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Best Movies

List of the best movie characters of all time, ranked by film buffs and people like you. This list includes performances by some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-film-actors-and-actresses-of-all-time">greatest actors of all time</a> in classic films, epic dramas, comedies, action and superhero movies, and many other <a href="http://www.ranker.com/tags/best-movie-genres">movie genres</a>. The best characters in film are those unforgettable, magnetic people (or aliens, or self-aware machines) who command the screen. They have spoken some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-movie-quotes-of-all-time">most memorable quotes in movie history</a> in ways fans have been trying to emulate ever since. They are famous movie characters that have inspired fan fiction and fan art; iconic movie characters who have inspired fashion and pop culture; popular movie characters that kids and adults alike aspire to be like. Simply put, they are the best characters ever. Vote for your favorites.

Best Movie Characters | Greatest Film Character List

The Best Movie Characters Of All Time

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Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a fictional character and the protagonist of the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, Robert Zemeckis's 1994 film of the same name, and Gump and Co., the written sequel to Groom's novel. In the film, Forrest is a philanthropist and a war veteran, businessman, and college football player who bears witness to various significant occurrences in the 20th century. He exudes a compassionate, optimistic, and tenacious attitude in the face of countless setbacks and strives to help every person he meets despite his strong naivety. Throughout his life, he maintains a sincere love for his childhood friend Jennifer Curran, who eventually becomes his wife. Tom Hanks portrayed the character in the film and earned an Academy Award for his performance, while Michael Conner Humphreys portrayed Forrest as a child. 
In 2008, Forrest Gump was named the 20th greatest movie character of all time by Empire magazine.

Woody

Woody is a fictional character from the 1984 film Footloose and the 2011 film remake.

The Joker

The Joker is a fictional character portrayed by Heath Ledger and the main antagonist of the film The Dark Knight, the second film In The Dark Knight trilogy. He is director Christopher Nolan and screenwriter David S. Goyer's interpretation of the comic book character created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane in 1940 as the archenemy of the superhero Batman. This is the third time the character has been adapted to a live-action film.

Yoda

Yoda is a fictional character from the film Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Captain John H. Miller

Captain Miller is a fictional character from the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan.

Chewbacca

Chewbacca, or "Chewie," is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. Chewbacca belongs to the Wookiee species, who are tall, hirsute bipeds native to the planet of Kashyyyk. Chewbacca is fiercely loyal to Han Solo, and serves as co-pilot on Solo's Millenium Falcon. Chewbacca was portrayed by actor Peter Mayhew in the Star Wars films. The character has also appeared on television, in books, comics, and video games.

R2-D2

R2-D2 is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. An astromech droid, R2-D2 is a major character in all Star Wars films. Along with his protocol droid companion C-3PO, he joins or supports Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in various points in the saga. R2-D2 has been played by English actor Kenny Baker in all six original Star Wars films and is due to reprise the role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first installment of the upcoming sequel trilogy, making him one of just two characters/actors along with C-3PO to appear in all seven films.
R2-D2 was designed in artwork by Ralph McQuarrie and co-developed by John Stears but actually built by Tony Dyson, who ran his own studio called "The White Horse Toy Company" in the UK. Many scenes also made use of radio controlled and CGI versions of the character. Original props of R2-D2 and C-3PO are used as audio-animatronics in the queue area of Disneyland's Star Tours—The Adventures Continue attraction.

Bruce Wayne / Batman

Batman

Batman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, as well as its associated media. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27. Originally named "the Bat-Man," the character is also referred to by such epithets as "the Caped Crusader," "the Dark Knight," and "the World's Greatest Detective." Batman is the secret identity of Bruce Wayne, an American billionaire, industrialist, and philanthropist.

Gandalf

Gandalf is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He is a wizard, member of the Istari order, as well as leader of the Fellowship of the Ring and the army of the West. In The Lord of the Rings, he is initially known as Gandalf the Grey, but returns from death as Gandalf the White.

Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker is a fictional character appearing as the central protagonist of the original film trilogy and as a minor character in the prequel trilogy of the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. The character, portrayed by Mark Hamill, is an important figure in the Rebel Alliance's struggle against the Galactic Empire, he is the twin brother of Rebellion leader Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, a friend of mercenary Han Solo, an apprentice to Jedi Master Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi, and the son of fallen Jedi Darth Vader and Queen of Naboo/Republic Senator Padmé Amidala. The Expanded Universe depicts him as a powerful Jedi Master and eventually the Grand Master of the New Jedi Order, the father of Ben Skywalker, the maternal uncle of Jacen Solo, and the ancestor of Cade Skywalker.
In 2008, the character was selected by Empire magazine as the 54th greatest movie character of all time. On their list of the 100 Greatest Fictional Characters, Fandomania.com ranked Luke at number 14. He will be portrayed in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which is planned to be released in December, 2015.

Professor Severus Snape

Severus Snape is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is characterised as a person of considerable complexity, whose coldly sarcastic and controlled exterior conceals deep emotions and anguish. In the first novel of the series, Snape is a teacher who is hostile from the start toward Harry. As the series progresses, Snape's character becomes more layered and complex. Rowling does not fully reveal the details of his true loyalties until the end of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Over the course of the series, Snape's portrayal evolves from that of a malicious and partisan teacher to that of a pivotal character of considerable complexity and moral ambiguity.
In the series, Snape is an exceptionally skilful wizard who primarily teaches Potions at Hogwarts school. In the sixth novel, he teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts, a position which he was known to have desired throughout the series.

Pumbaa

Pumbaa is a fictional character from the 1994 film The Lion King.

Loki

Loki is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciller Jack Kirby, a version of the character first appeared in Venus #6 (August 1949). The modern day incarnation of Loki first appeared in Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962). The character, which is based on the Norse deity of the same name, is the Asgardian god of mischief. He is the adopted brother and often enemy of the superhero Thor, however over the years the character has been depicted as an antihero. In 2009, Loki was ranked as IGN's 8th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time and in 2014 was ranked again by IGN, this time as the 4th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time. Tom Hiddleston portrays the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a fictional character from the TV Series Star Wars Rebels.

Thor

Thor is a fictional superhero that appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name, is the Asgardian god of thunder and possesses the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, which grants him the ability of flight and weather manipulation amongst his other superhuman attributes.
Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller-plotter Jack Kirby. He has starred in several ongoing series and limited series, and is a founding member of the superhero team the Avengers, appearing in each volume of that series. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series, clothing, toys, trading cards, video games, and movies.
The 2011 film Thor, based on the character and comic, was directed by Kenneth Branagh and starred Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Hemsworth reappears as Thor in The Avengers and Thor: The Dark World and will reprise his role in the sequels Avengers: Age of Ultron and Thor: Ragnarok as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise.

Marty McFly

Martin Seamus "Marty" McFly is a fictional character in the Back to the Future trilogy. He is portrayed by actor Michael J. Fox. Marty also appears in the animated series, where he was voiced by David Kaufman. In the videogame by Telltale Games, he is voiced by A.J Locascio; in addition, Fox voiced Marty's future counterparts at the end of the game. In 2008, Marty McFly was selected by Empire magazine as the 39th Greatest Movie Character of All Time.
Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly, but after five weeks of shooting scenes for the first film, director Robert Zemeckis and executive producer Steven Spielberg chose to re-cast the role to Fox.

Timon

Timon is a character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series Rome, played by Lee Boardman. He is a Jew, depicted as a "hired sword" – from bodyguard to assassin – for Atia of the Julii, from whom he is quite willing to take her body in lieu of coin.

Hermione Granger

Hermione Jean Granger is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She initially appears in the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as a new student on her way to Hogwarts. After Harry and Ron save her from a mountain troll in the girls' toilets, she becomes close friends with them and often uses her quick wit, deft recall, and encyclopaedic knowledge to help them. Rowling has stated that Hermione resembles her at a younger age, with her insecurity and fear of failure.

Man with No Name

Joe is a fictional character from the 1964 film A Fistful of Dollars.

The Tramp

A Tramp is a fictional character from the 1928 film The Circus.

