Top 10 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time

Ranking the top 10 greatest movie characters of all time. These are the heroes, villains, and comedians that made our favorite movies into the masterpieces they are.

Which film character do you think should top the list?

The Top Ten

Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)

Forrest Gump is a fictional character who first appears in the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. Forrest Gump also appeared on screen in the 1994 film of the same name directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film, starring Tom Hanks, won six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

Are you kidding me!? This is your #1 spot right here! Forrest Gump (1994) is an epic phenomenon! The greatest movie character of all time, tied with Judah Ben-Hur of the legendary Ben-Hur (1959).

One of the most fantastic movies ever made, and I like how Forrest lives such an amazing life despite his mental health issues, which do not interfere with what he wants to do.

Yep. At least my favorite. A simple, lovable man intertwined with some of the biggest moments in the 20th century.
The Joker (The Dark Knight)

The Joker is probably my second-favorite villain after Darth Vader. Even with all his high-tech suits and gadgets, Batman constantly gets outsmarted by this criminal mastermind. One thing I love about the Joker is that he never seems to be worried and has a very dark sense of humor. He always ranks high on the list.

I was voting on the best quote just before this, where I wrote that no one could have played this role better. Such a shame that we've lost Heath Ledger. They should never attempt a Batman film with the Joker again - it's an impossible comparison!
Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Darth Vader is a Star Wars character who serves as the main antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy and as the central figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where he is known by his original name, Anakin Skywalker. Initially trained as a Jedi Knight, Anakin defects to the Sith under the influence... read more

Probably the coolest character on this list, Darth Vader is obviously the best villain here. Even without his totally awesome outfit, he's a total badass, casually walking through blaster fire, like that totally kick-ass scene in Rogue One. He should definitely be first.
So iconic, pretty much everyone knows him, unlike half the characters on this list. He is also responsible for the greatest twist of all time.

Darth Vader is arguably the most iconic movie villain of all time. Everyone in the Empire is afraid of him except for the Emperor and Grand Moff Tarkin. James Earl Jones provides the unforgettable voice of Darth Vader. Let's not forget the major plot twist: "No, I am your father..."
James Bond (James Bond)

Royal Navy Commander James Bond is a fictional character created by British author Ian Fleming in 1953. He is the protagonist of the James Bond series of novels, films, comics, and video games. The character is known for his espionage skills, gadgets, and signature phrase, Bond, James Bond.

This character pioneered most of the action that's in films today. These characters ahead of 007 do not deserve to be here. He could kick their asses any day.

007 is one of the best characters ever. He should be in the top ten ahead of Heath Ledger's Joker.

Definitely the greatest in all its incarnations.
Vito Corleone (The Godfather)

Vito Andolini Corleone is a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather and in Francis Ford Coppola's film series based on the novel. He was portrayed by Marlon Brando in The Godfather and, as a young man, by Robert De Niro in The Godfather Part II. Vito Corleone is the patriarch of the Corleone... read more

I think Vito Corleone is one of the greatest and most iconic characters of all time. One thing that impresses me the most is that there are a number of versions of Vito, especially in "Godfather Part 1" when he is played by Marlon Brando. However, I have never actually watched any of the "Godfather" films.
My final reason for why I believe that Vito Corleone should be higher is because of the number of times that his phrases have been copied and used in other films. For example, Robert De Niro, nicknamed the "GodFocker" in "Meet the Fockers," and of course, the most famous and iconic line in film history, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse." How many films have used that line over the years?
Even though "The Godfather" is one of the greatest and most well-written stories of all time, I cannot help but say that I only wish Marlon Brando had a bigger part to play in the rest of the "Godfather" movies. Such a fantastic role, but so little of Marlon Brando. Still, Vito Corleone should be number one!
Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, is the central character in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. His eccentric and unpredictable personality is inspired by rock guitarist Keith Richards and the animated skunk Pepé Le Pew.... read more

He's one of a kind. No one could replace this outstandingly hilarious character. I heard Disney's making a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and I'm upset that they're removing Jack Sparrow and Johnny Depp from the film completely. That's like taking Harry Potter out of Harry Potter. It's probably going to be a horrible movie.

Did you know the "I have a jar of dirt" moment was completely improvised by Johnny Depp at that moment and the director just went with it? So, their reactions are 100% legit. What is he doing?
Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs)

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a character in a series of suspense novels by Thomas Harris. Lecter was introduced in the 1981 thriller novel Red Dragon as a forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. He became more widely known after Anthony Hopkins' iconic portrayal in the 1991 film The Silence... read more

Nobody plays this character better than Sir Anthony Hopkins. He's extremely intelligent for a killer and knows how to toy with your mind. If it wasn't for Dr. Lecter, Clarice probably would have never caught Buffalo Bill. He also has that eerie tone of voice, which makes him twice as frightening.

