HBO andDavid Chase’s iconic show,The Sopranos, inevitably changed the landscape of television forever, and even 25 years later, the show is still considered to be one of the best television dramas of all time. The modern gangster series starsJames Gandolfiniin his breakthrough role as the notorious New Jersey boss,Tony Soprano, who tries to find a healthy balance between his unconventional choice of work and his personal life as a family man.The Sopranosalso features an all-star supporting cast includingEdie Falco,Michael Imperioli,andGoodfellas' star,Lorraine Bracco.
Aside from the carefully crafted characters and various unforgettable performances by a brilliant cast,The Sopranosis also praised for its phenomenal writing and dialogue that lives rent-free in most Soprano fans' heads. Of course, there are obvious top-notch quotes, including “Those who want respect, give respect,” and “Whatever happened to Gary Cooper?,” but lines from episodes like “The Happy Wanderer” and “He Is Risen,” feature some ofThe Sopranos' most iconic quotes.
The Sopranos
18"You are your own worst enemy."
Annalisa Zucca (Season 2, Episode 4)
In season 2, episode 4, ‘Commendatori,’ Tony, Christopher (Michael Imperioli), and Paulie (Tony Sirico) go over to Italy to meet with some friends of theirs about a car smuggling deal. When they sit down to meet with Don Vittorio (Vittorio Duse), they’re surprised by his lack of mental health and even more shocked to learn that his daughter, Annalisa Zucca (Sofia Milos), is the acting boss.
In one particular scene, Tony and Annalisa are meeting to discuss business and when Annalisa mentions she is good at reading people, she informs Tony that he is own worst enemy. Not only is this quote incredibly accurate about Tony, but it plays a vital role throughout the series, asTony’s biggest conflicts in the show are almost always a result of his behavior and choices.
17"You ever feel like nothin' good is ever going to happen to you?"
Christopher Moltisanti (Season1, Episode 8)
When rumors of federal indictments are about to go down, the guys scurry to get rid of any incriminating evidence and tie up any loose ends. As the media reports on various targets, Christopher is depressed that he isn’t mentioned or that the guys think he has nothing to worry about. Most people would be grateful not to be on the FBI’s radar, but Christopher has always envisioned this thing to be like a gangster movie and as he starts to feel like he isn’t being taken seriously, he starts to spiral into a deep depression.
Chrissy has always had an unrealistic idea of this thing and feels as though his life in the mob should be like something out of a gangster movie. In season 1, episode 8, ‘The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti,’ this concept is brought front and center in the episode as Chrissy struggles with not getting the notoriety he feels he deserves. Paulie finally confronts him about what’s been going on andChrissy’s iconic response sums up his whole perspective on life, feeling as though unless something happens to him then his life has no meaning.
16"Someday soon, you’re going to have families of your own, and if you’re lucky, you’ll remember the little moments like this that were good."
Tony Sopranos (Season 1, Episode 13)
At the end of season 1, episode 13, ‘I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano,’ Tony and his family get caught in a sevre thunderstorm and seek shelter and dinner at Visuvio’s. Before they dig into their meal, Tony proposes a toast which features not only one of the show’s most iconic quotes but also one that comes full circle in the final episode, ‘Made in America.’
In the beginning, Tony’s toast speaks about his value of family and how he hopes his family will look back on their lives and remember the good times before the bad. At the end of the final episode in season 6, AJ (Robert Iler) mentions this to Tony, who has a hard time remembering his touching toast.This is a profound moment that demonstrates how far Tony has fallen by the end of the showand how life as the boss has ultimately led him down a dark path that has caused him to lose sight of the importance of family.
15"Timeline got f**ked up."
Silvio Dante (Season 4, Episode 2)
In Season 4, episode 2, ‘No-Show,’ Christopher is made acting capo while Paulie is in the can, but this decision doesn’t sit right with some of the guys, since Tony passed over Patsy Parisi (Dan Grimaldi), who has had his button longer than Chrissy. As Chrissy gloats about his new temporary position, Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt) decides to send a message to Tony about giving his nephew special treatment and gives Patsy the go-ahead to steal from Chrissy’s construction site.
Silvio is a calm and collected individual who isn’t one to cause a problem or rock the boat, but when Tony approaches him about potentially disobeying his orders,he gives one of the best lines in the series while still making his point. Tony and Sil go way back and Tony knows Sil would never go against him unless there was an underlying reason and, despite Silvio claiming it was an honest miscommunication, Tony ultimately understands.
14"Who’s speaking here? Is somebody speaking?"
Uncle Junior (Season 2, Episode 12)
When Richie Aprile (David Proval) visits Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) with his nephew, Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone), they discuss his recent meeting with Tony which didn’t go as he had hoped. In an effort to insert himself into the conversation, Jackie Jr. voices his support for his uncle but, unfortunately for Jackie, he’s immediately put back in his place by Junior, who makes it clear as day that their conversation doesn’t concern him.
