Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic, "Goodfellas," offers an eclectic cast of characters, gangster wisdom, and unforgettable quotes. The gritty realism and compelling storytelling make it a treasure trove for memorable lines. This article dives into various aspects of "Goodfellas" quotes, encapsulating the essence of the film’s dialogue across ten thematic subtitles. From the iconic to the humorous, each section sheds light on these quotes' impact on audiences and pop culture. As we traverse through these quotes, we explore crime, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal, offering a collection that embodies the timeless influence of this cinematic masterpiece.
The Iconic Quotes of Goodfellas
“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”
“Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.”
“Funny how? Funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you?”
“For us, to live any other way was nuts.”
“It was like a dream.”
“We were treated like movie stars with muscle.”
“Take care of your family.”
“What do you mean? You don’t do it yourself anymore?”
“How am I funny?”
“To me, being a gangster was better than being president of the United States.”
“You learned the two greatest things: Never rat on your friends and keep your mouth shut.”
“You worry about your things, I’ll worry about mine.”
Quotes on Loyalty and Betrayal
"Business bad? F*** you, pay me."
“The old man’s still got it. He’s a leg breaker.”
“You think you’re gonna cross him? He’ll kill you.”
“What goes around comes around.”
“You don’t understand. This guy doesn't make mistakes.”
“They love the quiet ones.”
“Listen, I’ve sent them all. Everybody’s gone.”
“Never trust nobody.”
“Be good to your friends. You never know when you might need them.”
“I didn’t say nothing.”
“It doesn’t feel like anything. I just had to do it.”
“What do you mean? Everyone does it.”
Humor in Goodfellas Quotes
“I’m an average nobody. I get to live the rest of my life like a schnook.”
“Where’s the strong, silent type?”
“It’s all over. You’re all over.”
“Keep ’em coming!”
“Toast for the host with the most!”
“You talk crazy.”
“Will you still love me in the morning?”
“And I can cook too!”
“You’re a saint.”
“Even the cops got their cut.”
“Don't make me be a bad guy tonight.”
“A little crazy, but I’m funny, right?”
Quotes on Friendship and Brotherhood
“We’re not animals, Tommy. We’re not animals.”
“A wiseguy never goes to jail.”
“I got respect for the guys we run with.”
“They’re my people.”
“Blood’s thicker than water.”
“It’s all about trusting the right people.”
“Our partnership works because of loyalty.”
“Bonds never break, they just strengthen.”
“It’s more than money, it’s family.”
“Remember who you belong to.”
“It’s all for one and one for all.”
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Quotes Reflecting Ambition and Greed
“Go through life like you own the place.”
“We always wanted more.”
“Money isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
“I wanted it all.”
“The sky’s the limit.”
“Success is addictive, like a drug.”
“Look after number one first.”
“Everybody has their price.”
“Pay me in respect, pay me in power.”
“Climbing to the top, that’s the game.”
“The thrill was in the chase.”
“I love what’s mine, especially when it’s the best.”
Quotes on Crime and Consequences
“You do what you have to do.”
“There’s no glory in it, just survival.”
“You play, you pay.”
“You made your bed, now lie in it.”
“Every action has an equal reaction.”
“Don’t expect loyalty when you cannot provide it.”
“Remember, you’re always a target.”
“Once you’re in, you’re never out.”
“It’s a long road to freedom.”
“The life you live, leaves scars.”
“We chose this path, knowing the costs.”
“Keep the risks close and the rewards closer.”
Quotes that Capture the Essence of the Era
“Back then, it was all about the style.”
“We were the boys of the time.”
“Fashion was our repertoire.”
“Live fast, die young.”
“It was a vibrant time to be alive.”
“Elegance was everything.”
“Music and glamour, that's what we were about.”
“The world was our oyster.”
“Boys will be boys but men make memories.”
“Every gesture spoke volumes.”
“We were living history.”
“Nothing could hold us back.”
Quotes on Power and Control
“Fear gets things done.”
“Control is everything.”
“With power comes responsibility.”
“Strength is not in numbers, but influence.”
“Leaders create more leaders.”
“It’s all about command.”
“Power belongs to those who take it.”
“Every decision affects the next.”
“The power is in the details.”
“We knew what we wanted and how to get it.”
“Domination is subtle.”
“True power is invisible.”
Quotes Representing Lifestyle and Leisure
“We did it all with style.”
“Living life with finesse.”
“We indulged in luxury.”
“It’s not just about living, it’s about living well.”
“Elegance is key.”
“Leisure is an art.”
“Every day was a celebration.”
“Life’s good when shared.”
“We savored every moment.”
“Good food, good company, good times.”
“It was a life of comfort.”
“We knew how to live.”
Quotes on family and Legacy
“Family is everything.”
“Our legacy lives on.”
“The family business never stops.”
“We built this for our blood.”
“It was about name, not fame.”
“Our history is written by family.”
“Never abandon the family.”
“Protect what matters: home.”
“We lived for them.”
“Generations in the making.”
“Family bonds are eternal.”
“A legacy built on honor.”
Final words
In conclusion, "Goodfellas" is a masterful exploration of the gangster lifestyle and its intricate dynamics. The memorable quotes from the film are not just dialogues; they are the reflections of life within the mob, encapsulating humor, loyalty, ambition, and tragedy. Through these quotes, the film continues to resonate with audiences, remaining relevant even decades later. The sharp delivery and razor-edge dialogues offer insights into the charm and peril of organized crime, making "Goodfellas" an enduring cultural landmark. Scorsese’s film and its powerful quotes continue to educate, entertain, and provoke, forever etched in the annals of cinema history.