"It came from outer space!"
The Iron Giant - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
You are who you choose to be.
— Hogarth Hughes
Context:
Hogarth says this to the Giant during the climactic confrontation with the army. The Giant's defensive systems have taken over, and he is acting like the weapon he was built to be. Hogarth's words reach him, reminding him of their friendship and the lessons he's learned, allowing him to regain control and choose his own path.
Meaning:
This is the thematic core of the entire film. It's a powerful statement about identity, free will, and the ability to transcend one's origins or programming. It asserts that our choices, not our nature or the expectations of others, define who we truly are.
Souls don't die.
— The Iron Giant
Context:
After witnessing hunters kill a deer, a distraught Giant is comforted by Hogarth. Hogarth explains that because the Giant has feelings and can think, he has a soul, and "souls don't die." The Giant later repeats this phrase while looking at the stars, showing he has internalized this profound idea.
Meaning:
This line signifies the Giant's understanding of life, death, and something greater than mere physical existence. It reflects his developing consciousness and his grasp of a concept that separates him from being a simple machine. It provides the moral and philosophical foundation for his eventual self-sacrifice.
Superman.
— The Iron Giant
Context:
As the Giant flies into the path of the nuclear missile to save Rockwell, he smiles peacefully and utters this word just before impact. It is his last word, a poignant and powerful confirmation of his choice to sacrifice himself for humanity.
Meaning:
This single word is the culmination of the Giant's entire character arc. It is his final acknowledgment of the heroic ideal he has chosen to embody. It's a declaration that he is no longer a weapon, but a savior, consciously fulfilling the role model Hogarth showed him.
You stay. I go. No following.
— The Iron Giant
Context:
Earlier in the film, Hogarth tells the Giant, "You stay. I go. No following" when he has to leave him. In the climax, the Giant tenderly repeats these exact words back to a devastated Hogarth before flying off to intercept the missile, showing he understands the finality of his decision and wants to protect Hogarth from it.
Meaning:
This quote demonstrates the Giant's growth and his deep love for Hogarth. He is repeating words Hogarth once said to him, but now imbued with the gravity of his own self-sacrifice. It is a moment of role reversal, where the 'child' has become the protector, making a difficult, adult decision to save his friend.