A 2005 poll from the American Film Institute (AFI) about the greatest movie quotes of all time reveals that a classic Humphrey Bogart role has more iconic quotes than any other character in film history. Considering how many movie quotes have entered the pop culture lexicon to become common and recognizable lines across multiple generations, being able to have a character with several is an impressive feat. Given the fact that Humphrey Bogart starred in several films that are still considered some of the best movies of all time, his legendary contributions to cinema history’s greatest quotes aren’t all too surprising.
To assess the 100 best movie quotes in history, AFI conducted a poll with leaders in the film industry in 2005. The criteria for consideration included lines from American movies that “circulate through popular culture, become part of the national lexicon and evoke the memory of a treasured film, thus ensuring and enlivening its historical legacy.” From 400 nominated movie quotes, the chosen 100 frequently consisted of lines from classic films in the 1930s and 1940s, with certain directors, actors, and movie franchises like The Godfather appearing multiple times. While Gone with the Wind’s “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” took the top spot, one of Humphrey Bogart’s best movies was represented the most, with his iconic character uttering the majority of these quotes.
Rick Blaine Has More Great Quotes Than Any Other Movie Character On AFI’s 2005 List
AFI’s 2005 list revealed that Casablanca has more great quotes than any other movie in history, with the 1942 movie being represented six times. Of Casablanca’s six quotes featured, Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick Blaine spoke four, making the fictional bar owner the most quotable movie character of all time. In addition to Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa speaking the line “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time goes By,’” and Claude Rains’ Renault saying “Round up the usual suspects,” Rick Blaine speaks the fifth, 20th, 43rd, and 67th most iconic quotes on AFI’s list, which are:
5. “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
20. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
43. “We’ll always have Paris.”
67. “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick was certainly given some of the greatest lines in Casablanca’s script, with his quotes remaining iconic over 80 years later. Some of Rick’s quotes remain famous because of their lore in the romance genre, the way that Bogart utters them in his scenes, and their tragic natures, particularly his “Paris” and “gin joints” quotes. However, Casablanca’s World War II-era American bar owner and Ilsa’s love interest Rick Blaine isn’t the only iconic film character with multiple quotes on AFI’s 2005 list. Other movie characters whose lines appear more than once include Dirty Harry’s Harry Callahan, The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy Gale, and The Terminator’s titular character.
Rick Blaine’s Iconic Casablanca Quotes Extend Beyond Those On AFI’s List
Casablanca’s Rick Blaine may already have four quotes on AFI’s 2005 list, but Humphrey Bogart’s character spoke several other lines that remain iconic in film history. For instance, Rick Blaine’s “I stick my neck out for nobody” and “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday and for the rest of your life” are also two of the best movie quotes of all time. Casablanca’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest movies and love stories in history helps make these quotes so memorable, but it’s truly Bogart’s performance that elevates the impact they maintain today. Humphrey Bogart also happens to be the most-represented actor on AFI’s list, with his Maltese Falcon line, “The stuff that dreams are made of,” being voted one of the best movie quotes.
