These movie characters ARE cinema. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most iconic, entertaining, and/or compelling characters in live-action films.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00 (Music)
00:03 "The name's Bond. James Bond."
00:06 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most iconic,
00:11 entertaining and/or compelling characters in live-action films.
00:15 "Let's put a smile on that face."
00:19 Number 30, Tony Montana, Scarface.
00:22 Powered by the energy of Al Pacino, Tony Montana injects non-stop energy into this remake.
00:28 He's the ambitious anti-hero who cannot help himself.
00:31 "Who put this thing together? Me! That's who! Who do I trust? Me!"
00:38 During his journey to the top, Montana also has a few choice quotes to entertain viewers.
00:43 Pacino's accent is just one of the many captivating elements of this character.
00:47 The drug lord becomes so over the top that he's yelling, swearing and/or doing drugs in most scenes.
00:54 He doesn't go quietly into the night either, fending off assassins in the violent finale.
00:59 The greedy businessman could be considered the most memorable train wreck of his kind.
01:04 He burns bright throughout this insane movie, never slowing down as he excites and shocks audiences.
01:11 "Shout out to my little friend!"
01:14 (Explosion)
01:17 Number 29, Captain Jack Sparrow, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
01:22 "Son, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. He's heavy."
01:28 This swashbuckling hero is known for his particular brand of humor,
01:32 known as a combo of the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards and several Looney Tunes characters.
01:37 As the face of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Jack Sparrow is a trickster who always has a fun scheme up his sleeve.
01:44 His oddball personality is a highlight throughout a series of wild and improbable adventures.
01:51 "Why is the rum always gone?"
01:54 Sparrow's charms shine through at every turn, never letting a bad guy ruin his mood.
01:59 He's a pirate crossed with a rock star that's anything but a bland action hero.
02:03 This bold character gives viewers a reason to smile in each entry.
02:08 "You are Jack Sparrow. There should be a captain in there somewhere."
02:14 Number 28, Harry Potter, the Harry Potter franchise.
02:18 "You're a wizard, Harry."
02:21 "I'm a what?"
02:23 Destined for greatness, this young wizard starts as a humble child.
02:27 He then journeys to Hogwarts and learns to harness his abilities.
02:31 Along with being heroic, Potter is especially loyal to the people around him.
02:35 He's as renowned for magic as he is for being a great friend.
02:39 With the help of his allies, the hero finally destroys the villain Voldemort.
02:43 You could call him basic or too nice, but that would be a disservice to the rich material surrounding him.
02:49 Sometimes it pays to be a good person and have a genuine personality in the face of evil.
02:54 "Let us hope that Mr. Potter will always be around to save the day."
03:02 "Don't worry, I will be."
03:05 Number 27, Beatrix Kiddo, aka The Bride, the Kill Bill franchise.
03:11 Beatrix Kiddo thinks she can have a normal life, but then she's betrayed by her assassin colleagues.
03:17 The Bride spends the rest of the series dishing out revenge.
03:20 "I want him to know what I know. I want him to know. I want him to know."
03:27 "And I want them all to know. They'll all soon be as dead as a rat."
03:35 As a consummate badass, the heroine easily cuts her way through dozens of enemies.
03:40 Her lightning reflexes are only matched by her sword skills.
03:44 She can even find her way out of a coffin, showing that she is the ultimate escape artist.
03:49 Uma Thurman brings out the iconic character's physicality and a rich interior.
03:54 Quentin Tarantino's films throw all kinds of obstacles at her,
03:58 but she always proves to be talented and resilient enough to survive.
04:02 "You and I have unfinished business."
04:07 "Baby, you ain't kidding."
04:10 Jules Winfield stands tall among Quentin Tarantino's canon of characters.
04:18 The role blends humor, violence, and philosophy into one memorable hitman.
04:23 Samuel L. Jackson's performance might just be the crown jewel in the movie,
04:27 bringing down the house with his biblical speeches.
04:30 "And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger
04:37 those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers.
04:41 And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
04:48 The character's change of heart gives the film an added layer of emotional depth.
04:52 He contemplates his future, becoming a changed man in the entertaining finale.
