Matt’s Top 10 Favorite Film Protagonists
The protagonist is the main character of the film. There are sometimes multiple protagonists in a film, but they are always the characters we cheer for and fall in love with. For many years, protagonists have gone on journeys, fought through roadblocks, and survived climaxes, entertaining us to the very end. Sometimes the protagonist doesn’t survive, but their legacy and their arc inspire others. Sometimes the protagonist is a bad guy, yet we still feel empathy for them, letting us recognize their pure humanity.
The protagonist is what a film centers around. The goal, characters, emotions, obstacles, and plot points all revolve one (or multiple) character(s). It’s whom we need to follow to understand the story and understand the universe. Some films fail because their story is strong but their protagonist is completely shallow and weak. We all have our favorites, and we all have the ones we hate. Today, I’m talking about my top 10 favorite film protagonists.
These are the characters I never get tired of, and the ones I connect with the most. They fill their films with charm, character, emotion, and sorrow, immersing you in their world. That’s why we go to the movies: to be immersed in another universe. These characters do their jobs of leading us through those universes – all the way to the pure satisfaction in the end.
#10. Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith – 8 Mile
Eminem might be one of the most famous hip-hop artists, but he proves he has acting chops in this film. With a basic plot and simple character development, Jimmy Smith is great protagonist who defies all of the odds. It’s rewarding to watch a struggling artist go for it all, defeat his forces of antagonism, and lead you to an iconic climax that fills you with satisfaction and joy. I love this film, even if it isn’t the best, and Jimmy Smith is one of the main reasons for my admiration.
#9. Dewey Finn – School of Rock
We all love watching the underdog win in the end. Dewey Finn is an ultimate underdog who makes stupid mistakes, but he does it with such heart and charm that you can’t help but fall in love with him. Finn truly does carry “School of Rock” by being a charismatic and comedic force, entertaining you until the very end. I love watching this movie for Finn’s journey and the excellent final moments, but Finn is so lovable and relatable that I have to say he’s my favorite part.
#8. Odin James – O
I love Shakespeare’s “Othello,” but “O” is probably my favorite adaptation. The film may have its flaws, but there’s no denying Mekhi Phifer delivered a hell of a performance, perfectly portraying a fantastic conflicted, complex, and angry character. This film actually does have two protagonists. The other being Hugo Goulding, played by Josh Hartnett, but Odin James is more memorable, especially with his heartbreaking final monologue. I enjoy watching Odin starting off as a promising character and seeing him spiral down to rock bottom by way of deception and betrayal. It’s a sorrowful, but satisfying tale. You’re upset, yet you’re happy for watching this tragedy occur. It’s a rewarding, conflicted emotional feeling, and we wouldn’t have gotten there without Odin James.
Click to the Next Page for Matt’s Next Protagonists!
#7. Logan/Wolverine – X-Men Franchise
I simply love this character because the filmmakers took a heavily favored comic book character and made him human through empathy and character development. He’s honestly the best character and only reason to watch the recent “X-Men” films, even in the ones that are less than stellar. I enjoy watching Logan’s angry and violent side conflict with his sympathetic side. It makes him human and very relatable, and that’s my main reason for putting him on this list. I can relate to him. Not in a mutant or superhuman kind of way, but as a human, I can relate to many of the emotional obstacles he faces in the films. A relatable character like this makes me root for him throughout his journey. Once you feel yourself rooting for a character, then you know you’re immersed in the universe.
#6. Rose Da Silva – Silent Hill
Everyone loves watching a character lose something and then fight against antagonists in order to retrieve it. In one of the best video game to film adaptations, you get to watch Rose Da Silva literally fight through hell in search for her daughter. Rose’s struggles illuminate her strengths as a woman and mother, which mold well with the complexities of the universe. Demons, nightmares, and creatures do everything they can to stop Rose, but her love for her daughter keeps her progressing along her journey. It’s a depth not many horror films like to dig into, so it was especially rewarding here. At first, you might think Rose is s a generic horror film female lead, but she’s developed with strength and perseverance, making her a pleasure to watch.
