Top 10 Archers from Movies and TV

Not every film or TV series hits the bulls-eye – but these characters always do. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 archers in movies and TV.

For this list, we’re considering TV and movie characters who exhibit expert ability with the bow and arrow or some variation, such as the crossbow.

A member of the Free Folk – or Wildings to those south of the Wall – Ygritte is possessed of an indomitable spirit and almost boundless courage. Her relationship with Jon Snow is complicated, to say the least, and creates some of “Game of Thrones”’ steamiest moments. But it’s this fiery redhead’s work with a bow and arrow that’s most impressive: Ygritte’s use of the bow is practically second nature to her. She’s so at ease with shooting arrows that the bow seems almost a part of her body.

Posttraumatic stress may mess with his mind, but his survival skills are still top notch. John Rambo has trained with weaponry for most of his life, and while he’s sure effective with a machinegun, it’s his custom compound bow we’re most interested in today. When a gun’s impractical and a knife’s just not gonna cut it, this is one action hero who won’t be denied his vengeance. Hell, he even downs a helicopter with his bow – you ain’t gonna see Robin Hood do that.

In Hayao Miyazaki’s animated epic historical fantasy, Prince Ashitaka is searching for a cure for the curse placed on his right arm by a deadly demon. Ashitaka is cast in the mold of the traditional epic hero, but he’s less enthralled with this role than is typical; it’s duty rather than enthusiasm that drives him. But that doesn’t keep him from using his incredible skill with the bow and arrow whenever the opportunity presents itself.

For the Na’vi people in James Cameron’s groundbreaking film, archery is an integral part of their way of life. Princess Neytiri is one of their greatest champions with the bow. That’s good news for hero Jake Sully, whose bacon she saves with her precise way with an arrow. Neytiri is skillful in all aspects of archery, but she earns extra points for the way she can whip an arrow into a desired target while she’s flying gracefully through the air.

Clint Barton doesn’t get to don his familiar Hawkeye costume in “The Avengers,” but that doesn’t keep him from demonstrating his exquisite mastery of the bow. Once released from Loki’s evil mind control, Hawkeye takes full advantage of his freedom to show the invading alien army that in the hands of a marksman, the arrow is a match for any advanced technology – and for any Asgardian god, for that matter.

A guy living in a world overrun by zombies wants to avoid attracting their attention – which is why Daryl Dixon’s use of a silent crossbow rather than a noisy gun is an inspired choice. Dixon starts out as a bit of an outcast, but his skill with the crossbow and his intense determination bring him and the group of survivors closer together. Good thing, too, as Dixon and his crossbow come in handy on more than one occasion.

After going through a brutal five-years during which he had to live by his wits, rich boy Oliver Queen emerged as a world-class champion with the bow. His competition, the evil Malcolm Merlyn, might be able to compete with him, but Oliver’s obsessive, compulsive drive gives him just enough edge to win. Surrounded by a team of dedicated, if sometimes-difficult, colleagues, Oliver intends to clean up Starling City with his bow, his arrows – and his ruthless efficiency.

Legolas is an important presence in the “Lord of the Rings” books – but the films take his bow hunting skills to an entirely new level. Director Peter Jackson uses cinematic trickery at its best to create the kind of shots no real life archer could ever make. But then, most real life archers aren’t elves, are they? No matter whether reality enters into it or not; Legolas’ onscreen feats are a joy to behold.

The world of “The Hunger Games” films is brutal for those not lucky enough to be born into the right class. Katniss Everdeen learned her archery skills out of necessity, but she hones them to a degree that few others could. Still, it’s not so much what she does with the bow and arrow that earns Katniss such praise as it is her incredible spirit, quick thinking, innate sense of strategy and selflessness. She’s everything an archer wants to be.

Before we take aim at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Susan Pevensie
“The Chronicles of Narnia” franchise (2005-)
- John Rambo
“Rambo: First Blood Part II” (1985)
- Merida
“Brave” (2012)
- Lewis Medlock
“Deliverance” (1972)
- Abigail Whistler
“Blade: Trinity” (2004)

He is the template from which all other archers on this list are drawn – and with good reason. Whether enacted by Douglas Fairbanks in the silent era, Kevin Costner in more recent years or an animated fox voiced by Brian Bedford, the character is dashing, courageous, good-hearted – and the most accomplished archer in pop-culture. Robin Hood has survived through the ages not because of his celebrated skill, but because of his celebrated spirit. Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, he’s always on target where it counts most.

Do you agree with our choices? What other famous archers deserve to be on this list? For more sharp-shooting top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.