War films play host to some of the most quotable movie characters of all time. These standout characters have featured in virtually every brand of genre offering that one could think of, ranging from acclaimed films about lesser-known wars to war movies that are renowned for showcasing the camaraderie between soldiers.
The genre houses an array of standout examples when it comes to delivering a killer quote, numbering from legendary warriors of antiquity all the way to battle-hardened WWII soldiers. Hacksaw Ridge, a historical war film based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a soldier in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, features Sergeant Howell as one of its most quotable characters.
Full Metal Jacket, a war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, is another notable example. The film’s drill sergeant, Hartman, played by R. Lee Ermey, is a walking, talking goldmine of quotable material. Despite being a foul-mouthed character, Hartman’s quotes are too inappropriate to put into writing, but some of his politer examples include “You’re so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece!” or “Here, you are all equally worthless”.
It’s a common misconception that R. Lee Ermey ad-libbed all his lines as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. However, he did improvise some of his lines, making his litany of obscene one-liners even more impressive. A never-ending highlight reel of brutal insults, Full Metal Jacket’s unforgettable drill sergeant stands as the most quotable war movie character of all time.
