Summary

• National Lampoon's Animal House introduced raunchy humor to a new audience, becoming a hit and inspiring modern comedies.
• While John Belushi stole the show as Bluto, the entire cast of Animal House has standout moments.
• With quotes such as the infamous "Toga, Toga, Toga!" still being referenced in movies and shows today it's clear that Animal House has a long-lasting cultural legacy.

National Lampoon’s Animal House quotes continue to bring laughs decades after the movie was originally released in 1978. Animal House was one of the first major R-rated comedy hits, with National Lampoon revealing there was an audience for raunchy and limit-pushing humor. Animal House showcased the antics of the Delta Tau Chai frat boys, and the over-the-top and wild scenes and dialogue exposed audiences to a new side of the college experience.

The movie became a surprise box office hit, and the best Animal House quotes have ensured it has a lasting legacy. Many raunchier modern comedies are directly inspired by Animal House, and with its timelessly hilarious quotes, it's not hard to understand why. National Lampoon was cemented as a comedy institution, and Animal House helped prove that Saturday Night Live stars like John Belushi would also shine on the big screen. However, Belushi's Bluto isn't responsible for all the funniest Animal House quotes, as the entire National Lampoon cast has scene-stealing lines throughout.

20 "Thank You, Sir! May I Have Another?"

Chip (Kevin Bacon)

While there are a lot of standouts in the cast of Animal House, the National Lampoon comedy is also well-known for being Kevin Bacon's first movie. Bacon has a smaller supporting role in the movie as Chip but gets to deliver one of its most memorable lines. Chip is a stuck-up and privileged student who becomes a pledge to the uptight fraternity of Omega House.

Chip takes a ritualized hazing/beating while the party boys of Delta Tau Chai all have a good time.

This Animal House quote from Kevin Bacon comes when Kip joins Omega House. During his initiation, Chip is forced to wear only his underwear and bend over as he is paddled on his backside while asking for another. This scene intercuts with the initiation party at Delta House, which is just drunken shenanigans. It shows which is the better frat house to be a part of, as Chip takes a ritualized hazing/beating while the party boys of Delta Tau Chai all have a good time.

19 "Well, You Can Do Whatever You Want To Us, But We’re Not Going To Sit Here And Listen To You Badmouth The United States Of America."

Otter (Tim Matheson)

Otter (Tim Matheson) makes for a great, charismatic leader of Delta House, as is the charming hero of the depraved Delta Tau Chai. One of his best scenes is when Delta House finds themselves in front of the disciplinary board and Otter, being pre-law (or pre-med), decides to give their defense. Proving his suaveness, Otter quickly turns the conversation away from the crimes of Delta House and questions whether this hearing is an indictment of America itself.

It is a hilarious leap in logic that Otter fully commits to and shows his carefree attitude. While it doesn't really work out as well as he might have envisioned, it is a great speech and a good way to confuse the disciplinary board as Otter argues against everything except the actual charge against the Delta House. It's one of the best Animal House quotes from Tim Matheson in the movie, and he delivers it masterfully.

18 "You Can’t Spend Your Whole Life Worrying About Your Mistakes."

Otter (Tim Matheson)

If there is one thing that Animal House proves, it is that trusting the people at the fictional Faber college, inside and outside the frat, is a mistake. However, one other thing that the movie makes clear is that the people in this specific frat don't let mistakes get them down, and they often wear them as a badge of honor. They also never learn from them and convince others to let them keep messing things up even worse.

Otter: Flounder, you can't spend your whole life worrying about your mistakes! You f***ed up. You trusted us! Hey, make the best of it! Maybe we can help.

In the dialogue that follows this Animal House quote, Otter basically tells Flounder (Stephen Furst) to shrug off his gaffe after trusting them and wrecking Fred's car. Otter said to just trust them again to help him make things better. It's terrible advice because they already told him his mistake was trusting them the first time, but that is what makes the line so funny.

17 "Vegetables Can Be Really Sensuous, Don’t You Think?"

Otter (Tim Matheson)

Otter is the ladies' man of the group and is often quite successful at it. However, he does have a habit of picking some women who happen to be dating his enemies — or worse. The guys go to the grocery store and decide they are going to shoplift a bunch of food. However, Otter has something else in mind when he sees an attractive older woman in the produce department. He tries to hit on her by saying his cucumber was bigger, and it only gets better when he realizes who she is.

After learning that she is the wife of Dean Wormer, Otter doesn't back down from the challenge.