04:56 Winfield takes control during the diner robbery and dishes out some wisdom in an incredible moment.
05:02 Jackson's acting makes Tarantino's dialogue sing, creating a match made in cinematic heaven.
05:08 "The truth is, you're the weak, and I'm the tyranny of evil men.
05:19 But I'm trying, Ringo. I'm trying real hard to be the shepherd."
05:27 "Hey, bub, I'm not finished with you yet."
05:36 Of all the members of the X-Men, Wolverine brings a bad boy energy to the team.
05:41 Hugh Jackman portrays the character as a multi-dimensional mutant.
05:45 He's striving to be the hero that his allies need him to be. Often without a filter, Logan is always himself.
05:51 In the original films, Wolverine transforms from a drifter to a hero.
05:56 You could argue that his finest hour comes in Logan when he's facing his own mortality.
06:00 He's an endless source of fascination and contradictions, symbolizing the many real-world issues the franchise explores.
06:07 Jackman's take on the role doesn't shy away from his faults, making him a lovable and abrasive figure.
06:14 In the opening sequence of this war film, Hans Landa makes his evil presence known.
06:28 "You're sheltering enemies of the state, are you not?"
06:36 "Yes."
06:37 "You sheltering them underneath your floorboards, aren't you?"
06:43 "Yes."
06:47 "Point out to me the areas where they're hiding."
06:53 The villain slowly reveals his ruthless methods of getting information.
06:56 Through all of his awful traits, the Nazi officer finds a way to be charming.
07:01 Quentin Tarantino even gives the antagonist a dark humor that keeps audiences guessing.
07:06 Playing into the character's complexity, actor Christoph Waltz plays the iconic part with some genuine gravitas.
07:12 His Oscar-winning performance is terrifying, funny, and arguably the best part of 'Inglorious Basterds'.
07:18 You both love to hate him and can't wait for his next scene.
07:22 "Ooooh, that's a bingo!"
07:26 "Is that the way you say 'that's a bingo'?"
07:30 "That's a bingo."
07:31 Marching to the beat of his own drum, Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski is a singular entity unto himself.
07:41 He has among the most laid-back vibes of any hero ever.
07:45 "Well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man."
07:50 Brought to life by Jeff Bridges, this character finds himself stuck in a complex mystery that never ends.
07:56 He is an unlikely candidate for the job, but that makes him all the more perfect.
08:01 His entire personality brings out a natural humor and an unexpected philosophy to everything.
08:06 "No, you're not wrong."
08:08 "Am I wrong?"
08:09 "You're not wrong, Walter, you're just an asshole."
08:11 "Okay, then."
08:12 We get to watch him fumble his way through the investigation, worrying about things like his favorite rug.
08:17 "I'm unemployed.
08:19 My rug was also stolen."
08:24 He's the kind of guy that you want to hang out with long after the movie ends.
08:28 Gandalf is among the wisest characters in all of 'The Lord of the Rings'.
08:36 Played by Ian McKellen, the wizard is also one of the strongest allies in the series.
08:41 "You shall not pass!"
08:47 McKellen plays the magical man with equal amounts of heart and soul.
08:53 Each time he speaks, he demands that you listen.
08:56 His change from grey to white also sets up his triumphant return.
09:00 In a franchise full of eclectic roles, this one stands out as an example of true power and goodness.
09:06 He saves the day more than once, giving the series several of its most important moments.
09:12 "Your staff is broken."
09:15 "Boom!"
09:17 "I am Iron Man."
09:27 In 2008, Marvel Films took on a new life courtesy of Iron Man.
09:33 Robert Downey Jr. brought the character to life with a singular performance.
09:37 He gives Tony Stark a healthy attitude and humor,
09:40 turning him into one of the funniest superheroes of recent times.
09:44 His attempt to keep his allies together proves to be among the most valiant efforts of the franchise.
09:49 In his final moments, Stark reminds everyone of the hero beneath the armor.
09:53 Iron Man stands as one of the most essential and entertaining stories throughout the series.
09:58 He wasn't the first Avenger, but he did lay the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
10:05 "And I...am...Iron Man."
