Top 30 Most Parodied Movie Scenes

“A Few Good Men” (1992)
Sorry, guys. This scene from this legal drama should be familiar. Based on true events, the film follows two lawyers defending two U.S. marines charged with murdering one of their own. When lawyer Daniel Kaffee accuses Colonel Nathan Jessep of ordering the “code red” assault on the now-dead Marine, Jessep counters with this now-iconic line: “You can’t handle the truth!” Jack Nicholson’s performance and delivery are memorable, in both its power and bathos. Sure enough, the line has been a standby in courtroom drama parodies, the most memorable of which includes “The Simpsons.” We may not be able to handle the truth, but we can certainly handle these parodies.

“The Exorcist” (1973)
This seminal horror film based on William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel is cemented in our cultural consciousness. There are many iconic moments from this film, but one of the most widely parodied is this line, as Father Damien Karras performs an exorcism on the possessed Regan. Naturally, the line is humorously applied to non-demonic possession instances in parodies, mocking its theatrical religiosity. Apart from “Family Guy” and “Austin Powers,” the entire scene has been parodied at least twice by “Saturday Night Live” and in other shows. The power of Christ compels us to include this on our list.

“Jaws” (1975)
Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum. From its iconic John Williams score to its opening scene, many aspects of Steven Spielberg’s thriller “Jaws” have been spoofed. But perhaps the most parodied scene is this shark attack, and this phrase, said by Roy Scheider as Chief Brody. Brody’s fear-stricken line has been quoted in countless sitcoms and films, with many variations. Why has this particular dialogue stuck in our collective noggin? There is a deadpan casualness in the words that Scheider’s natural delivery can’t quite overcome. Did you just witness the appearance of a primordial beast? “You’re going to need a bigger boat.” We must approve.

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
We’ve been looking at specific scenes so far. But for this entry, it’s the entire movie that has been baked into our cultural consciousness. This 1939 fantasy film is a timeless classic beloved by generations of audiences, the closest thing to an American fairy tale. So of course we’re going to poke fun at virtually everything, from actual scenes to the plot and the characters. Curiously enough, a bulk of spoofs have focused on the ending, with Dorothy and company having a more realistic reaction to Glinda’s reveal. Add in the millions of references and allusions throughout film and TV, and the “Wizard of Oz” just might be a contender for the most parodied movie of all time.

“Dr. No” (1962)
Sean Connery’s turn as Ian Fleming’s suave spy in this legendary film franchise has had a massive influence in popular culture. It even led to a whole franchise spoofing the smooth secret agent, the also popular “Austin Powers” series. But one of the most iconic lines has to be Connery’s diamond-cut self-introduction in the casino scene. Not only has this famous phrase been repeated throughout the franchise, it’s also become a standard introduction for many characters. A funny tweet parodying the phrase even achieved meme status. This surname-name template is very much everywhere, for good reason: It just sounds so impressive in its brevity.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)
Speaking of blockbuster fantasy film franchises, this one had several phrases that were just ripe for spoofs. Ian McKellen’s Gandalf the Gray-turned-White has some memorable moments, but none more beloved than this exhortation, delivered with McKellen’s Shakespearean gravitas. From epic power flexes to your high school teacher saying you’re going to fail her class, “You shall not pass” has become a meme you can whip out for a variety of occasions. There is also the emaciated Gollum, whose creepy obsession with the One Ring has led to countless parodies as well. These precious spoofs all pass our test.

“Titanic” (1997)
From the endless arguments about Jack fitting and not fitting on that door to “My Heart Will Go On” theme, this film has provided a lot of fodder for parodies. But it’s this famous scene with Rose and Jack together on the Titanic bow that is perhaps the most recognizable and the most mocked. Director James Cameron had wanted to film it with an actual sunset, which meant Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio had to rush to do it on the spot, an experience Winslet described as “hilarious.” Say no more, Kate. Spoofs of this scene include animated recreations, live action recreations, to clever, if catty edits. Never underestimate the power of a T-pose.

