James Cameron has been a dominant figure in Hollywood for decades, but Titanic solidified that status. Despite being over budget and past its deadline, Cameron’s confidence in the project proved to be justified. Titanic became one of the highest-grossing films of its time and established Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio as enduring stars. The sweeping love story set aboard the ill-fated ship captured the hearts of audiences and sparked ongoing discussions about how many people can fit on a door.

The chemistry between Winslet and DiCaprio, both on and off-screen, continues to intrigue fans, beginning with a film that many doubted would succeed. Their love story starts with Jack (DiCaprio), who won his way onto the ship despite not being able to afford a ticket. His luck led him to the love of his life and one of the most quoted lines in cinema history. On his first day aboard, Jack stands at the bow with arms outstretched, shouting: “I’m king of the world!” This iconic moment was not part of the original script; Cameron revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he improvised this line on set.

“He doesn’t have a penny in his pocket. He won his damn ticket in a poker game. He’s just living carefree, fancy-free. He met Fabrizio [Danny Nucci] and they’re just having fun. It was an expression of life and his life spirit, which seemed so unquenchable and so full of potential.”

Cameron and DiCaprio were filming the scene, attempting to convey the emotion of the moment. They experimented with various takes but struggled to find the right delivery. Cameron mentioned that the line “popped into my head,” and he instructed DiCaprio to say it over the walkie-talkie. The rest is history.

‘Titanic’ Was Iconic in Almost Every Scene

The public’s skepticism about Titanic before its release is hard to fathom. James Cameron was already recognized for his dedication to practical effects in his films from the ’80s, even flooding the set for the climactic sinking scene. This extravagant approach became one of the film’s defining features, ultimately validating Cameron’s vision. Under any other director, Titanic might have flopped; instead, it became a timeless classic that took viewers on an extraordinary journey. Real-life explorations of the Titanic wreckage distinguished this film from other romantic tales.

Titanic remains relevant because audiences continue to discuss it today. “I’m king of the world” is just one of many memorable lines from this quotable film. Each scene contributes something significant, which explains why its runtime is so extensive. Iconic moments like the sketching scene, the ship’s sinking, and the car scene are etched in memory. Cameron crafted a historic love story that remains unmatched. Fans can relive this romance by watching Titanic, available for purchase or rental on most digital platforms.