10:15 Arnold Schwarzenegger was a rather inexperienced actor at the time of 'The Terminator,'
10:25 yet his cold and emotionless performance helped create one of the most iconic characters in movie history.
10:31 "15-day wait on the handguns, but the rifles you can take right now."
10:35 "You can't do that."
10:37 What makes 'The Terminator' such a great character,
10:42 aside from Schwarzenegger's literally robotic performance,
10:45 is his wonderful character arc.
10:47 It was a move of inspired genius to turn the malicious Terminator into a hero.
10:52 And 'T2' is just as well-remembered for its touching writing and character development
10:56 as it is for the groundbreaking action.
11:00 "And it must be destroyed also."
11:06 No matter what you think of the later movies,
11:08 the first two 'Terminator' films will always be classics,
11:12 a reputation that is undoubtedly aided by its fascinating titular character.
11:16 "Goodbye."
11:27 #19 Forrest Gump - Forrest Gump
11:30 "My mom always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates.
11:36 You never know what you're gonna get.'"
11:40 Is there anything this man didn't or couldn't do?
11:43 Forrest Gump is the titular character of this critically and financially successful comedy-drama,
11:48 which is also based on the 'Winston Groom' novel of the same name.
11:51 The film adaptation follows him as he encounters various highly important figures
11:55 and events throughout American history,
11:57 all without the knowledge of their immense importance in time.
12:00 "Run, Forrest! Run!"
12:03 Despite his strong naivete regarding many aspects of life,
12:09 his forward-looking attitude gave us all determination to fight ahead
12:12 and left us all in tears.
12:14 "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is."
12:20 And thanks to an Academy Award-winning performance by Tom Hanks,
12:24 Forrest will go down in history as one of the sweetest and most well-meaning characters in cinema.
12:29 "Congratulations. How does it feel to be an All-American?"
12:32 "Very good, sir."
12:34 "Congratulations. How do you feel?"
12:36 "I gotta pee."
12:38 "I believe he said he had to go pee."
12:40 #18 Scarlett O'Hara - Gone With the Wind
12:44 Actress Vivian Leigh was ranked as the 16th greatest female movie star
12:48 by the American Film Institute in 1999.
12:51 "You should have made your presence known."
12:53 "In the middle of that beautiful love scene? That wouldn't have been very tactful, would it?"
12:57 She earned two Academy Awards throughout her lifetime,
13:00 one as Blanche in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
13:03 and the other as Scarlett O'Hara in the epic 'To End All Epics' - 'Gone With the Wind'.
13:08 "My Confederate bonds, of course, daughter."
13:11 "Confederate bonds? What good are they to anybody?"
13:15 "I'd not have you talking like that, Katie Scarlett."
13:19 "For what are we going to do with no money and have nothing to eat?"
13:23 Author Margaret Mitchell believes that her novel is about survival in turbulent times,
13:28 and Scarlett embodies that theme in various interesting ways.
13:31 She goes from spoiled, pampered girl to strong, independent businesswoman,
13:35 which itself is a major deviation from the other Southern Belles of the time and the story.
13:40 "I only know that I love you."
13:42 "That's your misfortune."
13:48 Perhaps the story is arguing that there are no gendered standards,
13:52 and in that way, it truly was ahead of its time.
13:55 The movies of Sergio Leone's 'Dollars' trilogy are revolutionary spaghetti westerns,
14:06 and while 'A Fistful of Dollars' and 'For a Few Dollars More' are not as well-remembered today,
14:11 everyone knows and loves the good, the bad and the ugly.
14:16 ['For a Few Dollars More' plays]
14:20 At the heart of each movie is the unnamed antihero played wonderfully by screen legend Clint Eastwood.
14:26 The man doesn't have much of a personality, nor does he really speak all that much,
14:30 but it's a testament to Eastwood's screen presence and charisma
14:34 that the character has remained so beloved throughout the decades.
14:37 [crickets chirping]
14:39 [crash]
14:42 He's the type of rugged, no-nonsense antihero that many westerns came to adopt,
14:47 and he somehow managed to make ponchos look badass.
14:50 Throw on on today, and you will undoubtedly be called Clint Eastwood by someone.
14:55 Historical and genre contexts are important when discussing the impact of movie characters,
15:04 and they're important when analyzing John McClane.