Mufasa

Mufasa was one of the secondary protagonists in the Lion King franchise. He was Simba's father, Sarabi's husband, Scar's older brother, Nala's father-in-law, Kiara and Kopa's grandfather, Ahadi's oldest son, and the former King of Pride Rock. In The Lion King, Mufasa and his mate Sarabi give birth to baby Simba, who grows up to be a spunky cub who can't wait to be king of Pride Rock. So Mufasa teaches his son about being king and shows him the whole kingdom. Eventually, Mufasa saves Simba and Nala from Shenzi, Banzai and Ed after being alerted by Zazu. Mufasa scolds Simba for almost getting him and Nala killed, but Simba said he was only trying to be brave like him; but Mufasa reveals he's only brave when he has to be. One day, Mufasa's younger brother Scar plots to kill him and Simba, with help from the hyenas. After giving the signal to Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, they cause a wildebeest stampede, in which Simba is almost killed, but is saved in time by Mufasa, who was alerted by Scar. With Simba watching on a safe hill, Mufasa struggles to climb his way back up. He sees Scar at the top and tells him to save him. But Scar grabs Mufasa with his claws (thus making him roar in pain), and with a wicked smile, Scar whispers, "Long live the king!". Horrified, Mufasa realizes Scar's true feelings toward him and he lets go of his brother, sending him flying into the stampede, thus getting trampled and killed. When Simba goes down to help his dad, he soon realizes he's dead and begins to cry. Scar shows up and tricks Simba into believing he caused his father's death and told him to run away and never return. He then sends Shenzi, Banzai and Ed to kill Simba, to which they fail, unbeknownst to Scar. Many years pass, and Simba is now an adult and afraid to go back home and confront Scar. But eventually, the ghost of Mufasa appears in the night sky and gives Simba confindence and tells him to remember who he is. At the end, Simba finally does go back to the Pride Lands and defeats Scar, taking his rightful place as the new king of Pride Rock and avenging his dad. In The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Mufasa's ghost appears at the end to give Kiara and Kovu his blessing. At the end, Mufasa tells Simba that he's proud of him after Kiara and Kovu get married. In The Lion King 1½, we see Mufasa's story from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, and they riff on Mufasa's scenes like how Mike, Joel, and the Bots used to do in Mystery Science Theater 3000. He also appeared as a guest in House of Mouse. Mufasa's ghost appears again in Kingdom Hearts II to once again give Simba confidence, and he has a flashback where he remembers what Mufasa told him about the stars when he was a kid. His character was similar to another character James Earl Jones played in Coming to America. Mufasa was voiced by James Earl Jones and by Keith David in House of Mouse.

Aragorn

Aragorn II, son of Arathorn is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. He is one of the protagonists of The Lord of the Rings. Aragorn was a Ranger of the North, first introduced with the name Strider at Bree, as the Hobbits continued to call him throughout The Lord of the Rings. He was eventually discovered to be the heir of Isildur and rightful claimant to the thrones of Arnor and Gondor. He was also a confidant of Gandalf and an integral part of the quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.
He led the Fellowship of the Ring following the loss of Gandalf in the Mines of Moria. When the Fellowship was broken, he tracked the hobbits Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took with the help of Legolas the elf and Gimli the dwarf to Fangorn Forest and fought in the battle at Helm's Deep and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. After defeating Sauron's forces in Gondor he led an army of Gondor and Rohan against the Black Gate of Mordor to distract Sauron's attention so that Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee would have a chance to destroy the One Ring.
At the end of The Lord of the Rings he was crowned King Elessar Telcontar of Gondor.

Paul Edgecombe

Paul Edgecombe is a fictional character from the 1999 film The Green Mile.

Professor Albus Dumbledore

Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. For most of the series, he is the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts. As part of his backstory, it is revealed that he is the founder and leader of the Order of the Phoenix, an organisation dedicated to fighting Lord Voldemort.
Dumbledore is portrayed by Richard Harris in the film adaptations of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After Harris' death, Michael Gambon portrayed Dumbledore for all of the remaining films.
Rowling stated she chose the name Dumbledore, which is an Early Modern English word for "bumblebee", because of Dumbledore's love of music: she imagined him walking around "humming to himself a lot".

Leia Organa

Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, later Leia Organa Solo, and born Leia Amidala Skywalker, is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, portrayed by the actress Carrie Fisher.
The character is one of the main protagonists of the original Star Wars trilogy, the romantic interest of Han Solo, the twin sister of Luke Skywalker, and the daughter of Darth Vader and Padmé Amidala.

List of the best movie characters of all time, ranked by film buffs and people like you. This list includes performances by some of the greatest actors of all ...