Greatest Movie Heroes

[ManPerson]

Also, she doesn't have to be top 10 necessarily but Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz not being here is very odd.

Edit: Someone who probably should be top 10, however, is Chaplin's Tramp character.

[Dubrow555]

After looking at the last few posts - I wanna say that we might have to be a little creative/flexible with the criteria that Tim suggested. I think if this list was titled "Top movie characters" or "Top protagonists" I think that might work, but because this list is "Greatest Movie Heroes" we might want to factor that in a bit. In my opinion, anyone other than Atticus Finch in the #1 slot would just feel insanely wrong to me. I'm not quite sure why someone like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would be considered a "hero" (other than "accidentally" pouring water on the Wicked Witch?). I'd argue that her companions were much more "heroic" in the film. We might want to consider what makes a character "heroic" before we decide just who is eligible on this list. Just a few thoughts

PS - Sorry for the spoiler for a movie from 1939, LOL.

[pauldrach]

In my opinion, anyone other than Atticus Finch in the #1 slot would just feel insanely wrong to me.

Interesting. Cause I'd figure Gandhi, Schindler or George Bailey would be even more worthy. But maybe it's just my considering them more iconic (even though TKaM is my favorite film out of the ones I mentioned).

[Sherick]

I think the only reason Finch was #1 was because AFI made that list. You'd have to specifically craft the criteria around him to make that fit.

[ManPerson]

After looking at the last few posts - I wanna say that we might have to be a little creative/flexible with the criteria that Tim suggested. I think if this list was titled "Top movie characters" or "Top protagonists" I think that might work, but because this list is "Greatest Movie Heroes" we might want to factor that in a bit. In my opinion, anyone other than Atticus Finch in the #1 slot would just feel insanely wrong to me. I'm not quite sure why someone like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would be considered a "hero" (other than "accidentally" pouring water on the Wicked Witch?). I'd argue that her companions were much more "heroic" in the film. We might want to consider what makes a character "heroic" before we decide just who is eligible on this list. Just a few thoughts

PS - Sorry for the spoiler for a movie from 1939, LOL.

Do you have reasons for this?

[Dubrow555]

Because it was what I was told in a film class growing up, but perhaps I am in the minority now.

[Tim]

I know AI-based arguments are a little cringe but here's what Chinese AI has to say about the topic, even keeping Atticus at #1.

Ranking the greatest movie heroes can be subjective, as it depends on personal preferences, cultural impact, and the criteria used (e.g., bravery, influence, character depth, or legacy). However, here’s a list of 10 iconic movie heroes who have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide:

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### 1. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

- Why He’s Great: A moral compass and symbol of justice, Atticus defends an innocent Black man in a racially charged society, teaching his children and viewers about courage and integrity.
- Legacy: Represents the fight against prejudice and the power of standing up for what’s right.

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### 2. Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)

- Why He’s Great: A farm boy turned Jedi Knight, Luke embodies hope, resilience, and the struggle between good and evil. His journey from naivety to heroism is timeless.
- Legacy: A cultural icon who inspired generations to believe in the power of hope and redemption.

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### 3. Ellen Ripley (Alien Franchise)

- Why She’s Great: A fierce survivor and protector, Ripley battles terrifying aliens while showcasing strength, intelligence, and maternal instinct.
- Legacy: Redefined the role of women in action films, becoming a symbol of empowerment.

---

### 4. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones Series)

- Why He’s Great: A daring archaeologist who combines wit, bravery, and a sense of adventure to save priceless artifacts and defeat villains.
- Legacy: A timeless adventurer who embodies the spirit of exploration and heroism.

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### 5. Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings)

- Why He’s Great: A humble hobbit who carries the weight of the world (and the One Ring) on his shoulders, showcasing courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
- Legacy: Represents the idea that even the smallest person can change the course of history.

---

### 6. Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman)

- Why She’s Great: A warrior princess who fights for justice, peace, and equality, blending strength with compassion.
- Legacy: A feminist icon who broke barriers for female superheroes in film.

---

### 7. Maximus Decimus Meridius (Gladiator)

- Why He’s Great: A betrayed Roman general turned gladiator who seeks vengeance and justice for his family, embodying honor and resilience.
- Legacy: A symbol of unwavering determination and the fight for freedom.

---

### 8. Spider-Man (Spider-Man Series)

- Why He’s Great: A relatable teenager turned superhero who learns that “with great power comes great responsibility,” balancing personal struggles with saving others.
- Legacy: A beloved hero who represents everyday struggles and the importance of doing the right thing.

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### 9. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

- Why She’s Great: A selfless and resourceful heroine who becomes the symbol of rebellion against oppression, fighting for her family and freedom.
- Legacy: A modern icon of resistance and female strength in dystopian storytelling.

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###10. James Bond (007 Series)

- Why He’s Great: A suave, skilled spy who saves the world countless times with his intelligence, charm, and bravery.
- Legacy: The quintessential action hero who has defined the spy genre for decades.

---

Honorable Mentions:

- Neo (The Matrix): The chosen one who fights for humanity’s freedom in a simulated reality.

- Harry Potter (Harry Potter Series): The boy who lived, embodying bravery, friendship, and the fight against evil.

- The Terminator (Terminator 2: Judgment Day): A reprogrammed machine who becomes a protector and symbol of redemption.

- Black Panther (Black Panther): A king and superhero who fights for his people and justice.

---

This list is open to interpretation, and many other heroes could easily make the cut depending on the criteria! Who’s your favorite?

[Dubrow555]

I mean these are all really good candidates. With me being in the minority about Atticus Finch - I'm wondering if maybe Indiana Jones might be a sensible #1 that we can all get behind.

[Tim]

Why not James Bond as Man suggested?

[Area Man]

I know criteria hasn't been laid down yet, but I could see Indiana Jones being number one (of course, I am biased). Empire named him the greatest movie character of all time (link), and, according to a poll on IMDb, he was, at one time, leading the vote for best movie character on Ranker (though this seems to have changed).

James Bond should probably be high up there, too, but, even though criteria hasn't been established yet, I feel he occasionally lacks the "heroic" qualities that a top three or five pick should have (yes, Indiana Jones had some "anti-heroic" moments, but not to the extent that 007 has). Of course, as criteria hasn't been laid down yet, it hasn't been decided on to what extent the characters' morality/values/heroism/inspirational qualities is being factored into the rankings.

[Dubrow555]

Why not James Bond as Man suggested?

I've seen some articles online that depict Bond as a "problematic/borderline r@pist" character in his early days. Enough to tell me his heroism isn't quite appropriate enough to take the #1 slot.

[ManPerson]

Indiana Jones has some problematic qualities as well, though (his relationship with Marion in particular)

Atticus Finch also has some controversy surrounding him as well.

https://newrepublic.com/article/122295/ ... cism-years

Most characters on the list are, arguably, unheroic in some ways so unless a character is clearly an 'anti-hero' or something close to that I don't think they should be punished on the list's rankings.

Or we could just turn this into the top 100 protagonists since 'heroic' seems like a fairly subjective quality to measure.

[Tim]

I don't know, "greatest protagonists" list seems a little, how do I put it, a little flavorless to me.

[Dubrow555]

I don't know, "greatest protagonists" list seems a little, how do I put it, a little flavorless to me.

I'm thinking Jones > Bond > Finch might be a good compromise with everyone. Bond was a character based on a book, while Jones was directly created for the big screen.

[Tim]

Well, you initially pushed for Atticus to be #1 whose originally a book character.

[ManPerson]

I don't see why the Bond films being adapted from Fleming's novels should have anything to do with how he ranks.