The Breakfast Club Quotes
‘The Breakfast Club’ has been one of the most groundbreaking movies for the ’90s generation.
Wrought with pop references and a bit too familiar for the teenage audience of that time, the movie has been iconic in all its aspects. Starring heavyweights like Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, ‘The Breakfast Club’ is a realistic symbol of all things teenage.
Made in ’85, this John Hughes movie is a quintessential ’80s movie. The story revolves around five high school students who land up in Saturday detention due to various reasons. Through the course of nine hours and a pressing deadline for a soul-searching essay, the students discover their struggles, their friendship, and the fact that they have more things in common than they would have ever guessed. Like the movie, the dialogues from this film are iconic too, and therefore, we bring you some of the extraordinary quotes from the movie.
Relatable ‘The Breakfast Club’ Movie Quotes
One thing that the audience of the beloved movie cannot deny is that this movie gave us a lot of things to relate to. Right from the high school setting to the struggles of the characters. Here are some of the quotes that you can relate to.
1. “Brian Johnson: Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are…
Andrew Clark: …and an athlete…
Allison Reynolds: …and a basket case…
Claire Standish: …a princess…
John Bender: …and a criminal…
Brian Johnson: Does that answer your question?… Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
2. “I don’t have to run away and live in the street. I can run away and go to the ocean, I can go to the country, I can go to the mountains. I could go to Israel, Africa, Afghanistan.”
– Allison Reynolds.
3. “Claire Standish: I hate it. I hate having to go along with everything my friends say.
Brian Johnson: Well then why do you do it?
Claire Standish: I don’t know, I don’t–you don’t understand…you don’t. You’re not friends with the same kind of people that Andy and I are friends with! You know, you just don’t understand the pressure that they can put on you!”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
4. “Allison: You wanna know what I did to get in here? Nothing… I didn’t have anything better to do.”
Allison: You’re laughing at me!
Andrew: No…!
Allison: Yes, you are!”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
5. “I could disappear forever and it wouldn’t make any difference.”
– John Bender.
6. “Andrew Clark: My God, are we gonna be like our parents?
Claire Standish: Not me…ever.”
– ‘The Breakfast Club’.
7. “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it; that’s all.”
– Andrew Clark.
8. “Allison Reynolds: When you grow up, your heart dies.
John Bender: Who cares?
Allison Reynolds: I do.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
9. “You think he’s funny? You think this is cute?… You go visit John Bender in five years. You’ll see how goddamned funny he is.”
-Richard Vernon on John Bender.
10. “You see us as you want to see us—in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain…and an athlete…and a basket case…a princess…and a criminal. Does that answer your question?”
-Brian Johnson to Richard Vernon.
11. “Brian Johnson: Like, when I step outside myself kinda, and when I, when I look in at myself, you know? And I see me and I don’t like what I see, I really don’t.
Claire: What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you like yourself?
Brian: ‘Cause I’m stupid…’cause I’m failing shop!”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
12. “You ought to spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people.”
—Richard Vernon to John Bender.
‘The Breakfast Club’ Quotes For A Good Laugh
This movie seemed to have it all. The drama, the reliability and then the comedy too. We bring to you a collection of funny quotes form the film so that you can have a laugh at them (maybe while in detention). Characters like Barry Manilow, John Hughes, John Bender, Richard Vernon will surely make you laugh your heart out.
13. “Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?”
– John Bender to Richard Vernon.
14. “Don’t mess with the bull, young man.”
– Richard Vernon to John Bender.
15. “Two hits. Me hitting you. You hitting the floor.”
– Andrew Clark To John Bender.
16. “Richard Vernon: Jesus Christ Almighty! What in God’s name is going on in here? What was that ruckus?
Andrew Clark: Uh, what ruckus?
Richard Vernon: I was just in my office and I heard a ruckus.
Brian Johnson: Could you describe the ruckus, Sir?”
– ‘The Breakfast Club’.
17. “It is now 7:06. You have exactly 8 hours and 54 minutes to think about why you are here – to ponder the error of your ways.”
– Richard Vernon to the students in detention.
18. “Brian Johnson: Did you know without trigonometry, there’d be no engineering?
John Bender: Without lamps, there’d be no light.”
– ‘The Breakfast Club’.
19. “Brian Johnson: You know, there’s not supposed to be any monkey business.
John Bender: Young man, have you finished your paper?.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
20. “Andrew Clark: Why do you need a fake ID?
Brian Johnson: To vote.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
21. “Being bad feels pretty good, huh?”
—John Bender to Claire Standish.
22. “Brian Johnson: I’m a freaking idiot because I can’t make a lamp?