Otter's attempts at flirting lwere funny enough and very much not good pickup lines — especially in a grocery store. Hilariously, after learning that she is the wife of Dean Wormer, Otter doesn't back down from the challenge and instead embraces it, leading to this classic Animal House quote. By saying vegetables can be sensuous, he shows both his immaturity and also his contempt for Dean Wormer as well.

16 "Is This Really What You’re Gonna Do For The Rest Of Your Life?"

Katy (Karen Allen)

Not even girls could convince the bad boys from Delta Tau Chi to straighten up their lives. This was evident when Katy tried to talk some sense into her boyfriend Donald "Boon" Schoenstein. When she realized that he was too busy drinking and partying to care about anything else, she finally set him down at a party. When Katy asked him if hanging with his friends and getting drunk every weekend was what he was going to do for the rest of his life, he admitted it wasn't his plan.

Instead, he said he would get drunk every night after graduation. Katy is a likable and intelligent girlfriend who shows that the immaturity of the Delta guys has its flaws, as Boon starts to lose the interest of the woman he loves. However, her trying to talk some sense into him and Boon being completely honest about his lack of drive in life was a perfect back and forth between the two.

15 "They Confiscated Everything, Even The Stuff We Didn’t Steal!"

Hoover (James Widdoes)

Once the faculty of Faber College came down on Delta Tau Chi, they sent in people to confiscate everything from their house. This was all part of the plan to expel every member of the frat. Hoover was in shock, and said that they confiscated everything, "even the stuff we didn't steal." Hoover is generally seen as the most responsible member of Delta House, and even he is angry at the disrespect they have shown while also ignoring the fact that they have evidently stolen a lot of stuff.

James knows that they have broken just about every rule there is.

This Animal House quote from James Widdoes is particularly funny because it shows once again how backward the moral compasses of some of the Delta Tau Chai frat members actually is. James knows that they have broken just about every rule there is and yet still believes, despite all their disregard for anyone or anything else, they deserve to be treated with respect anyway.

14 “Put A Sock In It, Boy, Or Else You’ll Be Outta Here Like S*** Through A Goose.”

Dean Wormer (John Vernon)

Dean Wormer is the perfect kind of villain for a comedy like Animal House, as he is as over-the-top as the Delta House boys are. However, whereas they are hard-partying animals, Wormer is a humorless and mean-spirited disciplinarian who loves to throw down threats at any student who crosses him. He's played with great comic effect by John Vernon, and has some of the best Animal House quotes that aren't from the members of Delta Tau Chai.

When Otter says, “What a tool,” in front of Dean Wormer, and Wormer asks him to repeat what he said, he claims that he said, “What a shame that a few bad apples have to spoil a good time for everyone by breaking the rules.” Unimpressed by Otter’s antics, Wormer snaps back with this memorable warning which is enough to shut Otter's mouth for at least a moment.

13 “I Find Milton Probably As Boring As You Find Milton.”

Professor Jennings (Donald Sutherland)

Donald Sutherland's movie career is filled with classics, and he was one of the most recognizable faces to pop up in Animal House. Sutherland gets the chance to show off his funny side with his portrayal of Professor Jennings in Animal House, delivering some of the most quotable lines in the movie. Professor Jennings was the source of so many funny Animal House quotes because he cares about the lectures he's giving even less than the students seem to.

As he tells his students, he refuses to pretend that he’s a fan of Milton. It is a surprising, honest admission that many viewers would no doubt wish their own college professor would have said. However, when class is dismissed following his comment, Jennings tries to reiterate to the uninterested students that it doesn't excuse them from their assignments before adding, "I'm not kidding, this is my job."

12 “I’m A Zit! Get It?”

Bluto (John Belushi)

As one of the funniest gross-out comedies of all time, Animal House really leans into the depravity of its main characters, especially Bluto. Played by the late John Belushi, Bluto has become synonymous with Animal House quotes and memorable moments. One of his greatest sees Bluto piling up his tray in the cafeteria and then disgusting the people around him with his eating habits as they look in in horror at his poor table manners.

Further showing that he is not afraid of being mocked, he sits down with the stuffy Omega House students who proceed to call him a pig. Undeterred, Bluto asks if they can guess what he is now. He then puts a lot of mashed potatoes in his mouth, smashes his cheeks together, and spits the food out of his mouth, spraying it all over the table, exclaiming "I'm a zit! Get it?" It was enough to gross out the snobs at the table and earn a laugh from other students in the cafeteria.

11 “If You Mention Extortion Again, I’ll Have Your Legs Broken.”

Mayor Carmine DePasto (Cesare Danova)

In one of the rare scenes that doesn't involve any of the student characters from the movie, Dean Wormer meets with the town mayor to discuss the upcoming college parade. While Wormer objects to the demands of the mayor by suggesting that it isn't right to extort the school, the mayor points out the expenses of the parade and all the free services the school gets as a result.

