Though the music and big dance set pieces might grab the audience's attention, the best La La Land quotes show the emotional power of the movie. The romance between Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is full of heart and sadness, all conveyed in some of the movie's most memorable lines. The characters are flawed, which makes them relatable. While it has the glitz and glamor of an old-school Hollywood throwback, this movie is also very modern with its dialogue.
The movie tells a unique love story about the right couple at the wrong time in their lives. There are also strong themes about the right path to take in life, the love of art, and the struggle of having a dream. All of these aspects are reflected in some of the movie's best lines. The greatest La La Land quotes pull on the heartstrings of its audience with thoughtful lines, many of which help to make this one of the best movie musicals of all time.
25 "It's Pretty Strange That We Keep Running Into Each Other."
Mia (Emma Stone)
La La Land is very much a movie about fate and the plan that the world has for people. For much of the early part of the film, it seems like it is destiny that Sebastian and Mia are meant to be together, even though their first meetings are somewhat rocky. After their confrontational and brief run-ins in the past, the pair happen to meet once again at a party, which leads to them walking to their cars together at the end of the night.
Mia remarks how unusual it is that they keep seeing each other with Sebastian suggesting it could mean something which Mia quickly dismisses. It is a funny little moment that shows their brief enemies-become-lovers relationship trajectory. However, it is also a moment that means more by the end of the movie. Even though they were not meant to be together, perhaps it was destiny that these two kept meeting because they would not have found their respective successes without each other.
24 "Is That Going To Happen Every Time?"
Tracy (Callie Hernandez)
As ionate and loving as their relationship eventually becomes, it is not the most romantic first meeting between Mia and Sebastian. Taking place in the aftermath of the wonderful opening song on the freeway, the audience is introduced to Mia rehearsing for an audition in her car. Sebastian is in his car behind her and loudly blares his horn at her when he gets frustrated by her driving. However, Sebastian eventually turns that into a surprisingly romantic moment.
When Sebastian comes to pick her up for a date, he blares his horn noisily in the street.
After meeting again and eventually forming a connection, Mia and Sebastian start a relationship. When Sebastian comes to pick her up for a date, he blares his horn noisily in the street. While Mia's roommate seems annoyed by the greeting and asks if he's good to do that every time, Mia smiles happily saying "I think so." It is a sweet little moment of an inside joke between the two that cements their charming romance early on.
23 "Why Do You Say "Romantic" Like It's A Dirty Word?"
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
When the audience is introduced to Sebastian, he is at a low point, still reeling from the loss of his former club. When his sister, Laura, visits to talk some sense into him and pull him out of his funk, he proves that he is a stubborn man who has a distinct view of the world that he is not willing to compromise for the sake of making things easier on him. While this can be frustrating, Sebastian's defense of his "romantic" outlook on things is a sign of how he will achieve his goals.
Sebastian's immaturity could very well be frustrating to Laura, pointing out that he is even trying to put a "romantic" spin on him getting scammed. However, Sebastian's romantic outlook is just a sign of his ion for something that most people would dismiss as unimportant. He sees nothing to be ashamed of and no reason to change how he sees the world just because they don't see the romance in it either.
22 "See You In The Movies."
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
The opening musical number, "Another Day of Sun," foreshadows La La Land's bittersweet ending, but there's another subtle nod early on that hints at where the characters will eventually end up. After their first two brief and unfriendly encounters, Sebastian (Seb) and Mia cross paths once more at a Hollywood party. Although there's an undeniable spark between them, a playful hostility underscores their interaction. When Seb learns that Mia is an actress, he feigns indifference and bids her farewell with a teasing yet poignant line: "See you in the movies."
In hindsight, this line resonates with a deep emotional undercurrent. It encapsulates Seb's unwavering belief in Mia's talent and dreams, a belief strong enough that he knows she'll eventually succeed. Yet, it also hints at the distance that will eventually come between them, suggesting that he'll be cheering her on from afar. This quote not only reflects Seb's for Mia's dreams but also foreshadows the separation between them, making it a bittersweet moment that beautifully captures the emotional complexity of their relationship.
21 "Welcome To Seb's."
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
La La Land is a movie about heartbreak while also suggesting a bittersweet ending for the Mia and Seb. After years apart, Sebastian and Mialock eyes again, but this time, Mia is in the audience at Seb's jazz club with her husband. As Seb takes the stage and addresses the crowd, his gaze lingers on Mia. He delivers the emotional line, "Welcome to Seb's." Though directed at the entire audience, this line carries a special significance for Mia. It is Seb's way of acknowledging how crucial she was in helping him realize his dream.
Mia's unwavering belief in Seb, even when his confidence faltered, played an instrumental role in the creation of his club. The line encapsulates both gratitude and heartbreak, reflecting their intertwined journeys and the bittersweet reality that sometimes love doesn't lead to a shared future. In that moment, Seb recognizes the impact Mia had on his life, acknowledging their unbreakable connection while also accepting that their paths have diverged. It’s a line that embodies the emotional complexity of their relationship, capturing the joy of dreams fulfilled and the sorrow of lost love.
