31 Jack Reacher Quotes from the 2012 Film That Inspired the Series

Jack Reacher is a fictional character in several crime thriller novels by British author Lee Child. The books have been adapted into two films featuring Tom Cruise as the action hero. Here are 31 Jack Reacher quotes to know more about the character.

"Jack Reacher" is a 2012 movie that centers around former US Army sniper James Barr, who gets accused of killing five people. Following the senseless massacre, Jack Reacher, a former US Army major, takes it upon himself to investigate the case.

This comes after Barr mentioned his name after claiming to be innocent of the killings in a small town in Indiana.

Jack, who does his best to stay out of trouble, tries to uncover the truth of the incident with the help of a young lawyer. This leads to some powerful dialogue. Here are 31 Jack Reacher quotes.

Jack Reacher's quote: "I was born in October; when I get to my birthday I'm going to pull the trigger" | Source: Amodays

Quotes That Reveal the Character of Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher: "Pay your check first."

Jeb: "I'll pay later."

Jack Reacher: "You won't be able to." — "Jack Reacher"

"Helen: You want me to wait?

Jack Reacher: No. I'll meet you back at the office later.

Helen: How will you get there?

Jack Reacher: I'll hitch a ride." — "Jack Reacher"

"Punk: Hey! That's our sister.

Jack Reacher: She a good kisser?" — "Jack Reacher"

Gary: "I need to see something."

Jack Reacher: "How about the inside of an ambulance?" — "Jack Reacher"

Jack Reacher's quote: "There are three things cops never do. They don't vote Democrat, they don't drive Cadillacs, and they never use personal vehicles" | Source: Amodays

"Helen: What about the truth? What about getting the guys who really did this? What about bringing him to justice?

Jack Reacher: I just did." — "Jack Reacher"

"Helen: So why are you so hard to find?

Jack Reacher: I'm impossible to find.

Helen: Why is that?

Jack Reacher: We could say it started as an exercise and became an addiction." — "Jack Reacher"

Gary: "Don't move… Ahhh, my hand!"

Jack Reacher: "You got a car?"

Gary: "It's outside."

Jack Reacher: "You're very kind." — "Jack Reacher"

Jack Reacher: "Somebody dead?"

Emerson: "And if someone is?"

Jack Reacher: "Then they died of shame 'cause I was being gentle. Am I free to go?" — "Jack Reacher"

"I was born in October; when I get to my birthday I'm going to pull the trigger." — Jack Reacher

Helen Rodin's quote: "They're like cancer, intimidation, corruption, murder" | Source: Amodays

Quotes Full of Things We Can Learn from Jack Reacher

"Helen: Were you really going to shoot him?

Jack Reacher: I knew I wouldn't have to. One look at this guy, and you know he'll do anything to survive. One look at me, and you know I'm not bluffing." — "Jack Reacher"

"There are three things cops never do. They don't vote Democrat, they don't drive Cadillacs, and they never use personal vehicles." — Jack Reacher

"Imagine you've spent your whole life in other parts of the world being told every day you're defending freedom. And finally, you decide you've had enough. Time to see what you've given up your whole life for. Maybe get some of that freedom for yourself." — Jack Reacher

"Look at the people. Now tell me which ones are free. Free from debt. Anxiety. Stress. Fear. Failure. Indignity. Betrayal. How many wish that they were born knowing what they know now? Ask yourself how many would do things the same way over again?" — Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher's quote: "You think I'm a hero? I am not a hero. And if you're smart, that scares you. Because I have nothing to lose" | Source: Amodays

Jack Reacher – Quotes from the Key Moments of the Film

"Jack Reacher: Who is he?

Helen: That's John Doe Number Two. The man on the grassy knoll. The thing under the bed. They call him the Zec." — "Jack Reacher"

"Jeb: That's a great joke, but I'm gonna beat your... Do you want to do that here or outside?

Jack Reacher: [sighs] Outside.[gets up]" — "Jack Reacher"

"Alex Rodin: "Can I help you?"

Jack Reacher: "James Barr, you said he shot five people. I don't believe he did."

Heather Rodin: "What exactly are you saying?"

Jack Reacher: "He was framed… Any chance I could look at the evidence?"

Heather Rodin: "This is classified information." — "Jack Reacher"

"It's life or death now, James. By that, I mean you're doing one or the other up in Rockview. This here is District Attorney Rodin. Want to know what he's wondering? Whether you're gonna walk like a man or cry..." — Emerson

The Zec's quote: "This soldier is asking questions no one else would ask. Get the lawyer" | Source: Amodays

Jack Reacher: "Helen?"

Thug: "No"

Jack Reacher: "Helen, are you hurt?"

Thug: "Do I have to tell you how this works?"

Jack Reacher: "Do you think I'm a hero? I am not a hero. The lawyer's all yours." [Hangs up but calls right back] "On second thought, I'd like to kill you." — "Jack Reacher"

"They're like cancer, intimidation, corruption, murder" — Helen Rodin

"Jack Reacher: I need some sleep, you too.

Helen: You really think I'm gonna..." — "Jack Reacher"

Jack Reacher: "Look out the window."

Helen: "No, I've work to do."

Jack Reacher: "Would you tell me what you see?"

Helen: "I see the same... things I see every day." — "Jack Reacher"

"There's this guy. He's a kind of cop, at least he used to be. He doesn't care about proof, he doesn't care about the law, he only cares about what's right. He knows what I did. You can't protect me. No one can." — James Barr

Emerson's quote: "It's life or death now, James. By that, I mean you're doing one or the other up in Rockview. This here is District Attorney Rodin. Want to know what he's wondering? Whether you're gonna walk like a man or cry..." | Source: Amodays

"Rodin: So... how do we find this Reacher?

Emerson: Obviously, you don't find this guy unless he wants to be found.

Secretary: [Knocks and enters the room] Excuse me, sir, there is a Jack Reacher here to see you." — "Jack Reacher"

"Jack Reacher: With a name like yours, you're gonna feel right at home.

Jack Reacher: You think you're gonna walk?

The Zec: You are a homeless drifter wanted for murder. Meanwhile, I am an old man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thanks to you, who is left to say otherwise? Who?" — "Jack Reacher"

"Jack Reacher: Sticking it to your father because...

Helen: No. Not my father. The Office of the District Attorney.

Jack Reacher: ...because the Office of the District Attorney never bought you a pony." — "Jack Reacher"

"The Zec: We'll see which one goes to prison.

Jack Reacher: My bet? Neither one…" — "Jack Reacher"

“Jack Reacher: "You're old enough to drive?

Sandy: "I'm old enough to do a lot of things." — "Jack Reacher"

James Barr's quote: "There's this guy. He's a kind of cop, at least he used to be. He doesn't care about proof, he doesn't care about the law, he only cares about what's right. He knows what I did. You can't protect me. No one can" | Source: Amodays

Jack Reacher has a sharp mind and is physically well-trained. His dry wit and determination set him apart, and it is for that reason that he has become a beloved action hero in modern cinema.

Most importantly, the manner in which he delivers his lines as he exudes confidence has resonated with viewers. Each quotable statement Jack utters shows who he truly is as an individual and what he stands for. The words showcase what levels he would go to get people justice.

In the movie, Jack Reacher is portrayed by none other than actor Tom Cruise. He stars alongside Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, David Oyelowo, and Josh Helman.

If you enjoyed reading quotes from this thriller adaption, then read more from the same genre on "30 'The Northman' Quotes" by Robert Eggers.