Summary
- Forrest Gump quotes are memorable and inspiring, and have contributed to the film's lasting impact.
- Forrest's kindness, compassion, and desire to contribute to changing history are defining traits of his character.
- The movie highlights the ignorance of others and explores the perception of Forrest as both enlightened and different.
Released in 1994, the critically acclaimed and widely beloved film Forrest Gump tells the story of the titular Forrest (Tom Hanks), who's written off by many due to his low IQ, but he continually proves that he's an extraordinary man through his key roles in major moments in history. Forrest's kindness and compassion are the defining traits of his character, as well as his desire to contribute to changing history. In addition, Forrest and those around him demonstrate an impressive level of wisdom about the world they live in. This means that Forest Gump quotes have become some of the most memorable and inspiring in film history.
Were Forrest Gump a real historical figure, he'd arguably be among the most influential of the second half of the twentieth century. He was a star college football player, a Medal of Honor recipient, and a successful businessman who met several US presidents, influenced John Lennon, and exposed the Watergate scandal. His list of accomplishments is almost beyond belief. Still, at its core, Forrest Gump is a tale of love, loss, and redemption made legendary as a result of some truly excellent writing. Were it not for these quotes, the movie likely wouldn't be nearly as well-remembered as it is today.
25 "Hello. My Name's Forrest, Forrest Gump. You Want A Chocolate?"
Forrest Gump
The Forrest Gump opening scene helps to establish him as a thoroughly likable character. Sitting on a bench waiting for the bus, Forrest strikes up a conversation with a total stranger, even offering them some of his chocolates. The stranger coldly turns him down and tries to ignore him, but Forrest still decides to have a friendly conversation with them. It is a simple introduction that shows Forrest is an inherently kind person who doesn't let the rudeness of others change his happy demeanor (and sets him up as generally lacking an awareness of social cues).
24 "I’m Pretty Tired… I Think I’ll Go Home Now."
Forrest Gump
The movie has a lot of interesting things to say about how people perceive Forrest. Though he is not book-smart, his more simplistic look at the world can sometimes make him seem like the most enlightened person in the room while highlighting the ignorance in others. When Forrest mindlessly begins running across the country, many others join him and become devotees to his way of life. However, when Forrest simply announces to them that he's tired and ready to go home, it explores how foolish they were for following him for no reason, making his run seem a lot smarter in comparison.
23 "Dear God, Make Me A Bird. So I Could Fly Far. Far Far Away From Here."
Forrest Gump
Arguably the biggest character in Forrest Gump other than Forrest himself is Jenny (Robin Wright), the woman he loves. The audience is introduced to Jenny through Forrest's naive eyes but it is made clear that she was being abused by her father at a young age, and much of her life was painted as a reaction to this trauma - including her choices in partners, and her addiction. Her life also takes her far from her hometown, and her rootless existence is a huge part of her character. The first that the audience sees of this is when she and Forrest are children, and they hid in the cornfield and pray, over and over, for her to be able to 'fly far away'. This is later echoed in one of her worst moments, when she contemplates jumping off a balcony - her various forms of flight, and of running away, are a huge part of who she is.
22 "Mama Always Had A Way Of Explaining Things So I Could Understand Them."
Forrest Gump
Throughout the movie, Forrest brings up the various pieces of advice and sayings that his mother offered over the years, many of which ended up shaping him. In a sweet moment early on, Forrest drops this gem, which shows just how patient and understanding his mother was. Forrest often struggled to understand why the world worked the way it did, but his mother was always willing to find a way to simplify things so that he could grasp the basic concept. His mother is an incredible character, and this quote sums up the connection that they have.
21 "You Have To Do The Best With What God Gave You."
Mrs. Gump
One example of Mama Gump's (Sally Field) helpful advice comes with this memorable Forrest Gump quote. It is an encouraging bit of advice from a loving mother to her son who she knows will have to struggle in life at times. However, Mrs. Gump's words to Forrest set the stage for his entire journey. While he might not be the most intelligent man out there, Forrest always did the best he could and that allowed him to experience more than most people could ever hope to in their lives.
20 "Is He Smart Or Is He...?"