“A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951)
Tennessee Williams’ classic play got a classic film adaptation, one that launched Marlon Brando’s film career. Brando’s seminal performance as the oafish lout Stanley Kowalski is best remembered by this now-famous cri du cœur, calling his much-abused wife’s name. Since then, the scream has been heard everywhere, from a “Simpsons”’ musical parody to “Modern Family”’s Cam searching for the Pritchett-Delgado family’s dog. Hell, you even got real-life screaming contests of the scene. There is obviously a thin line between powerful and pathetic, which makes this line terrific for memes and parodies. Nothing beats Brando’s star power, though.

“Frankenstein” (1931)
Fun fact: This phrase isn’t anywhere in Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel. In the book, Dr. Frankenstein flees in wordless horror at the sight of his creation. But that didn’t stop this film adaptation from making its mark. Today, this scene is irrevocably tied to the very idea of “Frankenstein.” Sure enough, every time a monstrous creation comes to life in a film or TV show, someone has to ham it up and proclaim the obvious. Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” parody is among the most celebrated, of course, but there are countless others as well. “It’s alive!” is alive and well.

“Scarface” (1983)
Say hello to this killer line. When a character lifts their weapon against an enemy, it’s almost inevitable that this phrase is going to be the very next thing they say. Al Pacino’s star turn in this remake of a 1932 film is a classic and is replete with memorable lines. Among the most beloved moments, though, has to be when Pacino’s Tony Montana faces off against Sosa’s men. Since then, any character with any kind of weapon in their hands is under contract to say this right before the kill. Or, at least, it seems that way to us.

“Saturday Night Fever” (1977)

The opening scene of “Saturday Night Fever” sees the protagonist Tony Manero strutting down the streets of Brooklyn while carrying a can of paint on an errand for his day job. While the camera angles are interesting and the focus on his feet is often replicated, it’s Tony and – by extension – actor John Travolta’s swagger in the scene that has made it so iconic, and has made it the subject of frequent parody; with the stand-ins who reference the moment often failing to live up to the high marks set by the original in a comedic way.

“Freaks” (1932)

Unless you’re a fan of 1930s cinema, you’ve probably never heard of this movie, but you’ve most certainly seen this scene referenced somewhere. The movie follows a trapeze artist who marries her circus’ short man in an attempt to get his money by murdering him. Nevertheless, at their reception the various carnival freaks chant their acceptance of her, repeating, “one of us, one of us!” The phrase has frequently been used throughout pop culture, often as an ironic, faux sinister way to induct someone into a group. The “gooba gobble” part of the chant has been slightly less popular though...

“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948)

A famed adventure Western film, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” also contains one of most widely quoted, or at least paraphrased, lines in cinema. The scene in question sees the protagonists accosted by a group of bandits who claim to be Federales. When asked to present badges to prove it, their leader replies with that now legendary quote... This is usually paraphrased down to “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” whenever it’s quoted in TV or film, though the actual subject of the request can vary depending on the scene in question. Regardless, it’s become a great catchall response of rejection.

“Alien” (1979)

It's one of the most famous scenes in science fiction – or horror for that matter. We see the crew of the Nostromo celebrating after apparently escaping an encounter with an alien creature, only for a man previously attacked to have an infant alien violently burst free from his torso, killing him in the process for good measure. The scene has become the gold standard for anything involving body horror and has, naturally, been frequently parodied by having aliens or other creatures pop out from people’s chest or stomach. Actor John Hurt even went back for another go ‘round in “Spaceballs!”

“Spider-Man” (2002)

The Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” movies delivered plenty of memorable scenes, but arguably their most iconic is the upside down kiss. After saving his crush Mary-Jane Watson in the rain, Peter Parker – in his wallcrawler alter-ego – hangs upside down and they kiss. The imagery is striking and novel, as well as romantic, and the moment has been called back to many times in other media. While only a few of the parodies approach the atmosphere of the original, the effort is still appreciated, as there are so few romantic moments that are widely parodied.

