Forrest Gump Quotes

Forrest Gump Overview

A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.

  • A mother advises her child to make the most of their abilities, suggesting they must determine their own path in life.

A mother advises her child to make the most of their abilities, suggesting they must determine their own path in life.

  • A mother reflects on death as a natural part of life, expressing a wish it weren’t so. She finds comfort in knowing her son is thriving despite losing someone close.

A mother reflects on death as a natural part of life, expressing a wish it weren't so. She finds comfort in knowing her son is thriving despite losing someone close.

  • A person sadly recalls the death of a loved one, their acceptance of it being part of life, and the care they now provide for their child. Despite the loss, they find solace in taking care of the child and carrying on with daily routines.

A person sadly recalls the death of a loved one, their acceptance of it being part of life, and the care they now provide for their child. Despite the loss, they find solace in taking care of the child and carrying on with daily routines.

  • A mother gives her son magic shoes to take him anywhere. He is instructed to open his eyes and take a walk with someone named Forrest.

A mother gives her son magic shoes to take him anywhere. He is instructed to open his eyes and take a walk with someone named Forrest.

  • A man asks Gump if he has found Jesus, but Gump replies that he didn’t know he was supposed to be looking for him. The man laughs and mentions how others at the VA constantly talk about Jesus, indicating the prevalence of faith discussions among them.

A man asks Gump if he has found Jesus, but Gump replies that he didn't know he was supposed to be looking for him. The man laughs and mentions how others at the VA constantly talk about Jesus, indicating the prevalence of faith discussions among them.

  • A character implies actions define intelligence. Another character compares her words to afterthoughts, sharing her past as a ping-pong team member in China.

A character implies actions define intelligence. Another character compares her words to afterthoughts, sharing her past as a ping-pong team member in China.

  • A character expresses emotional vulnerability, acknowledging that there are times when no amount of physical or emotional barriers can shield one from pain. Despite uncertainty surrounding a person’s return, a deep sense of comfort and familiarity is felt as a cherished relationship is rekindled.

A character expresses emotional vulnerability, acknowledging that there are times when no amount of physical or emotional barriers can shield one from pain. Despite uncertainty surrounding a person's return, a deep sense of comfort and familiarity is felt as a cherished relationship is rekindled.

  • Benjamin Buford Blue introduces himself as Bubba, telling Forrest Gump about his family’s shrimp-cooking heritage from Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Forrest reveals his own name and Bubba details their generational shrimp-crafting knowledge.

Benjamin Buford Blue introduces himself as Bubba, telling Forrest Gump about his family’s shrimp-cooking heritage from Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Forrest reveals his own name and Bubba details their generational shrimp-crafting knowledge.

  • A man named Forrest Gump introduces himself to a stranger and offers them chocolates while reflecting that his mother likened life to a box of chocolates, implying uncertainty in what one may get.

A man named Forrest Gump introduces himself to a stranger and offers them chocolates while reflecting that his mother likened life to a box of chocolates, implying uncertainty in what one may get.

  • Jenny tells Forrest he is a father to their son, also named Forrest. She reassures him that he did nothing wrong and there is nothing he needs to do.

Jenny tells Forrest he is a father to their son, also named Forrest. She reassures him that he did nothing wrong and there is nothing he needs to do.

  • Two characters talk about girls, leading to an awkward moment where one apologizes for the question. The other character reassures them that it’s okay.

Two characters talk about girls, leading to an awkward moment where one apologizes for the question. The other character reassures them that it's okay.

  • Two characters reminisce about their past activities, such as going on long walks to find someone named Charlie. The tone shifts as one character recalls moments that were not always enjoyable during these adventures.

Two characters reminisce about their past activities, such as going on long walks to find someone named Charlie. The tone shifts as one character recalls moments that were not always enjoyable during these adventures.

  • To move forward, you must let go of the past. The character feels that running allowed him to do just that. He ran for over three years, symbolizing his journey towards leaving his past behind.

To move forward, you must let go of the past. The character feels that running allowed him to do just that. He ran for over three years, symbolizing his journey towards leaving his past behind.

  • A man is told he doesn’t need to worry about money anymore by a friend who had invested in a fruit company. The man’s mother believes there is only so much fortune a person truly needs, with the rest being for show.

A man is told he doesn't need to worry about money anymore by a friend who had invested in a fruit company. The man's mother believes there is only so much fortune a person truly needs, with the rest being for show.

  • Two characters briefly discuss life’s unpredictable nature and a man who supposedly came up with a bumper sticker slogan.

Two characters briefly discuss life's unpredictable nature and a man who supposedly came up with a bumper sticker slogan.

  • A young man named Forrest Gump meets Dorothy on the bus to school. He tries to sit next to her but she refuses, claiming the seat is taken. Despite her initial reluctance, they strike up a conversation, and Forrest reflects on his childhood memories.

A young man named Forrest Gump meets Dorothy on the bus to school. He tries to sit next to her but she refuses, claiming the seat is taken. Despite her initial reluctance, they strike up a conversation, and Forrest reflects on his childhood memories.

