Best Movie Characters of the 21st Century

Unlike the stunning energy of the Joker, Daniel Plainview is a much more subtle character, realized in possibly the greatest performance of all time. Daniel Day-Lewis expertly portrays the sociopathic tycoon who is also thoroughly human, and filled with both hatred towards Eli and love for H.W.

There is no one else, there is no substitute, there is no alternative. There is this legendary creation of film or nothing at all.

Heath Ledger's timeless performance added a chilling manic energy and horror to this character. The dialogue he delivered is also unforgettable and added a brilliant edge to the Joker's philosophy of chaos. "Do you want to know how I got these scars?"

Such an enigmatic, insane character. I love the twisted sense of humor he has.

David is a character that is simultaneously robotic yet incredibly human. The best representation of this paradox is his unconditional love for Monica. Initially accepting and hopeful, David grows increasingly cynical as the film progresses, until he learns how to deal with the love that is tearing him apart in the bittersweet ending.

Psychopaths are always fascinating. Perhaps because of Jake Gyllenhaal's performance, Lou Bloom is one of the most fascinating. I was kept on the edge of my seat as Lou ruthlessly pursued his job with his cold, eerie smile.

In the main X-Men series, we are introduced to Wolverine as a cage fighter who develops a close relationship with the X-Men. However, in the movie Logan, we get a deeper look at the weary character who fights and kills because he has to in order to protect Laura and Charles Xavier. Ultimately, Logan is a tragic and epic protagonist.

In his portrayal of Lee Chandler, Casey Affleck offers a heartbreaking and subtle look at how people deal with loss. Lee seems like a jerk when we are first introduced to him, but as I learned more about him, I was blown away by the ways in which he tries and fails to get away from his past. As Lee says, "I can't beat it."

In the Harry Potter series, Harry embarks on many fantastical adventures, where he learns to be a classically brave hero. At the same time, he experiences many simple humanizing moments, growing attached to his friends and role models, and dealing with the loss of his parents. Harry is not the flashiest character in the series, but he is the character that the audience can most sympathize with, and he perfectly represents the start of the 21st century.

Maybe the most badass character of the 21st century so far. Kill Bill Vol. 1 is a great revenge movie, in which Uma Thurman shows off her fighting skills. Kill Bill Vol. 2 also deals with revenge, but on top of that, it also gives you more of the Bride's backstory, and explores her complicated relationship with Bill.