There comes a moment in a film, no matter the genre, in which the acting, music, and dialogue blend together to create visual and audio gold. Speeches are a beautiful thing in films. They can inspire, and engross the audience into feeling a great swell of emotion. Great speeches in films will always be remembered. The same cannot be said for horror films that weren't on fans radars.
Cinema in itself is compelling, and the joys of cinema are heightened through many things. Whether that be the latest action set piece or the funniest gag from a comedy. Yet, speeches have a legacy of their own and can aspire to us, and compel us entirely into the film.
10 A Watchful Protector, The Dark Knight
After the intensity and non-stop climax of The Dark Knight, Commissioner Jim Gordon and Batman agree that Harvey Dent must die a hero, and no one can know of the sinister and broken villain that The Joker morphed him into. This sequel to Batman Begins outshines the original. As Batman, wounded, and defeated, is chased by the police, Gordon speaks to his son about the kind of hero Batman is.
Hans Zimmer’s music swells triumphantly, as Batman takes the ultimate sacrifice to be Gotham’s villain. Gordon sums it up perfectly “He’s the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now”. It’s chilling, inspiring, and changed comic book movies for the better.
9 My Name Is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator
Gladiator follows the story of a disgraced general with a murdered family, Russell Crowe is perfectly cast as Maximus and delivers a powerful speech to The Emperor (Joaquin Phoenix). Nothing stops Maximus’ speech, as he confesses to the Emperor who he is, something that he knows all too well.
Maximus’ abilities in the gladiator pits of Rome’s Coliseum leave all attendees inspired and adoring of his skills, both with and without a blade. They chant “Live!” as Maximus stands proudly, knowing that his fight is more than about survival, but one of revenge.
8 Fighting For Our Right To Live, Independence Day
The President of the United States (Bill Pullman) makes a speech on mankind, and the importance of the 4th of July, for the entirety of humanity. The speech is powerful, and provides an intense patriotism, even for those not even American. It’s a proud speech written with strength and with champions in mind.
After the speech, the crowds cheer and holler at the U.S President, a mix of civilians, soldiers, and jet fighters. It’s a captivating speech in a timeless 90s movie, about coming together and overcoming the pride that hurdles our differences, for the sake of victory and union over an alien invasion.
7 Whatever It Takes, Avengers: Endgame
After the survivors of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War discover a way to travel back through time and reclaim the lost infinity stones, they suit up and listen to Captain America (Chris Evans) and his riveting speech on how important this mission is. With no do-overs, everyone is important to the success of bringing back the dead, especially the amnesiac best friend of Captain America, Bucky Barnes.
Chris Evans boasts a remarkable talent as Captain America for his outing in Avengers: Endgame. He is captivating his team and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they listen to his words. It’s almost impossible not to want to cheer for their success, knowing that half of the remaining universe rests on their shoulders.
6 Get Busy Living, The Shawshank Redemption
Regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time, The Shawshank Redemption focuses on the growing friendship between Red (Morgan Freeman) and Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins). This particular scene has the two talking about their desires once they get out of prison. Robbins takes over this scene, as he imagines the life he wants.
The music is somber and follows a few piano keys as the two men discuss getting out. It’s impossible to look away or talk whilst listening to their dreams. Robbins’ famous quote “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”, is heavily remembered to this day as one of the most aspiring quotes.
5 Inches, Any Given Sunday
Any Given Sunday follows Tony D’Amator (Al Pacino) as the Miami Sharks coach. The film is full of an ensemble cast at the 50-year line of the gridiron cosmos. Pacino is nothing short of legendary and holds a remarkable portfolio of acting credits. Any Given Sunday is one of many of his impressive works, and this over four-minute-long speech is captivating, through and through.
After all, is said and done, D’Amator simply says “Now, what are you gonna do?” and his team erupts into cheer, jumping with adrenaline and a newfound devotion to their team, and their teammates. It’s a legendary scene, and win or lose, the Miami Sharks were provided with the motivation to go to the Moon.
4 The Show Goes On, The Wolf Of Wall Street
Many fans of Leonardo DiCaprio regard his role as Jordan Belfort as his best. The Martin Scorsese picture, The Wolf of Wall Street, features incredible performances, and a true story filled with drugs, money, and capitalist greed. Jordan and his team manipulate the stock market and cheat their way to the top.
One scene has Jordan preparing to step down from Stratton Oakmont, and he gives a vigorous speech about how he is not leaving. It’s filled with passion, adrenaline, and swearing. His words are nothing if not hyper, and enthralling.
3 Ride For Ruin, Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is largely regarded as one of the greatest trilogies of all time. His adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work won the franchise a lot of Academy Awards and loyal fans around the globe. One part, in particular, that is powerful enough to make people weep is King Théoden’s (Bernard Hill) speech in The Return of the King.
His speech is filled with vigor and pride. The Riders of Rohan are entirely outnumbered by the Orc hordes of Sauron, but it matters not. The strength of King Théoden’s speech has them all shout “Death!” at the top of their lungs, a powerful war cry before embarking on a battle from which they may not return.
2 Freedom, Braveheart
Set in the late 13th century, Braveheart follows William Wallace (Mel Gibson), as a returning man to Scotland. With the King of England seizing the Scottish throne, Wallace brings it upon himself to assemble a band of countrymen to battle against tyranny, and defy the unholy rule of an English king.
William rides his horse across his countrymen, rallying them into battle with a riveting speech. William’s speech hits at the heart and brings passion and patriotism for one’s freedom. It’s a speech worthy of war, and the many men raise their swords in the union of William’s words.
1 It Ain’t How Hard You Hit, Rocky Balboa
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The sixth installment of the 80s franchise, Rocky franchise has Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) seeking to return to the ring after he is offered the opportunity to fight the reigning Heavyweight Champion, Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver). After being confronted by his son, Rocky delivers a powerful speech about the world.
Rocky’s words are captivating, and the passion behind his words is infectious. It’s inspiring and filled with strength. The speech works outside of a Rocky movie and is great for motivation all around. Stallone’s writing and delivery of this speech are nothing short of legendary.