“Forrest Gump” (1994)

This famous dramedy features a box of chocolates full of quotable and memorable scenes, but perhaps its most mocked scene occurs when the title character is a young boy and he and his friend Jenny are being chased by bullies on bikes. Jenny gives Forrest the famed advice, which he takes, while escaping his own leg braces. The line is a highly recurring one in pop culture, as it’s very easy to adapt, whether it’s a direct parody of the specific scene, or just some jerk yelling it at someone who happens to be running or being chased.

“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982)

“The Wrath of Khan” is arguably the best “Star Trek” film, and has plenty of scenes that have been beamed into our collective consciousness, but this one takes the freshly replicated cake! After the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh strands Admiral Kirk and company on a seemingly lifeless rock – much as Kirk had done to Khan years prior – the good Admiral lets out a famous scream of rival's name so loud you can hear it in the vacuum of space! While the loud screaming of someone’s name is relatively common in film, “Wrath of Khan” did it so memorably that people have been parodying it for decades since.

“Taxi Driver” (1976)

“Taxi Driver” follows unhinged wannabe tough guy Travis Bickle, who grows tired of his time in his titular profession and decides to become a vigilante. While practicing for his new career path in front of the mirror with gun in hand, Travis acts out a famous mock encounter with someone in which he aggressively asks if they’re talking to him. The scene is often parodied by characters who look into a mirror or else as an all-purpose line for those who want to appear tough to others. Few of them can approach the level of the original scene though – even when Robert DeNiro references himself!

“The Exorcist” (1973)

A seminal horror film, “The Exorcist” features a teenage girl possessed by the Devil. One infamous scene in particular sees young Regan throwing things around her room and assaulting her mother. To cap it all off, her head rotates 180 degrees to face behind her. This unsettling, impossible maneuver has become a stock way in media to indicate that a character is possessed or otherwise show that they’re creepy or evil. The parodies also may or may not include them climbing up the wall like a spider or vomiting, other hallmarks of Regan’s possession, but the head turn is usually the biggest clue.

“The Matrix” (1999)

“The Matrix” drew plenty of parodies after it lit the zeitgeist on fire with its phenomenal fight scenes... and cool leathers. But easily its most parodied and famous scene happens when Neo and Trinity face off against an agent on a rooftop, who fires bullets at Neo, who manages to not only dodge them but – for bonus points – does so in slo-mo. This moment especially receives frequent parody, due to how popular it is and how well it illustrated and popularized the “bullet time” concept of showing things in slow motion. There’s no dodging how pervasive these parodies are though.

“300” (2006)

“300” made itself an easy target for parody with its incredibly memorable trailer lines and numerous memorable lines that spawned catchphrases. The most famous scene though occurs when a Persian messenger offends King Leonidas of Sparta, prompting him to hold the man at swordpoint in front of a nearby pit. When the messenger calls it madness to threaten a messenger, Leonidas replies … before kicking the man into the pit. While TV and movies have parodied the scene plenty, the true glut of parodies and references have been the result of internet memes spawned from the scene, most notably several remixes.

“The Graduate” (1967)

An iconic coming of age film, “The Graduate” has several memorable and much parodied scenes, but this is easily the most famous. The scene follows Benjamin as he becomes increasingly aware that a married friend of his parents – Mrs. Robinson – is, indeed, trying to seduce him, a fact he states, with a little uncertainty, while framed by her upraised leg. The line about her trying to seduce him, or a misquoted version of it, has been a much referenced one in pop culture and has been a stock phrase used whenever someone is curious as to whether another character is coming on to them. In addition, Mrs. Robinson’s pose has become an iconic image synonymous with seduction.

