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Photo of Miriam, Abby, and Priya with the quote: "You're our girl, no matter what. Panda or no panda." | Source: Facebook.com/PixarTurningRed
Photo of Miriam, Abby, and Priya with the quote: "You're our girl, no matter what. Panda or no panda." | Source: Facebook.com/PixarTurningRed

103 'Turning Red' Quotes from Animated Film about Growing Up

Titi Dokubo
Apr 03, 2023
05:00 P.M.

Growing up can be challenging, but it gets more complicated when you're turning into a giant red panda. "Turning Red," an animated film from Pixar, explores the highs and lows of adolescence through the eyes of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a fluffy red panda when she gets too excited. Read these 103 "Turning Red" insightful and humorous quotes.

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"Turning Red" is an animated coming-of-age film that follows the story of a 13-year-old Chinese Canadian girl named Mei Lee, who lives with her overprotective and traditional mother, Ming, in Toronto, Canada. Mei is an average teenager, dealing with the usual struggles of growing up, but with a unique twist: whenever she gets too excited or stressed, she turns into a giant red panda.

As Mei navigates through middle school and tries to fit in, she must also learn to control her transformations and embrace her unique identity. Her mother, who has been protective of her daughter, struggles with parenting a teenage daughter and wants Mei to get rid of the panda protection passed on to female descendants in their family.

Mei Lee must deal with finding her path and pleasing her mother. She learns to embrace her true self, gain confidence, and discover the importance of family and friendship. Read these 103 quotes to explore the themes and characters in the movie.

Mei's quote: "You are her pride and joy so act like it." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "You are her pride and joy so act like it." | Source: AmoDays

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'Turning Red' Quotes from Mei (Meilin Lee)

"But maybe I like this new me." — Mei

"I'm calm. Zen." — Panda Mei

"Oh, you wanna see crass?" — Mei

"The panda is a part of me, and you guys are too." — Mei

"My Panda, My Choice, Mom." — Mei

Mei's quote: "But maybe I like this new me." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "But maybe I like this new me." | Source: AmoDays

"Blah! I'm a gross red monster!" — Panda Mei

"Are you a triangle? Cause you're a-cute!" — Mei

"It's not all about me, you know? I do make my own moves, it's just that some of my moves are also hers." — Mei

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"Sometimes I miss the way things were, but nothing stays the same forever." — Mei

"It was my idea to hustle the panda! My idea to go to Tyler's party! It was all me! I like boys! I like loud music! I like gyrating! I'm 13, deal with it!" — Mei

Mei's quote: "Are you a triangle? Cause you're a-cute!" | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "Are you a triangle? Cause you're a-cute!" | Source: AmoDays

"What's dangerous is an academic record with a lack of extracurriculars." — Mei

"Be careful. Honoring your parents sounds great, but if you take it too far, well, you might forget to honor yourself." — Mei

"It is fine, you will move to another city, change your identity. Mummy, I'm so sorry." — Mei

"He looks like a hobo!" — Mei

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"No! Maybe?" — Mei

Mei's quote: "What's dangerous is an academic record with a lack of extracurriculars." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "What's dangerous is an academic record with a lack of extracurriculars." | Source: AmoDays

"I'm changing, mom. I'm finally figuring out who I am, but I'm scared it'll take me away from you." — Mei

"We've all got a messy, loud, weird part of ourselves hidden away. And a lot of us never let it out." — Mei

"Besties assemble! Miriam! Priya! Abby!" — Mei

"We've all got an inner beast. We've all got a messy, loud, weird part of ourselves hidden away, and a lot of us never let it out, but I did—how about you?" — Mei

"I can't ask my mom, I'm a furry ticking time bomb!" — Mei

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Mei's quote: "I'm changing, mom. I'm finally figuring out who I am, but I'm scared it'll take me away from you." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "I'm changing, mom. I'm finally figuring out who I am, but I'm scared it'll take me away from you." | Source: AmoDays

"Not to brag but being thirteen means I'm officially a grown—up. At least according to the Toronto Transit Commission." — Mei

"Check it out." — Mei

"I'm sorry I'm not perfect, sorry I'm not good enough, and sorry I'll never be like you." — Mei

"Something about you guys like neutralizes the panda." — Mei

"It's easy. When I start to get emotional, all I do is imagine the people I love most in the whole world. Which is you guys." — Mei

Mei's quote: "Not to brag but being thirteen means I'm officially a grown-up. At least according to the Toronto Transit Commission." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "Not to brag but being thirteen means I'm officially a grown-up. At least according to the Toronto Transit Commission." | Source: AmoDays

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"I'm Meilin Lee, and ever since I turned 13 life's been a lot. People still talk about Pandapocalypse 2002. Mom and I just call it growing pains." — Mei

