One of the greatest movies from the Marvel Universe is Black Panther, which follows the mighty king of Wakanda leading the country toward glory. Thanks to Shuri's (Letitia Wright) scientific advancements and the statesmanship of King T’Chaka (John Kani), the nation of Wakanda was in great shape when the king’s son T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) takes the throne. The film featured great action, a compelling plot, and featured an open ending that set up future installments.

The sequel of this landmark film was years in the making and hit the big screen in a big way in 2022, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever paying homage to the titular hero following Boseman's tragic passing in 2020. The sequel also offered up new iconic Black Panther quotes, although there's still something to be said about the legendary lines from the 2018 film. For fans who are all caught up with the latest twists and turns in the franchise, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the best quotes from Black Panther, which still hold a special place in pop culture today.

10 "It's a Bugatti spaceship!"

Oakland Kid

In a commendable attempt at a funny MCU scene, viewers see a random child recognize the Wakandan aircraft as a "Bugatti spaceship." This scene comes towards the end of the movie when King T'Challa takes Shuri to California in an attempt to open up the world of Wakandan tech to the people of the planet. The child sees the spaceship in the air, and his friends all stare in amazement as the movie ends with the kid asking the Black Panther for his identity.

More than a gag, the scene highlights how clueless the outside world really is about advanced Wakandan tech. All the kid could think to compare it with is the fanciest car he probably knows about, a Bugatti, and everyone knows that's nowhere near the actual capabilities of the ship.

9 "I owed you a great debt – a life for a life. Consider it paid."

M'Baku

After T'Challa is presumed to have been killed by his cousin, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), M'Baku (Winston Duke) has the severely injured T'Challa, whom Jabari Tribe fishermen brought back to the tribe and covered with snow to stabilize his failing vitals as a reward for saving his life during the tribal combat. After minor disagreements and fights, the Jabari tribe comes together with the people of Wakanda as they save their king and later fight off the threat Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his army posed in Avengers: Infinity War.

M'Baku's character is underscored in his line about paying his debts here, showing that when it comes to honoring promises, anyone can count on a person from Wakanda. It's a critical moment that showed a vulnerable T'Challa who receives some much-needed help from an unexpected place.

8 "Your father and I would talk about this day all the time. He is with us, and it is your time to be king."

Queen Ramonda

In the movie, Ramonda is the ideal mother that every kingdom needs. She guided T’Challa whenever he felt lost and was always there for him. This statement is a testimonial to the parent-son relationship they shared. This is also why it's a huge blow to Ramonda to lose her son in the sequel, with Angela Bassett rightly earning Marvel's first acting Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the grieving mother.

When T'Challa doubts himself about ascending, she rightly supports her son during one of the most bittersweet moments of their lives. His ascension to the throne is a painful reminder of what they have lost, but it's also an affirmation of the great things to come. It's a profound exchange that is also criminally underrated.

7 "I would make a great queen because I am so stubborn."

Nakia

One of the film's strongest points is its cast of female characters who have some of the best storylines in the MCU. Unlike other superhero films, this one does not feature just one or two minor or token female characters. The women of Wakanda are all distinct and important characters in their own right, each having different skills, whether that's inventing, fighting, or ruling.

Though Black Panther has a romance with Storm in the comics, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) is an excellent MCU replacement. She is an experienced, self-sufficient spy and fighter, and her confident demeanor makes for a delightful romance and meaningful relationship in the MCU. Nakia's confidence and strong personality make lines like her belief that she would make "a great queen" so memorable.

6 "Every breath you take is mercy from me."

T'Challa / Black Panther

Fans can’t say Klaue (Andy Serkis) was the main villain in the movie, but it did seem so in the beginning. He had all the traits of a classic villain: evil, manipulative, selfish, and driven by greed. He stole Wakanda's vibranium and sold it off for profit. He also brings Killmonger into the picture, leading to his claim for the throne.

This statement proves the might of King T’Challa as he exerts his right to offer mercy to the power-hungry smuggler. Despite having every opportunity to give Klaue what many fans may believe he deserved, T'Challa's humanity shines brighter as he keeps him alive instead of killing him with one smack.

5 "You can't let your father's mistakes define who you are."

Nakia

The chemistry between Nakia and T’Challa was a definite standout feature of the film. Every king needs a group of trusted people around him who can guide and protect him in times of crisis. And when she tells him that only he will "get to decide what kind of king" he is "going to be," she does exactly that.

Nakia was one of the closest people to the king, and her words of wisdom always hit home with T’Challa. She inspired him to be the king he wished to be rather than blindly following in his father’s footsteps. They might have different ideas and do things differently, which should not hamper his ability to lead his country.

4 "Guns. So primitive."

Okoye

Okoye (Danai Gurira) says this with her trademark disdain in a hilarious but essential quote from Black Panther, and it definitely makes fans laugh. It's also a quote that shows how Wakanda is the most advanced country on the planet, as something as dangerous and well-known as guns seems pathetic to a much more advanced group.

The scene also underscores Afro-futurist elements that contribute to Black Panther's status as a trailblazer for representation in blockbuster films. The Dora Milaje did not fight with guns but with stealthier and deadlier weapons that practically guaranteed a successful mission.

3 "Just bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships."

Erik Killmonger

Killmonger says this line near the end of the film before one of the saddest death scenes in the MCU. This Black Panther quote is one of the most powerful because of its personal and historical significance, particularly when Killmonger ends it with "'cause they knew death was better than bondage." Many argue that Killmonger is one of the MCU's strongest villains, and his complex backstory certainly puts him in the running.

Unlike the rest of his family, who was born and raised in Wakanda, Killmonger was born in the outside world and experienced the consequences of racism and colonization. This is a powerful and emotional quote with lasting weight, emphasizing the significance of this film for audiences today and in the future, demonstrating its relevance far beyond the world on-screen.

2 "You are a good man with a good heart, and it's hard for a good man to be a king."

King T'Chaka

This beautiful quote from one of Black Panther's famous dialogues between T'Chaka and T'Challa speaks to the close relationship between the father and son duo and a lot about T'Challa as a character. T'Chaka and T'Challa are much more different than they thought, which is something they only discover when the former king is gone.

T'Challa's journey to figure out what kind of king he wants to be is the focus of Black Panther, and at his heart, he is a good person with a good heart who wishes to do the right thing. Despite his difficulties, he can learn how to be a great king and a good man.

1 "Wakanda forever!"

Numerous characters

A now-famous battle cry that echoed in the cinema halls and became the unsaid slogan of the movie, this Black Panther quote captures the essence of the battles they fought and people’s love for their country. Yelled before plunging head-first into the battle arena; the soldiers and the king’s tribe sourced their power and enthusiasm from this phrase.

This quote and its accompanying gesture moved many people who watched the film. Actors and fans alike performed (and continue to perform) the "Wakanda forever" salute to express pride in their heritage and to demonstrate how Black Panther inspired them.

NEXT: All the Ways 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Honors Chadwick Boseman