“Dirty Harry” (1971)

The original rogue cop, “Dirty Harry” and Clint Eastwood’s status as the ultimate tough guy was helped in large part by scenes like these. The first “Dirty Harry” film sees the detective confront perps in two separate scenes with his trusty .44 Magnum and deliver the same speech in which he claims to have lost track of how many shots he fired. This is, of course, capped with that oh-so famous question... The scenes have frequently been imitated when characters need to intimidate an opponent with a gun, although the actual wording of the line usually gets shortened to “Do you feel lucky, punk?”

“Psycho” (1960)

A seminal film in the slasher and horror genres, “Psycho” begins by following Marion Crane, a secretary who, after stealing a large sum of money, stays at the Bates Motel – a beaten down establishment under the management of Norman, an odd-ball caretaker to say the least. It's there, while taking a shower, that she is famously stabbed to death by an unseen killer, with her blood going down the drain. The scene has become a frequent subject of parody, due to its distinctive use of a shadowed assailant, as well as the film score’s signature sharp string stings that play in time with the stabs.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)

The “Indiana Jones” films have a ton of memorable scenes that have been imitated over the years, but few of them have been parodied quite as often as the opening scene with Indy retrieving a golden idol. Dr. Jones’ attempts to remove the artifact are hindered by numerous traps, including a large rolling boulder. Everything about the scene, from the idol swap, to the dart traps, to the boulder, has become emblematic of adventure and danger, and the scene has been lampooned many times, particularly by those who grew up watching the film.

“The Shining” (1980)

Another landmark horror film, “The Shining” has plenty of moments and imagery that has been embedded in our collective consciousness in part because of parody. Those creepy twin girls who ask Danny to play with them, for example. However, easily the most iconic part of the film is when Jack tries to get at his wife by chasing her with an ax; breaking a hole in the door she hides behind and sticking his head through to say, “Here’s Johnny!” While the quote itself is actually the catchphrase of Ed McMahon from the Carson-era “The Tonight Show,” it has become arguably more recognizable from this scene, due to the numerous parodies of it.

“The Terminator” (1984)

“The Terminator” films have produced numerous catchphrases and parodied scenes, such as “Hasta la vista, baby” from the second film. However, there’s only one scene that could make our list. The original film sees the titular cyborg assassin go to a police station and pretend to be a friend of Sarah Conner’s in order to kill her. When he’s told to wait, the Terminator examines the window and tells the officer he’ll be back; returning shortly afterward by crashing a car through it. The simplicity of the quote has led to frequent parodies, usually accompanied by an impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The quote has become something of a catchphrase for the actor himself too.

“Rocky” (1976)

The “Rocky” movies didn’t start training montages, but they certainly popularized them. The perpetually plucky boxer’s training to become stronger accompanied by a catchy tune has been a staple of each movie, but the first movie’s is arguably the most frequent subject of tribute and mockery, with Rocky’s training and running through the streets of Philadelphia often being replicated to show a character improving themselves in preparation for a challenge or competition, and usually accompanied by the famous song “Gonna Fly Now.” Steps may or may not be climbed too.

“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

When it comes to parody, the bigger the franchise, the bigger the target, and it doesn’t get much bigger than “Star Wars.” Although practically every moment in at least the original three films has been parodied extensively, one scene stands above the others. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber duel against Darth Vader in Cloud City leaves the young Jedi soundly defeated, but the kicker is the revelation that the villain – the very baddie he's set to kill – is actually his father. While nobody gets the quote right, tons of people have attempted or at least paraphrased the line throughout pop culture.

“The Godfather” (1972)

“The Godfather” is one of the most acclaimed films ever made, and with attention has come frequent mockery and tributes from other media. Offers that can’t be refused, requests made on the days of daughter’s weddings, body parts found in beds, wives asking about their husband’s business… we could go on. The point is, nearly every scene in this iconic mafia movie has been recreated or parodied by others, to the point where you could probably remake it several times over using parodies alone! If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then the creators of “The Godfather” should be very flattered indeed!



Which other classic movie scene do you feel has been spoofed to death? Let us know in the comments down below!