"I hate this! I'm slobby. I'm smelly. My mom won't even look at me, and now 4-Town?" — Mei

"The number one rule in my household—honor your parents." — Mei

"Just go become women without me." — Mei

"I know what it looks like. I am my own person. But that doesn't mean doing whatever I want. Like most adults, I have responsibilities." — Mei

Mei's quote: "I hate this! I'm slobby. I'm smelly. My mom won't even look at me, and now 4-Town?" | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "I hate this! I'm slobby. I'm smelly. My mom won't even look at me, and now 4-Town?" | Source: AmoDays

"It's just some, you know, inconvenient genetic thingy I got from my mom. I mean, it'll go away. Eventually. Maybe." — Mei

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"I never ask for anything. My whole life I've been her perfect little Mei-Mei. Temple duties, grades…" — Mei

"You are her pride and joy so act like it." — Mei (to herself)

"I'm Meilin Lee, I wear what I want, say what I want, 24/7, 365. I know it's alit, but I don't have time to mess around." — Mei

"...Words were exchanged. Slightly uncomfortable secrets were revealed. End of story." — Mei

Mei's quote: "It's just some, you know, inconvenient genetic thingy I got from my mom. I mean, it'll go away. Eventually. Maybe." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "It's just some, you know, inconvenient genetic thingy I got from my mom. I mean, it'll go away. Eventually. Maybe." | Source: AmoDays

"Don't look at me! Stand back!" — Panda Meilin

"No! I mean, no. It's okay." — Panda Mei

"And I will not hesitate to do a spontaneous cartwheel if I so feel moved." — Mei

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"I accept and embrace all labels." — Mei

"Why didn't you warn me?" — Panda Mei

Panda Meilin's quote: "Don't look at me! Stand back!" | Source: AmoDays

Panda Meilin's quote: "Don't look at me! Stand back!" | Source: AmoDays

"You'll figure this out, Mei. Just be the calm, mature, adult you totally are. You got this." — Mei

"Ready to change the world?" — Mei

'Turning Red' Quotes from Ming

"What's going on honey? Are you sick? Is it a fever, a stomachache, chills...? Wait—is it—that? Did the red peony bloom?" — Ming

"Oh. That's my little scholar. Today, honor student, tomorrow, UN Secretary-General. The ancestors would be so proud." — Ming

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"But it's too soon. Don't worry, Mei-Mei. I'll get everything you need. Mommy's here." — Ming

Mei's quote: "You'll figure this out, Mei. Just be the calm, mature, adult you totally are. You got this." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's quote: "You'll figure this out, Mei. Just be the calm, mature, adult you totally are. You got this." | Source: AmoDays

"Why are you moving like that?!" — Ming

"Who are these hip-hoppers? And why are they called '4-town?' if there are five of them?" — Ming

"You are a woman now. And your body is starting to change. It's nothing to be embarrassed about." — Ming

"You try to make everyone happy, but are so hard on yourself." — Ming

"Do you know how dangerous this is?" — Ming

Ming's quote: "Why are you moving like that?!" | Source: AmoDays

Ming's quote: "Why are you moving like that?!" | Source: AmoDays

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"This little quirk runs in our family." — Ming

"But any strong emotion will release the Panda. And the more you release it, the more difficult the ritual will be." — Ming

"I should report you to the police. How old are you? Thirty?" — Ming

"This isn't music. This is filth. And it's not worth jeopardizing your life over." — Ming

"Mei-Mei, I know this is upsetting, but we are going to get through this together. I have ibuprofen, vitamin B, a hot water bottle, and pads. Regular, overnight, scented, unscented, thin, ultrathin, ultrathin with wings." — Ming

Ming's quote: "This little quirk runs in our family." | Source: AmoDays

Ming's quote: "This little quirk runs in our family." | Source: AmoDays

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"There is a darkness to the panda, Mei Mei." — Ming

"Mei, Mei is better than any of us at controlling the panda. She passed every trigger test. Even the kitten box." — Ming

"Tell him it's Mommy! Mei-Mei! Tell him you forgot your pads!" — Ming

"There's a cure!" — Ming

"I thought I had more time! You're just a child. I thought, if I watched you like a hawk, I'd see the signs, and be able to prepare. But it's going to be fine. I overcame it, and you will too." — Ming

Ming's quote: "There is a darkness to the panda, Mei Mei." | Source: AmoDays

Ming's quote: "There is a darkness to the panda, Mei Mei." | Source: AmoDays

"You are now a beautiful, strong flower. Who must protect your delicate petals and clean them regularly." — Ming

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"On the next red moon, you'll undergo a ritual that will seal your red panda spirit into one of these. And then you'll be cured, for good. Just like me." — Ming

