Best Movie Characters of the 21st Century

Ennis Del Mar - Brokeback Mountain

Lee Chandler - Manchester by the Sea

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."

Daniel Plainview - There Will Be Blood

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.

The Joker - The Dark Knight

The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

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 - A.I. Artificial Intelligence

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.

Lou Bloom - Nightcrawler

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.

Logan (Wolverine) - X-Men

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.

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, when he discovers that he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over seven years, Harry confronts numerous challenges... read more

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.

Iron Man - Marvel Cinematic Universe

Iron Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 in 1963... read more

Wonder Woman - DC Extended Universe

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Rose Armitage - Get Out

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Chris Washington - Get Out

Arthur Fleck - Joker

James Bond - Casino Royale

Gollum - The Lord of the Rings

Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. He was introduced in the 1937 children's fantasy novel The Hobbit and became an important supporting character in its sequel, The Lord of the Rings. In Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, he is portrayed... read more

The Bride - Kill Bill

Beatrix Kiddo, codenamed Black Mamba, is the protagonist of the two-part film Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino. She is portrayed by Uma Thurman. The character is a former assassin who seeks revenge on her ex-colleagues and former lover after they attempt to kill her and her unborn child.

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.

Katniss Everdeen - Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen is a fictional character and the protagonist of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. She is portrayed by actress Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptation series. Katniss becomes a symbol of resistance and rebellion against the oppressive Capitol in the dystopian storyline.

Jordan Belfort - The Wolf of Wall Street

Moonee - The Florida Project

Akira - Nobody Knows

Caesar - Planet of the Apes

Mark Zuckerberg - The Social Network

Aragorn - The Lord of the Rings

Aragorn II, the son of Arathorn II and Gilraen, is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium and one of the main protagonists of The Lord of the Rings. He is a skilled ranger and warrior, and as Isildur's heir, he carried the reforged sword Andúril, which was once the shards of Narsil... read more

Rey - Star Wars

Rey is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise and is portrayed by British actress Daisy Ridley. She made her first appearance as the central protagonist in the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Rey begins as a solitary scavenger on the desert planet Jakku, where she was abandoned as... read more

Jyn Erso - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Jyn Erso is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. She is portrayed by English actress Felicity Jones in the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Jyn is a rebel soldier who plays a key role in stealing the plans for the Death Star.

Hawkeye - Marvel Cinematic Universe

Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton, better known as Hawkeye, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a former special agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he worked under the supervision of Phil Coulson. Known for his use of the bow and arrow as his primary weapon... read more