My wife and I were watching When Harry Met Sally (1989) [as we do every New Year’s Eve] and there was a scene where Harry and Sally are talking on the phone while watching Casablanca (1942). Casablanca ends and Harry comments on how that movie has the best “last line” ever. That got me thinking about other movies with great closing lines.

In chronological order, here are my personal favorite last lines.

Fair warning: We’re talking about last lines. As in the ends of the movies. So there may be some spoilers.  You’ve been warned (insert ominous organ music and maniacal laughter here).

Casablanca (1942)

“Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Come on, you knew it was going to be here. It inspired the post, after all!

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

This oft-misquoted line is sheer, unforgettable cinematic brilliance.

Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

“Mein Fürher! I can walk!”

This one makes me laugh every time! And how often do we get to laugh at sentences that reference the Nazis?

Chinatown (1974)

“Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

Just one of those lines that pierces through your ears (my wife calls it an “earworm”). Just a brilliant way to end a brilliant movie.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

“It is accomplished! It is accomplished.”

Being a Christian myself, I just loved the last words from Jesus. Willem Dafoe delivered that line flawlessly!

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

“If he weren’t up there now, I don’t think it would be snowing. Sometimes, you can still catch me dancing in it.”

This heartfelt closing line almost makes me cry every time.

Groundhog Day (1993)

“It’s so beautiful! Let’s live here. We’ll rent, to start.”

A refreshing, hopeful, yet funny line from Bill Murray as he is overjoyed with his life. He still has to keep it humorous, because he’s Bill Murray.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

“Son of a b****. He stole my line.”

I love this because Robin Williams improvised it – and isn’t that just so…Robin?

Memento (2000)

“Now…where was I?”

A comical, yet genius way to end a movie with an amnesiac protagonist.

Collateral (2004)

“Hey, Max. A guy gets on the M.T.A. here in L.A. and dies. Think anybody will notice?”

Tom Cruise gives a good parting line to Max (Jamie Foxx) while giving the audience something to think about long after the movie is over.

I love a good movie with a great parting line. It’s the perfect way to make your film resonate with the audience.

I’d love to hear about your favorite last lines! Let’s chat in the comments below!

Happy watching!