Suitswas a popular legal drama that aired on the USA Network from 2011 to 2019. The series ran for nine seasons and followed Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout that never went to law school but used his photographic memory to talk his way into a job as a successful attorney. The series is known for many things, including featuring Meghan Markle before she became Duchess of Sussex. It is also known for the characters often reference iconic movies to relate to each other and add humor to the show. References from such films asJerry MaguireandThe Untouchablesadd an extra layer of entertainment formovie buffs who are fansof the show.
Updated August 01, 2025: When you think you’ve heard it all,Suitsalways finds just the right quote from the right movie to surprise you. This article has been updated by Yosra Ben Lagha with more pop culture references mentioned in the series.
Suitsis certainly back in the spotlight as it recently became available on Netflix and Peacock. It has dominated the Nielsen charts for three weeks in a row, yet the writers and actors are not getting proper residuals for all of the hours their work has brought in for streamers. With more audiences watching the series now than ever, it is time to look back at some of the best uses of pop culture references in the series.
15Dirty Harry (1971)
InSuitsseason one, episode eight,Identity Crisis, Harvey says to Louis, “ .44 Magnum? Really? Feeling lucky today, punk?” A .44 Magnum is the same gun Dirty Harry uses in the 1971 filmDirty Harry. The film is an American action-thriller directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood as the title character, a San Francisco police detective named Harry Callahan. The movie follows Callahan as he hunts down a serial killer, Scorpio (Andy Robinson), who is terrorizing the city.
Dirty Harrywas abox office successand critical hit and is considered one of the most influential films of the 1970s. Eastwood’s portrayal of Callahan, known for his famous catchphrase “Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” cemented his status as a Hollywood icon, and the character of Callahan would go on to appear in four sequels. The film is notable for its depiction ofpolice brutalityand exploration of themes such as the nature of justice and the moral ambiguities of vigilantism.
14The Untouchables (1987)
In the 1987 filmThe Untouchables, Sean Connery portrays an Irish-American officer who advises a Bureau of Prohibition agent, Kevin Costner, on how to apprehend Al Capone (Robert De Niro). InSuits,The Untouchablesis referenced by Harvey when he says, “They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, and you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way!”
Federal Agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team of prohibition agents, known as the Untouchables, attempt to take down notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone during the prohibition era. However, their efforts are hindered at every turn by Capone’s vast network of corrupt politicians and police officers who are on his payroll.The Untouchablesis a dramatic film that provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of prohibition-era Chicago and the determined effort of a few brave men to take down one of the most powerful and feared criminals of their time.
13Airplane! (1980)
During a conversation between Harvey and Mike, Harvey says,“Surely you can’t be serious.” Mike replies,“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” This is a reference from the movieAirplane!whose plot centers around an airplane in crisis. The film tells the story of ex-fighter pilot and taxi driver Ted Striker (Robert Hays), who is suffering from a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his experiences in the war.
Striker’s girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty), is a stewardess on a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. When the flight’s crew and passengers fall ill from food poisoning, Striker is called upon to land the plane, despite his fear of flying. What follows is a string of increasingly absurd moments that make Striker’s task more difficult.
12Serpico (1973)
InSuits, Harvey referencesSerpicowhen he says, “I’ll make sure that Serpico isn’t around, waiting for you.“Serpicois a 1973 American crime film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film follows Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) as he begins his career as a police officer. Despite his best efforts to do good and uphold the law, he quickly realizes that many of his fellow officers are corrupt and accepting bribes.
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Serpico decides to go undercover to gather evidence of the corruption within the department in the face of resistance and hostility from his colleagues. As Frank works to expose the corruption, he finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations and begins to feel like a lone vigilante against the system. Despite facing death threats and attempts on his life, he persists in his efforts to bring the corrupt officers to justice.
11A Few Good Men (1992)
A Few Good Menis referenced by Harvey inSuitswhen he says, “See, that’s where you’re wrong, Donald.Because he just bought up your company, and you messed with the wrong goddamn marine.” The story follows Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise), a military lawyer assigned to defend two United States Marines, Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson (Wolfgang Bodison) and Private First Class Louden Downey (James Marshall). The two Marines are charged with the murder of a fellow Marine, Private First Class William Santiago (Michael DeLorenzo).