15:06 "You won't hurt me."
15:08 "Yeah? Why not?"
15:10 "Because you're a policeman. There are rules for policemen."
15:14 "Yeah. That's what my captain keeps telling me."
15:18 At the time, action movies were over-the-top, bombastic spectacles
15:24 starring shirtless, impeccably chiseled men like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
15:29 And then in comes Bruce Willis as John McClane.
15:32 "Welcome to the party, pal!"
15:34 [gunshots]
15:36 It's fitting that Hans Gruber calls him "just another American" because that is exactly what he is.
15:41 He's an inaction star, he's normally built, balding, and he's got a lot of personal problems.
15:47 He doesn't even want to be a hero. He just becomes one because no one else will.
15:52 [gunshots]
15:58 Here was a heroic action movie star that the everyday man could relate to.
16:02 Number 15, Freddy Krueger, the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.
16:07 "One, two friends come for you. Three, four, better lock your door."
16:17 There have been many great slashers throughout the years, including Freddy's personal rival Jason Voorhees.
16:22 But Freddy is arguably the meanest of the bunch.
16:25 Much of his legacy comes down to his sardonic personality.
16:28 "Please, God."
16:29 "This."
16:32 "Is God."
16:33 [gunshot]
16:35 [child laughing]
16:36 Unlike other slashers, Freddy talks, and he loves to talk.
16:40 But his reputation also stems from just how gross he is, not only physically, but spiritually.
16:47 He openly mocks his victims, he does nasty things like cutting off his own fingers,
16:51 and he gleefully murdered children as a human.
16:55 Of course, part of what makes Freddy so scary is that there is literally no escaping him.
17:00 "I'm your boyfriend now, Nancy."
17:03 [screaming]
17:06 You will fall asleep eventually, and when you do, Freddy will be there waiting.
17:11 Number 14, Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins.
17:15 "Perhaps it's a witch."
17:17 "Of course not, witches have brooms."
17:19 Julie Andrews won her only Academy Award for portraying Mary Poppins,
17:24 the titular character of this fantastically unique and imaginative Disney film.
17:28 "Item one, a cheery disposition. I am never cross."
17:32 Poppins is a magical nanny who teaches the Banks children valuable life lessons
17:36 through magic and glorious song and dance.
17:38 Her personality is utterly magnetic, utilizing music, a sharp wit,
17:43 and a gentle, nurturing approach to reach the children.
17:46 "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way."
17:54 Who among us hasn't thought of a spoonful of sugar whenever we're taking nasty medicine?
17:58 She's become an iconic part of our collective pop culture consciousness,
18:02 being referenced from the 2012 London Olympics to Gilligan's Island and Guardians of the Galaxy.
18:08 "You look like Mary Poppins."
18:10 "Is he cool?"
18:13 "Hell yeah, he's cool."
18:15 "I'm Mary Poppins, y'all!"
18:17 Everyone loves their cool nanny, but Mary Poppins is the coolest of them all.
18:22 #13. Travis Bickle – Taxi Driver
18:26 2019's Joker was often compared to Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver,
18:30 and that's in large part due to the similarities between Arthur Fleck and Travis Bickle.
18:34 "You talking to me? You talking to me?"
18:40 Travis spoke to a generation of lost, disillusioned, and mentally troubled men returning from Vietnam.
18:45 He returns to find a filthy city, both physically and metaphorically.
18:50 "Whatever it is, he should clean up this city here, because this city here is like an open sewer, you know?
18:55 It's full of filth and scum. And sometimes I can hardly take it."
18:59 It's filled with thieves, pimps, and 12-year-old prostitutes,
19:03 societal aspects that eventually lead to Travis' mental decline.
19:07 "Now I see clearly. My whole life is pointed in one direction. I see that now.
19:13 There never has been any choice for me."
19:16 His experiences, the long hours, and the loneliness all cause Travis to snap,
19:21 and he becomes hell-bent on "cleansing" society of its so-called "filth."
19:26 He's one of cinema's scariest villains because he's so relatable and grounded.
19:30 Perhaps the movie is arguing that many people are living vicariously on the edge of madness.
