Our team compiled the best movie monologues and here is what they came up with
Movie monologues are an integral part of many films and can be a powerful way to express emotion and build suspense. While there are many memorable monologues from films over the years, some stand out due to their powerful delivery and affecting messages. To commemorate these great cinematic moments, here are 26 movies with the best monologues.
Here are the 27 best movie monologues to check out on the streaming service.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $28.3 million, Year of Release: 1994
The Shawshank Redemption is a film about the powerful story of friendship and hope that develops between two inmates of Shawshank Prison. In one of the most iconic monologues of the film, Brooks Hatlen, played by James Whitmore, shares his thoughts about freedom after being released from prison. His heartfelt words bring the audience to tears as he reflects on the life he has lost and the hope he still holds.
2. The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather (1972) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $134.9 million, Year of Release: 1972
The Godfather is the story of the powerful Corleone family, headed by the aging Don Vito Corleone. In one of the film’s most famous scenes, Don Vito’s son Michael gives an emotional speech about his family’s honor and his commitment to revenge. His passionate words are delivered with an intensity that conveys the importance of the moment and the family’s struggle for power.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $1.005 billion, Year of Release: 2008
The Dark Knight is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. In one of the film’s most memorable moments, Batman, played by Christian Bale, delivers a powerful monologue about how he is able to confront evil despite being an ordinary person. His words are a reminder of the power of justice and the courage it takes to stand up against evil.
4. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
12 Years a Slave (2013) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $187.7 million, Year of Release: 2013
12 Years a Slave is a powerful drama about the struggles of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, delivers an emotional monologue in which he proclaims that no matter how much suffering he endures, he will never forget his identity. His words are a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.
5. The Departed (2006)
The Departed (2006) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $289.8 million, Year of Release: 2006
The Departed is an intense crime drama about a police officer and a criminal who assume the identities of each other and attempt to outwit each other. In one of the film’s most gripping moments, Colin Sullivan, played by Matt Damon, delivers a powerful monologue in which he expresses his feelings of betrayal and regret. His words echo with intensity and emotion, and they remain with the audience long after the scene ends.
6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $272.7 million, Year of Release: 1991
The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller about an FBI trainee who must enlist the help of an incarcerated serial killer in order to catch a murderer. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, delivers an eerie monologue about the darkness of human nature and how it can be used for both good and evil. His words are delivered with a chilling intensity that stays with the audience long after the film ends.
7. Rocky (1976)
Rocky (1976) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG, Box Office: $225 million, Year of Release: 1976
Rocky is an inspiring sports drama about an underdog boxer who gets the chance to fight for the world heavyweight championship. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone, gives an emotional monologue about his struggles and determination to succeed. His words are delivered with an intensity that conveys the importance of the moment and the power of hope.
8. Scarface (1983)
Scarface (1983) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $65 million, Year of Release: 1983
Scarface is a crime drama about a Cuban refugee who rises to power in the drug trade of Miami. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, delivers a powerful monologue about his dream of wealth and power. His words are delivered with a conviction that conveys his ambition and determination to succeed.
9. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting (1997) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $225.9 million, Year of Release: 1997
Good Will Hunting is a drama about a troubled genius who finds redemption through a therapist. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, delivers an emotional monologue about his fears and his determination to overcome them. His words are filled with emotion and they resonate with the audience long after the scene ends.
10. Inception (2010)
Inception (2010) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $828.3 million, Year of Release: 2010
Inception is a science fiction thriller about a team of dream thieves who must enter the subconscious mind of a powerful businessman in order to steal his secrets. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, delivers an emotional monologue about his guilt and his need to find redemption. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
11. The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige (2006) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $109 million, Year of Release: 2006
The Prestige is a psychological thriller about two rival magicians who are determined to outdo each other in a deadly game of deceit. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Alfred Borden, played by Christian Bale, delivers a powerful monologue about the power of illusion and how it can be used to create a powerful reality. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
12. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King (1994) – MPAA Movie Rating: G, Box Office: $968.5 million, Year of Release: 1994
The Lion King is a Disney animated musical about a lion cub who must reclaim his place as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Mufasa, voiced by James Earl Jones, delivers a powerful monologue about the importance of legacy and how it carries from generation to generation. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
13. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $392.7 million, Year of Release: 2013
The Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical drama about a stockbroker who rises to power in the world of Wall Street. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, delivers a powerful monologue about his ambition and his need to succeed. His words are filled with intensity and they resonate with the audience long after the scene ends.
14. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan (1998) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $481.8 million, Year of Release: 1998
Saving Private Ryan is a war drama about a group of soldiers who are sent on a mission to rescue a soldier who is stranded behind enemy lines. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks, delivers an emotional monologue about the importance of courage and how it can be used to inspire others. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
15. American Beauty (1999)
American Beauty (1999) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $356.3 million, Year of Release: 1999
American Beauty is an intense drama about a middle-aged man who finds a new lease on life after falling in love with a younger woman. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, delivers a passionate monologue about his need to live life to its fullest and his determination to find true happiness. His words are filled with intensity and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
16. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network (2010) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $224.9 million, Year of Release: 2010
The Social Network is a biographical drama about the rise of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, delivers a chilling monologue about his ambition and his need to succeed. His words are delivered with an intensity that conveys the importance of the moment and the power of ambition.
17. Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart (1995) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $210.4 million, Year of Release: 1995
Braveheart is a historical epic about a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against the English. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, delivers a powerful monologue about freedom and his determination to fight for it. His words are delivered with a conviction that conveys the importance of the moment and the power of courage.
18. The Great Dictator (1940)
The Great Dictator (1940) – MPAA Movie Rating: Not Rated, Box Office: $5.2 million, Year of Release: 1940
The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy about a Jewish barber who is mistaken for a ruthless dictator. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Hynkel, played by Charlie Chaplin, delivers a powerful monologue about the dangers of fascism and the need for peace. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
19. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump (1994) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $677.9 million, Year of Release: 1994
Forrest Gump is a drama about a man with a low IQ who overcomes obstacles to lead an extraordinary life. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Forrest, played by Tom Hanks, delivers an emotional monologue about his determination to live life to its fullest and his belief in the power of friendship. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
20. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $307.1 million, Year of Release: 2006
The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographical drama about a man who struggles to provide for his family despite difficult circumstances. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, delivers an emotional monologue about his determination to succeed and his belief in the power of hard work. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
21. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator (2000) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $457.6 million, Year of Release: 2000
Gladiator is an epic drama about a Roman general who is betrayed and forced to become a gladiator. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, delivers a powerful monologue about his determination to seek revenge and his commitment to justice. His words are delivered with an intensity that conveys the importance of the moment and the power of revenge.
22. Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day (1993) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG, Box Office: $70.9 million, Year of Release: 1993
Groundhog Day is a comedy about a man who is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again until he can learn to appreciate life and find true happiness. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, delivers an emotional monologue about his need to break free from his endless cycle of repetition and his determination to find true happiness. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
23. The King’s Speech (2010)
The King’s Speech (2010) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $414 million, Year of Release: 2010
The King’s Speech is a biographical drama about King George VI and his struggle to overcome a speech impediment. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, King George, played by Colin Firth, delivers an emotional monologue about his determination to overcome his stutter and his commitment to his duty as king. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
24. Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky Balboa (2006) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG, Box Office: $155.7 million, Year of Release: 2006
Rocky Balboa is a sports drama about a retired boxer who must face the reigning champion in the ring. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone, delivers an emotional monologue about his determination to prove that he is still a champion. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
25. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers (2012) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG-13, Box Office: $1.519 billion, Year of Release: 2012
The Avengers is a superhero film about a team of superheroes who must join forces to save the world. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, The Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, delivers a powerful monologue about the importance of teamwork and how it can be used to overcome any obstacle. His words are delivered with an intensity that conveys the importance of the moment and the power of unity.
26. The Green Mile (1999)
The Green Mile (1999) – MPAA Movie Rating: R, Box Office: $286.8 million, Year of Release: 1999
The Green Mile is a drama about a prison guard who befriends an inmate on death row. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, John Coffey, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, delivers an emotional monologue about his innocence and how it can be used to inspire others. His words are filled with emotion and they stay with the audience long after the scene ends.
27. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show (1998) – MPAA Movie Rating: PG, Box Office: $264.1 million, Year of Release: 1998
The Truman Show is a comedy-drama about a man who discovers that his entire life has been a reality TV show. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Truman, played by Jim Carrey, delivers a powerful monologue about what it means to be free and to be in control of one’s own destiny. His words carry a powerful message and they stay with the audience long after the film ends.
The films discussed in this article all feature some of the most iconic movie monologues of all time. Each of these films was appreciated for its expertly written and performed monologues, which were used to convey powerful messages and emotions. These monologues stayed with the audience long after the films ended, leaving an indelible mark in cinema history.