We’ve been through this song and dance a few times by now. No fearsome antagonist is complete without their courageous protagonist. No vile villain is worth their salt if they don’t have an equally epic hero to battle against. Here are 10 of my favorite protagonists in film!
10) Indiana Jones ~ Indiana Jones
The man, myth, and legend, who may have single-handedly inspired an entire generation to pursue archaeology in the hopes of uncovering lost kingdoms and epic adventures! While some people think of Han Solo when considering Harrison Ford (and fair enough), I’d say that an equal amount of people are drawn to Mister Jones instead.
In a lot of ways, Jones manages to tick quite a few of the “action hero” boxes, while also neatly sidestepping others. He’s a suave enough dude, willing to risk life and limb to save the day, and a competent fighter. He’s also consistently luckless (falling into traps, having to outsmart opponents, plans going wrong), has genuine fears (those darn snakes), and sometimes just straight up is unfazed by the chaos around him (the infamous sword-fight scene). World-saving aside, he’s a pretty believable hero.
9) Katniss Everdeen ~ Hunger Games
It takes a special someone to be up to the task of portraying a singular hero that an entire saga is anchored around, but Jennifer Lawrence pulls it off perfectly. I don’t believe that this cinematic quadrilogy would be anywhere near as memorable without her.
Katniss is defined early on in the saga by her selfless sacrifice that saves her sister’s life. From there, she is thrust into a world she’s unprepared for, but her fresh and jaded perspective is what allows her to see the corrupt Capital for what it really is. As her anger and resentment mounts, so too does her desire to take down the system and protect those closest to her. Her character arc is super great, and reason enough to sit through this series (helps that the movies are all good, though).
8) Aragorn ~ Lord of the Rings
I don’t exactly have anything against Frodo or Sam, but this shining example of a mythological fantasy hero is the first person I think of when considering the protagonist of this Middle Earth adventure. At least a part of that surely has to do with just how incredible Viggo Mortensen is.
Aragorn is put through the wringer over the course of the three films, but he never once loses sight of the quest for peace and the greater purpose of banishing evil from the world. He’s an amazing swordfighter and an accomplished negotiator, who puts his friends and other innocent lives before his own. Then, on top of all of that, he has the grace and humility to bow to Frodo even after being crowned. Incredible.
7) Jyn Erso ~ Rogue One
It might have seemed like an impossible task for Rogue One to introduce a brand-new character into the Star Wars universe, and still ensure they left a memorable and lasting impact. Thankfully, this movie pulled it off flawlessly, and Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso is one for the Star Wars history books.
Right after the tense and traumatic opening scene, Jyn is thrust into a life of running and fighting for survival. When she’s finally granted a chance to fight back, deal an incredible blow to the empire, reconnect with her estranged father, and avenge her mother, Jyn leaps at the opportunity. A fearsome force of nature, Jyn blasts her way through the rest of the movie, fighting tooth and nail to win the day even though she knows the possible outcome. And, of course, in the end the victory claims her life, but she faces the blazing explosive sun with an expression that makes it clear that it was all worth it.
6) Dom Cobb ~ Inception
Leave it to Leonardo DiCaprio to turn in his most unforgettable appearance alongside an utterly remarkable film. Is it even possible for the man to deliver a bad performance? His part in this film here is electrifying!
Cobb’s dream walking ability is an instantly arresting visual treat, and the way in which those powers can be both utilized and abused is core to the movie’s theme. The backstory and past mistakes between he and his wife is heartbreaking, and it all pulls together into an incredible and satisfying finale. The closing shot of Cobb reuniting with his children is such an emotionally cathartic moment. And, of course, Cobb is just consistently entertaining and enjoyable to watch through the entire movie.
5) Po ~ Kung Fu Panda
It isn’t common for a movie series (and particularly an animated one), to consistently follow-through on character arcs and core themes without resorting to retcons or retreaded plot lines. In this instance, Kung Fu Panda is an exception, and a remarkable one at that.