19:35 #12. Dorothy Gale – The Wizard of Oz
19:39 "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
19:44 "No place like home."
19:46 So said this character on the silver screen over 70 years ago,
19:49 and her charm and sweetness have remained with moviegoers ever since.
19:53 "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!"
19:57 Released in 1939, this movie was notable for its use of the relatively new technicolor process,
20:02 and the character of Dorothy certainly helped usher in the color revolution in film.
20:07 "Somewhere over the rainbow..."
20:13 From her ruby shoes to her trademark blue and white gingham dress,
20:16 this heroine also helped bring in a new era of filmmaking.
20:19 As a fiercely brave character that is not afraid to take charge and stand up for herself,
20:24 she proved herself a strong female role model for generations to come.
20:28 "Tap your heels together three times, and think to yourself,
20:35 'There's no place like home. There's no place like home.'"
20:41 11. Ellen Ripley, the Alien Franchise
20:45 When it comes to movie protagonists, few are as iconic as Ellen Ripley.
20:53 "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit.
20:57 It's the only way to be sure."
21:01 Ripley is not only one of the most badass characters of all time,
21:05 but also one of the most important.
21:07 Loads of academic articles have been written regarding her impact on film
21:11 and her role as a strong female protagonist in an otherwise male-dominated genre.
21:15 "That's right outside the door. Hicks, Vasquez, get back!"
21:18 The role also earned Sigourney Weaver significant critical acclaim.
21:21 Her performance in Aliens made her just the second leading actress in horror movie history
21:26 to be nominated for an Academy Award, behind only Ellen Burstyn for The Exorcist.
21:31 "No!"
21:35 It's telling that the Academy decided to forego their aversion to genre films
21:39 like horror and science fiction to honor Weaver's work as the heroic and groundbreaking Ellen Ripley.
21:45 "Get away from her, you bitch!"
21:47 10. The Tramp, Varius
21:50 A legendary character and insanely popular during the silent film era,
21:54 The Tramp was extraordinarily played by Charlie Chaplin for decades,
21:58 all without speaking a word.
22:00 Chaplin's natural grace in body language, as well as his facial expressions,
22:05 induced everything from belly laughs to tears of sorrow.
22:08 Portrayed as a vagrant, The Tramp acts like a gentleman despite his social status
22:19 and also conjured not only strong emotions but also intense social commentary.
22:24 "Ahhh!"
22:26 A vastly complex character that said so much without saying anything at all,
22:34 The Little Tramp will be remembered as one of cinema's highest achievements.
22:49 9. Hannibal Lecter, The Hannibal Lecter Franchise
22:53 You might not expect a cannibalistic serial killer to ever be acclaimed and respected,
22:59 but Hannibal Lecter is just so mesmerizing that audiences can't help but love
23:04 or at least be intrigued by him.
23:06 "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
23:18 Most notably portrayed by Anthony Hopkins on the big screen,
23:21 Hannibal is the creepy and calculating murderer who helps the FBI
23:25 go after more important madmen currently on the loose.
23:28 "If I help you, Clarice, it will be turns for us to quit pro quo.
23:32 I tell you things, you tell me things."
23:34 Originally portrayed as an antagonist with limited screen time,
23:38 Hannibal ultimately won over audiences to become a fan favorite.
23:41 He is so good at being bad that he was voted the number one villain of all time
23:46 by the American Film Institute.
23:48 "I do wish we could chat longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye."
23:57 8. The Joker, The Dark Knight
24:01 "How about a magic trick?"
24:03 Villains are often showier and meatier roles than that of the heroes,
24:09 and that is certainly the case with The Dark Knight.
24:13 "Ta-da! It's... it's gone."
24:17 While Batman will forever remain an iconic character,
24:20 everyone honors Heath Ledger's Joker as one of the finest villains in cinematic history.
24:25 "I don't want to kill you. What would I do without you?
24:31 Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no. No. No, you. You complete me."
24:39 Christopher Nolan and his team of filmmakers helped elevate The Dark Knight
24:43 above the typical superhero trappings,
24:45 offering up rich social commentary on the War on Terror
24:48 and themes regarding lawlessness, anarchy, and moral foundation,
24:52 all of which The Joker horrifically embodies.