Uncle Junior is the master of quick quips and witty one-liners and in Season 2, episode 12, “The Knight in White Satin Armor,” he hilariously reminds Jackie that he isn’t one of them with one of the series' top-tier quotes. The character has the tendency to give classic old-school, creative responses andthis one is not only one of his best, but it has also become a major fan favorite in the character’s longlist of Junior’s memorable quotes.
13"Whattaya hear? Whattaya say?"
Paulie Walnuts (Season 4, Episode 7)
When Paulie is released from jail, he arrives at the Bing and finds that the guys have arranged a welcome home party for their friend. Known for his eccentric qualities and cheeky comments, Paulie greets his friends with a comedic line that has since become an unofficial catchphrase for the character and accurately sums up Paulie’s quirky, unique sense of humor. While some might immediately think of Paulie when they hear this line, it actually is also a homage to one of Sirico’s idols,James Cagney.
Paulie’s quote is fromthe classic gangster film,Angels with Dirty Faces, and is spoken by Cagney, who Sirico said was one of his favorite film stars. Fans can see a bit of Cagney in Paulie’s mannerisms, facial expressions, and dialogue, and the quote in Season 4, episode, “Watching Too Much Television,” is not onlyone of the series' all-time best quotes, but also a fitting tribute to Sirico’s hero.
Tony Soprano (Season 1, Episode 1)
During one of his sessions with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), Tony paints himself in an interesting light as one who has to hide his emotions and put on a happy face for the world. His tone and body language creates a sense of empathy, but, in reality, Tony isn’t the victim he portrays himself to be, which Melfi soon catches on to as being an inaccurate portrait as they continue their sessions.
Tony’s quote in the pilot episode is one Melfi comes back to later down the road and actually confronts Tony about it. The quote perfectly sums up Tony’s distorted and self-centered image he has of himself that is quite different from how others view him.It might not be a deep, wise quote, but it is an iconic one that exposes Tony as the master manipulatorthat he genuinely is to those around him.
11"Go s**t in your hat!"
Uncle Junior (Season 5, Episode 3)
As Junior’s mind continues to deteriorate, he manages to slip out of his house and drives to Newark in search of his brother, Johnny Boy, who died several years ago. When Bobby (Steve Schirripa) discovers Junior has wandered off, he has Janice (Aida Turturro) stay at his house if he comes back while he goes out and tries to find him. Soon, Junior is picked up by the police who, at first, aren’t convinced of who he says he is, but when they take him home, they verify his identity.
Season 5, episode 3, “Where’s Johnny?” definitely surrounds a serious situation regarding Junior, who appears to be developingdementia in the TV series. The one positive aspect of this episode is that even though Junior’s mind is fading, his quick wit remains intact as he scoffs at the police officers with one of the show’s signature quotes, revealing a bit of the old Junior fans know and love.While it’s sad to see Junior in such a confused state, it is a comfort to know that he still has his sharp sense of humor, proving that a part of him is still there, even if it is only for a brief moment.
10"Genetic predispositions are only that: predispositions."
Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Season 1, Episode 7)
During one of Tony’s therapy sessions withthe iconic fictional Dr. Melfi, he finally starts to open up about his childhood, specifically when he learns what his father, Johnny Boy, did to make a living. As Tony recalls witnessing his father and uncle being arrested, he tries to convince Melfi that when it came to the so-called family business, he didn’t have a choice and had to follow in his father’s footsteps. While Melfi can understand why Tony may believe that, she reminds him that everyone has a choice in life.
In Season 1, episode 7, “Down Neck,” Melfi tries to help Tony understand that he didn’t have to go down the same path as his father, which is a recurring theme throughout the series. The quote ranks as one of the most iconic becauseit addresses the core of one of Tony’s biggest internal conflicts and begs the question; what kind of life he would have had if he had chosen a different line of work?Deep down, Tony knows Melfi is right about how “it’s not a destiny written in stone” and that “people have choices,” but admitting that would force him to face the reality of his actions and life choices that most people could never live with.
9"More is lost by indecision than wrong decision."
Carmela Soprano (Season 4, Episode 13)
When Tony plans to buy a house by the Jersey shore, Carmela (Edie Falco) isn’t immediately sold on the idea, but the more she ponders, the more she begins to come around about the possibility. She advises Tony to make the final decision soon, but unfortunately, her happiness is shattered after Tony’s ex-girlfriend, Irina (Oksana Lada), drunk dials her and shares some devastating news, which causes a fed-up Carmela to finally leave her husband.
Unsurprisingly, from one of thebest female characters inThe Sopranos, Carmela’s right about not waiting too long to make a decision. At the end of Season 4, episode 13, “Whitecaps,” she takes her own advice without hesitation after learning about Tony and Irina’s cousin, Svetlana (Alla Kliouka), hooking up.The quote earns a spot on this list because it also foreshadows the problem in the next season involving Tony’s cousin, Tony B. (Steve Buscemi) and Phil Leotardo (Frank Vincent). In Season 5, Carmela’s advice comes back to haunt Tony as his inability to make a choice in dealing with his cousin’s actions results in senseless bloodshed and puts both himself and his crew in serious danger.
