The darkly-comic classic was released on February 23, 1996, which means it turns 28 in 2024.
The movie follows a group of heroin addicts living through Edinburgh in the 80’s and led to many of the cast becoming household names afterwards, including Ewan McGregor. Kelly Macdonald and Jonny Lee Miller.
The film is full of incredible dialogue, from Mark Renton’s 'Choose Life' speech to the famous 'It's sh*te being Scottish' diatribe.
In celebration of its 28th anniversary, here are 11 of the most memorable lines from the film.
5. Diane (Kelly Macdonald) on what girls love
“Do you find that this approach usually works? Or let me guess, you've never tried it before. In fact, you don't normally approach girls - am I right? The truth is that you're a quiet sensitive type but, if I'm prepared to take a chance, I might just get to know the inner you: witty, adventurous, passionate, loving, loyal. Taxi! A little bit crazy, a little bit bad. But hey – don't us girls just love that?” Photo: Submitted
6. Mark Renton on friendship
“The downside of coming off junk was I knew I would need to mix with my friends again in a state of full consciousness. It was awful. They reminded me so much of myself, I could hardly bear to look at them.” Photo: Submitted
7. Spud (Ewen Bremner) on “Pleasure”
“Mr. Murphy, what attracts you to the leisure industry?” Spud: “In a word: pleasure. It's like, my pleasure in other people's leisure.” Photo: Submitted
8. Sick Boy on the “sympathy vote”
“All I'm trying to do is help you understand that The Name of the Rose is merely a blip on an otherwise uninterrupted downward trajectory. Mark Renton: “What about The Untouchables?” Sick Boy: “I don't rate that at all.” Renton: “Despite the Academy award?” Sick Boy: “That means f*** all. The sympathy vote.” Photo: Submitted