24:55 Future iterations will always be compared to Ledger's.
24:58 It's a wonderfully unhinged, fantastically entertaining performance
25:03 that changed a classic character forever.
25:05 "See, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push."
25:13 "We have 12 vacancies. 12 cabins, 12 vacancies."
25:23 Psycho's main antagonist, Norman Bates, was loosely inspired by real-life murderer Ed Gein,
25:28 so you know he's gonna be trouble.
25:30 A deeply disturbed individual, Bates suffered extreme emotional abuse as a child
25:35 at the hands of his mother, which later caused him to kill innocent people,
25:39 especially women he's attracted to.
25:41 "She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes."
25:49 Not only does he dress in his mother's clothing,
25:52 he also repeatedly stabs and murders the patrons of his motel,
25:56 all while talking to his deceased mother, Norma,
25:59 whose corpse he keeps in the basement.
26:01 [Screaming]
26:09 If that doesn't make Norman one of the most troubling and unsettling characters in cinema history,
26:13 as well as one of the most memorable, then we don't know what does.
26:17 "It's sad when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son,
26:22 but I couldn't allow them to believe that I would commit murder.
26:26 They'll put him away now, as I should have years ago."
26:31 Number 6. Charles Foster Kane - Citizen Kane
26:35 "Rosebud."
26:38 "Rosebud."
26:39 Spouting one of the most famous lines in cinema history,
26:42 and the main character of what is generally considered one of the greatest,
26:46 if not the greatest film of all time,
26:48 Charles Foster Kane can safely be regarded as one of cinema's finest characters.
26:52 "I don't know how to run a newspaper, Mr. Thatcher, I just try everything I can think of."
26:56 Created and portrayed by Orson Welles, earning him an Oscar nomination,
27:00 Kane is the rich and esteemed owner of the New York Inquirer.
27:03 "You're right, Mr. Thatcher. I did lose a million dollars last year,
27:06 I expect to lose a million dollars this year.
27:08 I expect to lose a million dollars next year.
27:11 You know, Mr. Thatcher, at the rate of a million dollars a year,
27:13 I'll have to close this place in 60 years."
27:17 Though he's portrayed as insanely powerful with a megalomaniacal ego,
27:21 he is also deeply flawed and human,
27:24 which makes him relatable and sympathetic,
27:26 as well as unforgettable throughout the ages.
27:29 "Don't worry about me!
27:32 I'm Charles Foster Kane!
27:35 I'm no cheap crooked politician
27:38 trying to save himself from the consequences of his crimes!
27:43 Dennis!
27:45 I'm gonna send you to zigzag!
27:48 Zigzag, Dennis!"
27:50 Number 5 - Rocky Balboa - The Rocky Franchise
27:54 Who knew that a little movie made for around $1 million
27:57 would spawn a franchise spanning over four decades?
28:00 "And his arm, he was left-handed, his arm was facing towards New Jersey, you see?
28:04 And that's South. So, the Thatcher, they call him South Paul."
28:07 While Rambo is certainly Sylvester's most badass role,
28:10 Rocky is arguably his best.
28:12 Maybe what makes Rocky so timeless and consistently popular are his pure ideals.
28:17 "I can't feel it in my bones!"
28:22 He embodies everyday heroism.
28:24 He believes in himself when no one else does,
28:26 he stands up for what is right,
28:28 he works hard to accomplish his goals,
28:30 and he pushes on despite the spiritual and physical pain.
28:33 "What are you thinking about when that buzzer sounds?"
28:35 "Pedrillo!"
28:36 "What do you think about when the 15th run is coming out?"
28:38 "Pedrillo!"
28:39 These are universal themes that helped the Rocky franchise span countries and generations,
28:45 and they made Rocky Balboa into a beloved cinema icon.
28:48 Those and his Greek God physique.
28:51 Star of several movies and featured in multiple Disney attractions,
29:08 Indiana Jones first became insanely popular over 30 years ago,
29:12 but he continues to be revered today.
29:14 Created by George Lucas, who was inspired by action heroes of the 1930s,
29:19 Jones has been expertly portrayed by Harrison Ford throughout the years.