Forrest Gump
Forrest faces a lot of meanspirited people who put him down throughout his life because of his perceived low intelligence, but Forrest never seems bothered by it nor does he really seem to notice. However, there is a heartbreaking moment near the end of the movie when Forrest meets his son and asks Jenny if he is smart or if he's like Forrest. Tom Hanks' performance in the moment is incredible and it shows that, despite Forrest's happy and kind demeanor, he is aware that he is different and does not want the same thing for his son.
19 "That's All I Have To Say About That."
Forrest Gump
This Forrest Gump quote is repeated throughout the movie as Forrest tells his story to the strangers who share the bench with him. Forrest seems to be absentmindedly detailing this incredible journey throughout the Forrest Gump timeline and is oblivious to some of the extraordinary things he was a part of. However, there are times when it is clear Forrest is overcome with sadness in telling his story when he utters this phrase. With the death of his mother and the death of Bubba, Forrest delivers this line suggesting it is a memory too painful to explore anymore. It's also spoken off the bench - when Forrest gives an unplanned speech at a protest in Washington, his words aren't heard because the mic is turned off - but it is turned back on just in time for him to say this line.
18 "Lieutenant Dan Got Me Invested In Some Kind Of Fruit Company..."
Forrest Gump
Over the course of the sprawling film, the relationship between Forrest and his former superior Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) evolves significantly. Lieutenant Dan doesn't seem to like Forrest when they first meet, but soon enough, the two realize that they're all the other has, and that the universe keeps bringing them back together. Later in their lives, Lieutenant Dan gives Forrest some sage financial advice - to invest in Apple stock. However, Forrest doesn't understand that Apple is a tech company, not a fruit. "So then I got a call from him, saying we don't have to worry about money no more. And I said, 'That's good!' One less thing." It's a funny Forrest Gump quote that demonstrates Forrest's carefree nature.
17 "It Happens."
Forrest Gump
During his amazing journey on foot across the country, Forrest winds up developing quite the following, including people who come to him looking for ideas and inspiration. One of those people is a man trying to find a slogan to put on bumper stickers. As it happens, at the exact moment the man is questioning Forrest, he runs right through a pile of dog feces. Undeterred, he observes, "It happens." The man is inspired to develop a new brand of bumper stickers that say, "s*** happens.", which is an iconic quote in pop culture. It's yet another historical moment Forrest Gump managed to put its own unique spin on.
16 "I Don't Know If We Have A Destiny..."
Forrest Gump
The entire film makes the case that, though Forrest may not be the smartest man in the world, he does have a level of understanding and wisdom that most people could only hope for. At the movie's end, Forrest's wisdom is perfectly encapsulated as he visits Jenny's grave and tries to make sense of the way the world works. "I don't know if we have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze, but I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happenin' at the same time." It's a beautiful Forrest Gump quote and this concept is reflected in the film's touching image of a feather floating away from young Forrest Jr. (Haley Joel Osment).
15 "What's Normal, Anyways?"
Mrs. Gump
Forrest's mother is his staunchest advocate for the entire film, and there are truly no lengths to which she wouldn't go in order to ensure a better life for her son. One of the best Forrest Gump quotes comes from this protectiveness she has for Forrest when she notes, "What's normal, anyways?" Forrest Gump continually demonstrates that underestimating people doesn't get anyone anywhere. Forrest's unbelievable journey supports this theory since everyone underestimates him his whole life.
14 "Jenny And Me Was Like Peas And Carrots."
Forrest Gump
The relationship between Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran is one of the major storylines in the film. From childhood onward, Forrest is hopelessly in love with Jenny, the girl of his dreams and one of the few people to ever accept and understand him. Though their journey takes many turns as they grow into young adulthood, their first meeting is as sweet and innocent as could be, when Jenny allows Forrest to sit next to her on the bus. As Forrest observes, "From that day on, we was always together. Jenny and me was like peas and carrots." In the end, this Forrest Gump quote proved to be true, which helped make Forrest Gump one of the best romance movies of the 90s.
13 "They Said It Was A Million Dollar Wound, But The Army Must Keep That Money..."
