The Walking Dead 5 Rick Grimes quotes ranked, and two for fun

Rick Grimes is an icon among the characters of The Walking Dead series. He was the first character introduced and the hero and leader of the survivors of Atlanta. Portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who is well known for his role in Love Actually, this character was introduced in the comic created by Robert Kirkman. Lincoln did a fantastic job of taking Rick Grimes from page to screen.

Every fan of The Walking Dead has at least one favorite character and favorite quotes they have said during their time on the series. As the lead, Rick has said some of the best quotes, which have often been inspirational.

Below are just five amazing quotes from Rick across the nine seasons he appeared in the series. While there are many more, these are five that have impacted me. I’ve also included two other iconic things said by Rick that are more humorous than profound.

The Walking Dead Rick Grimes quotes

#5 – “I’m sorry this happened to you.”

Season 1, “Days Gone Bye,” Rick meets the Bicycle walker who was severed at the waist and was one of the first Rick encountered. After learning what was going on in the world from Morgan (Lennie James), he would revisit this walker and utter these words to her before putting her out of his misery. This one is such a great Rick quote because it shows that, deep down, he is a good man and always will be.

#4 – “This isn’t a democracy anymore.”

Season 2, “Beside The Dying Fire,” Rick said this in the season 2 finale when the group was coming down on him for withholding the information that everyone is infected. He received this information from Dr. Jenner (Noah Emmerich) from the CDC. Rick withheld the news because it was something he just couldn’t believe until he witnessed Shane (Jon Bernthal) reanimate without being bitten by a walker. The group was nervous about going on the road after feeling safe at the farm for so long, and Rick is tired of being Mr. Nice Guy. He declares this to the survivors of the farm being overrun, making certain that everyone knows he will do whatever it takes to keep his family safe.

#3 – “There’s a compound bow and a machete with a red handle. That’s what I’m going to use to kill you.”

Season 5, “No Sanctuary” This is one of the best  Rick Grimes quotes because not only does he say it while he is ready to have his throat slashed in the trough at Terminus, but he follows through and does exactly what he promises. Gareth (Andrew J. West) likely forgot about Rick’s promise to him when he and his cohorts attacked the group at the church. But Rick didn’t forget and executed Gareth with the red-handled machete in the church.

#2 – “My mercy prevails over my wrath.”

Season 8, “Wrath” During the final battle with the Saviors, in a shocking move, Rick spares Negan’s (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) life. This quote was said after the fact when Rick chose to allow mercy dictate his actions against his long-time enemy. He did this to prove to himself, his people, and his children that there can be a better world for them all.

#1 – “We’re the ones who live.”

Season 5, “Try,” Season 11, “Rest in Peace” by Rick 
Season 8, “Hearts Still Beating,” Season 9, “Rock in the Road” by Michonne
Season 11, “Rest in Peace” by Judith

This has become the Grimes family mantra and words to hold on to for the fandom. The first time Rick uttered these words, he was addressing the residents of Alexandria, who had no clue what it was like to live outside their walls. He explained that they live because they are willing to take action and do what is needed for survival. Rick has lived by this and influenced many others along the way.

Rick Grimes Stuff and Thangs

“I’m doing stuff, Lori, thangs.” 

While this one isn’t profound in any way, it made quite the comedic impression within the fandom. It has been used in numerous memes, and fans quote this in regular conversations. Rick was trying to be very serious, conveying to Lori just how vital the jobs he is doing are but the line came off as hilarious.

“Coral” 

Not a quote but the way Andrew Lincoln pronounced Carl as Coral is another comedic element to the series. This has been meme’d more times than anyone can count and is always a funny throwback to the series.

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