20 "This Is Home."
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
La La Land is a love letter to Los Angeles and the dreamers striving to make it their home. The film captures the bravery and strength required to succeed in a city that often seems indifferent to those pursuing their ambitions. This is poignantly reflected in Sebastian's line, "This is home," which he says to Mia after her one-woman show ends in disappointment. Devastated by her perceived failure and the relentless rejection she has faced, Mia decides to leave Los Angeles and return to her family in Nevada.
Seb's heartfelt plea, "This is home," reminds Mia that Los Angeles is where her dreams can still come true if she doesn't give up. But the line also reflects Seb's personal connection to her, conveying unwavering belief in Mia's talent and potential, urging her to see herself as he sees her—a gifted actress. However, it's also a bittersweet acknowledgment of the crumbling home they once shared, as their relationship is already strained. "This is home" becomes an emblem of the struggle, resilience, and hope that define the journey of every dreamer in Los Angeles.
19 "City Of Stars. Are You Shining Just For Me?"
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
In La La Land, Los Angeles is portrayed as a place where dreams can both thrive and shatter, embodying the duality of hope and heartbreak. This dichotomy is captured beautifully through Sebastian's eyes. Though often cynical, Seb remains relentless in his pursuit of his dreams, viewing the city as a magical place, especially once Mia enters his life. After arranging a date with Mia, Seb sings the hauntingly beautiful song "City of Stars," with the evocative line: "City of Stars. Are you shining just for me?"
The song encapsulates the intoxicating feeling of new love, that sensation of everything in the world aligning perfectly. Seb's voice, filled with yearning and hope, communicates the blend of excitement and uncertainty that accompanies falling in love. The lyrics underscore his optimism and belief that Los Angeles is a place where dreams can come true, not just for him but for them as a couple. It's a moment that embodies the magical allure of new romance while hinting at the vulnerability and uncertainty of pursuing one's dreams in a city as unpredictable as Los Angeles.
18 "They Worship Everything And Value Nothing."
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)
Despite his ability to see the magic in Los Angeles, Sebastian voices his frustrations with the city's superficial appreciation of art. While Mia struggles with rejection in her search for success, Seb becomes increasingly bitter toward a world that fails to recognize the beauty of jazz. As he laments a jazz club being converted into a samba-tapas restaurant, he delivers the cutting observation: "They worship everything and value nothing." This line encapsulates Seb's disdain for a culture that prioritizes trends over substance.
For Seb, Los Angeles is a place where people showcase culture without truly understanding or embracing it. It's a city that claims to celebrate artistic ion but often fails to or even recognize genuine talent and dedication. La La Land celebrates those with a deep ion for their art, even when the world appears indifferent. Seb's words highlight the struggle of maintaining artistic integrity in an environment driven by commercial interests. The line embodies Seb's unwavering commitment to jazz, revealing his frustration with a society that often values appearances over authenticity.
17 "Somewhere, There’s A Place Where I Find Who I’m Gonna Be. Somewhere, That’s Just Waiting To Be Found."
Mia (Emma Stone)
Both Mia and Sebastian have clear dreams of transforming their ions into successful careers. However, as determined as they are to achieve their goals, both harbor doubts as breaking into the industry takes longer than they'd hoped. This is particularly evident in Mia's struggles as an actress, which the film portrays with striking insight. In the song "Someone in the Crowd," Mia sings, "Somewhere, there’s a place where I find who I’m gonna be. Somewhere, that’s just waiting to be found." This captures her yearning to find her place in the acting world and make her mark in Los Angeles.
The quote speaks to those with strong desires who understand that while ion and determination are crucial, a little luck is also necessary to succeed. Mia's words embody the hopeful spirit of all dreamers striving to navigate the unpredictable path toward their aspirations, offering a poignant reflection on the balance between ambition and uncertainty that defines the journey of chasing one's dreams.
16 "A Bit Of Madness Is Key To Give Us New Colors To See. Who Knows Where It Will Lead Us?"
Mia (Emma Stone)
In La La Land, Mia's audition song, "The Fools Who Dream," is a moment where she bares her heart and soul to the audience. She begins with the poignant lyric: "A bit of madness is key to give us new colors to see. Who knows where it will lead us?" This line embodies Mia's adventurous spirit and her willingness to embrace uncertainty. Unafraid to try new things, she looks forward to the unknown with excitement and optimism, striking a chord with viewers.
While La La Land's ending delivers a bittersweet punch, stopping the film here would have left audiences with Mia's hopeful message about embracing the unpredictability of the future. The lyric encourages audiences to welcome life's twists and turns with open hearts and minds. It's a stirring reminder that a little madness can lead to new possibilities, coloring audiences lives with the richness of dreams fulfilled and paths undiscovered.
