Leon Kennedy’s Best Cringe Lines

Summary

• Leon Kennedy’s cringe-worthy one-liners make him a likable and relatable character in Resident Evil.
• Leon’s classic, eye-rolling comebacks add humor and charm to his interactions with enemies.
• Leon’s cheesy lines, including misplaced reassurances and silly insults, contribute to his iconic character in the series.

If there’s one thing that Leon Kennedy is known for, it’s his famous one-liners. Arguably one of the most charismatic characters of the bunch, Leon has garnered quite a reputation among Resident Evil fans. For the gamers who have seen him in action, he’s usually noted for doing one of two things: firing off (not so) witty comebacks at his enemies, or flirting with one of Resident Evil‘s female protagonists.

While his back-and-forth banter with Ada is nothing short of cringe-worthy at times, it’s often his one-liners aimed at enemies that have fans rolling their eyes. This is part of what makes him such a likable—and, at times, even relatable—character in the franchise, and Resident Evil 4 is particularly full of these classic “Leon-isms.” However, this isn’t the only Resident Evil game that shines a spotlight on everyone’s favorite Racoon City Police officer and his groan-worthy dialogue.

10

“You Like Thrill Rides?”

Misplaced Reassurance, But Leon Tries All The Same

In typical heartthrob fashion, and as one of the best protagonists in the series, Leon says this line in Resident Evil 4 to Ashley before they make their escape on a jet ski. While it’s definitely not the most cringe line in the game, it’s up there.

Ashley is obviously shaken during this scene after having nearly been killed, and Leon’s attempts to reassure her are admirable. However, it’s completely uncertain whether comparing a jet ski, in enemy territory, with more parasitic enemies on their tail, is akin to a thrill ride. At a horror theme park, maybe.

9

“Your Right Hand Comes Off?”

A Classic, “No, You!” Comeback

There’s nothing Leon fans love more than a classic comeback. While his snappy one-liners are eye-roll-worthy at best, it doesn’t mean they’re not appreciated by gamers—especially when it’s a clapback as good as this one.

In response to Ramon Salazar saying he was “sending his right hand to dispose” of him, Leon responds with “Your right hand comes off?” Thus completing the dad joke, and inciting collective groans from players.

8

“This Meats Rotten… But I Sure Could Use A Fat Juicy Steak Right About Now.”

While Player’s Stomachs Are Turning, Leon’s Is Growling

At a time when most people would be horrified by the sight of decaying flesh in front of them, Leon is out to show the world just how unaffected he is by the display of horrors awaiting him in the original Resident Evil 4.

While working his way around the perimeter (and not so carefully avoiding Ganados), Leon runs into a hunk of rotten meat hanging in an abandoned house. Rather than being put off by this, it only serves to amp up his appetite—which is fine, because surely fans were disgusted enough for both parties.

7

“Hang On, Sweetheart!”

Enough Cringe To Make Most People Second-Guess That Ride

Some fans would indeed give anything to be on the receiving end of this line (not unlike Ashley, despite not necessarily being a fan favorite), but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t qualify as a cringe-worthy moment.

In a scene full of bravado after finally escaping, this is what Leon shouts to Ashley before they skiddaddle out of harm’s way on the same jet ski he claimed was like a “thrill ride.” Leon may have been worried about Ashley’s safety, but that worry comes with a whole lot of cringe.

6

“I Knew You’d Be Fine If You Landed On Your Butt.”

Thanks For The Warning, Leon

Not only is Leon eliciting eye rolls throughout the entirety of Resident Evil 4, but he’s also coming in clutch with brutally honest truths such as this one. In the original game, players watch as Leon grabs Ashley’s hand and makes a harrowing jump with her… directly into a pile of trash.

As if that weren’t enough of a crazy stunt, as Ashley is questioning his actions, Leon makes light by implying that he knew she’d be fine as long as she landed butt-first. Not the most romantic of gestures, but at least he’s honest.

5

“Thanks. That Should Keep Me Company. ‘Cuz Boredom Kills Me.”

A Collective Eye Roll From Fans Before Facing An Insect Hoard

Some of the best moments in the original Resident Evil 4 happen when Salazar hacks the communications between Leon and Hunnigan. This is yet another one of Leon’s famous lines, said in response to Salazar sending a hoard of insects after the agent while he is trapped in a sewer.

What makes it even funnier is that Salazar is tough to take seriously in the first place, and that’s compounded by the fact that Leon makes him look even more ridiculous—like by making light out of fighting a bunch of oversized, parasitic bugs. This isn’t the kind of company most people would choose, but with Leon being Leon, it makes the list of cringe-worthy comments about his enemy.

4

“Sorry, But Following A Lady’s Lead Just Isn’t My Style.”

A Classic Leon Clapback

Who can blame Leon for wanting to blaze his own path? He’s never been one to follow anyone in any Resident Evil storyline, least of all Ada. Despite the unspoken love match that’s happening between them throughout the series, Leon tends to stay in his own lane for the most part and sticks true to the mission.

This beloved one-liner comes to us from Resident Evil 4 after Ada tells Leon to put his hands where she can see them. Not one for taking orders, especially from the introverted Ada, Leon is, as always, a step ahead, and fires off this comment before turning the tables with one impressive move.

3

“Saddler, You’re Small Time.”

When All Else Fails, Go With An Elementary Insult

There are comebacks, and then there are “I’m rubber and you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you” types of comebacks. This one, unfortunately, happens to be the latter. In the case of Resident Evil 4, though, it does work during the tiff between macho boss Saddler and Leon, but only because Leon can pull off a fifth-grade-level insult.

While the moment may have had some gamers cringing while others were in stitches, this is high on Leon’s list of eye-roll-worthy one-liners.

2

“I’m Sure You Boys Didn’t Just Tag Along So We Could Sing Kumbaya Together At Some Boy Scout Bonfire. Then Again, Maybe You Did.”

Leon Isn’t Just Saving His Cringe For The Ladies

One thing that Resident Evil fans can always count on Leon for is a completely unhinged line that easily could have been something simple. Then again, when has Leon ever made things simple?

In a moment of tension on the way to the village in Resident Evil 4, Leon uses this quote on the two cops who are escorting him. While not the most conventional of methods to break the ice, it’s certainly a far more cringe-worthy way of doing so.

1

“Thanks. You Know You’re Kinda Cute Without Those Glasses. Gimme Your Number When I Get Back?”

All Hail Hunnigan’s Unhinged Professionalism

Capcom made sure that every gamer was rolling their eyes when they wrote this line into Leon’s script. If it’s not Ada, then it’s Hunnigan. Resident Evil 4 ends with this interaction between the two characters, but it starts with Leon commenting on Hunnigan not wearing glasses on their call.

While she initially ignores the remark, Leon—of course—brings it up at the end of their call, to which Hunnigan replies, “May I remind you that you’re still on duty?” Ouch; “story of my life” is right, Leon.