"Not every gift is a blessing."
The Sixth Sense - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I see dead people.
— Cole Sear
Context:
Spoken in a hushed, trembling whisper in the safety of his hospital room, Cole finally confides in Malcolm, trusting him with the secret that has been tormenting him. The camera famously focuses on Malcolm's stunned reaction, a shot the producer initially feared would give away the twist.
Meaning:
This is the film's most iconic line and the central reveal of Cole's secret to Malcolm. It encapsulates the film's premise and became a massive cultural catchphrase. The line's power lies in its simple, childlike delivery of a terrifyingly profound truth, instantly shifting the film from a psychological drama to a supernatural thriller.
They don't know they're dead. ... They only see what they want to see.
— Cole Sear
Context:
Cole explains the nature of the ghosts to Malcolm during one of their therapy sessions. He is describing his experiences and trying to make Malcolm understand the reality he lives with. The line is delivered matter-of-factly, adding to its chilling authenticity.
Meaning:
This line provides the crucial 'rules' of the film's supernatural world and is the most significant piece of foreshadowing for the final twist. It explains why the ghosts are trapped and, more importantly, provides the logic for why Malcolm is unaware of his own condition. He is unable to see the truth because he is subconsciously choosing not to.
You were never second, ever. I love you.
— Dr. Malcolm Crowe
Context:
After realizing he is dead, Malcolm sits by a sleeping Anna. Cole had advised him to speak to her while she's asleep so she can hear him without knowing it. He whispers this heartfelt confession, freeing himself and her from the unresolved pain that lingered between them.
Meaning:
This is Malcolm's final, cathartic message to his wife, Anna. It resolves his personal guilt and the central conflict in their perceived relationship. He addresses her fear that he always put his work before her, providing closure for both of them and allowing him to finally move on.
Do I make her proud?
— Lynn Sear
Context:
In the car, after Cole has told her his secret, he proves it by relaying a message from his grandmother. He tells Lynn that her mother saw her at a dance recital and that the answer to a question she once asked at the gravesite is "Every day." Lynn tearfully asks, "What did you ask?" before remembering and asking the question aloud, confirming the truth of Cole's ability and providing a deeply emotional reconciliation.
Meaning:
This question reveals the deep-seated insecurity Lynn feels as a single mother and her longing for her own deceased mother's approval. It's a powerfully humanizing moment that adds emotional depth to her character.