The Best 'Red Tails' Quotes, Ranked

Movie and TV Quotes
Updated May 6, 2024 87.7K views 10 items
Ranked By
452 votes
280 voters

The historical drama Red Tails, directed by Anthony Hemingway and produced by George Lucas, has become a touchstone for fans of war films and aviation enthusiasts. Based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American pilots to serve in World War II, the movie is filled with action sequences as well as dialogue that resonates with audiences. With its portrayal of heroism and camaraderie amidst adversity, this film has inspired viewers to seek out and share their favorite Red Tails quotes.

One of the best Red Tails quotes showcases the determination of these pilots: "From the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man, we fight!" This line not only encapsulates their commitment to their mission but also serves as a rallying cry for those who face struggles or challenges in their own lives. It's a reminder that perseverance can triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.

The aerial combat scenes in Red Tails are made more engaging by strategic decisions faced by the characters. In one scene, Major Emanuelle Stance (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) delivers another top quote from Red Tails when he asserts: "We need to change the way we fight. I need pilots who will put the bombers ahead of themselves." This call-to-arms underscores his dedication as a leader. It also highlights how selflessness and teamwork played a role in changing attitudes towards integration within military ranks.

As you delve into our compilation of great lines from this movie, listen for this repeated battle cry: "To the last minute, to the last man we fight. We fight!" These quotes from Red Tails transport you back into history's most intense aerial dogfights, with all the bravery and heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen on full display. Whether you're a fan or a newcomer to this inspiring story, these best Red Tails quotes serve as a reminder that courage, determination, and selflessness can change the world. 

  • 1
    139 VOTES

    Last Plane, Last Bullet, Last Man

    Last Plane, Last Bullet, Last Man
    Video: YouTube

    Joe 'Lightning' Little: From the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man, we fight!

    Airmen: We fight!

    139 votes
  • 2
    56 VOTES

    We Fight

    We Fight
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: We count our victories by the bombers we get to their targets, by the husbands we return to their wives, by the fathers we give back to their children. To the last minute, to the last man we fight. We fight!

    56 votes
  • 3
    23 VOTES

    Changing the Fight

    Changing the Fight
    Video: YouTube

    General Luntz: We need to change the way we fight. I need pilots who will put the bombers ahead of themeselves.

    23 votes
  • 4
    26 VOTES

    Right to Fight

    Right to Fight
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: We have a right to fight for our country, the same as every other American. We will not go away.

    26 votes
  • 5
    19 VOTES

    We've Done It All

    We've Done It All
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: When we came under your command, Colonel, you stated very clearly that we would never find negroes who could pass the pilot's exam, make it through flight school, survive basic combat. We've done all of that.

    Maj. William Mortamus: I don't believe your boys have scored a single aerial kill.

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: It's damn hard to shoot down the enemy 100 miles behind the front lines.

    19 votes
  • 6
    24 VOTES

    Protect the Heavies

    Protect the Heavies
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: At all costs, you protect the heavies.

    24 votes
  • 7
    20 VOTES

    Help Save Lives

    Help Save Lives
    Video: YouTube

    General Luntz: I can't afford the kind of losses my bombers have been suffering. Can you help save lives?

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: If you get us new planes, we can help your boys.

    20 votes
  • 8
    6 VOTES

    You're A Punk

    You're A Punk
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: Lieutenant Little, what am I going to do with you? Everything's a fight, isn't it? It must be so goddamn exhausting being you. You know something, Joe Little? You're a punk. You remind me of one of those kids from the comic strip, walking around, pushing your sleeve up one arm, hand balled in a tight fist, walking looking at the world in a squint, always looking to knock something down just because it's standing. It's right there. It's right there (Points to head). You really wanna knock something down, try using that. Because I will tell you straight, I don't have anything against you. I have the highest expectations for you. Lieutenant Little, I need everyone on this next mission, and you're lucky you're the best pilot we've got! Report to your unit.

    6 votes
  • 9
    5 VOTES

    Respect the Uniform

    Respect the Uniform
    Video: YouTube

    Colonel William Mortamus: Eight German fighters or Eighty German fighter, it still doesn't change what I think of you and your boys.

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: We don't care.

    Colonel William Mortamus: Respect the uniform.

    Colonel A.J. Bullard: Believe me, sir, that is all I have respect for.

    5 votes
  • 10
    5 VOTES

    Y'all Got Nerve

    Y'all Got Nerve
    Video: YouTube

    Andrew 'Smokey' Salem: When you get upset, when you get mad, you turn red, right? When you get envious, or sick, you turn green. When you become cowardly, you turn yellow; and ya'll got the nerve to call us colored?

    5 votes