#5. Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson – The Wrestler
As a huge professional wrestling fan, I was a fan of this film before it was released. It’s one of the few examples that introduces people to the harrows and dangers of professional wrestling. Sure, the shows and matches are scripted, but the brutality and nature of the business tarnish these great athletes’ bodies and minds. Mickey Rourke, as Randy Robinson, perfectly portrays a professional wrestler. He’s someone who has a lot of demons, a lot of pain, and a lot of regrets, automatically making him relatable to many people across the world. After one viewing of this film, you’ll understand the difficulties this kind of lifestyle demands, like disconnection from your family and the never-ending medical bills. Add these facts to a deeply troubled character, and you get one of my favorite characters of all-time.
Click to the Next Page for Matt’s Next Protagonists!
#4 Ellen Ripley – Alien Franchise
While the later films aren’t as good, I still love watching a strong female character captivate the screen. She’s considered one of the first female action stars, but to me she’s one of the first to prove that females can handle lead roles better than most male actors. Sigourney Weaver portrayed this headstrong protagonist through four films. The character never faltered, and is always the beacon of light at the center of each film. We rooted for Ripley because she was up against the greatest odds, but we also rooted for her because she was our leader. She always took the reigns instead of following some shcmuck. I don’t come away happy from the “Alien” films because I saw some awesome action. I come away happy because I just watched a great journey, headlined by an excellent female character.
#3. Derek Vinyard – American History X
Talk about a perfect example of a character arc. Derek Vinyard starts off as a white supremacist and turns into a charming and thankful man by the end of the film. With a unique storytelling style that uses a lot of flashbacks, you get to compare and contrast Vinyard’s character throughout the entire film. Usually, films show a characters internal journey (inner conflict) from point A to point B, but this storytelling style allows a more empathic doorway into a complex character. Not only is Edward Norton’s performance phenomenal, but also the strength of Derek Vinyard is the film’s anchor, keeping it on excellent ground. Check this film out if you’ve never seen it, and pay special attention to the protagonist’s character arc.
#2. Harold & Lloyed – Dumb & Dumber
I can’t say it enough, but this is my favorite comedy. It’s so brilliant, so genius, and so smart that you come away with your stomach hurting from laughter. The pacing and filmmaking can be praised, but the performances by Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey are some of the most iconic ever. Their talents as actors and the beautiful screenplay create cohesive characters that need each other to succeed. Take one of them away, and you get a less than stellar experience. This is why I count them as one protagonist; you need both of them for this great story to be told. The characters are so dumb, but it took genius writing to create them. This kind of comedic intelligence sparkles through Daniels and Carrey’s performances, giving you lead characters that carry you through the journey in exceptional, laughter-filled fashion.
#1. Danny Archer – Blood Diamond
Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar for many of his roles, but he especially deserves one for his portrayal of Danny Archer. Right off the bat, the filmmakers of “Blood Diamond” build Archer’s empathy, starting a great emotional journey that will have you laughing, crying, and yelling. Add this perfect character development to Dicaprio’s talents, and you got an experience that’s full of deception, betrayal, emotion, and heart. You never thought you’d love such an unlikable character like Danny Archer, but his humanity draws you in, making you root for him and his companion Solomon Vandy. Towards the end, you’re begging Archer to complete his arc and change his ways by becoming a better man. It’s this kind of emotional reaction I look for in every film. The only way to get it is if the protagonist is well developed, full of humanity, and completely relatable. Danny Archer might be a vicious diamond hunter, but he’s a human nonetheless. His internal journey makes him my favorite protagonist of all-time, but the way he captivates audiences and leads you through the film establish him as an amazing protagonist all around.
There are many protagonists within many films. Some are easier to like than others, but in the end it’s all based on your wonderful, personal opinion. So, with that said…