Po’s journey through this film saga (especially the first two entries) is an extremely solid and well-written path of progression. He grows from a bumbling wannabe fighter who lacks confidence, to a capable and fierce warrior who also hasn’t lost his heart of gold or penchant for being silly. On top of that, for as silly as Po is, his journey is a dark and traumatic one, but also an extremely resonant one at that. The scene in the second movie where he reconciles with his past and realizes that it doesn’t define him is one of the best scenes in all of animated film.
4) Peter Parker “Spider-Man” ~ MCU
There have been many Peter Parker’s on the silver screen over the past few decades, but none shine brighter than the young and earnest Peter brought to life by Tom Holland. From his first appearance in Civil War to his most recent outing in No Way Home, Tom Holland continuously lends Peter an incredible amount of heroism and relatablilty.
Through bypassing the usual hang-ups of retreading backstories and reboots, we join Peter as an already practicing Spider-Man. He hits all of the perfect comic book beats we’ve missed in earlier Peter renditions. He’s charming but awkward, quick-witted and quippy but also book-smart and nerdy. More than anything, he has the Spider-Man spirit nailed down. He’ll stop anything to help anyone in danger, and willingly sacrifices to save others. He’s the perfect “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man”, something tremendously emphasized in No Way Home‘s unforgettable conclusion.
3) Captain Jack Sparrow ~ Pirates of the Caribbean
Why is Captain Jack Sparrow on this list? Because he’s Captain Jack Sparrow, mate! Does there need to be further elaboration? Admittedly, calling Jack a protagonist could be a bit of a stretch, but he IS a pirate after all!
From the moment Jack sails onto the scene in the first movie, atop his quickly sinking vessel, he captured the hearts of all moviegoers. Morally ambiguous characters are almost always the most entertaining, but Jack manages to top them all through his combination of unpredictability, ridiculous showmanship, and witty retorts. He’s got a plan for everything (or does he?) and you can never count on him being on your side (unless, of course, he counts on you not counting on him, savvy?). His hidden depths in the later films are just the icing on the cake.
2) Obi-Wan Kenobi ~ Star Wars
Luke Skywalker is great. Anakin Skywalker is incredible. But, man, I could watch Obi-wan Kenobi all day. He’s an amazing character, and one of my absolute favorite Star Wars characters of all time. In particular, Ewan McGregor is the epitome of peak Jedi performance (so one could imagine how excited I am for the new show).
Obi-Wan is the dictionary definition of Jedi. He served dutifully alongside his master, Qui-Gon, battling against galactic oppression. He took on Anakin as a Padawan and trained him diligently. He fought tirelessly, loved and lost, and went to extreme lengths to stop evil from spreading across the galaxy. All along the way, he never lost sight of the core Jedi principles, and never let himself be tempted by the Dark Side. In each movie he appears in, Obi-wan is the most interesting aspect, and I love every second of his screen time.
1) Tony Stark “Iron Man” ~ MCU
It is, in no uncertain terms, entirely because of Robert Downey Jr that the Marvel Cinematic Universe succeeded. It can be difficult to remember, amongst the massive success of the MCU in our current year, that everything began with a humble little film called Iron Man, focusing on a much lesser known hero than the likes of Captain America and Spider-Man.
More so than any other hero in the MCU franchise, it is abundantly clear to see Tony’s journey. From his solo trilogy, to his appearance in all four Avengers films, to his roles in Homecoming and Civil War, and the lasting impact he’s left on the world. Tony is larger than life, but he’s also one of the most personable, quotable, and relatable superheroes of all time. His traumatic wake-up call in the first film, his gradual relationship with Pepper, his struggles to reconcile with the memory of his father, his mentorship of Peter, his rocky friendship with Captain America, and so much more. Tony is a character that gives and gives without ever letting up, and is always amazing to watch.
And, of course, the ultimate sacrifice play in Endgame. What a journey!
But hey, that’s just my opinion!
The Contrarian Corner 