As one of the most popular sitcoms of the 21st century, Modern Family has left behind a lot of fond memories for fans to revisit. There are a number of quotes from the show that remind fans why they fell in love with this funny and sweet family in the first place.
Ranker has highlighted some of the most popular quotes among fans of Modern Family, ranging from the hilarious lines that will still make fans laugh to the more serious ones that showed the heart of the series.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Misunderstanding
Mitchell: “It’s Daddy Time.” Cam: “Now? Shouldn’t We Go Talk To Lily?”
Despite the love all the families have, there are plenty of moments of questionable parenting on Modern Family. Sometimes these parents are shown to be immature or self-centered which can be undeniably funny.
As Mitchell and Cam get ready for a party, they see that Lily is upset. Mitchell points out that it is “Daddy time” and they should step in to see what is bothering their daughter. However, for a brief moment, Cam misinterprets that with a funny innuendo before realizing they’re still talking about parenting.
Phil’s Star Wars Advice
Mitchell: “Please Don’t ‘Yoda’ Me.”
Phil Dunphy is often seen as a grown child with his goofy and childlike view of the world. So it is no surprise that he takes the mission of going to see a Star Wars movie very seriously even if others do not.
While Phil and Mitchell are on their way to the movie, something else comes up that Mitchell decides is more important so he tells Phil to go without him and he’ll try to make it. Phil responds “Do or do not. There is no try,” but Mitchell does appreciate having Yoda’s wise words thrown in his face.
Mitchell Finds His Way In Paris
Mitchell: “All You Had To Do Was Look Good And Have A Lot Of Attitude. Paris Was Just Like One Big Gay Bar.”
There are a number of Modern Family episodes that find the family traveling to some lavish new city for vacation. Unsurprisingly, this often shows how awkwardly they fit in within this new location.
However, when visiting Paris, Mitchell seems to crack the code of how to fit in despite not knowing the language. He maintains that a strong attitude and confidence seem to be all that is needed, seeing it like one big gay bar.
Phil Takes Offense
Phil: “But Don’t Insult My Selling. That Crosses A Line. What Line? Oh, You Don’t See It? That’s ‘Cause I Just Sold It.”
Though Phil may be a bit immature at times, when it comes to his profession, he takes it surprisingly seriously. He is a dedicated and relentless real estate agent who prides himself on his ability to sell.
So while Phil can often take a joke and remain in good humor, Claire discovered that there is a line that can be crossed even with Phil, and that line is with his skills as a salesman. The intense yet still goofy nature of Phil standing up for himself is particularly funny.
Man Of The House
Manny: “You Mean I’m Banned From My Own House?” Jay: “Don’t Think Of It Like That – Think Of It As You’re Banned From My House.”
Though he certainly has a soft side that comes out every now and then, Jay Pritchett is not always the warmest member of the family. Even to the younger kids like Manny, Jay can be hilariously blunt which has a certain charm to it.
After Manny heads off to college, Jay is dismayed to see him returning home every weekend instead of enjoying the college experience. He tells Manny to stay away for a while and when Manny suggests he is being banned from his own home, Jay reminds him whose house it really is.
Cam’s Wardrobe Crisis
Cam: “You Know, It’s A Somber Occasion, And All My Tops Are Too Joyful.”
Cameron Tucker is one of the funniest and most likable characters on the show. He is a fun-loving and upbeat energy that is infectious. And sometimes that bubbly personality is part of what makes him so funny as it is not always appropriate.
When the community comes together to help a family who lost their house in a fire, Cam and Mitchell arrive late due to Cam’s alleged wardrobe crisis. Cam’s hilarious explanation is made funnier by Mitchell’s sarcastic comment, “You don’t want our problems.”
Gloria’s Traumatizing Cover-Up
Gloria: “But Just For A Few Times, I Didn’t Want To Mess With His Head. When He Found The Pictures, I Told Him That It Was His Twin Sister Who Died.”
Though Gloria is a very sweet and loving mother and family member, the hilariously intense stories of her past might explain her edgier personality at times. Even funnier, she doesn’t even seem to notice when she makes these outrageous comments.
When discussing wanting to have a daughter, Gloria amusingly remembers when she used to dress Manny up as a girl and tell people it was her daughter. Funny enough, she thought telling Manny he had a dead twin was less confusing than pictures of himself wearing a dress.
A Perfect Balance
Cam: “You See, The Dreamers Need The Realists To Keep Them From Soaring Too Close To The Sun. And The Realists, Well Without The Dreamers, They Might Not Ever Get Off The Ground.”
There are many times throughout the series that the family members find themselves at odds. In one particular episode, the whole family comes to the realization that they are divided between optimistic dreamers and more grounded realists.
While this initially highlights the conflicts between the family members, the episode concludes with a sweet sentiment about how each side needs the other to stay balanced. It is a thoughtful observation that speaks to many of the relationships in the show.
Doesn’t Add Up
Gloria: “Does She Think We’re Fifty?” Mitchell: “No, She’s Just Bad At Math.”
As with any family, sometimes the characters on Modern Family can say things that aren’t very nice. And there are certain aspects of each of these characters that they are particularly sensitive about.
Though Haley tries to pay her aunt and uncle a compliment by saying that she wants to be like them in thirty years, the math doesn’t add up. While Gloria initially assumes Haley thinks they are that old, Mitchell assures her that Haley is just not very bright. Those are harsh words but it seems he didn’t like being called fifty.
Dylan’s Surprising Insight
Dylan: “If You’re Always Telling Yourself How Lucky You Are, It’s Probably Because You’re Afraid To Ask Yourself How Happy You Are.”
Dylan was a funny side character as Haley’s on-again-off-again boyfriend who was also perhaps the most dim-witted character in the entire series. However, it turns out that Dylan is also capable of some surprisingly thought-provoking ideas.
When Dylan admits to Haley that his marriage ended, he explains that he felt very lucky to be with a smart and beautiful woman, but realized the feeling of being lucky might mask the feeling of being happy. It’s not the funniest line in the show, but it certainly struck a chord with fans.
