The World, Chico, And Everything In It.

Summary

• Scarface
  is a violent and twisted take on the American dream, filled with unforgettable quotes that define the movie’s lasting legacy.
• Tony Montana is a terrifying yet fascinating character, and his journey to power is incredibly entertaining.
• The best Scarface quotes showcase Tony’s ambition, ruthlessness, and twisted sense of humor, solidifying his status as one of the greatest movie gangsters.

The best Scarface quotes are a key reason Tony Montana has gone down in history as one of the greatest movie gangsters of all time. Al Pacino created one of the most iconic movie characters of all time with the Cuban immigrant turned drug lord Tony Montana. He is a terrifying, brutal, and unpredictable force of nature, however, he is also fascinating as his journey to become a man of power is incredibly entertaining, and filled with unforgettable Scarface quotes.

Scarface is a warped and violent take on the American dream and so much of the dialogue reflects Tony’s twisted ambition that leads a path of violence in his wake. These impactful Scarface quotes help to define the lasting legacy of Brian De Palma’s 1983 masterpiece and showcase why Tony Montana was a career-defining role for Al Pacino. Scarface is a movie that still packs a punch after 40 years, the Brian De Palma movie has remained prominent in pop culture throughout the decades thanks to the many memorable quotes.

Scarface is available to stream on Netflix.

25 “I Didn’t Come To The United States To Break My F***ing Back.”

Tony Montana

As intense and violent as Scarface is at various times, it is also a funny movie with Tony as such an outlandish character that it is hard not to laugh at some of his antics. Even within this ambitious search for the distorted American dream, Tony is unintentionally funny — as this hilarious and refreshingly honest Scarface quote shows.

Tony is upset that his path to fortune and a life of luxury is taking more work than he envisioned and that he feels his American dream should require less effort.

Tony Montana is an intriguing character as far as movie gangsters go, as he is found at the start of Scarface as a Cuban refugee, building his criminal empire in Miami with little-to-no ties to the US. After getting his green card and starting his new life (a gift given by Miami gangster Frank Lopez in exchange for Tony murdering one of Castro’s former henchmen), Tony is upset that his path to fortune and a life of luxury is taking more work than he envisioned and that he feels his American dream should require less effort.

24 “You Want A Job, Ernie?”

Tony Montana

Mercy is not an attribute that many people would associate with Tony Montana, but even he can be in a charitable mood at times. After confronting his former boss Frank and the corrupt cop Bernstein, Tony executes them both in cold blood. It would seem likely that his massacre would extend to the men who worked for Frank, such as Arnaldo Santana’s Scarface character Ernie.

However, when Tony steps up to the terrified henchman Ernie, he offers him a job which Ernie gratefully accepts — as if he really had a choice. It seems that, despite his violent nature, Tony recognizes both innocence and potential in the employees of his enemies when he sees it. Tony knows that Ernie’s ties to Frank was simply a job, and that he’d be much more useful working for him than he would dead.

23 “I Only Tell You Once. Don’t F*** Me, Tony. Don’t You Ever Try To F*** Me.”

Alejandro Sosa

Part of the thrill of watching Scarface is seeing Tony continue to climb to new levels of success in the seedy underworld that is the Miami narcotics trade. As vile and violent as Tony Montana can be in the movie, it is hard not to root for him a little. However, when he meets Sosa, it seems that Tony has come across someone who may be too powerful for him.

Sosa isn’t one to mince his words, and his incredibly blunt warning for Tony remains one of the best
Scarface
quotes.

Sosa is one of the most intelligent characters in Scarface, and he takes Tony under his wing in some way. However, his warning to Tony hints that he is not someone who can be crossed lightly and sets up the inevitable end for Tony Montana. Sosa isn’t one to mince his words, and his incredibly blunt warning for Tony remains one of the best Scarface quotes.

22 “I Kill A Communist For Fun, But For A Green Card, I Gonna Carve Him Up Real Nice.”

Tony Montana

Unlike some crime stories that follow the gradual corruption of the main character, Tony Montana was fairly ruthless right from the beginning of Scarface. That penchant for violence and his willingness to do just about anything opens up some enticing opportunities when he is stuck in a refugee encampment.

When Tony is offered the deal to assassinate a communist officer living in the encampment, Tony admits that he would have done the deed for free but the fact that it will get him one step further to his new life in America means that he will really relish the job. This quote is another moment that stems from the rather unique premise of Scarface, as his journey from Cuban refugee to Miami drug lord adds an element that isn’t present in many other gangster movies.

