Top 10 Eccentric Movie Characters

With Sacha Baron Cohen’s second mockumentary project based on “Da Ali G Show” characters, expectations were extremely high. When news broke that he would bring his extremely flamboyantly gay fashion reporter Bruno to the big screen, fans were worried at first. But fans and critics were shocked to find that Cohen had more to say about homophobia in the world, and was less concerned with making an empty stereotype-filled character. That is not to say that each prank isn’t pure hilarity and over-the-top camp. Cohen has made an art form out of freaking regular unsuspecting people out with his eccentric characters and Bruno is truly a prime example.

The then little-known Chris Tucker wrote the book on scene-stealing in this sci-fi/comedy/action mashup, and became Hollywood royalty overnight. How could you not notice him? In a film that is itself eccentric, flashy and indescribable, media darling and guide to the stars Ruby Rhod will leave you stunned and breathless, and probably more a few people annoyed. Perhaps telling us more than we care to admit about where our culture of media-loving paparazzi glamor and bizarre fashion is headed in the future, Ruby Rhod stands out even among his extremely bizarre co-stars.

This comedy, a remake of a similar French film, is full of eccentric characters, from Hank Azaria’s flash, foreign maid to Robin Williams’ subdued but at times outrageous drag club owner Armand. But no one can top Nathan Lane as Williams’ drag-queen-by-night partner. Whether he’s sporting leopard print, a floppy hat or a sensible pink skirt suit, Albert – aka Starina, aka Mrs. Goldman, aka Mrs. Coleman – is the star of the show and always the center of attention. Hilarity ensues when they try to tone-down their extravagant and eccentric lifestyle in order to welcome the very bland soon-to-be in-laws. Hide your feather boas.

Science fiction and fantasy epics are breeding grounds for eccentric characters, and the “Hunger Games” series is no exception. Although Elizabeth Banks’ Effie epitomizes the Capitol’s excess in fashion and greedy lifestyles, no character is more larger than life than Caesar Flickerman. Played with an almost psychotic exaggerated serial-killer smile by the great Stanley Tucci, Caesar stands as the voice of the nation. He is an extreme version of reality show hosts, as he spends time interviewing the doomed contestants of upcoming Hunger Games with style and a creepy, and unsettling charm.

Everyone knows him as the greatest spy 1960s swinging London had ever seen. And we will avoid using any of his catchphrases. The loud and colorful clothing, the over-the-top accent and unavoidable teeth and chest-hair might make him stick out like a sore thumb by today’s standards, and therefore make him a terrible secret agent, but back in his own time he fit right in. He wouldn’t be a hilarious, eccentric and memorable character had he not been been frozen in time chasing Dr. Evil and woken up during the turn of the century.

He might dress like a clown, paint his face like a clown, and laugh like a clown, but the Clown Prince of Crime is no laughing matter. Impossible to fit in, the Joker is often portrayed in bright purple clothing, neon green hair, and very often cackling and covered in someone’s blood. Batman’s greatest nemesis and Freudian counterpart takes everything about Bruce Wayne’s brooding, dark shadowy world, and turns it on its head. Never losing steam, the Joker has been a psychotic and perverse fashion statement for decades now.

The ‘80s were a strange time, full of excess and flamboyant evil characters, especially in bizarre fantasy films of the time. The only way you can top that is by casting the most eccentric rock star you can find. With David Bowie’s star power (including hair-metal look) and Jim Henson’s bizarre imagination, “Labyrinth” became a weirdly entertaining cult classic. As the Goblin King, David Bowie spends his time wearing fancy robes, stealing babies, and playing with crystal balls. If that wasn’t enough, cue the goblin dance number.

Is he a scientist? A vampire? An alien? Or just a sweet transvestite? Hard to tell underneath all that makeup and lingerie, but one thing is for sure: he is one hell of a lover. Tim Curry’s now-iconic portrayal shocked audiences in the ‘70s not only because of how it redefined what “over-the-top” could mean, but how it defined a generation by being simply otherworldly. And it made both men and women uncomfortably attracted to him. Frank broke all stereotypes, and put them back together to create a new monster. Oh Rocky!

As if Gene Wilder’s classic role as the famous chocolatier wasn’t eccentric enough, Johnny Depp comes along decades later and Tim Burtons it up. Although both actors brought the perfect amount of creepiness to the great Willy Wonka, the secluded and secretive genius who finally opens up his factory doors looking for a successor, Johnny Depp decided to ham it up with ever-changing bizarre outfits, and creepy musical numbers. Might be a step up in the flamboyant scale from Gene Wilder’s slightly psychotic and rage-suppressing inventor. Either way, try not to cross either of them.

Before we lift the velvet curtain for our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Cruella De Vil
“One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961); “101 Dalmatians” (1996)
- David ‘Dave’ Skylark
“The Interview” (2014)
- Stacee Jaxx
“Rock of Ages” (2012)
- Zaphod Beeblebrox
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (2005)
- Betelgeuse
“Beetlejuice” (1988)

We are sure that everyone expected at least a couple Johnny Depp moments on this list, as he’s the king of outrageous and eccentric characters, such as the previously mentioned Willy Wonka, and Edward Scissorhands, to name a few. In this, his most beloved and memorable character, Depp created a hero with such unique attitude, cadence and mannerisms, that it is safe to say he is responsible for the huge success of these films. Captain Jack Sparrow might be a criminal, and a liar, but he is always a man of honor.

Do you agree with our list? Which big screen eccentric characters have been etched in your memory? For more outrageous top 10 lists published daily, don’t forget to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.