25 Best 'Footloose' Quotes That Will Make You Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 12, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 25, 2021
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
movies & television

'Footloose' means free to do anything without any commitment or responsibility.

The 'Footloose' movie plot was based on a true story that happened in 1979 in the city of Elmore in Oklahoma. The story revolves around a teenager who tries to overturn a town council's ban on dancing.

Two movies were produced with the same name, 'Footloose', one in 1984 and another in 2011. Both are based on a similar story that works to remove a ban on 'rock and roll' music and dancing.

In the first movie, Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) tries to remove the ban on dancing which was enforced by a local minister (John Lithgow). In the remake, a student who moves to the town finds dance was prohibited and protests against it.

Here are some 'Footloose' movie quotes for all those teenagers who love freedom and dancing. If you like this article, check out [dance quotes] and [Kevin Bacon quotes].

'Footloose' Quotes

Reverend Shaw Moore persuades the town council to ban dancing. His persuasion comes after his son gets killed in an accident after a dance party. Here are a few 'Footloose' quotes from the 1984 movie.

1."Aren't we told in Psalm 149 'Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song. Let them praise His name in the dance'? And it was King David - King David, who we read about in Samuel - and what did David do? "

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

2."David danced before the Lord with all his might... leaping and dancing before the Lord."

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

3. "People think she's a hellraiser."

-Willard, 'Footloose', 1984.

4."You figured where there's smoke there's fire, right?"

-Ren McCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

'Footloose' 2011 Quotes

'Footloose' (2011) was remade with a similar plot as it's classic version. However, here the protagonist is seen protesting the anti-dance laws imposed by the local council.

5.'Ren : You ever heard them?

Willard : No, but I seen them.

Ren : Where, in concert?

Willard : No, behind you.'"

- 'Footloose', 2011.

6."I talk funny? You should hear from my end."

-Ren McCormack, 'Footloose', 2011.

7."You won't get any dancing here, it's illegal."

-Willard, 'Footloose', 2011.

Quotes From 'Footloose' Movie

Initially slated to be produced by 20th Century Fox, 'Footloose' was made by Paramount Pictures after a 'Pay or Play' deal. Shot in different locations around Utah, here we bring you some iconic quotes from the movie.

8." Up on the roof, oh yeah. 100 proof, oh yeah. I'm feelin' fine, oh yeah. Drink cherry wine, oh yeah."

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose'.

9.'Bobby spent his whole life trying to make you proud. Now nobody remembers the good things about him! All they remember is that dang accident!

-Ariel, 'Footloose'.

10. "Is that what I get, huh? I treated you decent."

-Chuck, 'Footloose'.

11."Hey, hey. What's this I see? I thought this was a party! Let's dance!"

Ren McCormack, 'Footloose'.

'Footloose' 1984 Quotes

Paramount Pictures initially hired Herbert Ross to direct this movie. However, their negotiations were stalled due to unknown reasons and was replaced by Michael Cimino as the movie director. After a failed attempt by Cimino, Herbert Ross was reinstated to take up the project. It was nominated for two Academy Awards the following year.

12."Not in this town. There are eyes everywhere."

-Ariel, 'Footloose', 1984.

13." How come you don't like me?

-Ariel, 'Footloose', 1984.

13.'Andy Beamis : Where you from?

Ren : Chicago.'

-'Footloose', 1984.

'Footloose' Dance Quotes

In an interview Kevin Bacon admitted that he had a double to do the dance steps despite him knowing a little. Kevin Bacon revealed that while shooting, his wife told him not to touch her.

14. "Ecclesiastes assures us that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to laugh and a time to weep. A time to mourn and there is a time to dance."

-Ren McCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

15."From the oldest of times, people danced for a number of reasons. They danced in prayer... or so that their crops would be plentiful... or so their hunt would be good. And they danced to stay physically fit... and show their community spirit. And they danced to celebrate."

-Ren McCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

'80s Movie Quotes

Elizabeth Gorcey as Wendo Jo, Frances Lee Mccain as Ethel McCormack, Dianne Wiest as Vi Moore, Willard as Chris Penn and Sarah Jessica Parker as Rusty played important character roles in 'Footloose', 1984. Here some of their classic quotes.

16."Ren: You like Men at Work?

Willard: Which man?

Ren: Men at Work.

Willard: Well where do they work?

Ren: No, they don't, they're a music group."  

-  'Footloose', 1984.

17."No, Ren did most of the driving."

-Ethel McCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

18."I don't want you to see him anymore."

-Rev Shaw Moore, 'Footloose', 1984.

19.'Reverend Shaw Moore: We're losing her, Vi. Don't you see that?

Vi Moore: No. I see you chasing after her and I see her running from you.'

-'Footloose,' 1984.

Ren Quotes

As a young student, Ren realizes that dancing is banned in the town, where he moved with his mother. He tries to figure out how to remove the ban.

20."See, this is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life."

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

21." Well, I haven't noticed a wet T-shirt contest in town yet.."

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

22."Yeah it's a great book -- Slaughterhouse-Five, it's a classic."

-Ren MacCormack, 'Footloose', 1984.

Ariel Quotes

Playing Ariel Moore gave Lori Singer a much-needed break as an actress. An interesting fact about Lori Singer is that the prodigy child was accepted to do majors in music from the Juilliard Art School.

23"Hey MacCormick! When this hat flies in the air, you better have your butt in gear."

-Ariel, 'Footloose', 1984.

24."I'm no saint you know."

-Ariel, 'Footloose', 1984.

25."I just don't know that I believe in everything you believe in. But I believe in you."

-Ariel, 'Footloose', 1984.

Here at Kidali, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 'Footloose' quotes, then why not take a look at 'Back To The Future' quotes or ['80s movie quotes]?

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

Top view image of feet of young people standing in a circle.
Quotes

50+ Feet Quotes

See All

Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

Read full bio >