Top 10 Best Insults In 90s Movies
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the most memorable verbal beat downs from 90s films. Get ready for highly quotable snapshots from entertaining films. Did we miss your favorite movie put down? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: Trinity Saves Neo
“The Matrix” (1999)
Until this sequence, Neo's true power is uncertain in the virtual world of "The Matrix." Moments after the hero dodges bullets in slow-motion, he finds himself wounded with an evil agent gaining the upper hand. The Wachowskis’ wild vision of a sci-fi simulation reaches a peak with this action scene and its dramatic finish. Trinity then saves the day with a well-timed quip and a gunshot. In a few seconds, her character delivers arguably the coolest line in the film while reminding everyone that she's a badass. Sometimes all you need is a comeback to cap off a great moment in a classic movie.
#9: Happy Gilmore Takes Down Bob Barker
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“Happy Gilmore” (1996)
For Adam Sandler's early favorite "Happy Gilmore," the comedian partners up with an unlikely TV legend. For a celebrity tournament, his character and Bob Barker clash to the point of starting an all-out brawl on the course. Gilmore gains the upper hand and offers this hilarious line to the game show host. Making it all the funnier, the amateur golfer gets a surprise courtesy of Barker's fighting skills. Sandler's trademark comic delivery makes this really wacky scene even more enjoyable. The added irony of the hero punching and yelling at "The Price Is Right" host is worth the price of admission.
#8: Buzz Insults Woody
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“Toy Story” (1995)
"Toy Story" works as such a groundbreaking technical achievement that its screenplay doesn't always get the credit it deserves. For example, this scene between Buzz and Woody shows how much the script excels at building entertaining arguments. The toys find themselves far away from Andy's house and unsure of what to do. The cowboy tries to snap Buzz out of his misguided worldview, but the space ranger retorts with this blunt line. Tim Allen's voice provides the right amount of comedy that really makes this moment. Allen never fails to embody his toy counterpart with a self-serious and unaware attitude that audiences can't help but love.
#7: Making Change
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“New Jack City” (1991)
This scene from "New Jack City" helps cement its reputation as one of the great crime films of the early 1990s. In one of his finest roles, Wesley Snipes brings a menace and eloquence to his drug lord villain as he cusses out his underlings. When one of them tries to respond, Snipes bounces back with this demeaning comment. The notable line makes for one of several quotes that signify the characters' macho presence throughout the movie. The clever insult also defies description, going well beyond the usual cliches and finding a whole new way to put somebody down.
#6: Cyrus Compares Johnny to a Cockroach
“Con Air” (1997)
John Malkovich doesn't pull any punches as the antagonist Cyrus the Virus in "Con Air." Talking to the equally dangerous Danny Trejo, the villain offers a highly detailed comeback to his fellow convict. It's a particularly inventive line of dialogue that also cues the viewer into the character's methodical mindset. Foreshadowing his diabolical nature, this quote serves more than just an entertaining purpose. Coming out of the mouth of a highly-skilled actor, the thespian makes it sound like much more than a throwaway sentence. Malkovich makes his presence known quickly and this kind of dialogue helps him steal the show.
#5: Barking Dogs Bite
“Reservoir Dogs” (1992)
Quentin Tarantino's first film “Reservoir Dogs” is full of violence and exciting dialogue performed by a gifted set of actors. After their botched heist, the criminals regroup at a warehouse where tensions run high. Mr. White gets mad at the psychopathic tendencies of Mr. Blonde and his decisions during the robbery. This prompts a line from Michael Madsen's character, who almost prompts a fight with his attitude. With just a brief sentence, the robber changes the mood and makes this scene all the more dramatic. Tarantino's dialogue sounds as fresh and bold as it did in the early 90s.
#4: The Apples Scene
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“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
"Good Will Hunting" won an Oscar for its screenplay and this scene is one of many reasons why. After serving up a verbal beat down to a preppy bar patron, Will Hunting spots the same guy at another place on his way home. He approaches the window and delivers a final statement to prove his superiority. The lead actor and co-writer nails the scene with all of his charm and natural humor. Having spent years working on the script with Ben Affleck, the performer shows that he's completely in his element and spouting memorable lines like these is second nature to him. It's also probably the coolest movie quote that involves the word "apples."
#3: The Dude Responds to Jesus
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“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
"The Big Lebowski" is full of sage wisdom from a very laid-back and unlikely hero. This particular scene sees The Dude face-to-face with his rival Jesus. After surviving the bowler's taunts, Jeff Bridges responds with an even-keeled comeback for the ages. Having his hands on his head is an inspired touch as his scene partners look on with amazing facial expressions. Not to be outdone, John Turturro wonderfully sets up the line with his ridiculous villain character. The Coen Brothers' zany and memorable dialogue in this moment secures the film's status as a cult classic.
#2: Joe Pesci Wins His Oscar
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“Goodfellas” (1990)
In an award-winning role, Joe Pesci perfectly embodies the wicked soul of a violent mobster. This famous part of "Goodfellas" is as chilling as any horror movie. Courtesy of Pesci's timing and fiery presence, the sequence quickly devolves into a scary portrait of a psychopath who doesn't like to be called "funny." The scene was reportedly based on a real incident the actor dealt with which the director incorporated into the script. Knowing that information, it's even more effective as the dialogue comes together in a truly tense moment. It's even better with Ray Liotta's stunned reaction to his co-star's speech.
#1: Finding the Truth
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“A Few Good Men” (1992)
Rob Reiner's courtroom drama "A Few Good Men" features one of the more iconic legal scenes in cinema history. As Colonel Jessup takes the stand, Lieutenant Kaffee questions him in the climactic part of the film. When pressed for information, Jessup finally utters this classic line in response to the interrogation. Between Cruise's intensity and Nicholson's expert delivery, it's no wonder that this moment is so widely quoted. Hearing Sorkin's dialogue come out of the mouths of two Hollywood stars makes you wish that everyday life could be this exciting. While real courtrooms might not be this dramatic, this insult is one for the ages and represents the 90s as well as anything.
