The Mummy Returns Best Quotes for the 25th Anniversary

Originally published March 12, 2026. This article covers the best quotes from The Mummy Returns.

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Resurrection, reanimation, repulsive mummy mayhem — there’s a lot to love about The Mummy Returns. Two years after Universal released The Mummy, this blockbuster sequel brought audiences back into the cursed sands of ancient Egypt. Now, 25 years later, it’s time to reawaken Imhotep and celebrate the film’s anniversary.

Brush up on your hieroglyphics and prepare to excavate the 13 best quotes from The Mummy Returns. There’s humor, heart, and plenty of dusty, deadly horror.

• “It’s only a chest. No harm ever came from opening a chest.” – Evelyn
• “‘He who disturbs this bracelet shall drink from the Nile.’ Well, that doesn’t sound too bad.” – Evy
• “The Underworld awaits you.” – Imhotep
• “Oh, I hate mummies.” – Rick
• “You know, a couple of years ago this would have seemed really strange to me.” – Rick
• “Lady, I don’t behave for my parents. What makes you think I’m going to do it for you?” – Alex
• “What are you talking about? I missed.” – Lock-Nah
• “I don’t mean to point fingers but isn’t that your job to make sure that doesn’t happen?” – Jonathan
• “This place … is cursed.” – Jacques
• “The sands of time have already begun to pour against you.” – Imhotep
• “Put your mask on. Let’s not scar that pretty face.” – Anck-su-namun
• “We shall see.” – The Scorpion King
• “Anck-su-namun! Help me!” – Imhotep

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“It’s only a chest. No harm ever came from opening a chest.” – Evelyn
“Yeah, right, and no harm ever came from reading a book. You remember how that one went?” – Rick

As a sequel, The Mummy Returns is entitled to plenty of self-referential humor. Fortunately, the movie pulls it off, using it as endearing banter between Evelyn Carnahan and Rick O’Connell. These two are devastatingly compatible because their particular brands of bravery are opposite sides of the same coin. Together, their complementary natures can accomplish anything — even when chests and books get in their way.

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“‘He who disturbs this bracelet shall drink from the Nile.’ Well, that doesn’t sound too bad.” – Evy

Now here are some impressive famous last words. You’d think scholarly Evy would know better than to underestimate the curse of an ancient Egyptian relic. Unsurprisingly, these words did not foretell a refreshing trickle from the world’s longest river. Torrents of raging river waters would soon flood the tomb and force a hasty escape.

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“The Underworld awaits you.” – Imhotep

It wouldn’t be a mummy movie without some ominous threats from an undead villain. Imhotep never fails to instill fear into the hearts of those around him, even his most devout followers. While Evy and Rick are always ready to stand up to Imhotep, even these two fearless adventurers pause for a second to take in the horror.

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“Oh, I hate mummies.” – Rick

Despite his knack for taking down ancient undead monsters, Rick really isn’t a fan of these monsters. He’d much rather be spending time with Evy and their son, Alex. Even Jonathan might be preferable to the mummies! Nevertheless, if you’re going up against the mummified undead, you definitely want Rick on your side.

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“You know, a couple of years ago this would have seemed really strange to me.” – Rick

Even to a hardened explorer like Rick O’Connell, the events of his life can be a little overwhelming. He wasn’t always a mummy chaser! Once upon a time, he only sought out treasure, minus the curses. Ah, the good ol’ days.

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“Lady, I don’t behave for my parents. What makes you think I’m going to do it for you?” – Alex

With parents like Evy and Rick, it’s no wonder their son Alex is so intelligent (and sassy). He never hesitates to jump into action like his dad but, thanks to his mother, he’s extremely booksmart as well as witty in every moment. Even in the face of Meela, the reincarnated Anck-su-namun, Alex is ready with a comeback. But not everyone will put up with his attitude…

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“What are you talking about? I missed.” – Lock-Nah

After he’s taken hostage and aboard the train with Imhotep’s entourage, Alex attempts to break down his captors’ patience. But Lock-Nah is having none of it. The henchman’s patience reaches its end and he jabs a knife into a table, right between Alex’s fingers. Alex is impressed at the man’s aim but Lock-Nah assures him that he didn’t mean to miss.

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“I don’t mean to point fingers but isn’t that your job to make sure that doesn’t happen?” – Jonathan

Directed at the Medjai Ardeth Bay, this snippy accusation from Evy’s brother Jonathan actually makes a good point. For such a dangerous enemy as Imhotep, it seems like the Medjai sure do let him get resurrected a lot. Well, twice isn’t a lot. But for the safety of the world, it’s definitely two times too many.

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“This place … is cursed.” – Jacques

Jacques is another one of Imhotep’s henchmen, and his peers constantly deride him for his ominous warnings. To Jacques, it seems everything is cursed. At the end of the day, though, he’s really not wrong. The Mummy Returns is nothing if not full of ancient curses.

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“The sands of time have already begun to pour against you.” – Imhotep

Our evil mummy is back at it again with the foreboding words of doom. A modern antagonist would just say something like, “Your time’s running out.” But not Imhotep. As a former high priest, this guy has a penchant for the dramatics — and we’re totally here for it. Dazzle ’em with your cursèd words while you threaten lives and bring about the apocalypse.

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“Put your mask on. Let’s not scar that pretty face.” – Anck-su-namun

Keeping in theme with reincarnation, it turns out Evy was Princess Nefertiri in a past life. The very same princess whose father, the pharaoh, was murdered by Imhotep and Anck-su-namun. In this iconic battle training scene, Nefertiri and Anck-su-namun spar with each other in the ancient Egyptian court. Their tension is palpable as each woman throws jabs, insults, and weapons at the other.

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“We shall see.” – The Scorpion King

Finally, the infamous Scorpion King appears! There’s something nostalgically charming about the CGI quality in this scene. Brushing past the outdated visual tech, it’s a thrilling climactic battle between all the main characters. Imhotep attempts to bring the Scorpion King over to his side, claiming he is the monster’s servant while Rick is his would-be killer. With the voice of a thousand deaths behind him, the Scorpion King is not easily swayed in his response.

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“Anck-su-namun! Help me!” – Imhotep

As the temple crumbles around them, Imhotep and Rick dangle above a widening drop into the Underworld. Rick tells Evy to save herself but her love for Rick outweighs the danger of death. At the same time, Imhotep calls out to his resurrected lover, Anck-su-namun. She, however, chooses to save herself and leave Imhotep to die. Though Imhotep is abhorrent and undeniably evil, there’s a split-second of heartache. His eyes and voice say it all as he repeats her name and lets himself fall back into the Underworld for all eternity. Not all loves are forever.

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What are your favorite quotes and scenes from The Mummy Returns? Are you a fan of the sequel or do you prefer The Mummy (1999)?

Share your opinions with other horror fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!