As You Wish

6 Reasons We Still Love The Princess Bride, 35 Years Later

Don’t let the memes ruin the magic.

by Ryan Britt and Nathan Rabin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Meme culture has done everything in its power to suck all of the juice and life out of The Princess Bride by strip-mining its many memorable moments.

But, not even a force as powerful and toxic as the internet can ruin a movie as special and unique and pure as The Princess Bride. Here are the six basic reasons why it’s still great.

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6. Mandy Patinkin Slays As Inigo Montoya

It’s a gift to cinema as well as meme-makers. The Spanish swordsman’s 20-year quest to avenge his father’s murder is played for big laughs, but it’s also unexpectedly poignant and powerful when he gets to realize his destiny.

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5. The Greatest Supporting Cast Ever

Andre the Giant radiates love, light, and sweetness as big-hearted brute Fezzik, Wallace Shawn has never been funnier than as arrogant, self-styled mastermind Vizzini.

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4. The Romance Clicks

Cary Elwes and Robin Wright have explosive romantic chemistry. They’re both radiant. It’s sexy. It’s classic. And yet, quirky enough to be fun and relatable.

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3. It’s Funny, But Not Cynical

This movie isn’t Shrek. It’s not a spoof. Its humor comes from the heart, but it’s never mocking.

2. The Action Is Actually Awesome

The sword fights and action in The Princess Bride are actually top-notch. People focus on wit and style, but as a fantasy-adventure movie, the adventure part is great!

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1. It’s Insanely Quotable

Listing all the quotes from The Princess Bride that people love is sort of the opposite of what we’re trying to do here. Let’s just say, the movie is insanely quotable because it’s just so damn well-written.

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