Are you serious? Why is Hannibal Lecter ranked #24? Hopkins and Ledger should be vying for the top spot. Come on now. Hannibal wasn't even the main antagonist in The Silence of the Lambs, yet he stole the spotlight and will forever be the face of that movie.
Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones)

Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr., often shortened to "Indy," is the titular character of the Indiana Jones franchise. Created by George Lucas, Indiana Jones is an archaeologist and adventurer. His signature fedora and whip have become fixtures in popular culture, and he is portrayed by Harrison... read more

Indiana Jones is the classic movie hero! Obviously, he should be number one! The only people that I think could compete with Indiana Jones himself are Vito Corleone and Darth Vader.

Indiana Jones is badass, mega-smart, and just about able to survive anything. Though he's not the best at combat, he proves capable. He's by far the best Harrison Ford character.

This guy should totally be number one, with Vader right behind him! A real movie icon who will go down in history as a classic movie character.
Han Solo (Star Wars)

Han Solo is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. In the original film trilogy, he and his co-pilot, Chewbacca, become involved in the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Galactic Empire. Portrayed by Harrison Ford, Han Solo was also the focus of the 2018 film Solo: A Star Wars Story, in which... read more

One of the best Star Wars characters - actually, scratch that, he's one of the BEST characters in movie history. He's cool, smooth, has a sense of humor, the greatest pilot in the galaxy, and is just darn lovable. He's the second-best Harrison Ford character.

Han Solo is the coolest character in Star Wars. He is also the second most impactful Star Wars character, beaten only by Darth Vader. Harrison Ford delivers a spectacular performance as Han Solo.

We all love Han Solo. Smart, funny, sarcastic, cunning, brave - the coolest character from Star Wars, except for Leia.
Travis Bickle (Taxi Driver)

Travis Bickle, a 26-year-old honorably discharged U.S. Marine, is a lonely and depressed man living alone in New York City. He becomes a taxi driver to cope with his chronic insomnia, driving passengers around the city's boroughs each night. In his spare time, he visits adult theaters and writes in... read more

This is the best character study movie ever created with such an interesting main character. Absolutely amazing and realistically portrayed character. He deserves No. 1 more than anyone else here.

The Newcomers

?
Deadpool (Deadpool)

Deadpool is a fictional antihero created by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in New Mutants #98, published in February 1991, and was created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza. His powers include accelerated healing and enhanced physical abilities. He is widely recognized for his humor and frequent breaking... read more
?
Unikitty (The LEGO Movie)

The Contenders

Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)

Jason Voorhees is a fictional character from the Friday the 13th horror film series. He first appeared in the original 1980 movie as the young son of the killer, Mrs. Voorhees. Over the course of the series, Jason became the central antagonist, known for wearing a hockey mask.

He may have the highest kill count in horror, but he's not all bad. He just loves his mother.

Easily one of the most iconic horror film characters.
Michael Corleone (The Godfather)

Michael Corleone is the main character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather and the three films based upon it, all directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He is portrayed by Al Pacino and undergoes a dramatic transformation from a reluctant outsider to the ruthless leader of the Corleone crime family. Michael... read more

Michael Corleone should be ranked far higher than 18. He is one of the greatest characters in cinematic history. He was the Don.
Tony Stark (Iron Man)

He needs a higher rank! He's the Nick Fury in real life! Without him, you would never see any good actors such as Mark Ruffalo or other Marvel's remaining actors. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark is a great performance. Really fresh and natural!
He even acted as Sherlock Holmes, and his performance as Sherlock is great as well! Honestly, he's the best Superhero Actor of all time!

I'm sorry, but 59! Tony Stark is the most charismatic, funniest, and best superhero character of all time. This guy is just amazing, and to see cartoon characters ahead of him is just insulting. Epic character!
Woody (Toy Story)

Sheriff Woody Pride is a fictional character in the Toy Story franchise. He is voiced by Tom Hanks in all of the feature-length and short films, while Jim Hanks provides the voice in video games and shorts.
Woody is a pull-string cowboy doll who leads the other toys on various adventures in the... read more

One of the best animated characters ever!
Hal 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey)

HAL 9000 is a fictional character in Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey series. First appearing in 2001: A Space Odyssey, HAL is a sentient computer that controls the systems of the Discovery One spacecraft and interacts with the ship's astronaut crew. HAL is known for its calm voice and eventual malfunction,... read more
T-1000 (The Terminator)

He delivered two awesome one-liners and deserves to be higher on the list. He's an unstoppable, bulletproof assassin - or bodyguard - played by the greatest action actor of all time. Why isn't he higher? He's one of the absolute greatest action heroes of all time!