Forrest Gump
Forrest proved himself to be a valiant soldier during his time in Vietnam, carrying out both his Lieutenant and his best friend from the deep jungle just before an airstrike bombardment. For his efforts, he received a gunshot wound, but it turned out to be enough to get him back home. Of course, Forrest never quite got the irony behind the term "million-dollar wound." He never quite grasped just how lucky he was to escape the war the way he did, but it's one of those Forrest Gump quotes with a deeper wisdom to it, as Forrest does deserve a million dollars for his heroism but isn't made rich by the military.
12 "I'm Not A Smart Man. But I Know What Love Is."
Forrest Gump
Despite all the time they spend apart, Forrest never stops being in love with Jenny. After learning all that she has suffered through in her life, and after enduring countless hardships of his own, Forrest continues loving Jenny - even if she seems to refuse to acknowledge the fact that he's capable of loving her. "I'm not a smart man. But I know what love is," he confesses to her. It's a heartbreaking moment in the film.
11 "Anyway, Like I Was Sayin', Shrimp Is The Fruit Of The Sea..."
Bubba Blue
The friendship that forms between Forrest Gump and Bubba Blue (Mykelti Williamson) is one of the most endearing aspects of the film. Before Bubba Blue's tragic death, he makes it clear that he wants to go into business with Forrest. Long before he makes an official business proposal, Bubba delivers quite the monologue on shrimp, which is easily one of the most memorable Forrest Gump quotes thanks to Bubba's seemingly unending love for shrimp.
10 "Mama Says Stupid Is As Stupid Does."
Forrest Gump
Both Forrest and his mom have very frank ways of saying things, and very keen understandings of the way the world works. When young Forrest first meets Jenny, she asks him if he's stupid or something, to which Forrest answers, "Mama says stupid is as stupid does." It's not really clear what that means, especially in the context of answering Jenny's question. This Forrest Gump quote may be intended as a moment of comedy, but there's no denying the simple, fundamental truth of this observation. It also shows the trust and loyalty Forrest has for his mom, as he seems to live by this quote.
9 "Mama Always Said You Can Tell A Lot About A Person By Their Shoes."
Forrest Gump
Running is a key motif throughout the film as are shoes. Forrest is interested in shoes because his mother mentions that they're a great tool to find out about the person wearing them. At the bench where he waits for the bus, Forrest makes sure to inspect each person's shoes as they take a seat next to him. Interestingly, the only thing viewers can really learn about Forrest by his shoes is that he's come a long way. It's a nice touch to the movie, which is all about journeys.
8 "Mama Always Said Dying Was A Part Of Life. I Sure Wish It Wasn't."
Forrest Gump
Since the movie spans many years, viewers see Forrest deal with a number of deaths throughout his life. One of the most relatable Forrest Gump quotes is Forrest's plaintive wish that death wasn't a part of life. Forrest is burdened with the death of his father, his best friend Bubba Blue, his beloved mother, and finally Jenny's death in Forrest Gump. It's one of the many simple sentiments that Forrest puts out there that anyone watching can relate to.
7 "You Can't Keep Tryin' To Rescue Me All The Time."
Jenny Curran
Though Forrest loves Jenny, she's right to tell him that he can't be swooping in to save her from every trouble in her life. Not only is this impractical, but it takes away all of her agency. She's living her own life, and Forrest can't always be there. She needs to learn her own lessons and make her own decisions because she's her own person. Forrest may be acting out of kindness, but he doesn't realize this his attempts to solve all of her problems are only harming her. Jenny isn't a damsel in distress, which is an important lesson Forrest needs to learn.
6 "My Mama Always Said You've Got To Put The Past Behind You Before You Can Move On."
Forrest Gump
One of the most important lessons to be learned from Forrest Gump is Forrest's decision to stop running. He tries repeatedly to run from everything, but nothing more than his past - specifically, Jenny's rejection. However, this means that he's never truly going to move forward in life, as he's always preoccupied with the past. Like most of the values Forrest lives by, this is something his mother teaches him. He recalls her words often, and this Forrest Gump quote is a valuable lesson. Before he can get back in touch with Jenny, Forrest needs to make peace with what they've already gone through.