However, he ends his argument "So, if you mention extortion again, I’ll have your legs broken," suggesting he might not be such an honest Mayor. What makes this scene so funny is that the Mayor plays it completely straight, and there is no hint that he might be joking with Dean Wormer. Not only does this Animal House quote feel like it's pulled from a movie like The Godfather, it is also one of the few moments Wormer is shown to not be the one in power, and it is satisfying to see.

10 “You’re All Worthless And Weak!”

Neidermeyer (Mark Metcalf)

While there are a lot of characters in Animal House that serve as antagonists and prevent Delta House from having their fun, Neidermeyer is the most sadistic of them all. Played by Mark Metcalf, the over-the-top Neidermeyer's military personality leads to many hilarious Animal House quotes. In this scene, Neidermeyer is like a character pulled straight out of a war movie's basic training section, as he would fit in well in Full Metal Jacket, but seems wildly out of place in a comedy like Animal House.

Neidermeyer is particularly hilarious when he is shown reprimanding the new cadets at the college drill sergeant style. However, it's not hard to grasp where Neidermeyer's anger is coming from, and given the absolutely unhinged behavior of many of the protagonists, the outburst is understandable (and definitely unforgettable). The villains in this movie took as much puishment than they often gave out, and Neidermeyer is one of the people willing to push back — possibly too hard at times.

9 “Was It Over When the Germans Bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell No!”

Bluto (John Belushi)

Some of the funniest Animal House quotes come when the audience that the party-mad Delta frat boys are supposed to be at Faber College to receive an education, something many of them are clearly lacking. Despite clocking in nearly more than double the amount of time that the average college does throughout their academic career, it's obvious that Bluto could still stand to learn a thing or two about WWII.

Bluto: What? Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! It ain't over now, 'cause when the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'. Who's with me? Let's go! Come on!...[He runs to the front door but no one follows him]...

Otter: Dead! Bluto's right. Psychotic, but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now, we could fight 'em with conventional weapons. That could take years and cost millions of lives. No, in this case, I think we have to go all out. I think this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part. We're just the guys to do it...LET'S DO IT!

While trying to rally the disheartened frat brothers, Bluto's zeal is somewhat hampered by his factual errors as he says, “What? Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!” His rallying cry ended up as one of the funniest monologues in movie history. It is also one of the most memorable and repeated as many college football teams play the scene as their home team comes onto the field after halftime, still getting laughs decades later.

8 “I Think That This Situation Absolutely Requires A Really Futile And Stupid Gesture Be Done On Somebody’s Part.”

Otter (Tim Matheson)

This Animal House quote became so memorable that A Futile and Stupid Gesture was used as the title of the Netflix biopic based on the life of Doug Kenney, one of the co-founders of National Lampoon and co-writers of Animal House. His monologue about what the Delta Tau Chai frat boys should do to get back at their adversaries is hilarious.

While they are going up against enemies who are perhaps more powerful than them, they can still beat them because they are the ones who are willing to do the wildest things imaginable.

As Otter points out, they are the underdogs in this situation. While they are going up against enemies who are perhaps more powerful than them, they can still beat them because they are the ones who are willing to do the wildest things imaginable. Like Otter says, the situation requires some incredibly reckless and dangerous decision-making, which is exactly why Delta Tau Chai does best. He knows that they can't win in a fair fight, and that is when Delta realizes they have to start fighting dirty.

7 “My Advice to You Is To Start Drinking Heavily.”

Bluto (John Belushi)

Signing onto Animal House while still an original Saturday Night Live cast member, John Belushi’s performance as Bluto has become cemented as one of the greatest party animals in movie history. This Animal House quote really sums up the character, his outlook, and the general themes of the movie quite spectacularly. Most of the problems that the protagonists of the film encounter are driven by or somehow connected to their outrageous party behavior, but that does not stop them from embracing that lifestyle even harder when their backs are against the wall.

This Bluto Animal House quote reveals quickly who the character is and his philosophy on life. It also shows why the characters in the movie have always gotten in so much trouble and why their plans to fix their problems also go horribly wrong, and is perhaps the one single Animal House quote that explains why Delta Tau Chai are the way they are.

6 “As of This Moment, They’re on Double Secret Probation!”

Dean Wormer (John Vernon)

Dean Wormer is a hilarious caricature of a college dean, although his enmity with the Delta Tau Chai fraternity is understandable considering what his job actually is. Most college deans' aversion to fun is a symptom of their aversion to hazing scandals and drink and drug-related deaths on campus. Dean Wormer is just a particularly hyperbolic portrayal of this.

