It's been 20 years since The Devil Wears Prada first hit theaters, and while the designer wardrobe, Anne Hathaway's bangs, and Meryl Streep's bone-chilling stare as Miranda Priestly are forever seared into pop culture, the movie's dialogue proves just as unforgettable as the clothes. Whether it's a ruthless put-down from the perpetually impatient Miranda or surprisingly heartfelt advice from art director Nigel (Stanley Tucci), the screenplay is a parade of iconic lines from the moment Andy Sachs (Hathaway) buys that onion bagel.
With a sequel now in theaters at Disney, fans are getting a fresh batch of quotable moments. But before you dive into the new chapter, let's revisit the best lines from the original—ranked by how funny, witty, and downright unforgettable they are.
10. “I'm on this new diet. I don't eat anything, and when I feel like I'm about to faint, I eat a cube of cheese.”
Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt)
Emily's anxiety about fitting into the fashion world is on full display here. As Andy begins to surpass her, Emily's desperation becomes both funny and tragic. Emily Blunt's delivery makes this line equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
9. “Can you please spell 'Gabbana'?”
Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway)
This moment perfectly captures Andy's early cluelessness about the fashion industry. It's a stark contrast to her later transformation into a Miranda mind-reader who can identify a D&G piece on sight.
8. “You went upstairs. Oh my god, why didn't you just crawl into bed with her and ask for a bedtime story?”
Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt)
After Andy makes a costly mistake by bringing The Book upstairs, Emily's sarcastic reprimand is delivered with genuine disbelief. Blunt's dry, prickly tone is perfect.
7. “Is it impossible to find a lovely, slender female paratrooper? Am I reaching for the stars here?”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
This gem from Miranda's introductory monologue shows her absurdly high expectations extend beyond Runway employees. She expects elite military units to look like Victoria's Secret models—and her staff somehow makes it work.
For more on the sequel's star salaries, check out this report.
6. “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
Perhaps the most quoted line from the film, Miranda's deadpan dismissal of floral patterns is a masterclass in sarcasm. It's a line that has transcended the movie to become a cultural shorthand for fashionable disdain.
5. “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
Miranda's impatience is legendary, and this line perfectly captures her disdain for anyone who doesn't move at her lightning speed. It's a threat wrapped in a compliment.
4. “That's all.”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
Two words that strike fear into the hearts of everyone at Runway. Miranda's signature dismissal is as iconic as her white hair and sunglasses.
3. “I don't think I'm like that. You're not? Then you're not trying hard enough.”
Nigel (Stanley Tucci) to Andy
Nigel's tough-love advice is a turning point for Andy. It's a reminder that success in the fashion world requires total commitment—and that Andy hasn't yet earned her place.
2. “The person whose calls you always take? That's the relationship you're in.”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
Miranda's wisdom about priorities is both cutting and profound. It's a line that resonates far beyond the fashion industry.
1. “Everybody wants to be us.”
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)
This line, delivered with icy confidence, sums up the entire ethos of The Devil Wears Prada. It's a reminder that the world of high fashion is both aspirational and exclusive—and that Miranda Priestly rules it with an iron fist.
For more on the best comedy-drama series of recent years, see our ranking.
