Many of the most popular movies of all time contain iconic characters that played a prominent role in making the movies stand out and become memorable. In some cases, the characters and the actors who play them become virtually indistinguishable from each other. Join us below on a cinematic journey as we explore some of the most iconic movie characters of all time. We will unpack what makes the characters iconic, its impact on the movies and the actors’ role in making the characters memorable.
Mike McDermott, Rounders
Matt Damon plays the iconic main character Mike McDermott in the classic casino movie Rounders. Mike is a talented law student who also happens to be great poker player. While the drama can be enjoyed by all viewers, it will likely resonate especially well with individuals who enjoy playing at online casino canada and other gambling sites.
Mike is a brilliant but flawed character who is conflicted between his love for his girlfriend Jo and his passion for poker. He eventually chooses poker in order to save his indebted childhood friend Lester, which confronts him with the dangerous Russian mafia boss “KGB.” Damon succeeds in brilliantly capturing the intelligent and complex character McDermott.
Vito Corleone, The Godfather
The mafia patriarch Vito Corleone in The Godfather convincingly portrayed by Marlon Brando, ranks among the greatest and most iconic characters in movie history. While being a flawed character on the wrong side of the law, Vito displays a mesmerizing charisma and complex personality that makes him a fully convincing character and the center of this family drama. The late movie legend Brando received an Academy Award for this portrayal of Vito, which is widely regarded as one of the best performances of all time.
Bruce Wayne/Batman
Bruce Wayne/Batman ranks among the most iconic superhero characters in cinema history. Bruce whose parents were murdered, eventually decides to seek justice against villains through his mysterious alter ego persona Batman in the fictitious Gotham City. Batman is a fascinating character, which has been played by several actors including Michael Keaton, George Clooney and Christian Bale. Batman’s total commitment to fighting for good against evil like the Joker has fascinated several generations of cinema goers.
Rocky Balboa, Rocky
The immortal boxing character Rocky Balboa is perhaps Sylvester Stallone’s finest acting performance. Growing up in a tough Philadelphia neighborhood, Rocky is an iconic character with believable human strengths and weaknesses. Stallone brilliantly portrays one of cinema’s greatest underdogs and his immense struggles to reach the top in boxing. Despite the boxing theme, Rocky is ultimately a story about the human spirit’s resilience overcoming great difficulties.
Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings
Gandalf has emerged as one of the most iconic and popular characters of all time. Sir Ian McKellen effortlessly merges with this fascinating character in Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Gandalf stands out as a wise, experience and reassuring leader of good versus evil. McKellen’s brilliant acting performance brings the Gandalf character to life in this immortal saga that has a large following around the world.
Yoda, Star Wars
The unforgettable Jedi Master character Yoda in Star Wars has been immortalized for his charm, wit, wisdom and dedication to justice. While initially met by skepticism, tiny Yoda eventually teaches Luke Skywalker and the audience an important lesson: strength and power should not be judged by size alone.
The Joker, The Dark Knight
The Joker stands out as one of the most iconic villains in movie history. Heath Ledger’s impressive acting skills portrays a surprisingly nuanced picture of this complex Batman villain. Ledger excels in portraying the dark humor, chaos and scary facial features of this immortal bad guy, who has captivated millions of movie fans around the world.
Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter is without any doubt one of the scariest characters in movie history. Sir Antony Hopkins convincingly brings to life Hannibal as a charismatic villain who combines brutality, intelligence and surprising charm. Hopkins brilliantly blends Hannibal’s physical menace with a psychological cat and mouse game.
Ellen Ripley, Alien
The heroine Ellen Ripley in Alien ranks as one of the most iconic characters in science fiction horror movies. Siourney Weaver deserves credit for her fantastic portrayal of a reluctant heroine who needs to muster all her intelligence, courage and determination in the battle against evil monsters.
Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones is the ultimate timeless action hero who uses his wit, humor, and intelligence to fight Nazis and other villains in exotic locations worldwide. Harrison Ford is so convincing in his portrayal of Indiana Jones that he virtually becomes one with the iconic adventurer.
Conclusion
Iconic movie characters elevate movies and make them stand out. Some of the most iconic movie characters include Gandalf, Vitto Corleone, Yoda, Batman, the Joker and Rocky. While each character is unique, they all became immortal by somehow affecting our human emotions.