  • A mother’s simple explanations comforted the speaker. The speaker will miss the mother, who passed away on a Tuesday from cancer.

A mother's simple explanations comforted the speaker. The speaker will miss the mother, who passed away on a Tuesday from cancer.

  • A conversation between a son and his mother reveals a message about the uncertainty of life. The mother encourages him to determine his own destiny, using a metaphor of life being like a box of chocolates - full of surprises and unknown outcomes.

A conversation between a son and his mother reveals a message about the uncertainty of life. The mother encourages him to determine his own destiny, using a metaphor of life being like a box of chocolates - full of surprises and unknown outcomes.

  • In a hushed conversation, Forrest and a friend discuss dreams and their future. Forrest questions the idea of becoming someone else to be famous, but his friend reassures him that he will always be himself, no matter where life leads them.

In a hushed conversation, Forrest and a friend discuss dreams and their future. Forrest questions the idea of becoming someone else to be famous, but his friend reassures him that he will always be himself, no matter where life leads them.

  • A person tells Forrest to run. Forrest responds by saying he can run fast.

A person tells Forrest to run. Forrest responds by saying he can run fast.

  • A dad dropping his son off at the bus stop reassures him of his love, while the son reciprocates. The dad leaves with a promise to be there when his son returns. The son acknowledges the reality of heading to school as the dad gets ready to leave.

A dad dropping his son off at the bus stop reassures him of his love, while the son reciprocates. The dad leaves with a promise to be there when his son returns. The son acknowledges the reality of heading to school as the dad gets ready to leave.

  • A woman expresses her love for Forrest who cherishes her, but she leaves suddenly. Meanwhile, Neil Armstrong’s historic words are heard on TV, marking a significant moment in history.

A woman expresses her love for Forrest who cherishes her, but she leaves suddenly. Meanwhile, Neil Armstrong's historic words are heard on TV, marking a significant moment in history.

  • A character questions the concept of ‘normal,’ acknowledging Forrest’s slow nature but expressing faith in his potential for success.

A character questions the concept of 'normal,' acknowledging Forrest's slow nature but expressing faith in his potential for success.

  • During continuous rain for months, the characters experience various kinds of rain. Despite the rainfall, they find comfort in each other’s company, leaning on one another for support and camaraderie.

During continuous rain for months, the characters experience various kinds of rain. Despite the rainfall, they find comfort in each other's company, leaning on one another for support and camaraderie.

  • Jenny and Forrest had a close bond, like peas and carrots. She encouraged Forrest to climb, believing in his abilities.

Jenny and Forrest had a close bond, like peas and carrots. She encouraged Forrest to climb, believing in his abilities.

  • A character named Jenny advises someone to not be brave in times of trouble, and instead run away. She promises to write to the person after saying goodbye abruptly.

A character named Jenny advises someone to not be brave in times of trouble, and instead run away. She promises to write to the person after saying goodbye abruptly.

  • One character admires another’s comfortable shoes and expresses a desire for a similar pair. Recalling Mama’s belief in the significance of shoes, the character reflects on the memories associated with different pairs, especially their first magic shoes that could take them anywhere.

One character admires another's comfortable shoes and expresses a desire for a similar pair. Recalling Mama's belief in the significance of shoes, the character reflects on the memories associated with different pairs, especially their first magic shoes that could take them anywhere.

  • The main character reflects on his best friend Bubba, who was killed in Vietnam. Bubba’s dream of becoming a shrimp boat captain was cut short by his untimely death. The protagonist expresses his deep sadness and acknowledges the loss of a valuable friendship in that tragic event.

The main character reflects on his best friend Bubba, who was killed in Vietnam. Bubba's dream of becoming a shrimp boat captain was cut short by his untimely death. The protagonist expresses his deep sadness and acknowledges the loss of a valuable friendship in that tragic event.

  • Two characters, Forrest and Bubba, share a poignant conversation. Forrest wishes he had said something profound during their last talk. Bubba asks why he got shot, showing concern. Their interaction is brief yet impactful, touching on themes of regret and tragedy.

Two characters, Forrest and Bubba, share a poignant conversation. Forrest wishes he had said something profound during their last talk. Bubba asks why he got shot, showing concern. Their interaction is brief yet impactful, touching on themes of regret and tragedy.

  • A mother’s belief in God’s mystery brings comfort. Jenny doesn’t turn into a bird, but instead finds refuge with her grandma on Creekmore Avenue. Forrest is happy to have her close, and Jenny sometimes sneaks out to visit him at night.

A mother's belief in God's mystery brings comfort. Jenny doesn't turn into a bird, but instead finds refuge with her grandma on Creekmore Avenue. Forrest is happy to have her close, and Jenny sometimes sneaks out to visit him at night.

  • A man heeds his mother’s wisdom on fortune, sharing generously with church and hospital. Despite doubts from others, he honors his late friend by bestowing his share on the friend’s mother.

A man heeds his mother's wisdom on fortune, sharing generously with church and hospital. Despite doubts from others, he honors his late friend by bestowing his share on the friend's mother.