The Best 'Here Comes the Boom' Quotes, Ranked

Updated May 5, 2024 24.3K views 10 items

Here Comes the Boom delivers a mix of action, comedy, and inspiration, leaving moviegoers eager to revisit some of the film's most notable quotes. The film blends comedy, drama, and inspiration into a combination that resonates with audiences long after they've left the theater. For those who have seen the movie or are intrigued by its best moments, this listicle is here to provide some of the most unforgettable Here Comes the Boom quotes.

One such example comes from lead character Scott Voss (played by Kevin James), who finds himself quite literally on the ropes as he embarks on his unlikely journey from high school teacher to MMA fighter: "I wasn't out cold, although I did see a unicorn and I was riding it." This line showcases not only James' comedic prowess but also serves as a reminder of just how far our protagonist is willing to go in order to save his school's music program - and perhaps regain some personal dignity along the way.

The film isn't solely about physical battles, however; it also delves into themes like motivation and dedication. Principal Betcher (Greg Germann) highlights this when he proudly states: "Our students, they're inspired." Within these few words lies a critical message at the heart of "Here Comes the Boom" - the notion that perseverance can indeed pay off, against all odds.

Of course, not everyone is supportive of Voss's seemingly impossible quest. Bella Flores (Salma Hayek), for instance, poses a question: "What are you teaching these kids if you go through with it?" It's up to Voss and his motley crew of friends and mentors - including charismatic trainer Niko (Bas Rutten) - to prove that sometimes taking risks can lead to results.

So whether you're a fan or just curious about what makes Here Comes the Boom so special, this collection of quotes has something for everyone. From jokes to moments of self-reflection, these lines will have you reminiscing about your favorite scenes in no time.

1
18 VOTES
Knocked Out Cold
Video: YouTube
Bella Flores: "You got knocked out cold."
Scott Voss: "I wasn't out cold, although I did see a unicorn and I was riding it."
As much as he doesn't want to admit it, Scott was knocked out cold during one of his fights. He denies it at first but does mention a lovely dream he had when he was not knocked out.
18 votes
2
14 VOTES
The Students, They're Inspired
Photo: Metaweb / CC-BY
Scott Voss: "I don't I'm going to be able to do this."
Marty: "You can quit right now and everything we worked for will have been accomplished. Our students, they're inspired."
Faced with the decision whether or not to stay in a tough fight, Marty reassures Scott that if he wants to quit, they've already accomplished so much as inspiring students was just as much of the goal as raising the money and inspire the students they did.
14 votes
3
11 VOTES
What's the Plan?
Video: YouTube
Bella Flores: "I guess it was unrealistic to think that anyone would show up when everybody has their own problems."
Scott Voss: "You showed up."
Bella Flores: "You shut up!"
Scott Voss: "I said, 'you showed up.'"
Bella Flores: "So what exactly is the plan then?"
Scott Voss: "Well first off, we need to get $48,000. That's a definite. Then we should probably help save Marty's job."
Bella Flores: "I see that you put a lot of thought into it."
Scott Voss: "Well how about this, how about we work out a plan but we do it in a controlled area, which is my apartment and dinner happens to also be around so we do both?"
Bella Flores: "Not a chance"
Scott Voss: "Okay, you're making me work at this. I understand. I get it. What if I dunk this ball in that hoop? Then you have dinner with me at my house Friday night."
Bella Flores: "You dunk a basketball? Please"
Scott Voss: "Fine, then take the bet!"
Bella Flores: "Deal"
After his impromptu fundraiser fails miserably, Scott Voss and Bella Flores decide the next step to raising $48,000 for the school. Scott also has a secondary motive, getting Bella to agree to a date with him.
11 votes
4
10 VOTES
What Are You Teaching These Kids?
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY
Bella Flores: "What are you teaching these kids of you go through with it?"
Scott Voss: "What am I teaching them if I don't?"
Bella reminds Scott that he's basically endorsing the violent sport of mixed martial arts, something that might set a bad example for his students. Scott however reminds Bella what he'd teach them if he gave up instead.
10 votes
5
10 VOTES
Interesting Debut Tonight
Video: YouTube
Joe Rogan: "We have a very interesting debut tonight, Scott Voss, a biology teacher from Boston. The good news: He was a division-I college wrestler. The bad news: That was 20 years ago."
In one of many scenes where he plays himself, Joe Rogan gives an introduction to Scott Voss as he makes his MMA debut.
10 votes
6
10 VOTES
Embarrassing the School
Video: YouTube
Principal Becher: "You thought you could save the music program by doing this? You're getting beat up in your bathing suit. You are embarrassing the school."
Scott Voss: "This wasn't plan A but I don't know what else to do."
After one unfortunate fight, Scott is confronted by Principal Becher who has concerns that Scott is actually hurting the school. Scott defends himself by saying that he didn't see any other options.
10 votes
7
14 VOTES
Ten Grand For That Fight?
Video: YouTube
Scott Voss: "I gotta figure this thing out."
Niko: "Yeah, right after you watch the fight."
Joe Rogan: [on television] "It's hard to believe he got ten grand for that performance!"
Scott Voss: "He got ten grand for that fight? But he lost?!"
Niko: "And if he won it would have been 50."
Scott Voss needs to come up with a plan to raise $48,000 for his school but his buddies want to watch MMA instead. When Scott hears just how much the MMA fighters make for a match, the light bulb above his head turns on.
14 votes
8
7 VOTES
Do You Even Know How to Do That?
Video: YouTube
Scott Voss: "I saw this fight and this guy got ten grand. I was a really good wrestler in college. I want to fight mixed martial arts. I think I can do that."
Marty: "Mixed martial arts, do you even know how to do that?"
Scott Voss: "No, no I do not."
Just because Scott wants to do mixed martial arts does not mean that he can just pick up the sport and be instantly successful, one tough truth that Marty points out to him.
7 votes
9
11 VOTES
Budget Cutbacks
Video: YouTube
Principal Becher: "As several of you already know, Wilkinson High School's been operating at a budget deficit. Due to budget cutbacks we're eliminating all extra-curricular activities."
Marty: "Excuse me?"
Scott Voss: "Everyone's quit on these kids."
Principal Becher: "We have to cut $48,000"
Scott Voss: "Or we raise the money."
Principal Becher: "Oh and who's going to do that?"
Scott Voss: "We will."
In the meeting to announce the budget cutbacks that sets the rest of the movie's plot in motion, Principal Becher shares the news that all extra-curricular activities have been cut. That does not go over very well with Scott Voss who vows to raise the needed money himself.
11 votes
10
8 VOTES
Teacher of the Year
Video: YouTube
Scott Voss: "And that is how the baby antelope comes into the world. Oh, hey Principal Becher."
Principal Becher: "You're late, again."
Scott Voss: "Oh come on, I was teacher of the year."
Principal Becher: "That was 10 years ago."
Scott Voss: "Feels like eight though, right?"
In this short clip, we get a glimpse into some of the main characters of the film. Biology teacher Scott Voss has lost his drive to inspire students, as shown when he arrives late (and through the window) while Principal Becher is strict and unforgiving.
8 votes