What Movies Use the Quote “Some Are Born Great, Some Achieve Greatness, and Others Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them”?

There’s a certain poetic magic in the quote “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” It’s one of those lines that sounds timeless and inspiring — but did you know it actually comes from William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night? Over the years, this line has made its way into various movies, TV shows, and pop culture references, giving it a modern twist while still carrying the weight of its original meaning.

Let’s explore which films have used this quote, how it’s applied in different contexts, and why it continues to resonate across generations.

Origin of the Quote

Before diving into the movies, let’s quickly understand where this line comes from. It appears in Twelfth Night, written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600s. In the play, it’s part of a humorous letter meant to trick a character named Malvolio. Over time, the meaning evolved from a comedic setup to a genuine motivational thought.

Movies That Use the Quote

This famous line has popped up in several films, often as a nod to Shakespeare or as a way to highlight a character’s journey toward greatness.

1. Toy Story 3 (2010)

In Pixar’s Toy Story 3, the character Buzz Lightyear says this line when trying to motivate his friends. It’s used in a lighthearted moment, but it perfectly fits the storyline — showing that even ordinary toys can do extraordinary things.

2. She’s the Man (2006)

This fun teen comedy starring Amanda Bynes is actually inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In one scene, the famous line is directly quoted, keeping the connection to its source material alive while framing it in a modern high school setting.

3. Megamind (2010)

DreamWorks’ animated film Megamind makes clever use of this quote when exploring the idea of heroism and destiny. It reflects the main character’s transformation from a villain to an unexpected hero — a perfect example of “greatness thrust upon” someone.

4. Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

This quirky animated comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet also sneaks in quotes from various Shakespeare plays, including this one. It’s added for comedic effect, appealing to both kids and adults who catch the reference.

5. The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)

This Bill Murray comedy uses the quote humorously in a spy-themed setting, playing with the idea that some people find themselves in heroic situations completely by accident — just like the “greatness thrust upon them” part of the line.

Why Filmmakers Love This Quote

There’s a reason why this particular Shakespeare line keeps finding its way into scripts:

  • It’s short and memorable – Perfect for delivering in dialogue.
  • It’s versatile in meaning – Can be serious, motivational, or comedic depending on context.
  • It has cultural weight – Audiences recognize it as “Shakespearean,” giving credibility or charm to a scene.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of it like this: Imagine you’re in a school play. Some students are naturally brilliant at acting (born great), some work really hard and slowly become amazing (achieve greatness), and some accidentally get cast in the lead role because somebody else got sick (greatness thrust upon them). Filmmakers use this quote to capture all these possibilities in a single sentence.

Key Takeaways

  • The quote is from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night but has gained new life in modern pop culture.
  • It has appeared in popular films like Toy Story 3, She’s the Man, Megamind, Gnomeo & Juliet, and The Man Who Knew Too Little.
  • Its meaning can shift from comedic to deeply motivational depending on the scene.

💡 Final Thought

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them” isn’t just a Shakespearean relic — it’s a timeless reminder that greatness can appear in many forms and often in unexpected ways. Whether you hear it in a high-energy animated movie, a teenage rom-com, or a deep motivational speech, its charm lies in how relatable it is. The next time you spot the line in a film, think about which category the characters fall into — and which category you might find yourself in someday.

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