10 Famous Movie Scenes That Are Referenced Again And Again

The medium of film has existed for more than 100 years. So, it comes as no surprise that a lot of films reference other older ones, especially films that have risen to the status of cultural milestones or classics. But which ones are especially referenced?

Which scenes pop up so often that now everyone knows where they’re from, even if they have not seen the original movies? Sometimes, it’s a whole scene, other times it’s a memorable stunt or technique, and other times, it’s just a few lines.

10 “No, I Am Your Father.” – Star Wars V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Most will remember this scene being referenced in Toy Story 2, with Buzz Lightyear and the Evil Emperor Zurg when the hero, who has been fighting the ultimate evil force, learns that he comes from that force.

The scene has also been referenced in Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Meet The Fockers, Reign of Fire and more. This scene from Star Wars V has even become synonymous with the trope of two characters finding out that they are related, especially if one is good and one evil.

9 Bullet-Time Scenes – The Matrix (1999)

To be fair, the bullet-time visual effect was popularised by The Matrix, but it was not the very first instance when it was used. However, most uses of the effect since 1999 are references to the celebrated sci-fi action film. A quite obvious example is in Shrek when Fiona fights against Robin Hood and the Merry Men Trinity-style.

Other references include The Simpsons, the climax of the first Scary Movie, and of course V for Vendetta when V fights Creedy’s men (not to mention that Hugo Weaving was both Agent Smith and V, who started a revolution and revealed the corruption of the oppressive system – it’s all connected).

8 “The Day My Daughter Is To Be Married” – The Godfather (1972)

One of the best references of this scene is definitely in Zootopia, when Judy and Nick face Mr. Big, the mob boss of Tundra Town, who is celebrating the wedding of his daughter. She actually stops her dad from literally icing the protagonist duo.

Maurice LaMarche did a hilarious Brando/Don Corleone impression (the voice actor behind Mr. Big, also known for his work in Futurama and Pinky and The Brain). The scene was also referenced in Due Date and Family Guy, among others.

7 Murder In The Shower – Psycho (1960)

This scene from Psycho is so iconic it is ridiculous. Funnily enough, it has even been referenced in Looney Tunes: Back In Action, where Bugs Bunny was Marion (apparently). The Simpsons would also not miss the opportunity to reference/parody this scene, as well as Mel Brooks in his hilarious film, High Anxiety.

The scene was also parodied in De Palma’s cult classic horror musical comedy, Phantom of the Paradise (this is probably his most crude, yet amusing reference to the shower scene, although there are others, i.e., in Blow Out and Body Double).

6 “Say Hello To My Little Friend.” – Scarface (1983)

This scene and line from Scarface has been referenced and parodied in films and shows so much that a separate list would be necessary to name just some of them. There are at least 40 examples, but to name just a few, it’s been used in Bob’s Burgers, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, South Park, The Sopranos, and Psych.

It seems like every time someone draws a big weapon (or anything big that can be used as one) in a show/film, they have to say this line. It’s the unwritten law.

5 “Here’s Johnny!” – The Shining (1980)

Again, simply an iconic scene (and one that was largely improvised). Jack Nicholson’s performance in The Shining is so utterly convincing and terrifying that it keeps being referenced to this day.

Once more, the examples abound, but to name a few: in The Simpsons, Codename: Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack, Finding Nemo, Fairly Odd Parents, and Supernatural (other non-animated series/movies have obviously referenced it too, but the cartoons are that more amusing for doing so).

4 “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re In Kansas Anymore.” – The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

This iconic line was even referenced in The Matrix. The Wizard of Oz had become such a pop culture phenomenon, even before pop culture phenomena were a thing, although in the last few years it has gained notoriety for the treatment of certain members of the cast.

Other references include: in Sex and the City 2, Scooby Doo, Animaniacs, and Married…with Children. Certain movie scenes appear as if to have acquired a life of their own, even if they’re detached from the film that gave birth to them.

3 “I’m The King Of The World!” – Titanic (1997)

This scene has provided abundant material for sitcoms, animation, and the entirety of Hollywood in general, as well as for literally anyone who is walking on the deck of a boat.

The scene was hilariously spoofed in Scary Movie, as well as referenced in numerous shows/films (more than 40 times). Instances include The Office, Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, The Simpsons (of course), Saturday Night Live, and Modern Family.

2 “My Precious.” – The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003)

One of the most hilarious parodies of this scene/line is in The Big Bang Theory (it was even about the One Ring itself – well, not THE One Ring, but an actual prop from LOTR).

Unmistakeably, there are also instances in The Simpsons, South Park, American Dad!, and Family Guy, among others. If one can deliver a convincing imitation of Andy Serkis as Gollum, they must be immensely talented.

1 “Shaken, Not Stirred.” – James Bond Franchise (1962 – 2021)

Again, this isn’t exactly one scene, but a signature line about 007’s Martini order spread across most Bond films, to the point where they are humorously referencing their own franchise (i.e., in Casino Royale when Bond was asked if he wanted his Martini shaken or stirred, he snapped with “Do I look like I give a damn?”)

The line has been referenced in American Dad!, Blackadder, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. James Bond himself ordered this drink for the first time in Goldfinger (1964), while the line was first said by Dr. No in Dr. No (1962).

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