29:22 "My name is Indiana Jones."
29:24 "Dr. Jones, the eminent archaeologist?"
29:27 "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
29:29 Known for his trademark style, including his fedora and whip,
29:32 Indy is especially famous for his ability to survive many perilous encounters,
29:36 his biting sense of humor, and his extreme intelligence.
29:40 "There's a big snake in the plane, Chuck!"
29:43 "Oh, that's just my pet snake, Reggie!"
29:46 "I hate snakes, Chuck!"
29:49 Unsurprisingly, Jones has already gone down in history as a true cinematic star,
29:54 and there he shall remain, alongside Ford's other cinematic icon, Han Solo.
29:59 "Fast ship. You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon?"
30:03 "Should I have?"
30:05 "It's the ship that made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs."
30:08 #3. Vito Corleone - The Godfather and The Godfather Part II
30:13 "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."
30:16 Portrayed by Marlon Brando in the original and Robert De Niro in the second film,
30:20 this character truly got lucky since he was portrayed by two of the greatest actors of all time.
30:26 As head of the Corleone crime family, Vito is a deeply complex character.
30:30 While his job involves death on a daily basis,
30:33 he's also very human as he cares for his family and tries to do right by them,
30:38 especially his son Michael, who may we mention is another fantastic and timeless character.
30:43 "My father's no different than any other powerful man."
30:47 "Any man who's responsible for other people, like a senator or a president."
30:54 A deeply flawed yet violent man, Vito is one powerful crime boss
30:59 and one truly iconic character for the ages.
31:02 "You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather."
31:08 "Instead you come into my house on the day my daughter's to be married and you ask me for the murder money."
31:15 #2. Darth Vader - The Star Wars Franchise
31:19 "No one to stop us this time."
31:21 "Yes, sir."
31:22 The Star Wars saga boasts many iconic characters,
31:25 including the legendary Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia,
31:28 but it's Vader himself who gets our vote.
31:31 "The Force is with you, young Skywalker."
31:34 "But you are not a Jedi yet."
31:38 Portrayed as a one-dimensional but cruel villain in the first film,
31:41 Vader becomes progressively more complex and grey as the film series continues,
31:46 amassing great acclaim along the way.
31:48 "You are beaten. It is useless to resist."
31:52 "Don't let yourself be destroyed as Obi-Wan did."
31:55 He's one of the most fearful yet complex villains in cinema history,
31:59 and the plot twist delivered by him in the original trilogy is one of the best in cinema.
32:04 "No. I am your father."
32:08 "No. No."
32:15 With his all-black attire, haunting voice, and dedication to the dark side,
32:21 Darth Vader's cultural impact is astronomical,
32:24 and his status as one of the greatest cinema characters more than secured.
32:28 "Thoughts betray you, father. I feel the good in you. A conflict."
32:33 "There is no conflict."
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32:57 "I admire your luck, Mr..."
33:00 "Bond. James Bond."
33:04 You know his name, you know his number.
33:07 Agent 007 has been on screen for over 50 years,
33:10 and his spy film series has become one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time.
33:15 "Where the hell have you been?"
33:17 "Enjoying death. 007 reporting for duty."
33:23 So far portrayed by six different actors under Eon Productions,
33:27 James Bond has continually shown us exotic locales, beautiful women, and exciting action.
33:33 "Who doesn't appreciate the occasional twist, Mr..."
33:36 "Bond. James Bond."
33:39 Known as one of the deadliest and most charming men in cinema,
33:42 always accompanied by handy gadgets and clever one-liners,
33:45 the character of Bond and his films are known all over the world.
33:49 "Just a drink. A martini. Shake and not stirred."
33:52 Without a doubt, 007 has been ingrained into pop culture, and is certainly here to stay.
33:59 "Thank you, Mr..."
34:01 "The name's Bond. James Bond."
34:04 Did we forget another memorable movie character? Let us know in the comments below.
34:09 "If he's struck by a bolt of lightning,
34:13 then I'm going to blame some of the people in this room.
34:18 And then I do not forgive."
34:20 Did you enjoy this video? Check out these other clips from WatchMojo,
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34:28 [Music]