100+ Best Silence of the Lambs Movie Quotes That Chilled Audiences Worldwide

A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

Quid pro quo, Clarice.

They're so predictable. Murders, rapes, child molesters. Society's failures.

I do wish we could chat longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner.

You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube.

We begin by coveting what we see every day.

You're not afraid of me, are you, Clarice?

They all hate me here. But they don't dare touch me.

You still haven't told me if you're sexually active.

You have no idea what it's like to be me, Clarice.

The world is more interesting with you in it, Clarice.

Call me... whatever it takes.

I've always been good at passing tests, sir.

I won’t insult you by asking for your help.

I’m not going to tell you anything that can hurt me, Dr. Lecter.

I want to save this girl, Dr. Lecter.

I’ve seen your file. You killed two guards trying to escape.

I can do better than that, Dr. Lecter.

I know I can get inside his mind.

I need to know what he thinks about.

I’ve done my homework, Dr. Chilton.

I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to learn.

I don’t think you’re as powerless as they say.

I’ll earn it, Dr. Lecter. Whatever it takes.

It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.

We covet what we see every day.

It puts the lotion in the basket.

Would you fuck me? I'd fuck me.

I’m not a monster. I’m a man who’s misunderstood.

I want to be beautiful, just like everyone else.

I’m not quite sure what I’d look like as a woman.

I collect things, you see. Things I’ll need.

I’m going to put on a pretty dress and dance the swan.

I’m not insane. I have a purpose.

I’m making myself a suit out of women’s skins.

I’m not bad. I’m just different.

Tell me, Clarice, have the lambs stopped screaming?

We begin by coveting what we see every day.

You’re very close to me now, aren’t you?

You still haven’t told me if you’re sexually active.

What does he do, this man you’re hunting?

You want to know what he sees when he looks at a woman.

Your fear makes you unwise, Clarice.

You’re not here because I’m crazy, are you?

You’re stronger than you think, Clarice.

You can’t hide from yourself forever.

You’re chasing him because you want to save her.

You’re afraid of being ordinary, aren’t you?

I chose my life, Clarice. What about you?

You’re not in control here. I am.

They keep me caged like an animal, but I’m far more dangerous.

You can’t punish me. I’m already beyond punishment.

I speak with the Chesapeake Ripper every day.

You think you’re in charge, but you’re just another pawn.

You hold all the cards, but I hold the truth.

I give you information. You give me freedom. Quid pro quo.

You want justice, but you lack the will to face it.

You’re not the hunter. You’re the hunted.

I decide who lives and who dies.

You’re dancing to my tune now, Clarice.

I’ve had nightmares about those lambs ever since I was a child.

I wanted to save the spring lamb, but I couldn’t.

I was so young, so helpless.

I hear them screaming, even when I wake up.

I carry their voices with me everywhere.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m strong enough.

I’m not perfect. I make mistakes.

I don’t want to fail anyone else.

I still feel guilty about that lamb.

I didn’t choose this path. It chose me.

I’m afraid of becoming numb.

I just want to make a difference.

We begin by coveting what we see every day.

The world is more interesting with you in it, Clarice.

Killing must feel good to God, too. He does it all the time.

Evil is just an absence of empathy.

People will do anything to avoid facing their pain.

We all carry monsters within us.

Insanity is just another word for misunderstood genius.

Fear keeps us alive. But it also imprisons us.

Truth is often more terrifying than fiction.

We are all shaped by our traumas.

Empathy is both a gift and a weakness.

The past never really leaves us.

What does he do, Clarice? This man you're hunting?

You’re afraid to ask the right questions.

He doesn’t hate the women he kills. He wants to be one.

Where did he take her? The basement?

He keeps them alive for a while. He wants to see how they feel.

You’re getting warmer, Clarice.

He’s not insane. He’s motivated.

You’re looking for someone who collects parts.

He doesn’t kill them immediately. He transforms them.

He’s building something. A new identity.

He sees beauty where others see horror.

You’re closer than you think.

If you don’t bring me what I want, I’ll go back to sleep.

I can smell your perfume. I know where you sit.

Don’t fool yourself, Clarice. I’m always watching.

You’re not safe, even when you think you are.

I’ll remember your voice, Clarice. And your fear.

One day, you’ll call me. And I’ll answer.

You can’t lock up the mind, only the body.

I’ll be waiting, Clarice. Always.

You’ll never be rid of me completely.

I know things about you that even you don’t know.

You’re part of my world now.

I’ll taste your fear before I taste your flesh.

I’m having an old friend for dinner.

Hello, Clarice.

Have the lambs stopped screaming?

I’m not going to pursue you. But I’ll savor the anticipation.

You know, they always say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

I’ve always enjoyed our little chats.

I’ll be seeing you around, Clarice.

You’ve been very entertaining.

I hope we can continue this conversation someday.

You’ve made me feel almost alive again.

Thank you for the meal, Clarice.

Goodbye… for now.