Top 10 Grumpy Movie Characters

This eye-patch wearing bounty hunter is as ruthless as they come. Reluctantly accepting an offer from a 14-year-old girl to track and murder her father’s killer, this Deputy U.S. Marshal delivers Old West justice with the gruff persona of the angel of death himself. With John Wayne portraying the one-eyed man of the law in the original 1969 western, Jeff Bridges pulls off the character with both a callous demeanor, and a sense of morality, helping make this film a box office hit and earning it multiple Oscar nods.

This holiday grouch gives an unorthodox portrayal of Jolly Ol’ St. Nick in this comedy classic. Boozed up, sexually perverted, and cantankerous as hell, you might wanna think twice before sitting on the lap of this depraved, red-suit wearing degenerate. A thief by trade who uses the Christmas season as a way to rob shopping malls blind, things take a turn for the cranky when he is forced to live with a child who believes he truly is Santa Claus himself.

This grumpy gym owner and trainer became the coach that led Rocky Balboa to success in the boxing ring. A former boxer with an eye for leading his star student to championship status, Mickey’s strong personality and take-no-crap attitude became an iconic portrayal of tough love that carried this sports franchise through multiple sequels. Sporting his signature beanie, intense and harsh criticisms, and a gravely voice, this guy is one manager you don’t want to disappoint.

As the antagonist of this popular holiday classic, Mr. Potter is as sinister as they come. When the film’s main character, George, is visited by a guardian angel who shows him a world in which he has never been born, he realizes that this grumpy loan board member has aspirations of turning his town into a sleazy and morally bankrupt paradise of vice. With a dismissive attitude, intimidating demeanor, and lust for power and control, this short-tempered villain is one person we’d never want to ask for a loan.

As childhood friends, these longtime rivals had a falling out in their youth over a girl, and never seemed to repair their longtime grudge in their later years. Pulling practical jokes on each other and hurling insults left and right, things really heat up when a sexy new neighbor lands in town and rekindles their competitive edge. These old timers show us all the hilarity and pain of friendship, and how despite past differences and no matter how grumpy you may be, you can always count on your friends when you need a little help.

This grump is on a mission to fulfill the promise he and his late-wife made to visit a remote South American location. Armed with a flying house, a child stowaway, and a talking dog, this geriatric adventurer gets more than he bargained for as he attempts to get to his destination with his sanity in one piece. But despite his outwardly bad-tempered countenance, this Pixar flick wouldn’t be a classic without him.

This iconic grumpy neighbor is not too happy with the antics of Dennis, the mischievous child who lives next door. After being called in to babysit the young prankster, Mr. Wilson is far from impressed with this little lad’s clowning around…and can you blame him? Despite being subjected to these tricks, Mr. Wilson does ultimately realize that while he may be a naughty child, he’s still good to have around when a burglar steals some valuables from his house.

This guy’s name says it all. The short statured and short-tempered dude is the voice of reason in a household of roommates with more up-beat personalities. When an exiled princess who is just too nice to be true breaks into their house seeking refuge, his grumpiness ascends to an even higher level. Let’s face it, you’d be pretty grumpy too if you had to live with this household 24/7. Luckily, he’s not always all about the grump.

This Korean War veteran is not having any of the gang violence that is prevalent in his neighborhood. After befriending a young boy who attempts to steal his car as a gang initiation, Walt learns the value of devotion to family, eventually going to great lengths to protect those who have welcomed him into their lives. This is one example of how grumpiness can harbor a softer core, and show a community that loyalty can set an example we all can aspire to.

Before we reveal our #1 pick, here are some honorable mentions:
- Melvin Udall
“As Good as It Gets” (1997)
- Curly Washburn
“City Slickers” (1991)
- Roger Murtaugh
“Lethal Weapon” (1987)
- William Forrester
“Finding Forrester” (2000)
- Vincent MacKenna
“St. Vincent” (2014)

This guy is the ultimate grump any time of year. A cold-hearted business man who’s lost touch with his emotional side, it takes the miracle of three ghosts and a ton of personal reflection to soften the soul of this miser and finally lead him to his redemption. Portrayed by Jim Carrey in the 2009 version and Reginald Owen in the 1938 adaptation respectively, the catchphrase of this ill-tempered man has become infamous to grumpy folks everywhere! He’s even grumpy in animated form! Bah! Humbug!

Do you agree with our list? Which grumpy characters do YOU like to watch on the big screen? For more entertaining top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.