The
Emperor's New Groove was published more than two decades ago, yet its appeal hasn't dwindled. Throughout the film, there is plenty of humor, and it features a cast of memorable characters. Audiences adore Kronk and Yzma, and in the case of this popular film, audiences adore the villains more than the protagonists, which is unusual and demonstrates how unique the picture is.
While it is not the most highly acclaimed of Disney's animated films,
The Emperor's New Groove has become a cult classic among fans and those born in the late 1990s or early 2000s. This is due to the film's sharp wit, frequent breaking of the fourth wall (rare for a
Disney film at the time), endearing characters, and some of the most memorable quotations ever.
The entire film is quotable, and the majority of its best lines are
funny crazy one-liners that can be found in numerous
memes and GIFs. However, some of them provide excellent advice, observations, and might provide insight into the character speaking. Check out the top ten most memorable quotes from the film, and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments!
10 Best Emperor's New Groove Quotes
#1 "Nobody's that heartless."
Source: Disney
Each Disney film has a signature inspiring quotation that can frequently be interpreted as words of wisdom. It's most likely these lines from The Emperor's New Groove. Pacha first says the words when trying to persuade Kuzco not to build his poolhouse on top of the hamlet, believing that everyone, including Kuzco, has some good in them. This is ultimately proven to be true in Kuzco's case, as he saves Pacha's life while inadvertently protesting that "nobody's so callous" in an obstinate attempt to refute Pacha's claim. This is the beginning of Kuzco's repentance, following the brutally heartless moment stated previously.
#2 "Oh yeah. It's all coming together."
Source: Disney
The scene comes when Kronk has a sudden realization that they had run into Pacha, which means that after they find him, they will find Kuzco, and he concludes his enlightenment with the now-iconic "Oh yeah, it's all coming together." With Warburton's recognized voice and the simplicity of a recognizable character and screenshot, it's easy to see why it's become such a beloved meme.
#3 "Why do we even have that lever?"
Source: Disney
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Yzma and Kronk arrive at her secret laboratory and Yzma urges Kronk to "pull the lever." Of course, he pulls the wrong one, and Yzma falls into unknown aquatic depths. The action shifts to a dripping wet scene. Yzma emerges, muttering, "Why do we even have that lever?" as she smacks an alligator that has hooked onto her.
#4 "You know, The funny thing about shaking hands is you need hands."
Source: Disney
This scene, in which Kuzco abandons Pacha hanging from a broken rope bridge, is harsh and ruthless, as one would expect from a Disney villain rather than a protagonist. The final straw is when Kuzco returns smugly to remind Pacha that you need hands to shake on something. While it's a cocky maneuver, Kuzco receives his comeuppance seconds later when he becomes entangled in the bridge as well. Pacha would not have been hanging from the bridge if he hadn't been so arrogant.
#5 "Don't listen to that guy. He's trying to lead you down the path of righteousness. I'm gonna lead you down the path that rocks!"
Source: Disney
Kronk's shoulder angel and shoulder devil are two of the most amusing supporting characters in the film. Kronk's shoulder demon may not be wicked, but he has one of the best and most memorable lines in the film, such as when he first appears onscreen. The conversation between the angel and the devil is humorous, but it somehow convinces Kronk to save the unconscious Kuzco, proving to be a turning moment in the film.
#6 "I've been turned into a cow. Can I go home?"
Source: Disney
Pacha mistakenly changed the royal guards into
animals in the penultimate scene before the cataclysmic concluding moments. Instead of reacting in panic, one guard begs politely whether he can return home, while the others appear unfazed by their new animal appearances. The guards' reaction to their new forms is a nonsensical moment in The Emperor's New Groove, but that may be what makes it so amusing and unforgettable - since it is not the expected reaction to being converted into an animal.
#7 "This story's about me, not him."
Source: Disney
Kuzco interrupts a scene that is entirely focused on Pacha and his family to remind the viewer that he is still present and that this is his story, not Pacha's. Kuzco is still pretty selfish at this stage in the plot, so his rude interruption of one of the film's few somewhat serious moments is both hilarious and very in-character for him.
#8 "I never liked your spinach puffs!"
Source: Disney
Kronk is a chef with a passion for cooking, with his hallmark dish being spinach puffs. He seemed more interested in preparing a wonderful meal than in disposing of the Emperor, so it's understandable that he'd be upset if someone didn't appreciate his food. In fact, Yzma's ultimate insult to Kronk irritates him so badly that even his shoulder devil thinks she must be destroyed. This line offers Kronk the final push he needs to transition from villain's sidekick to one of the good guys.
#9 "You know, someday you're going to wind up all alone, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself."
Source: Disney
Pacha tries everything he can to persuade Kuzco to reconsider building his new poolhouse on top of their community. At one point, a tired Pacha says the above, which Kuzco rejects swiftly. These are not only insightful and perceptive statements, but they are also foreshadowing, as the Emperor ends up in exactly this position later in the film due to his selfishness.
#10 "You know, in my defense, your poisons all look alike, you might think about relabelling some of them."
Source: Disney
Kronk, the good-hearted but simple-minded sidekick to the film's villain Yzma, is a big reason why The Emperor's New Groove is so popular. Kronk's retort to an enraged Yzma when she discovers that Kuzco was given a llama potion rather than poison is quoted above. The line is humorous because Kronk is not only voicing what the audience is thinking, but it is also a rare instance in which Kronk is more observant than his much smarter employer.