"The Daisy mart has lost a loyal customer today." — Ming

"Because it happened to me." — Ming

"Don't hold back. For anyone. The farther you go, the prouder I'll be." — Ming

Ming's quote: "You are now a beautiful, strong flower. Who must protect your delicate petals and clean them regularly." | Source: AmoDays

Ming's quote: "You are now a beautiful, strong flower. Who must protect your delicate petals and clean them regularly." | Source: AmoDays

"Sun Yee passed this gift to her daughters, for when they came of age. And they passed it to theirs. But over time, our family chose to come to a new world. And what was a blessing became an inconvenience." — Ming

"Everyone go home! Where are your parents? And put some clothes on!" — Ming

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"As you know, our ancestor, Sun Yee, had a mystical connection with red pandas. In fact, she loved them so much that she asked the gods to turn her into one." — Ming

'Turning Red' Quotes from Miriam, Abby, Priya, and Other Characters

"We've got your fluffy back." — Miriam

"Whoa! You're you!" — Miriam

Ming's quote: "Everyone go home! Where are your parents? And put some clothes on!" | Source: AmoDays

Ming's quote: "Everyone go home! Where are your parents? And put some clothes on!" | Source: AmoDays

"Shake your moneymaker!" — Miriam

"Milk chocolate and wet rocks." — Miriam

"Yeah, this isn't just our first concert. This is our first step into womanhood. And we have to do it together. I mean, girl I will say it's a sleepover at my house. The perfect crime." — Miriam

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"Check out #12, he's got delts for days!" — Miriam

"We love you, Mei." — Miriam

Miriam's quote: "Shake your moneymaker!" | Source: AmoDays

Miriam's quote: "Shake your moneymaker!" | Source: AmoDays

"You're so cute!" — Abby

"I'll guard it with my life." — Abby

"He said your mom went nuts." — Abby

"A hot hobo!" — Abby

"Fight the power!" — Abby

Abby's quote: "You're so cute!" | Source: AmoDays

Abby's quote: "You're so cute!" | Source: AmoDays

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"Let's burn this place to the ground!" — Abby

"My mom cuts his hair at the salon, and I felt it. It's very soft." — Abby

"...What's wrong with that?" — Abby

"What do you think Jesse smells like?" — Priya

"Woah. Can I have some?" — Priya

Abby's quote: "Let's burn this place to the ground!" | Source: AmoDays

Abby's quote: "Let's burn this place to the ground!" | Source: AmoDays

"You're our girl, no matter what. Panda or no panda." — Priya

"Sick. I've always wanted a tail." — Priya

"Ooooo-4-Town!" — Friends

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"Yeah, but tickets to 4-Town are like a bajillion dollars, and Devon's right here." — Priya

Priya's quote: "Are you a werewolf?" | Source: AmoDays

Priya's quote: "Are you a werewolf?" | Source: AmoDays

"She is so brainwashed." — Priya

"And now you can control it! So just prove it to her, and she's gotta let you go." — Friends

"What is it? It's happened already?" — Jin

"Is it the woman thing?" — Jin

"I told you she was big!" — Jin

Priya's quote: "She is so brainwashed." | Source: AmoDays

Priya's quote: "She is so brainwashed." | Source: AmoDays

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"People have all kinds of sides to them, Mei, and some of them are messy." — Jin

"This is a critical time. Mei needs a strong hand more than ever. Don't let her out of your sight." — Mei's Grandmother

"That's it? Mei Mei's keeping the panda?" — Auntie

"Wonder if your mom knows her precious little Mei-Mei has been flaunting the panda all over school." — Tyler

"I want to throw a sick birthday party. An epic one." — Tyler

Jin's quote: "People have all kinds of sides to them, Mei, and some of them are messy." | Source: AmoDays

Jin's quote: "People have all kinds of sides to them, Mei, and some of them are messy." | Source: AmoDays

"Your mother and I were close once, but the red panda took that away." — Mei's Grandmother

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"I'm seventeen." — Devon

"A very enterprising, mildly annoying young lady." — Mr. Kieslowski

Mei's Grandmother's quote: "Your mother and I were close once, but the red panda took that away." | Source: AmoDays

Mei's Grandmother's quote: "Your mother and I were close once, but the red panda took that away." | Source: AmoDays

"Turning Red" is a film that explores the universal experience of growing up and the challenges that come with it, such as navigating identity, family dynamics, and the pressures of society.

While some parents may criticize certain aspects of the film, such as the portrayal of overprotective and controlling parents, the movie's humor and the heartwarming story ultimately make it relatable and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Through its lovable characters and engaging plot, "Turning Red" highlights the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's individuality, making it a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled with the journey of growing up. You may also love these quotes from another Pixar family movie.

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