lines keep piling up, so do the reminders that times have changed. While this one might be a quotable movie, it might be best to not quote them yourself.
Lonesome Dove (1989)
The 1989 dramaLonesome Dovetells the tale of two rangers on a cattle drive. It is a classic piece of1980s Western cinemaand one with a stacked cast. Danny Glover, Robert Duvall, and Tommy Lee Jones are all cast perfectly. It’s Tommy Lee’s Woodrow Call character that utters this line. This take on weapons, luxuries, and pretty much anything is a beloved line among fans for its versatile meaning.
13“It’s been quite a party, ain’t it?” – Gus McCrae
As Gus McCrae lay dying, he spoke these touching words. Speaking volumes about his knowledge that the end is near, while glorifying the life he had lived, this versatile quote is one that evokes a number of emotions all at once. It says “this has been a good life” in a way that anyone can understand.
12“It is better to have that and not need it than to need it and not have it.” – Woodrow Call
The best quotes can be applied to anything, and not just the specific instance they are uttered for on film. Tommy Lee Jones’s philosophical outlook on necessities and their place in life is one that can be carried with movie fans anywhere. You might not use this quote all the time, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Do you see what we did there? Like that?
11“They don’t know it, but the wrath of the Lord is about to descend on ‘em.” – Gus McCrae
InPulp Fiction,Samuel L. Jackson admits that the bible passage he had been telling soon-to-be victims of his furious anger was simply to say some cold-blooded stuff. Yet, after thinking about the words, he realized their weight. This is an example of that. McCrae’s line is perfect for quoting and hits with the same impact as Jules’s did before gunning down the big brain on Bret.
Considered a tough guy movie during a tough guy era, the nameTrue Gritevokes a sense of toughness the moment it is heard. This 1969 Oscar-winning original sees Mattie Ross hire U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn, played by John Wayne, to track down the man who killed her pa. If that line doesn’t scream “Old West," nothing does.
10“A gun that’s unloaded and cocked ain’t good for nothing.” — Rooster Cogburn
Like the boy scout motto, John Wayne was always prepared. This famous line asks what good a weapon could be if you aren’t ready to use it. It says more about the personal grit of the man holding it than his ability to handle or load it. The line is powerful and, all these years later, still speaks volumes.
9“Baby sister, I was born game and I intend to go out that way.” — Rooster Cogburn
The Duke once again offers movie fans a line that they can repeat to the women in their life. This famous quip says that Cogburn was not afraid to do battle, but not because he would definitely win. It was because, even if he loses, he’s made his peace with the outcome.
8“So I won’t shoot my foot off.” — Rooster Cogburn
Even the best fall down sometimes and Rooster Cogburn, in theTrue Grituniverse, was considered the best. That’s why an admission like this creates a visceral reaction. It’s an acknowledgment that this man, loaded with grit, knows he is not infallible. Its valuable advice dressed up as a quick comment.
Rooster Cogburn
Following up his rowdy ride inTrue Grit,Wayne returns inRooster Cogburnas Rooster attempts to win back his badge by tracking down outlaws. In aclassic Western movietrope, there’s a wrench thrown into his plans as a dame, Katherine Hepburn’s Eula Goodnight, takes the ride with him. In another chapter of John Wayne’s slightly off-color approach to adventure, a great amount of this film deals with his female frustrations. It created some memorable (and useful) lines that any gender can use.
7“I’ll be damned if she didn’t get the last word in again.” — Rooster Cogburn
Sometimes a quote is more about the ability to repeat it than the actual meaning. This line from John Wayne has a ring to it, especially when imitating the Duke’s voice. Countless Western fans, when debating a female, have uttered this line as she walked away. It is great to say — just make sure she is out of earshot.
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