Top 10 Coolest Movie Characters

When this street-smart cop from Detroit finds himself in Beverly Hills, he’s able to employ his natural charm and the tricks he’s learned along the way to outwit every other officer in the city. Prior to Eddie Murphy landing the role, Mickey Rourke and Sly Stallone almost brought the character that would make Murphy a star to the big screen. Though those two have certainly starred in several films that we love, it’s the comedic timing and improvisational feel Murphy brings to Foley in the various films of the franchise that lands him on this list.

A quick-witted, good looking actor, Trent is the perfect man to shepherd his lonely friend who just can’t let go of his previous relationship in “Swingers.” At every turn, Trent is there to teach any and all of his friends how to handle every aspect of getting a lady while simultaneously working to rebuild the shattered ego of his downtrodden friend. The alpha dog in this group of friends, Trent is undoubtedly Money.

Speaking to the visceral side of men that wants to break out of the societal barriers that most of us comply with, Tyler Durden is one of the few who lives outside of those norms. And as a result, he leaves us wanting to do the same during every viewing of “Fight Club.” The man lives in a rundown house with brown water that leaks and floods at every turn, yet somehow he leaves us envious of the life he leads. Perhaps it is his utter lack of compromise or his ability to lead; whatever it is, he makes it all look cool.

We’ll always have Paris, and we’ll always have Rick Blaine, thanks to this iconic black-and-white romantic drama and one of the greatest films of all time. As the owner of a high-class Morocco nightclub that appeals to patrons of diverse backgrounds, he’s jaded and blasé on the outside; but underneath the cool exterior is a man who’s torn between love and virtue. With an enigmatic background that just adds to his mystique, Rick is the tough-but-smart guy in a dashing suit; he “sticks his neck out for nobody” and is the envy of all other men. Here’s looking at you, Rick.

The spy genre of films is populated almost entirely with people who are trying to be cool. Whether it’s the gadgets, espionage or his entire demeanor, James Bond is the best of them all because he doesn’t need to try, he just is. Often considered one of the greatest film heroes ever, audiences can rest assured that Mr. Bond will save the day and get the girl. To top things off, 007 always does it in style – even over 20 films later.

It took a nearly unfathomable amount of charm and presence for George Clooney’s take on this character to outshine Rat Pack legend Frank Sinatra’s version. But, he succeeded. In the 2001 remake, Danny is the brains behind a group of criminals that manages to pull off the impossible; and we’re rooting for them the entire time. Completely unflappable, Danny rolls with whatever changes come his way and always makes sure that everything works to his advantage. He’s cool, calm and collected through and through.

Created as an African-American counterpart of sorts to James Bond, John Shaft is the “black private dick that’s a sex machine to all the chicks.” And yes, we can dig it. Whether it’s the clothes he wore, the women he bedded or the attitude that made it clear he was not to be messed with, one thing was certain: Shaft was, is and will always be the man. Right on!

James Dean’s short-lived film career defined what it was to be cool for a generation, and it was this character from the mid-‘50s drama that defined his legacy most. The fact that the actor died in a high-speed car crash shortly before “Rebel Without a Cause” hit screens lent the role even more weight. As a teen struggling to make sense of the world he lives in, but doing it in a much more unique, interesting way than most people ever would, Dean made this character into one we can relate to and also wished we were like at the same time.

Luke Skywalker may be the ultimate hero of the “Star Wars” saga, but it’s his friend Han that we always wanted to be. A scoundrel with a heart of gold, Solo is always interested in making a quick buck, but he’ll also save the day along the way. And while Indiana Jones, another character portrayed by Harrison Ford, is certainly another of the coolest characters around, it’s this space pirate that’s “forced” his way onto this list. We love him and he knows it.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Butch Cassidy
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
- ‘Crash’ Davis
“Bull Durham” (1988)
- Jacob Palmer
“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)
- Chili Palmer
“Get Shorty” (1995) / “Be Cool” (2005)
- Frank Bullitt
“Bullitt” (1968)
- Ferris Bueller
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

All he ever wanted was to do was bowl a frame or two, drink a white Russian and maybe get a little high. Instead, The Dude finds himself in the middle of intrigue and violence. Though he does raise his voice in a scene or two of this crime comedy, El Duderino mostly remains relaxed and takes everything all in stride – even – SPOILER ALERT – when his friend dies and his ashes end up almost entirely in his face. There is one thing that is absolutely certain: The Dude abides and we take comfort in that.

Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the coolest movie character? For more film Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.