John Bender: No. You’re a genius because you can’t make a lamp.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
23. “Claire Standish: Do you know how popular I am? I am so popular. Everybody loves me so much at this school.
John Bender: Poor baby.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
24. “John Bender: So you just stick to the things you know. Shopping, nail polish, your father’s BMW and your poor, rich, drunk mother in the Caribbean!
Claire Standish: Shut Up!”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
25. “Claire Standish: Claire. It’s a family name.
John Bender: Oh, it’s a fat girl’s name.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
26. “John Bender: Well, Brian, this is a very nutritious lunch. All the food groups are represented. Did your mom marry Mr. Rogers?
Brian Johnson: Uh, no. Mr. Johnson.”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
27. “John Bender: Remember how you said your parents use you to get back at each other?
Claire Standish: Yes.
John Bender: Wouldn’t I be outstanding in that capacity?”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
28. “Richard Vernon: Why did that door close?
Claire Standish: I think the screw fell out, sir.
Richard Vernon: Who took the screw? Bender, where’s the screw?
John Bender: I don’t have it, sir
Richard Vernon: Don’t lie to me!
John Bender: I’m not lying! Screws fall out, the world is an imperfect place!”
-‘The Breakfast Club’.
Most Memorable Quotes From The Breakfast Club
15“Does Barry Manilow Know That You Raid His Wardrobe?” – John Bender
With this line, the audience knew exactly what they’re getting from John Bender. He wasted no time in insulting Mr. Vernon as soon as detention begins.
The reference might be a bit dated for teens watching the movie today if they’re not familiar with the singer, but his particular style would have been fresh in the minds of ’80s audiences. It’s clearly meant to be an insult, despite contention from Manilow fans.
14“Don’t Mess With The Bull, Young Man. You’ll Get The Horns.” – Richard Vernon
This is such a great – and weird – saying for an authority figure to use. That is, the kind of authority figure who believes they’re always above reproach and just don’t have time to deal with any kids challenging them.
That’s exactly the kind of figure Vernon presented in the movie. So focused on wielding his own power over the students, Vernon can’t deal with the fact that Bender, or any of the kids, would question him at all. It’s one that’s been repeated often in movies and television series since.
13“Two Hits. Me Hitting You. You Hitting The Floor.” – Andrew Clark
Another line that’s still used by hotheads and bullies in media today is this one. If the audience was ever unsure of just how tense and angry the jock in the room was, this line gave them an idea.
It’s a bit more clever for a bully to use this line instead of simply tell their target that they’re going to hit them. While no one ever wanted this said to them, it’s something that will warrant a nod of recognition when fans hear it in other scripts.
12“Could You Describe The Ruckus, Sir?” – Brian Johnson
This particular question was a fan favorite for the audience members who identified with Brian. He was the kind of kid who always did what he was told and pushed himself to be the perfect student. The line was innocent enough to come across as helpful, but it hinted at the guy who wanted to climb outside of the box society put him in.
When Vernon returned to the library and said he “heard a ruckus,” it was early enough in the movie that any of the kids could have given each other up, but they didn’t. Even Brian kept his head with a smart comeback.
11“I Don’t Have To Run Away And Live In The Street. I Can Run Away And Go To The Ocean, I Can Go To The Country, I Can Go To The Mountains.” – Allison Reynolds
Bender was the character labeled as the rebel, but maybe Allison should have been. She ended up as “the basket case” because she said outlandish things that surprised people, tended to have sticky fingers, and didn’t conform to anyone’s idea of what a teenage girl should be.
While all of the characters get the chance to voice their unhappiness, Allison was the one character who actually seemed like she was ready to leave her hometown behind and go somewhere where she could just be herself. A lot of teenagers – and adults – identified with that aspect of her character.
10“It Is Now 7:06. You Have Exactly 8 Hours And 54 Minutes To Think About Why You Are Here – To Ponder The Error Of Your Ways.” – Richard Vernon
Assistant Principal Richard Vernon gave the perfect start for a quiet Saturday of detention for five students with unclear crimes. With his full authority and obvious skepticism over the kids from different cliques, he gave out the ultimate purpose and the goal of the detention – a self-evaluation essay for a course of nearly a half day’s time.
Just by his tone and his sternness, one can get an idea of what kind of authority Assistant Principal Vernon is. He kept with his monologue from there, point out to John Bender.
9“I Hate It. I Hate Having To Go Along With Everything My Friends Say.” – Claire Standish
Soon as the gang rest on the platform, they share their hidden sentiments beneath their stereotypical traits. Claire confessed that she constantly has to succumb to peer pressure. When Brian brought up how the five will go on after their detention, Claire stuck up to the reality that nothing will happen.