What? Why is Sarah Connor ranked higher than the Terminator? Sarah's a good character, but come on, it's the Terminator. I think he should be at least in the Top 10.

The most frightening cyborg ever. It wouldn't cease until it reached its target.
Tony Montana (Scarface)

Antonio Raimundo "Tony" Montana is a fictional character and the villain protagonist of the 1983 film Scarface. Portrayed by Al Pacino, he is a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the Miami drug trade before meeting a violent downfall. The character has become a cultural icon representing ambition... read more

How is The Joker (as amazing and captivating as Heath's performance was) above the absolute greatest movie criminals ever?

Nothing is more awesome than a Cuban Al Pacino high on cocaine mowing down baddies with a machine gun and grenade launcher.

Six words will forever keep his place in cinematic history.
Batman (The Dark Knight)

We sure got Batman with an English accent now!
Harry Potter (Harry Potter)

Harry James Potter is the title character of the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. The series chronicles his life from age eleven as he discovers his identity as a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over seven years, Harry confronts numerous challenges and... read more

Harry Potter's personality is one of the best things about the movies. He is brave, kind, intelligent, and charming. He risked his life more than just once. I remember him saving Ron and another girl in The Goblet of Fire.

What's the difference between Harry in the book and the movies? There's another Top Tens, and in that one (for the books, I guess?), Harry was #2... But still, he's really sweet and a hero!

Harry Potter is supermegafoxyawesomehot... if you know what I mean, and he is also the greatest, most beautiful wizard, the sexiest wizard in the wizarding world... (And yes, I am a Starkid fan)
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

You really feel what she's going through, yet you can't help but cheer when she makes it. What a spirit! What an incredible character!

She should be higher than this. She is an inspirational character and always tries to do the right thing.

Katniss is the best heroine. She shows that girls can fight!
Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

Fred "Freddy" Krueger is the primary antagonist in the A Nightmare on Elm Street film series. He first appeared in the original film directed by Wes Craven in 1984. Freddy is known for his burned face, red-and-green striped sweater, and his glove with razor-sharp blades.

Now, who does not think Robert here did a great job as Freddy? I say no one, especially not Jackie, can play Freddy. Robert forever.

No one can ever play Freddy as well as Mr. Englund did. He played the role so well that people get nightmares without even seeing the movie.

Freddy truly is your worst nightmare.
Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction)

Jules Winnfield is a character in the film Pulp Fiction, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. His philosophical monologues, particularly his recitation of a passage from Ezekiel, are iconic moments in the film. Jules' conversations and actions showcase the film's blend of dark humor and existential themes... read more

Not quite for the reason you think. While Jules is credibly scary and intimidating, certainly more competent than his useless buddy Vincent, he's also smart enough to think outside the box.
In fact, Jules has the best development out of all the characters in the movie. Over time, he develops a conscience and decides that being a mob boss' thug just isn't for him. Best of all, he faced down a restaurant robber without firing a single shot.

Wow, only 0.2%... The problem with this is that very few people have seen Pulp Fiction. Jules is one of the most humorous and iconic characters of all time.
Shame on this list. He should at least get a spot in the Top 10.
Legolas (The Lord of the Rings)

Legolas is a character in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. He is a Sindarin Elf from the Woodland Realm and one of the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring. Legolas was portrayed by Orlando Bloom in Peter Jackson's live-action film adaptations.

He is a great person, why?
1. He has Lego in his name, and I love Lego!
2. He never dies. Well, he survives almost anything.
3. He can whoop the butts of the enemies in the movie franchise.
4. I like his bow and arrows.

Only 2% votes? Hello? Legolas is awesome!
Reasons to vote for Legolas:
1. He's an elf.
2. He uses a bow and arrow.
3. He's epic.
Need I say more?

The Lord of the Rings knocks Pirates of the Caribbean's socks off!
Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind)

Katie Scarlett O'Hara is a fictional character and the protagonist of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind. She is portrayed as a strong-willed and resourceful Southern belle during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. In the 1939 film adaptation, she is brought to life by actress... read more
Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

Tyler Durden is a character from the movie Fight Club. He is revealed to be a split personality of the unnamed Narrator. Tyler emerges as a result of the Narrator's insomnia, psychological collapse, and dissatisfaction with a consumer-driven lifestyle.... read more

He's basically a philosopher. Everything he says takes some time to process, but once it sinks in, it really changes you. Also, he's not just a character but a figment of "Jack's" imagination.

I'm a huge Joker fan, but surely this character must be in the top 5. Brad Pitt at his best.

This guy deserves to be in the top 5. Brad Pitt at his best.