21 “All I Have In This World Is My Balls And My Word, And I Don’t Break ‘Em For No One!”

Tony Montana

This is another Scarface quote that shows both the typical bluntness of Tony Montana, and is also quite funny due to his unique way with words. After Sosa exposes Tony’s accomplice, Omar, as a police informant and hangs him from a helicopter, he turns his interrogation on Tony to find out if he can be trusted or if he will have to meet a similar fate.

It’s enough to convince Sosa — who is equally blunt and so clearly appreciates the fact that Tony is a straight-talker — that Tony Montana is a man of his word

Tony immediately responds with this quote before challenging Sosa to work with him or make a move against him. It’s enough to convince Sosa — who is equally blunt and so clearly appreciates the fact that Tony is a straight-talker — that Tony Montana is a man of his word, even if his feelings towards Tony’s boss are less than desirable. Tony presents himself as a man of principles as odd as it may seem given his many other flaws.

20 “You Still Gonna Show Up Here And Throw Some Money Around And You Think You Can Get My Respect?”

Georgina Montana

The relationship between Tony Montana and his mother is one of the most fascinating and underrated aspects of the movie, and it led to one of the best Scarface quotes not from Tony himself. Georgina ‘Mama’ Montana (played by Miriam Colón) doesn’t have much screen time, but she’s pivotal to Tony Montana’s character.

Instead of the cliché of the character growing up in an unloving home which turns him to his life of crime, or comeing from a family like the Corleone’s in the Godfather trilogy, Tony’s mother seems to reject him because he is a criminal. When he comes around with his money and offers to let her in on some of his wealth, she shuts him down and shows she is unimpressed with what he achieved. In truth, she is perhaps the one character Tony has no power over at any time.

19 “Every Dog Has His Day.”

Tony Montana

This is another incredibly memorable Scarface quote that stands as common wisdom, even though it’s a repetition of a common idiom that originated in the Shakespeare play Hamlet. When Tony’s drug lord employer, Frank, gets tired of his newfound independence and ambition, he plans to have him killed to protect his empire. After a hit job that goes sour, Tony returns to confront both Frank and the crooked cop, Bernstein, who orchestrated the hit.

After the deed is done, Tony sits down and utters this quote to call an end to Frank’s era.

After making Frank beg for his life to the point where he’s kissing Tony’s shoes, he’s killed by Manny after briefly being given false hope for a second chance. After the deed is done, Tony sits down and utters this quote to call an end to an era. Seeing him rise to his new seat of power is both an exhilarating and chilling moment.

18 “Who Ever Said You Was One?”

Tony Montana

If there is one character in Scarface whose confidence and lack of fear rivals Tony’s own, it is Mel Bernstein (played by Harris Yulin). The corrupt Miami cop is entirely comfortable blackmailing criminals with a self-assured smile on his face. Even after Tony has Frank killed right in front of him, Bernstein doesn’t seem at all worried for his own life.

However, that confidence is taken away when Tony shoots him in the gut. Despite the corruption, Bernstein thinks his badge still protects him and tells Tony he can’t shoot a cop, but Tony assures Bernstein he doesn’t see him as a cop but rather some lower life form. It’s also a moment that shows the audience just how fearless Tony Montana truly is, since not many movie gangsters would so brazenly shoot a police officer knowing the immense trouble it could get them in.

17 “The World, Chico, And Everything In It.”

Tony Montana

This is one of the most memorable quotes in Scarface, which is unsurprising given as it’s directly about Tony Montana’s unquenchable greed and ambition, which is a central theme of the entire movie. When Tony begins taking his first steps into a much more dangerous world, his ambition and arrogance are amplified to the point where he begins seeing himself as unstoppable.

Clearly unsatisfied with what he already has, Tony explicitly says that he wants what’s coming to him

This is shown in a scene of Tony driving with Manny in the passenger seat, conversing about their newfound employer. Clearly unsatisfied with what he already has, Tony explicitly says that he wants what’s coming to him, prompting Manny to ask. Tony’s response is an indication of Tony’s untethered ambition and a hint that even when he is at the top, he will never be satisfied.

16 “You Need People Like Me So You Can Point Your F***in’ Fingers And Say, ‘That’s The Bad Guy!’”