Dean Wormer is as childish as they are, but he just doesn't recognize it in himself.

While he presents himself as the no-nonsense head of the school who will put the rowdy students in their place, the fact that he came up with the "double secret probation" suggests Dean Wormer is as childish as they are, but he just doesn't recognize it in himself. The Animal House quote adds an extra layer of humor to the animosity between Wormer and the Delta Tau frat boys, and is another moment when actor John Vernon proves the students aren't the only source of jokes in the college comedy.

5 “Christ. Seven Years of College Down the Drain. Might as Well Join the F**king Peace Corps.”

Bluto (John Belushi)

John “Bluto” Blutarsky is an accurate depiction of a certain frat boy archetype — the disengaged student only at college for the party culture who never goes to any classes or gets any good grades and drinks a lot more than everyone else. He’s also totally unpredictable and endlessly entertaining, which is why everyone keeps him around (and doesn't confront his problems).

When faced with the reality of getting kicked out of school, Bluto is snapped out of his party animal mode for the first time. This Animal House quote is also one that signifies the idea that some people are never ready to leave college and want to hold onto this time in their life for as long as possible, with no intentions of leaving. The idea that he is seven years into school at this point is hilarious itself, but it is made even funnier with the ending text revealing that he went on to become a senator.

4 “Food Fight!”

Bluto (John Belushi)

The food fight scene from Animal House is crass, loud, childish — and it’s absolutely hilarious. Although food fight scenes have become a bit of a trope within many school-set films and TV shows, it's hard to argue that John Belushi makes this iteration one of the most iconic. A couple of rival Frat members chase John Belushi’s Bluto character around the cafeteria until he eventually starts a mass food fight to get them off his back.

It does work, as it creates anarchy and gives him a chance to escape. It is also made even funnier by the fact that everyone, from the uptight snobs to the rowdy frat boys, get involved in the food fight — a culinary conflict that starts for no apparant reason other than Bluto yelling out the iconic words, which kickstarts everything. The quote leads into one of the funniest scenes in any National Lampoon movie.

3 “Boon, I Anticipate A Deeply Religious Experience.”

Otter (Tim Matheson)

Otter's suaveness is certainly charming even if it feels quite fake, especially when discussing possibly meeting up with a beautiful young woman for the evening. While Boon is more crass about the whole affair, Otter has high hopes for how things will play out with Marlene. In Otter's eyes, the encounter will go so well that it will be a spiritual experience for both he and Marlene.

Animal House quotes like these show that these characters, even the heroes, live mostly in their own heads.

This hilarious Animal House quote becomes even funnier when Otter is later shown trying to get a second date with Marlene. She breaks Otter's seemingly unbreakable ego by suggesting that he just wasn't that good. This was a nice punchline to this earlier quote and shows that no matter how cool and charming someone thinks they are, it is all mostly in their head. Animal House quotes like these show that these characters, even the heroes, live mostly in their own heads for much of the movie.

2 “Fat, Drunk, And Stupid Is No Way To Go Through Life, Son.”

Dean Wormer (John Vernon)

Dean Wormer's greatest moment in Animal House comes when he confronts several members of Delta House about their poor grades, which range from abysmal to nonexistent. However, the funniest moment comes as he gets to Flounder's laughably bad grades. Wormer seems to drop his malicious tone for a second to offer what sounds more like helpful advice. However, the helpful tone does not match the harsh and insulting words he uses.

Wormer is simply not a very good educator when it comes to inspiring students.

While this perhaps indicates that Wormer is simply not a very good educator when it comes to inspiring students, it also shows that he can be blunt, harsh, and honestly insulting when he feels that he has reached the end of his rope. The fact that Flounder's grades are so bad that Wormer snaps out of his rants long enough to just show pity, in a highly insulting manner, toward the young man, shows the levels that the Frat and these particular students have pushed him over the years as leader of the university.

1 “Toga! Toga! Toga!”

Bluto (John Belushi)

The toga party is a staple of colleges everywhere, but it was immortalized by Animal House and the now-infamous toga chant. When the Delta Tau Chai frat boys decide to have a toga party in their frat house, they just start mindlessly chanting, “Toga! Toga! Toga!” They know exactly what they’re talking about, and they’re all equally excited.

The fun energy of the moment is infectious as it has not only become one of the most iconic quotes from the movie but also helped to popularize the toga party in colleges across the world. It is a perfect example of the movie's ability to feel like a party itself. The fact that the chant can be heard at college parties today shows just how influential Animal House truly was thanks to its incredibly hilarious quotable moments.