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Iconic dialogues from the 2000s that are still part of our cultural zeitgeist

These dialogues continue to inspire and provoke thought, even two decades later.

Harper's Bazaar India

Martin Scorsese was right when he said, "Movies are the memories of our lifetime, we need to keep them alive". Some movies leave an indelible mark—not just in their manner of storytelling, but through dialogues that become iconic across generations. Here are some evergreen movies from the 2000s, featuring iconic dialogues that are a pop-culture phenomenon and continue to be referenced even today. 

"Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking"


This film's relevance lies in its exploration of personal integrity and the high stakes in the world of fashion. Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada is still a nightmare of a boss, yet you can't help but adore and idolise her for being herself! Be it her cutting remark, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking" or her dismissive "That's all", these dialogues continue to be fan-favourites, inspiring countless memes, books and cultural references. 

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink!"


Mean Girls is a treasure trove of pop culture references and dialogues like "On Wednesdays, we wear pink" or Karen Smith's assertive "You can't sit with us!", and the ubiquitous "That's so fetch," coined by Gretchen Wieners, have become ingrained in pop culture. The film's relevance endures as it smartly dissects high school hierarchies and the universal theme of "fitting in". 

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities"


The Fault in Our Stars—with its poignant dialogues and emotional depth—captures the hearts of audiences worldwide. Some of the most notable lines of this book adaptation include the heartfelt exchange, "Okay? Okay." between the main characters Hazel and Augustus, symbolising their unique love language. But it is Hazel's "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities", that truly captures the depth of their experiences. At the end of the day, the film's relevance endures because of its honest and heartwarming portrayal of young love, loss, and resilience in the face of life's many challenges.

"Why so serious?"


The Dark Knight has etched itself into pop culture with its gripping dialogues and memorable characters. Among its most iconic lines is the Joker's chilling, "Why so serious?" and his philosophical musing, "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain", spoken by Harvey Dent. Hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, the move explores complex themes such as morality, chaos, and heroism in a rather gritty but realistic setting.

"After all this time, always"


The Harry Potter series is rich with memorable pop culture dialogues. From merchandise to memes, this franchise lives on in people's hearts across age barriers. Lines such as "It's LeviOsa, not LevioSA!" by Hermione and "Always" by Snape have deeply resonated with fans and has been referenced across the internet, in books, and even in various series. This one truly is a loved series, with dialogues and themes, that still hold a pivotal place in people's lives.

Feature Credit: @rebekahlynneart/Instagram

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