Forrest Gump is one of the most memorable films from the 1990s. One of the best parts of the film is all of the matter-of-fact advice that Forrest shares with others in his life. Here are some of the most inspirational Forrest Gump quotes from the 1994 Tom Hanks film directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
This is one of the most famous Forrest Gump quotes. So what does stupid is as stupid does mean? Judge people by what they do, not by how they appear. Throughout the film, several people either imply or directly call Forrest stupid. But each time Forrest far exceeds what people think to be possible.
- “Stupid is as stupid does.”
Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates
A box of chocolates is full of surprises. You can never be sure what to expect. Life is similar. Both audiences and critics agree that this is not only one of the best Forrest Gump quotes, but one of the best movie quotes of all time. The American Film Institute ranked this Forrest Gump quote #40 in their top 100 movie quotes of all time.
- “My Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you will get.'”
Put The Past Behind You
Forrest Gump’s past is full of tragedies. But thanks to this advice from his momma, he always musters up enough courage and hindsight to achieve great things.
- “My mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.”
What Is Normal Anyways?
This quote became a remarkable part of Forrest Gump’s mindset. Gump could not be considered normal, yet he had many achievements.
- “What is normal anyways?”
Death Is A Part Of Life
Forrest Gump uses this quote as a symbol of hope during a sad part of the movie. The life of his life passes away, but he maintains his faith in God and this attitude to move on.
- “Mama always said death is a part of life. I sure wish it was not.”
Mother Son Relationships
Connections are important in life, and Forrest Gump and Mama understood each other.
- “Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.”
I Know What Love Is
At its core, the story of Forrest Gump is an epic love story between him and Jenny (Robin Wright). It teaches us that it is okay to believe in pure, true love.
- “I am not a smart man, but I know what love is.”
People Call Me Forrest Gump
Gump emphasizes that he likes being called by his full name. No matter his achievements, he will always be Forrest Gump. How many people in your life do you know that always prefer to go by their full name? Do you respect them more than others?
- “My name is Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump.”
Like Carrots And Peas
Carrots and peas (young Jenny and Forrest Gump) are different in many ways, but they find a way to come together. This inspirational Forrest Gump quote teaches us the value of being different and appreciating the differences in others.
- “Jenny and I are like carrots and peas.”
A Man Only Needs So Much Fortune
This is one of the most inspirational Forrest Gump quotes from the film and shows us the difference that the wealthy can make by sharing their fortune. After making a lot of money from Bubba Gump Shrimp and an investment in a fruit company (aka Apple Computer) thanks to his Vietnam friend Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise), Forrest chooses to share his money, not keep it all.
- “Mama said a man only needs so much fortune. More than that is just showing off.”
The Rocks Are Just Not Enough
This quote symbolizes our frustrations. The love of his life tries to throw rocks at the source of her pain.
- “Sometimes, I guess the rocks are just not enough.”
The Million Dollar Wound
This quote is luck. Forrest was lucky that he only got shot in the buttocks and survived the war.
- “They said it was a million-dollar wound, but the army must keep that money ’cause I still haven’t seen a nickel of that million dollars.”
Sh!t Happens
While Forrest Gump was running back and forth across America, a guy in the “bumper sticker business” runs up to Forrest asking for advice. He’s looking for a new bumper sticker idea when Forrest runs through a pile of dog poop during their conversation and doesn’t care. The bumper sticker guy can’t believe it, but Forrest just simply says, “It happens.” Bad stuff happens in life. You can let it destroy you or just keep on moving.
- “It happens.”
That’s All I Have To Say About That
Forrest Gump would immediately move on to the next topic once he said all he had to.
- “That’s all I have to say about that.”
The Best Forrest Gump Quotes
Powerful films like Forrest Gump have helped shape popular culture over the years. Their memorable quotes stay with us, inspire our lives, and can even help change our perspective.
I hope you enjoyed these inspirational Forrest Gump quotes. We tried to include the all-time favorites. If you think we missed any great Forrest Gump quotes, then please let us know in the comments.
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