Tony Montana

A drunk and angry Tony Montana flips out in the middle of dinner and causes his wife Elvira to storm out in rage. When the chaos dies down and the rest of the patrons sit there staring in disbelief at what just transpired, Tony turns and addresses them with a terrific monologue. This Scarface quote represents a moment of self-reflection for Tony that he twists in order to justify his criminal behavior.

Rather than take responsibility for his unwillingness to utilize the American dream positively, he chastises those who look down on him. This is one of the best Scarface quotes as it establishes Tony Montana as more than a straightforward gangster character and as something more interesting. It’s one of several moments in Scarface that demonstrates why it’s so popular since — for all its violence and adult content — it does have some cerebral depth to it too.

15 “Why Don’t You Try Sticking Your Head Up Your Ass. See If It Fits.”

Tony Montana

Part of the reason Tony always seems in control in any situation is that he doesn’t ever exhibit any fear. Even in Scarface‘s infamous chainsaw sequence, he is a cool and calm operator. The scene, while incredibly memorable for its violence, also contains one of the best and funniest Scarface quotes. Tony Montana knows how to make memorable threats, though sometimes his colorful and creative use of the English language can’t help but elicit a laugh from viewers, even when the context is murderous.

Tony still manages to throw this confrontational suggestion at his foes with the kind of confidence that would make it seem like he was the one wielding the chainsaw.

Tony is uneasy about the drug deal from the beginning and his reservations prove absolutely right with him quickly getting double-crossed and facing a horrific death. Yet Tony still manages to throw this confrontational suggestion at his foes with the kind of confidence that would make it seem like he was the one wielding the chainsaw.

14 “Every Day Above Ground Is A Good Day.”

Mel Bernstein

Though not a major role in the movie, Mel Bernstein is one of the most interesting characters in Scarface. He is not intimidated by Tony and seems to have a laid-back view of this dangerous world in which he finds himself. He also delivers one of the most interesting Scarface quotes, and it’s yet another line of dialogue that has a surprising amount of philosophical depth to it, considering the movie is about violence and crime.

This Scarface quote from Bernstein can be considered both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time. From one perspective, it’s great to think about life in such a positive way and value every day of life. However, from another, making survival the ultimate aim rather than actually living a healthy life might not be the best course of action.

13 “He’s The Best Lawyer In Miami. He’s Such A Good Lawyer That By Tomorrow Morning, You Gonna Be Working In Alaska.”

Tony Montana

The true story of “Scarface” is loosely the life of Al Capone. Just like with the infamous real-life gangster the authorities do not go after Tony Montana in the midst of a massive drug deal or for his countless murders, but rather, they go after his illegal money. This Scarface quotes is one that rings incredibly true to the real-life figure who inspired Tony Montana, as Capone was also notoriously brazen when it came to taunting those who enforce the law.

He begins calmly telling the arresting officers that putting the handcuffs on him is the biggest mistake they could make and the result will be a very unpleasurable career transition for them.

After walking into a sting operation for his money laundering and being arrested, Tony’s arrogance once again takes over, and he begins calmly telling the arresting officers that putting the handcuffs on him is the biggest mistake they could make and the result will be a very unpleasurable career transition for them.

12 “Okay, Here’s The Story. I Come From The Gutter. I Know That. I Got No Education, But That’s Okay.”

Tony Montana

If not for the brutality and corruption of his actions, Tony Montana’s story would be quite endearing and even one many people could find inspiration from. Not everyone is born into a good family or gets the right education and opportunities, but that doesn’t have to diminish their ambition. Unlike many other movie gangsters, Tony doesn’t begin Scarface with the resources or connections to set himself up for a rise to the top.

It is easy to forget that Tony’s story is a rags-to-riches tale, albeit within the context of a gangster story. He has ambition and determination that to overcome his humble beginnings, making it a movie where the underdog becomes the villain. However, despite the fact he becomes the antagonist in his own movie, the unique criminal career path of Tony Montana in Scarface makes it incredibly difficult for viewers not to root for him.

11 “Who Put This Thing Together? Me, That’s Who! Who Do I Trust? Me!”

Tony Montana

Director Brian De Palma crafts a stunning saga in Tony Montana’s story which begins as an engrossing rise to power and then becomes a destructive downward spiral. Part of the reason that Tony became such a success was because of his self-made drive and unwillingness to work for Frank. However, as his pride in the empire he has built grows, his arrogance leads him to not trust those around him.

This toxic combination of traits more-or-less guaranteed he’d meet a violent end.

