Top 10 Iconic Movie Characters of All Time

Script written by Nathan Sharp.

Top 10 Iconic Movie Characters of All Time

These big screen characters have been adored for generations, and will continue to be for generations to come. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 most iconic film characters of all time.

For this list, we’re looking at classic characters throughout the history of film that are well-remembered, were critically acclaimed at the time of release, and who have left a lasting legacy on the silver screen.

#10: Forrest Gump
“Forrest Gump” (1994)

Is there anything this man didn’t do? Forrest Gump, the titular character of this dramatic rom-com, goes through the movie encountering various highly important figures and events throughout American history, all without the knowledge of their immense importance in time. Despite his strong naiveté regarding many aspects of life, his forward-looking attitude gave us all determination to fight ahead, and left us all in tears. And thanks to an Academy Award-winning performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest will go down in history as one of the sweetest and most well-meaning characters in cinema.

#9: Dorothy Gale
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

“There’s no place like home” - so said this character on the silver screen over 70 years ago, and her charm and sweetness have remained with movie-goers ever since. Released in 1939, this movie was notable for its use of the relatively new Technicolor process, and the character of Dorothy certainly helped usher in the color revolution in film. From her ruby shoes to her trademark blue and white gingham dress, this heroine also helped bring in a new era of filmmaking: as a fiercely brave character that is not afraid to take charge and stand up for herself, she proved herself a strong female role model for generations to come.

#8: Hannibal Lecter
“Hannibal Lecter” franchise (1986-)

You might not expect a cannibalistic serial killer to ever be acclaimed and respected, but Hannibal Lecter is just so mesmerizing that audiences can’t help but love – or at least be intrigued by - him. Most notably portrayed by Anthony Hopkins on the big screen, Hannibal is the creepy and calculating murderer who helps the FBI go after more important madmen currently on the loose. Originally portrayed as an antagonist with limited screen time, Hannibal ultimately won over audiences to become a fan favorite. He is so good at being bad that he was voted the #1 villain of all time by the American Film Institute.

#7: Charles Foster Kane
“Citizen Kane” (1941)

“Rosebud.” Spouting one of the most famous lines in cinema history, and the main character of what is generally considered one of the greatest – if not THE greatest - film of all time, Charles Foster Kane can safely be regarded as one of cinema’s finest characters. Created and portrayed by Orson Welles, earning him an Oscar nomination, Kane is the rich and esteemed owner of The New York Inquirer. Though he’s portrayed as insanely powerful with a megalomaniacal ego, he is also deeply flawed and human, which makes him relatable and sympathetic as well as unforgettable throughout the ages.

#6: Norman Bates
“Psycho” (1960)

“Psycho”’s main antagonist, Norman Bates, was loosely inspired by real-life murderer Ed Gein, so you know he’s going to be trouble. A deeply disturbed individual, Bates suffered extreme emotional abuse as a child at the hands of his mother, which later caused him to kill innocent people, especially women he’s attracted to. Not only does he dress in his mother’s clothing, he also repeatedly stabs and murders the patrons of his motel, all while talking to his deceased mother, Norma - whose corpse he keeps in the basement! If that doesn’t make Norman one of the most troubling and unsettling characters in cinema history – as well as one of the most memorable – than we don’t know what does.

#5: The Tramp
Various (1914-36)

A legendary character, and insanely popular during the silent film era, The Tramp was extraordinarily played by Charlie Chaplin for decades - all without speaking a word. Chaplin’s natural grace and body language, as well as his facial expressions, induced everything from belly laughs to tears of sorrow. The Tramp, portrayed as a vagrant, acts like a gentleman despite his social status, and also conjured not only strong emotions, but also intense social commentary. A vastly complex character that said so much without saying anything at all, The Little Tramp will be remembered as one of cinema’s highest achievements.

#4: Indiana Jones
“Indiana Jones” franchise (1981-)

Star of several movies and featured in multiple Disney attractions, Indiana Jones first became insanely popular over 30 years ago, but he continues to be revered today. Created by George Lucas, who was inspired by action heroes of the 1930s, Jones has been expertly portrayed by Harrison Ford throughout the years. Known for his trademark style, including his fedora and whip, Indy is especially famous for his ability to survive many perilous encounters, his biting sense of humor, and his extreme intelligence. Unsurprisingly, Jones has already gone down in history as a true cinematic star and there he will remain.

#3: Vito Corleone
“The Godfather (1972) / “The Godfather Part II” (1974)

Portrayed by Marlon Brando in the original and Robert De Niro in the second film, this character truly got lucky since he was portrayed by two of the greatest actors of all time. As head of the Corleone crime family, Vito is a deeply complex character. While his job involves death on a daily basis, he is also very human, as he cares for his family and tries to do right by them, especially his son Michael. A deeply flawed, yet violent man, Vito is one powerful crime boss, and one truly iconic character for the ages.

#2: Darth Vader
“Star Wars” franchise (1977-83)

The “Star Wars” saga boasts many iconic characters, including the legendary Han Solo, but it is Vader himself who gets our vote. Portrayed as a one-dimensional but cruel villain in the first film, Vader becomes progressively more complex and “gray” as the film series continues, amassing great acclaim along the way. He is one of the most fearful yet complex villains in cinema history, and the plot twist delivered by him in the original trilogy is one of the best in cinema. With his all-black attire, haunting voice and dedication to the dark side, Darth Vader’s cultural impact is astronomical, and his status as the greatest cinema character more than secured.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions.
- The Terminator
“The Terminator” franchise (1984-)
- Man with No Name
“Dollars Trilogy” (1964-66)
- Scarlett O’Hara
“Gone with the Wind” (1939)
- Ellen Ripley
“Alien” franchise (1979-1997)
- The Joker
“The Dark Knight” (2008)
- Travis Bickle
“Taxi Driver” (1976)

#1: James Bond
“James Bond” franchise (1962-)

You know his name, you know his number. Agent 007 has been on screen for over fifty years, and his spy film series has become one of the highest grossing franchises of all time. So far portrayed by six different actors under Eon Productions, James Bond has continually shown us exotic locales, beautiful women, and exciting action. Known as one of the deadliest and most charming men in cinema, always accompanied by handy gadgets and clever one-liners, the character of Bond and his films are known all over the world. Without a doubt, 007 has been ingrained into pop culture and is certainly here to stay.

Do you agree with our list? What film character do you consider to be the most iconic? For more memorable top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.