If you were around in the late 1990s, there’s a very good chance you remember the phenomenon that was Titanic. Released in December 1997, the James Cameron epic was part historical drama, part romance, and part disaster movie, effectively blending fact with fiction to tell the story of the RMS Titanic’s tragic 1912 maiden voyage. The blockbuster obliterated box office records, won 11 Oscars (tied with Ben Hur for the most in history), made stratospheric superstars of actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, and became the love story of a generation. It also became one of the most quotable movies of all time.
The film’s screenplay, which Cameron wrote, introduced several compelling characters, many of whom would remain in viewers’ hearts and minds for decades to come — including Jack Dawson (DiCaprio), Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), Molly Brown (a real-life Titanic survivor, portrayed by Kathy Bates), and the quietly heroic bandleader Wallace Hartley (also a historical recreation by actor Jonathan Evans-Jones), to name a few.
Titanic was also loaded with high-stakes, tense moments. The dramatic, and often humorous dialogue was delivered with charm and heartfelt sincerity, giving the script an indisputable emotional resonance. Sure, it was painstakingly earnest at times — but Titanic was hardly making a play at subtlety.
From the unforgettable love story between Jack and Rose, to the heartbreaking reality of the historical depictions, Titanic is a film whose words are as much a part of the story as the fateful ship. Grab some tissue and get ready to reminisce with these 20 famous quotes from Titanic.
Promise me you'll survive. That you won't give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet)
A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.Elderly Rose Dawson Calvert (Gloria Stuart) to Elizabeth “Lizzy” Calvert (Suzy Amis)
I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You never know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Ruth DeWitt Bukater (Frances Fisher)
Jack, I want you to draw me like one of your French girls.Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) to Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
I’ll never let go. I’ll never let go, Jack.Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) to Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
I’m the king of the world!Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Fabrizo De Rossi (Danny Nucci)
I’m flying, Jack!Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) to Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
I saw my whole life as if I’d already lived it. An endless parade of parties and cotillions, yachts and polo matches. Always the same narrow people, the same mindless chatter. I felt like I was standing at a great precipice, with no one to pull me back.Elderly Rose Dawson Calvert (Gloria Stuart)
I mean, I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs. A few blank sheets of paper.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
You jump, I jump, remember? I can’t turn away without knowing you’ll be all right.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Fabrizo De Rossi (Danny Nucci)
You shine up like a new penny!Molly Brown (Kathy Bates) to Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me… it brought me to you. And I’m thankful for that, Rose. I’m thankful.Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet)
But now you know there was a man named Jack Dawson, and that he saved me. In every way that a person can be saved. I don't even have a picture of him. He exists now only in my memory.Elderly Rose Dawson Calvert (Gloria Stuart) to Lewis Bodine (Lewis Abernathy)
God himself could not sink this ship.Caledon Hockley (Billy Zane) to Ruth DeWitt Bukater (Frances Fisher)
Your money can’t save you any more than it can save me.1st Officer Murdoch (Ewan Stuart) to Caledon Hockley (Billy Zane)
Gentlemen. It has been a privilege playing with you tonight.Wallace Hartley (Jonathan Evans-Jones) to his band
I believe you may get your headlines, Mr. Ismay.Captain Edward Smith (Bernard Hill) to Titanic owner Bruce Ismay (Jonathan Hyde)
It doesn't make any sense. That's why I trust it.Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) to Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio)
It's been 84 years, and I can still smell the fresh paint. The china had never been used. The sheets had never been slept in. Titanic was called the S“ship of dreams,” and it was. It really was.Elderly Rose Dawson Calvert (Gloria Stuart) to Elizabeth “Lizzy” Calvert (Suzy Amis), Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton), and crew
Featured image credit: ScreenProd / Photononstop/ Alamy Stock Photo