Ironically, the most impressive thing about Tony — his ability to make his own path — ends up being the thing that fuels his destructive paranoia. This Scarface quote perfectly captures the toxic elements of his personality that led to his downfall. Tony is paranoid and untrusting. However, he also has an overinflated sense of confidence in his own abilities. This toxic combination of traits more-or-less guaranteed he’d meet a violent end.

10 “The Only Thing In This World That Gives Orders Is Balls.”

Tony Montana

Any time Tony makes reference to the male anatomy is particularly humorous. However, this Scarface quote is also one that’s as layered as it is funny, as Tony is making a rather astute observation about the importance of confidence. As vicious and bloodthirsty as Tony Montana can be, he is also a wonderfully goofy character at times. Some of the things he says are ridiculous and are made even funnier due to how serious he seems.

The candid and straight-faced delivery from Al Pacino is what makes Tony’s proclamation about balls one of the best Scarface quotes. Tony often talks about how he is his own man who cannot be controlled, manipulated, or overpowered by others. However, he also seems to admit that he has some of those very simple motivations that many men share.

9 “Don’t Get High On Your Own Supply.”

Elvira

In her breakout role among the Scarface cast, Michelle Pfeiffer starred as Elvira, Frank’s wife who is simultaneously intrigued and disgusted by Tony. Despite being in a world where men believe they have all the control, Elvira isn’t shy about adding her own commentary at times. When Frank gives Tony a lesson on how to succeed in this line of work, Elvira also offers her own rule.

This rhyming
Scarface
quote has also been repeated in other movies, and it’s one of the most memorable that doesn’t come directly from Tony Montana himself.

In another example of foreshadowing, breaking that rule is something that comes very easily to both Tony and Elvira in the future. This rhyming Scarface quote has also been repeated in other movies, and it’s one of the most memorable that doesn’t come directly from Tony Montana himself. It could be argued that this line was key to makign Pfeiffer’s role as Elvira stick in the minds of viewers after the credits roll too.

8 “You Know What Capitalism Is? Getting F***ed!”

Tony Montana

Tony himself has many views on American society and how things actually work, and many of the best Scarface quotes come from his musings on US culture. His unfavorable views on capitalism offer a glimpse at his own unique outlook on the world as well as the unintentionally funny aspects of his character. He can say such things about capitalism, yet he has no regrets about how he makes his money. There’s also a particular irony to Tony’s viewpoint here.

Being a Cuban refugee, Tony was fleeing the Communist regime in Cuba at the beginning of Scarface. He even expressed that he relished the idea of killing a Communist in exchange for a green card. Becoming an outspoken critic of Capitalism by the end of Scarface almost represents a complete change in his personal ideology and worldview.

7 “I Like Frank, You Know? Only I Like You Better.”

Tony Montana

Tony Montana and Elvira seem like a very unlikely couple in Scarface. Along with the fact that she doesn’t seem to particularly enjoy spending time with Tony, the fact that she is with Frank makes it a very dangerous relationship to pursue. Of course, Tony is not one to be put off by a little bit of danger, especially if he has something that he wants.

This
Scarface
quote is yet another moment that shows both the extent of his greed, but also his surprising level of honesty.

As a result, he goes after Elvira quite openly and hardly gives Frank a second thought. It shows the foolhardy yet compelling arrogance of Tony that he chooses her and doesn’t ever consider that her relationship with Frank would be an issue. This Scarface quote is yet another moment that shows both the extent of his greed, but also his surprising level of honesty, as Tony Montana never attempts to hide who he is from others and, instead, relishes their reactions to his unashamed arrogance and ambitiousness.

6 “You Think You Kill Me With Bullets? I Take Your F***ing Bullets! Go Ahead!”

Tony Montana

Tony Montana’s best scenes are also arguably his final ones, as Scarface has one of the most action-packed movie finales of all time. By the end of Scarface Tony comes across as almost delusional, with his ego now so inflated that he becomes completely reckless about his own safety. This Scarface quote shows his arrogance at its zenith, and also Tony at his most unhinged.

Fueled by cocaine and rage, Tony appears more than a man during the final scenes of Scarface. He comes out with several memorable lines during the climax, but few stick in viewers’ minds as much as him mocking his foes for thinking they can kill him with bullets (which, of course, they can and do). As he stands atop his balcony firing down at the army of enemies, he begins shouting defiantly at them. Even being hit multiple times does nothing to stop the energy and relentless defiance of Tony. It is a gloriously over-the-top moment.