While it doesn’t seem right to count the Guardians of the Galaxy out quite yet, the third film was certainly the finale of director James Gunn’s time with the characters. Not to mention a few of the stars, such as Dave Bautista. Perhaps anew team could replace themfor the fans' required quota of galactic team-up adventures. Or, just as likely, there will be a continuation not directed by Gunn but featuring the team he set up during the third film’s final scene.
All three of Gunn’sGuardians of the Galaxymovies feel extra special. It’s certainly one of the MCU’s most well-constructed trilogies. But just as there are compelling action sequences that make them so popular, there’s also snappy dialogue and sublime chemistry among the cast members.
These are the 20 best lines from every movie featuring the Guardians. This means that not only was material from Gunn’s trilogy subject to inclusion, butAvengers: Infinity War,Avengers: Endgame,Thor: Love and Thunder, and, even though it’s not quite feature-length,The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
20"We are Groot." — Groot, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy
It’s amazing to think that, before 2014,James Gunn had really only done micro-budgetedfilms. What a changeGuardians of the Galaxywas. A risky, risky change. But there was no better artist to helm the ship, just as there was no better artist to write it.
What Makes It Endearingly Groot?
‘I amGroot’ isn’t an original Gunn line, but ‘We are Groot’ is. And that one minor alteration to the line speaks to where the heart of Gunn’s film is. Had he not focused on the characters as much as he did, there’s a better-than-good chanceGuardians of the Galaxywould have been an MCU one-off.
This is the line thatreallyintroduced the audience toDrax, and became an instant, and often-quoted, classic. The character had already shown off his brute strength and revealed his issue with Thanos, but with this quote he reveals he’s also extremely literal, and fully unable to understand metaphors.
What Makes It Hilariously Drax?
Drax’s issues with metaphors would be explored throughout his time in the MCU. And, fortunately, it never got old. But it arguably peaked here, especially given the irony that he’s talking specifically about how nothing goes over his head, thereby missing what’s going right over his head.
18"Well now I’m standing. Happy? We’re all standing now. Bunch of jackasses, standing in a circle." — Rocket, Guardians of the Galaxy
The firstGuardians of the Galaxycaptured the audiences' hearts over its first weekend in a big way. Come Monday, people of all demographics were talking about Groot, Quill, Gamora, Drax, andRocket Raccoon. After all, each character getsseveralmoments to truly shine in Gunn’s initial chapter.
What Makes It Perfectly Snarky Rocket?
In the case of Rocket, it was important for viewers to see a bit of a devil-may-care attitude mixed with an often-hidden love for those close to him, particularly Groot. The first film succeeds on both counts, and this line from Rocket highlights that, which has Rocket mock their symbolic gesture to stand together, united.
17"I’m Mary Poppins, y’all!" — Yondu, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Set to the sonic backdrop of Awesome Mix 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the adventures of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics reappear.
One of the more iconic lines ofthe entire MCU Infinity Saga, this pop culture reference inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2hits home. It’s not just a reference to another Disney property, it’s a testament to the change in a character. Specifically, Peter Quill’s surrogate father/professional thiefYondu Udonta.
What Makes It Yondu’s Best Line?
When Yondu shouts it out, slowly descending with an umbrella in one hand and Quill in the other, some understand the reference and others don’t. But, they all smile and understand that, whatever it means, this is Yondu’s moment.
He may not have always been completely on the Guardians' side at all times… but he had their backs from a distance more often than not. It’s a knowingly silly line, but Yondu’s sincere and deserved pride in having done well by Quill in the end makes it the movie’s most endearing.
16"He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn’t your daddy." — Yondu, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Ego the Living Planet may be anMCU villain who should return, but he sure as heck isn’t a good father. IsYondu? Well, to a degree. He may not have been a perpetually positive influence, but there’s no doubt Yonducaredfor Peter Quill.
What Makes It Touchingly Yondu?
Yondu is a softy. Is his exterior as cold and hardened as it is blue? It sure is. Will he go out of his way to protect Quill and his guardian pals? He sure will. That’s a father, and while Yondu didn’thaveto vocalize his difference from Ego to Peter for the latter to understand, it was something worth saying.
15"There are two types of beings in the universe: those who dance, and those who do not." — Drax, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
What’s a sequel without a good callback? For instance, thisDraxline fromGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. What is he referencing? The climax of the first film, of course.
RELATED:Marvel Had To Do Last Minute Trade With Fox to Feature Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
What Makes It a Great Callback?
The dance-off scene in the first film was extra special because it helped diversify what’s otherwise an MCU standard finale: AKA a space battle and/or a big object falling to Earth. Plus, it’s funny, and makes a solid point simultaneously.
14"I’m sorry. I took it too far. I meant trash panda." — Peter Quill, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Rocket’s behavior throughout the first half ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2really earns him this insult fromPeter Quill. Not to mention, ‘trash panda’ is oddly brilliant. And, it’s a punchline whose punch is pepped up by the recipient’s utter lack of awareness that it’s a much worse insult than the one that got him all riled up to begin with (calling him a racoon).
What Makes It Humorously Peter?
It’s not the nicest joke in the world, but Rocket has said worse. So, when Peter says this line to Rocket, it feels fairly deserved. And, again, ‘trash panda’ is great, and feels perfectly in-character for Quill.
13"Awesome! We’re really gonna be able to jack up our prices if we’re two-time galaxy savers." — Rocket, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Rocketmay seem like a greedy little jerk, but he’s so much more. This holds true even if he doesn’t see it for himself… or in himself. But, of course, there issomegreed in there, like towards the beginning ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
What Makes It Greedily Rocket?
Rocket’s line shows no pride in having been a one-time galaxy saver. It’s all about how much they can elevate their price for altruism. Which, of course, defies the point of altruism.
12"I have famously huge turds." — Drax, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
What? No one said this listjusthad to have poignant quotes from the Guardians. Sometimes, to lessen the tension, the audience needs a solid poop joke.
The fact thatDraxis building off others' turd-focused discussion is what makes this extra great. Rocket threatens to put one in Quill’s bed, but he’s not referring to his own turds, he’s referring to Drax’s. Even if Drax had said nothing, his belly laugh would have yielded the same result in the audience.
11"When you’re ugly, and someone loves you, you know they love you for who you are… beautiful people never know who to trust." — Drax, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
This is the sweetest line from the trilogy. And, unsurprisingly, it comes fromDrax. And, also unsurprisingly, it comes right after Drax says something crass.
What Makes It Beautifully Drax?
Basically, Drax calls Mantis ugly, which naturally hurts her feelings. But, then he qualifies his words. And, in doing so, Drax reveals a depth that would be confirmed come the conclusion ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
