The horror genre is popular for its use of violence, blood, and at times, gratuitous jump scares, to keep audiences at the edge of their seats. From Michael Myers, Ghostface, Leatherface, and countless more in the ranking, these killers make their victims suffer throughout the course of their respective horror films, making them icons and the cause for nightmares. Just as memorable as these killers are their signature phrases, which establish the horror they're about to unleash on unsuspecting victims, and at times, the rebuttals said to them by the heroes that outsmart them. Here are the most iconic lines in horror movies, ranked.
9
Not in my Movie - Scream
Scream introduced us to the phone taunting, murderous Ghostface. One of the most shocking elements of the first Scream was its marketing strategy, leading audiences to believe that the film's sole survivor would be portrayed by Drew Barrymore, only for her character, Casey Becker, to be murdered less than fifteen minutes into the film. Nevertheless, audiences got an equally impressive final girl through Sidney Prescott, the bold teenager who would soon become the face of the Scream franchise. Sidney proves herself a formidable adversary against Billy and Stu, and single-handedly takes them both down. In the film's final jump scare, Sidney says the iconic line, "Not in my movie", before delivering the killing blow to Billy.
8
What’s the Boogeyman? - Halloween
Laurie Strode is by all accounts the face of classic horror's final girls. Smart, brave, and quick on-her feet, Laurie manages to escape each of Michael's attacks against her in 1978's Halloween, surviving her harrowing encounter long enough for Dr. Loomis to save her. As Loomis looks down onto the Doyle porch, Laurie asks, "What's the Boogeyman?", reiterating the idea that Michael is the shape of evil over a mortal man.
7
I still prefer the Babadook - Scream (2022)
The Scream franchise is known for its opening kill, putting an unfortunate character through a truly frightening game of horror trivia with Ghostface before meeting a gruesome demise. Tara Carpenter defied all expectations by surviving her opening attack, and every other following attack by Ghostface. In a final jump scare by Amber against Sam, Sidney, and Gale, Tara strikes her down and delivers the cherry on top of a perfect defeat by saying, "Istill prefer the Babadook", referencing her first encounter against Amber's Ghostface.
6
Here’s Johnny - The Shining
The Shining is one of Kubrick's most disturbing works without relying on the excessive blood usage of other horror films. Audiences see the mental decline of a man with clear mental illness, from becoming increasingly abusive to his family; his relapsing into alcoholism, and ultimately, his mental breakdown that leads him to chase his family through the Overlook hotel. In one of the film's most nerve-shattering moments, Jack starts tearing down Wendy's bathroom door before saying, Where's Johnny?, in an utterly sinister tone. Iconic and bone-chilling.
5
I’m Chucky, Want to Play? - Child’s Play
One of the most disturbing aspects of the original Child's Play is the uncertainty behind whom the killer is, opening the possibility that the killings are the work of an unhinged Andy. The movie does a good job of dabbling with this suspense, with Chucky being a stationary character amidst the chaos unfolding in the Barclay home--which makes it more shocking when Chucky finally says his first line to Karen Barclay. Nevertheless, nothing Chucky says is as creepy as Chucky's introductory line to Andy, "Hi, I'm Chucky. Want to Play?", establishing the menacing tone for the entire film.
4 Gotcha - Halloween (2018) & Halloween Kills
Karen Nelson is the polar opposite of her mother, Laurie Strode. Level-headed, nurturing, and understanding of others' mental health, Karen shows Laurie the support any trauma survivor requires, a role reversal in their mother-daughter dynamic. When concerning Michael Myers himself, though, Karen holds a dismissive attitude, urging Laurie to put the Boogeyman behind her. Yet, Karen proves that she is well-equipped to face Michael Myers when the time comes, luring him into two traps before saying one of the reboot trilogy's most satisfying lines, "Gotcha."
3
My Money’s Says You’re Not Going Anywhere - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Beginning
Charlie Hewitt/ Sheriff Hoyt is as threatening as Leatherface himself. Fueled by contempt for society, Hewitt usurps the title of sheriff in an attempt to keep his family afloat, abducting travelers and turning them into a feast. For Hoyt, though, feeding on his victims isn't enough to satisfy his psychotic desires; he relishes in their physical and mental torture. The most satisfying moment in the 2006 prequel comes when Dean manages to regain his strength and attacks Hoyt, beating him to a pulp before delivering Hoyt's pervious line to him, "My money says you're not going anywhere."
2
Michael, Michael! - Halloween: H20
Halloween H20 shows audiences the aftermath of Laurie's life after Halloween II. Suffering from PTSD, Laurie lives day and night reliving her ordeal against her brother, Michael Myers, fearing his return on any given Halloween. Laurie's greatest nightmare eventually comes to fruition when Michael returns, this time bent on killing Laurie's son, John. Though Laurie manages to rescue John and his girlfriend, Molly, just in time, she decides that instead of running--she is going to face Michael once and for all, putting an end to a lifetime of trauma. As Laurie approaches Hillcrest Academy, she calls out to her lifelong predator, Michael, Michael. A cathartic and emotionally-charged moment in a franchise otherwise driven by bloodbath.
1
Hello, Sidney - Scream
Roger Jackson is as synonymous with Scream as Ghostface, giving life to the sadistic voice behind every victim's phone call. Though Ghostface has greeted countless victims by this point in the franchise, nothing is as creepy as hearing him call Sidney time and time again to torment her with the signature greeting, Hello, Sidney. Indisputably the franchise's most iconic line.