The Best 'American Beauty' Quotes, Ranked

Movie and TV Quotes
Updated May 6, 2024 15 items

American Beauty, the 1999 drama directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball, remains a classic in its genre. The film balances humor with introspection, resulting in powerful and unforgettable lines. Our list of the best American Beauty quotes showcases the breadth of emotions this movie evokes and the depth of its characters.

One classic American Beauty quote comes from Ricky Fitts (played by Wes Bentley), who says, "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it." This line encapsulates the exploration of beauty and happiness amidst suburban malaise that permeates American Beauty. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can still find glimmers of hope and joy if we pay close attention. 

Moreover, one cannot forget Lester Burnham's (Kevin Spacey) journey to self-discovery and personal liberation. His transformation is most visibly marked by his obsession with material possessions - particularly his car. As he proclaims, "The car I've always wanted and now I have it. I rule!" This quote demonstrates Lester's reclamation of his life and also highlights how easily consumerism can become part of our pursuit of happiness.

However, American Beauty doesn't shy away from depicting darker aspects of human nature. For instance, Carolyn Burnham (Annette Bening) remarks to her husband Lester during an argument: "Well, you have absolutely no interest in saving yourself." This statement epitomizes how bitterness can stifle individual growth and corrode relationships.

These quotes from American Beauty show why this film continues to resonate more than two decades after its release. Exploring themes such as love, beauty, and redemption, these best American Beauty quotes will continue to inspire introspection and reflection in the hearts of movie lovers for years to come. 

  • 1
    12 VOTES

    Save Yourself

    Save Yourself
    Brad Dupree: "My job consists of basically masking my contempt for the assholes in charge, and, at least once a day, retiring to the men's room so I can jerk off while I fantasize about a life that doesn't so closely resemble Hell." Well, you have absolutely no interest in saving yourself.
    Lester Burnham: Brad, for 14 years I've been a whore for the advertising industry. The only way I could save myself now is if I start firebombing.
    12 votes
  • 2
    22 VOTES

    So Much Beauty in the World

    So Much Beauty in the World
    Ricky Fitts: It was one of those days when it's a minute away from snowing and there's this electricity in the air, you can almost hear it. Right? And this bag was just dancing with me. Like a little kid begging me to play with it. For fifteen minutes. That's the day I realized that there was this entire life behind things, and this incredibly benevolent force that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid, ever. Video's a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me remember... I need to remember... Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it, and my heart is just going to cave in.
    22 votes
  • 3
    12 VOTES

    I Rule

    I Rule
    Carolyn Burnham: Uh, whose car is that out front?
    Lester Burnham: Mine. 1970 Pontiac Firebird. The car I've always wanted and now I have it. I rule!
    12 votes
  • 4
    10 VOTES

    On What Grounds

    Carolyn Burnham: Don't you mess with me, mister, or I'll divorce you so fast it'll make your head spin!
    Lester Burnham: On what grounds? I'm not a drunk, I don't f**k other women, I've never hit you, I don't mistreat you... I don't even try to touch you since you've made it so abundantly clear how unnecessary you consider me to be! But I did support you when you got your license, and some people might think that entitles me to half of what's yours. So, turn off the light when you come to bed!
    10 votes
  • 5
    16 VOTES

    Remember The Posters

    Lester Burnham: Remember those posters that said, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life"? Well, that's true of every day but one - the day you die.
    16 votes
  • 6
    9 VOTES

    Trying To Look Attractive

    Carolyn Burnham: Are you trying to look unattractive?
    Jane Burnham: Yes.
    Carolyn Burnham: Well, congratulations. You've succeeded admirably.
    9 votes
  • 7
    10 VOTES

    In A Coma

    Lester Burnham: I feel like I've been in a coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up.
    10 votes
  • 8
    10 VOTES

    So Don't Pay Me

    So Don't Pay Me
    Catering Boss: I'm not paying you to do... whatever it is you're doing out here.
    Ricky Fitts: Fine. So don't pay me.
    Catering Boss: Excuse me?
    Ricky Fitts: I quit. So you don't have to pay me. Now leave me alone.
    Catering Boss: ...asshole.
    Lester Burnham: I think you just became my personal hero!
    10 votes
  • 9
    10 VOTES

    I Need to Shape Up

    Lester Burnham: I figured you guys might be able to give me some pointers. I need to shape up. Fast.
    Jim Olmeyer: Are you just looking to lose weight, or do you want increased strength and flexibility as well?
    Lester Burnham: I want to look good naked!
    10 votes
  • 10
    14 VOTES

    It's Just a Couch

    Carolyn Burnham: This is a $4,000 sofa, upholstered in Italian silk. This is not just a couch.
    Lester Burnham: It's just a couch!
    14 votes
  • 11
    12 VOTES

    Don't Give Up On Me Dad

    Colonel Frank Fitts: You need structure. Yeah? You need discipline.
    Ricky Fitts: Yes, sir. Thank you for trying to teach me. Don't give up on me, Dad.
    12 votes
  • 12
    10 VOTES

    I Had My Whole Life Ahead

    Lester Burnham: When I was your age, I flipped burgers all summer just to be able to buy an eight-track.
    Ricky Fitts: That sucks.
    Lester Burnham: No, actually it was great. All I did was party and get laid. I had my whole life ahead of me.
    10 votes
  • 13
    6 VOTES

    Ordinary Boring

    Angela Hayes: Yeah? Well, at least I'm not ugly!
    Ricky Fitts: Yes, you are. And you're boring, and you're totally ordinary, and you know it.
    6 votes
  • 14
    5 VOTES

    Role Model for a Father

    Jane Burnham: I need a father who's a role model, not some horny geek-boy who's gonna spray his shorts whenever I bring a girlfriend home from school. What a lame-o. Someone really should just put him out of his misery.
    Ricky Fitts: Want me to kill him for you?
    Jane Burnham: Yeah. Would you?
    5 votes
  • 15
    10 VOTES

    Speaking Bluntly

    Speaking Bluntly
    Ricky Fitts: Excuse me for speaking so bluntly sir. But those f*gs make me want to puke my f**king guts out.
    Colonel Frank Fitts: Well, me too son. Me too.
    10 votes