The Marines are accused of following the orders of their superior, Lance Corporal Carl Hammaker (Cuba Gooding Jr.), to rough up Santiago, who they believed was a snitch, for reporting them for a minor infraction. At first, Kaffee is reluctant to take the case and is more interested in plea-bargaining for his clients to get them reduced sentences. However, as the case progresses, he begins to believe that there may be more to the story and that his clients may not be guilty of murder.
10Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
InSuits, season five, episode 5,Sleepless in Seattleis referenced during a conversation between Harvey and Mike. Harvey says,“I did …. not miss you.” Mike answers, “Are you okay? Do you want to come over tonight? We can watchSleepless in Seattle.” This movie is a romantic comedy directed by Nora Ephron and released in 1993. The film stars Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin, a recent widower and father of one, and Meg Ryan as Annie Reed, a Baltimore-based journalist.
The story begins with Sam struggling to deal with the grief of losing his wife and relocating to Seattle with his son Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger). One Christmas Eve, Jonah calls a talk radio show, and his call is heard by Annie, who is engaged to a man she does not love. She is drawn to Sam’s story, and despite her doubts, she falls for him.Sleepless in Seattleis a heartwarming and romantic film that explores the themes of love, loss, and second chances.
9Stripes (1981)
InSuits, Mike says, “Well, you better be careful or Sergeant Hulka with the big toe is gonna see how far he can stick it up your a**.Here Mike is referencingStripes,a film that begins with John Winger (Bill Murray), a New Yorker struggling to make ends meet. He has a dead-end job and a failing relationship and is about to lose his apartment. In a last-ditch effort to change his life, he persuades his closest friend, Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis), a history teacher, to join the Army with him.
The two friends go through basic training together and are assigned to the same platoon, led by the tough but fair Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). Stripes is a classic comedy that has become a cult favorite over the years. It is known for its sharp wit, slapstick humor, and memorable performances by its talented cast, notably Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.
8Jerry Maguire (1996)
InSuitsHarvey and Logan are having a conversation based on quotes fromJerry Maguire. Harvey says, “Let me give you the ABCs of me. Logan responds, “Since we’re quoting Jerry Maguire, all I want is for you to show me the money.”The film tells the story of Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), a successful sports agent who has an epiphany and loses his job after writing a memo about the state of the industry. After being fired, Jerry starts his agency with just one client, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a football player who is looking for a new contract.
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As Jerry tries to navigate the cutthroat world of sports agents, he also struggles to maintain a relationship with his former secretary, Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), who becomes his only ally in his new venture. Throughout the film, Cameron Crowe, the director, explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the importance of family and relationships.
7Swingers (1996)
Donna fromSuitssays, “Wow, looks like our baby boy’s all grown up.” This is a reference fromSwingersfilm that follows the story of Mike Peters (Jon Favreau), a struggling actor who recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend. He moves to Los Angeles with his best friend, Trent Walker (Vince Vaughn), to jumpstart his career. Trent is a smooth-talking womanizer who introduces Mike to the world of swinging and the Los Angeles party scene.
As Mike tries to navigate the dating scene, he struggles with his insecurities and the pressure to conform to Trent’s lifestyle.Swingerswas well received by critics, and the film’s portrayal of the 1990s dating scene and the struggles of young adults trying to find their place in the world resonated with audiences.
6The Princess Bride (1987)
InThe Princess Bride, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), the endearing villain, frequently uses the word inconceivable but Inigo, one of his men, points out that he may not understand its true meaning. This instance inThe Princess Brideis referenced inSuits. Harvey says, “This phrase - ‘I know what theprocedure is’ – I don’t think it means what you think it means.” Mike responds, “Well, as inconceivable as it might be to you, Harvey, I’m actually not going in hostile.”
The Princess Bride is a romantic fantasy adventure that tells the story of a young farmhand named Westley (Cary Elwes) who sets out to rescue his love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the clutches of an evil prince named Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Along the way, he encounters several colorful characters, including a skilled swordsman named Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and a giant named Fezzik (André the Giant).
