great movie monologues
Monologues are a movie staple. It’s simply a long speech given by one specific actor. It’s also a great way to create a memorable moment. Some monologues move the story forward, other tell you about the character, or inspire you. Whatever the purpose, you’ll remember them.
Here are some of our favorites great movie monologues. I’ve broken them down into 4 categories: Inspirational, Rants, Character, and Expositional. WARNING: Some clips will contain strong language.
Inspirational
These monologues are designed to inspire and motivate. They are designed to bring out the best in the characters and create emotional resonance with the audience.
James Earl Jones - Field of Dreams
“People will come Ray. People will most definitely come.”
Field of Dreams is an inspirational movie as is, but the movie culminates with Ray Kinsella needing to choose between keeping his baseball field or keeping his farm. Enter James Earl Jones extolling the value of baseball and urging Ray to stay the course in a way only the booming voice of Jones can deliver.
Morgan Freeman - The Shawshank redemption
“I hope…”
The Shawshank Redemption at it’s core is a movie about hope. This is made as clear as the blue waters of the pacific in the final scene of the movie as Morgan Freeman journeys to meet his friend. It’s the perfect denouement to one the best movies ever made.
David Wenham - 300
300 has all the elements on inspiration. A small group of noble warriors holding back a vastly superior force. Wenham’s character Dilios serves as the narrator for the movie, and in this final scene his monologue sees him seamlessly switch from narration to inspirational leader of the Greek army about to enter battle.
The Rants
The rants are some of my favorite monologues. A great rant has a character that has had enough and just lets someone have it. They are highly emotional, memorable, and entertaining.
Jack Nicholson - A few Good men
“You can’t handle the truth!”
This is arguably the most memorable moment of Jack Nicholson’s extremely memorable career. Sitting on the witness stand being badgered by a young lawyer he disdains, Nicholson’s had enough and he’s going to let you know exactly what he thinks.
Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln
“Now, now, now!”
Daniel Day Lewis plays Abraham Lincoln as he attempts to lead congress through passing the constitutional amendment ending slavery. As his cabinet begins to waffle, Lewis blasts them for their lack of courage.
Character
These monologues are designed to reveal something significant about who the character is and give you more insight into their motivation.
Julia stiles - 10 things I hate about you
“Not even a little bit. Not even at all.”
In this classic 90s teen rom-com, Julia Stiles character is a tough, aloof, and closed off girl who falls for Heath Ledger before he screws it up. In this scene Stiles reads a poem she wrote to Ledger. It’s a remarkably vulnerable and powerful moment showing the courage of her character.
Robin Williams - Good will hunting
“Your move chief.”
Robin Williams takes on the role of counseling a brilliant but troubled Matt Damon who’s run through a litany of other therapists and attempted to run off Williams as well. Williams then turns the tables on his young patient by revealing to him who he is and who he is not. By doing so, you learn about Williams’ character as well.
Expositional
These monologues are designed to move the story forward. They set the stage for everything that is to come afterward and let you know what to expect. They often leave you with a specific feel.
Lawrence Fishburn - the matrix
This is the famous “red pill, blue pill” speech that has entered into the cultural lexicon. You’ve probably heard people talk about their personal “red pill” moments. In this scene, Fishburn’s Morpheus tells a confused Neo about what it will take for him to find out what the matrix is. This moment sets the stage for everything that follows.
Tommy Lee Jones - No Country for old men
In the opening scene of this Oscar winning movie, Jones’s monologue sets the stage and tone for the film. You get a feel for the senselessness and exasperated confusion that will come to characterize the entire story.
