27 Classic Forrest Gump Quotes that Will Change your Outlook on Life

Originally written by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump is an American romantic drama movie directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks.

The film has its origins in Groom’s novel, but some events and some of the character’s personality traits are described quite differently. Forrest Gump is a masterpiece with outstanding performances that remain etched in cinematographic history.

It’s hard to believe that Forrest Gump was released in 1994 and that it can have the same emotional impact even if you watch it ten times. Aside from depicting everyday drama that so many people can relate to, the movie itself is a major life lesson – we can always succeed if we believe in ourselves, but we also need someone to encourage and not give up on us when we’re in doubt.

Although Tom Hanks already had an impressive career as an actor, he undisputedly gained more fame by portraying Forrest - a kind-hearted boy with marginal intelligence, often bullied because of his physical disability and low IQ. Encouraged by his mother, Forrest eventually finds his way in life and proves that in spite of what anyone says he is capable of achieving success.

Even though not many show him kindness, Forrest keeps on being the good man his mother taught him to be, doesn’t let anything interfere with his happiness, helps whenever possible and never ceases to follow his dreams.

Besides being a commercial success, Forrest Gump serves as a true inspiration; it teaches us to never sink into a place that feels like there's no hope left. The movie won six Academy Awards and due to its major impact, in 2011, was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, as the Library of Congress described it as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Here are 27 Forrest Gump quotes for a more positive life outlook:

My mama always said ‘Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you’re gonna get.’

– Forrest

You have to do the best with what God gave you.

– Mrs. Gump

I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.

– Forrest

When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go, you know, I went.

-- Forrest

My mama says that stupid is as stupid does.

– Forrest

Don’t ever let anybody tell you they’re better than you.

– Mrs. Gump

I'm not the smart man. But I know what love is.

-- Forrest

What's normal anyways?

– Mrs. Gump

Mama always said, dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn’t.

– Forrest

Forrest: What’s my destiny, Mama?

Mrs. Gump:You’re gonna have to figure that out for yourself.

Bubba was my best good friend. And even I know that ain’t something you can find just around the corner.

– Forrest

Now, mama said there’s only so much fortune a man really needs… and the rest is just for showing off.

-- Forrest

My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do.

– Forrest

Young Jenny: What’s wrong with your legs?

Young Forrest: Um, nothing at all, thank you. My legs are just fine and dandy.

My mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.

-- Forrest

Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here. – Young Jenny Curran

Me and Jenny goes together like peas and carrots. – Forrest

Have you found Jesus yet, Gump? – Lieutenant Daniel Taylor

I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir. – Forrest

Run, Forrest! Run!- Jenny Curran

Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.- Forrest

For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I’d gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I’d gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going. – Forrest

My mama says they were magic shoes. They could take me anywhere. – Forrest

Listen, you promise me something, OK? Just if you’re ever in trouble, don’t be brave. You just run, OK? Just run away. –Jenny Curran

Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was goin' somewhere, I was runnin'! – Forrest

Mrs. Gump: You do your very best now, Forrest?

Young Forrest: I sure will, Momma

You can't be doin' this, Forrest. You can't keep tryin' to rescue me all the time. - Jenny Curran

Remember what I told you, Forrest. You're the same as everybody else. Do you hear what I said, Forrest. You're the same as everybody else. You are no different. - Mrs. Gump