Sci Fi’s Top 5 Pop Culture Quotes
October 6, 2009 by Cynthia
Though they were born in the sci fi niche, these five quotes have soared into the annals of pop culture history. They’ve been repeated, parodied and I’ll bet at least one of them was used to sell something on TV.
Here are my candidates for the top five scifi quotes to make it into the pop culture vernacular.
5. “The Truth is Out There”
Ever since Mulder and Scully gave us a glimpse into The X-Files, we’ve been determined to find the real truth about aliens, Bigfoot, Elvis and Lady Gaga. That single phrase has inspired millions to look beyond what is presented to us and that’s a good thing and thanks to Chris Carter, that phrase and The X-Files will always be associated with conspiracies of every kind.
4. “I’ll be back“
Usually when you hear this phrase, it’s uttered in a flat, deep voice with an “a” that sound more like Bach than back. It’s one of the most basic lines uttered by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator and it’s been used in hundreds of TV shows and movies since, and even in reference to Schwarznegger’s political career. He’s never living that one down.
3. “He’s Dead, Jim.”
It’s become a running joke, but has anyone ever counted how many times Dr. McCoy ever actually says this phrase on an episode of Star Trek? Along with “I’m a doctor not a. . . (insert job title here)” and “Beam me up, Scotty,” this phrase is recognized by non-geeks, the world over, leaving actor DeForest Kelley to remark that the line will likely end up on his tombstone.
2. “Danger, Will Robinson, danger”
This quote comes from one of my favorite scifi classics, Lost in Space. The line was uttered by the Robot as he tried to keep his young charge from heading off into trouble on an alien planet. It was only once in this exact format but somehow it has gone on to be copied and parodied time and again, even making an appearance on The West Wing.
There’s something about this dramatic line from Star Wars that makes people giggle when it’s heard out of context. Said this way, it’s actually a misquote as Darth says, “No, I am your father” with the emphasis on “I”, again, not the way it’s usually repeated. Two of the best uses of the catchphrase are in Austin Powers 2 and Toy Story 2.
Do you have a favorite scifi quote that you like to toss in when the proper occasion arises? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Graphic from Stock.xchng
Not much of a sci-fi maven, but I use “That’s not the Jedi way” several times a month.
I also think “Phasers on stun” or “Shields up” when I send out a draft for review, but it doesn’t really fit so I suppress the thought with a “Kirk out.”
John
Well done, fellow ProBlogger !
I like the speech bubble too.
One of the very first sci-fi novels I read was called “Bow down to Nul” and it had a drawing of a robot standing over a quivering human. So I use that phrase once in a while, when technology seems to have the upper hand.
Cheers !
Saw this from ProBlogger forum, and being a part geek I had to check this out.
I gotta agree with John… what happened to all the star trek shit? It’s missing! You need to make this list post top 10 and include some key ones that you’re missing.
Another fellow ProBlogger Forum member here…
My favorite is definitely the X-Files “Truth is out there” quote…which is what I watched when I was growing up. Asta Lavista Baby from Terminator is definitely one close to the top 10. Great list you put together!
Just Added the Top 5 Fail Gifs to my blog.
I think ” I’m a Doctor Jim not a ___” should be #1. The top 5 could probably very easily be just from Star Trek. Although Dr. Smith had some great lines in Lost in Space.
Cynthia, 5 is not enough… I’m looking forward to more… part 2?
- another fellow Problogger Forum member here…
Growing up I watched Darren McGavin search for the truth long before Mulder and Scully in my favorite TV-show of all time Kolchak: The Nightstalker. Albeit not exactly sc-fi in nature or having any pop culture quotes it did have an awesome writing team and many memorable lines ….
Kolchak: Judge for yourself its believability, and then try to tell yourself, wherever you may be, it couldn’t happen here.
Kolchak: Exactly what don’t you like about this hat?
Vincenzo: What’s under it.
Kolchak: F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “The rich are different than you and me.” They sure are. They got more money.
Great list post. Thanks for sharing the memories.
I agree with Louis – you could easily make this a top 10 or 20. Happy to have discovered your blog through the Problogger forum.
In my house, we often speak “Yoda” because we’re geeky like that.
“He’s Dead, Jim.” make me cry!!!!!
Great list Cinthya!
Dan
Great list, I love the X Files.
See ya at pb.com where “I’ll be back”