When Brian suspected her of being conceited, Claire revealed, “I hate having to go along with everything my friends say,” before she goes on with a tirade of feeling peer pressure. That line speaks volumes for those under pressure.
8“You Ought To Spend A Little More Trying To Do Something With Yourself And A Little Less Trying To Impress People.” – Richard Vernon
Principal Vernon may be an oftentimes unjustly harsh authority figure, but he raises good points to the kids. All he is concerned is the rebellious state of the current generation of children he is overseeing. So, it is reasonable he would enforce a castigatory tone towards the gang, particularly to Bender, when he raised this cautionary tale.
Though when he assumed that Bender is just making a show to the other four when he displayed his stubbornness towards him, Vernon was just misunderstood of why Bender acted that way. So, this quote burns.
7“You Wanna Know What I Did To Get In Here? Nothing… I Didn’t Have Anything Better To Do.” – Allison Reynolds
This quote could be from any relatable meme online as this really hit home to those who just want to chill. To break the ice from Brian’s dark reveal of why he end up in detention, Allison shared that she did not have a reason to end up there.
It was a needed levity for the gang after a long sharing session wherein each one shared their heavy sentiments of themselves and of each other. It was really out of nowhere for Allison to say randomly, but it needed so.
6“I Could Disappear Forever And It Wouldn’t Make Any Difference.” – John Bender
Now this is a line shared by Andrew earlier and brought up by Bender during their sharing session when he pointed out (sarcastically) about Claire putting on lipstick using her cleavage. Andrew brought a little concern on Bender’s mockery that the latter vented out on him after Andrew called him a “f***ing prick.”
It spoke a lot that even if the five opened up, each would bear his or her personal grudges, including Bender. It is clever for Bender to bring that up to bury that hurtful sentiment for later.
5“My God, Are We Gonna Be Like Our Parents?” – Andrew Clark
This really hit home for Andrew when Bender vented in front of Claire about her spoiled lifestyle and her parents’ lavish treatment towards her before he reinforced his parents’ treatment towards him. It served as a reflection of how Andrew sees their behaviors manifesting to each other.
It also opened up the window of what are each other’s parents like: Andrew’s folks pushes him to the limit, Bender’s have been abusive, Claire’s only use her as a bridge to their relationship, Allison’s neglect her and Brian’s expect too much from him.
4“Screws Fall Out All The Time. The World’s An Imperfect Place.” – John Bender
This Bender line could be in any relatable meme or post. And he uttered this when Principal Vernon confronted him about the opened door being shut. Bender tampered with the door hinges and placed the screw in his mouth.
So, in comes the classic line after Vernon insisted of Bender giving him the screw. He queued it with a relatable line that showed Bender’s (sarcastic) poetic side. Bender followed up on two lines after with the hit line, “If he gets up, we’ll all get up, it’ll be anarchy.”
3“We’re All Pretty Bizarre. Some Of Us Are Just Better At Hiding It; That’s All.” – Andrew Clark
After Claire was forced by Allison and the rest to admit if she ever gave up her virginity, she soured towards Allison’s manipulation and compulsion to lying. When the princess found this weird, Andrew said this sentiment, “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it; that’s all.” Though he made his point, Claire asked him, “How are you bizarre?”
While it leads to Andrew sharing his story, this line alone is a hard reality that speaks for people wanting to be accepted by hiding eccentricities.
2“When You Grow Up, Your Heart Dies.” – Allison Reynolds
Arguably, this is the most memorable line from The Breakfast Club that has been largely associated to John Hughes as a whole. In the context of the film, Allison shared this after Bender and Claire argued, and Andrew reacted with anxiety that their behavior might mirror their folks. Allison saw this with empathy and expressed her own feelings to the club.
The line may speak of the doomed reality of growing up but it reaches an urgency to seize every moment of the present with love and compassion. And for that to be uttered by a reclusive basket case makes it hit home harder than expected.
1“Dear Mr. Vernon, We Accept The Fact That We Had To Sacrifice A Whole Saturday In Detention For Whatever It Was We Did Wrong. But We Think You’re Crazy To Make Us Write An Essay Telling You Who We Think We Are…” – Brian Johnson
While the “your heart dies” is the most famous line of the movie, the closing narration of Brian reading the essay is the heaviest line that spoke a lot. Not only does it aim at Principal Vernon for his apathy towards the teens, it addresses how his harshness towards them are by their face value, not their true colors.
Yet, they landed a heavy drop when they answer “describing to him who they think they are” by stating each one of them as “a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal.” What an iconic bookend scene for a legendary movie.
