Top 10 Reluctant Heroes In Movies

One of the greatest heroines in film history, Ellen Ripley has become a prominent figure in popular culture. After successfully defeating the Alien in the first film, Ripley ends up stuck in stasis for 57 years. She is eventually rescued and asked to investigate a disturbance in the colony Hadley’s Hope. Ripley refuses at first, however, because of her traumatic experience from the prior film. Fortunately for them – and for moviegoers - Ripley soon reverts to her badass self, and not only assists with the investigation, but also ends up taking on the Alien Queen inspectacular fashion.

One of the most common characteristics of a reluctant hero is the refusal to accept that he is destined for something greater than he is. David Dunn only wanted to be known as an ordinary man, but when he survived a train wreck that killed 131 people, it’s obvious that he is meant for greater things. David is eventually convinced by the fragile Elijah to use his powers for good, and this is aptly demonstrated when he stops a sadistic janitor from murdering children.

Most of us would be stunned to discover the existence of an alternate reality, so it’s hard to blame Neo for being skeptical at first. But in “The Matrix” trilogy, he soon learns it’s impossible to escape our destinies - no matter how hard we try to fight it. Destined to be “the One,” a person who will lead the enslaved humans against the machines, Neo gets pulled into the fight and begrudgingly accepts his role. And when Morpheus is captured, Neo must return to save him and he truly becomes what he was born to be.

It’s hard to blame Theo for his state – once an activist, he became a government bureaucrat forced to deal with the bleak situation facing humanity in 2027, where humans have been infertile for the last 18 years. Theo lives a secluded life that includes a significant amount of booze in his morning coffee. When he is tasked with acquiring transit papers for a young woman, he isn’t exactly thrilled by the idea – until he discovers that she is pregnant. This revelation transforms Theo from an isolated recluse into a brave protector as he attempts to save the human race from extinction.

It doesn’t matter if it’s Mel Gibson or Tom Hardy playing the role – all Max wants is to live an ordinary life. He rarely talks and has no interest inhis increasing reputation. This changes when the Zed Runners gang kills his loved ones. This horrific event causes Max to realize that he can never live a normal life, and he hunts down each gang member one by one to get his revenge. Although Max fails to really maintain a significant bond with any character throughout the franchise, he always ends up helping those who need it the most; no matter how reluctanthe may be to do so.

Isn’t this always the case? One minute you’re trying to get by in the poorest district of the dystopian autocratic nation of Panem, the next you’re the main symbol of the rebellion. Okay, maybe it’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s essentially what happens to Katniss. It all starts after she volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games to replace her little sister. Although she doesn’t want to be the face of the rebellion against the oppressive Capitol, the young woman ends up rallying an oppressed people to overthrow the despicable President Snow and it’s her journey that captivates us throughout the film series.

All John McClane wants is to spend Christmas with his family, but he winds up having to stop an international terrorist all on his own. McClane, a New York City Police Detective, is able to slip away unnoticed after Hans Gruber and his armed thugs take over LA’s Nakatomi Plaza building, beginning an epic game of cat and mouse. With no one else in a position to stop Gruber, McClane unwillingly takes on the German mastermind while trying to protect the lives of all the hostages – which include his wife. Reluctant hero? Yes, but a resourceful one at that.

At one point in this sci-fi classic, Sarah Connor proclaims that she never asked to be the mother of the future and doesn’t want the role. That pretty much sums it up. A young college student and waitress, Sarah’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that she is being chased by a relentless android who wants to kill her. She soon meets Kyle Reese who informs her that she will become the mother of John Connor, the leader of the resistance against Skynet. As fate would have it, Sarah puts aside her reservations and helps to defeat the Terminator - and becomes an all-around badass by the next film.

Although he is now considered one of the greatest heroes of the Rebel Alliance, some people may forget that, initially, Han wanted nothing to do with the Rebellion. He agreed to transport Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi because he owed Jabba the Hutt a large sum of money, and only agreed to rescue Princess Leia for the payday. He even refused to help the Rebels attack the Death Star after he received his reward! His sentiments fortunately change however, and Han Solo goes on to become one of the most iconic heroes in the galaxy.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Ash Williams
“The Evil Dead” (1981)
Maximus Decimus Meridius
“Gladiator” (2000)
Wesley Gibson
“Wanted” (2008)
Reuben J. ‘Rooster’ Cogburn
“True Grit” (1969)

When presented with the task of travelling to Mordor to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, no one - no elf, dwarf, or human - thought it was possible. Little did they know that a hobbit would be the one to accept and ultimately accomplish the seemingly impossible task. Once Frodo successfully delivered the One Ring to Rivendell, he believed his job was done. He soon realizes, however, that becoming the Ring-bearer was his destiny. Although Frodo expresses his desire to return to a normal hobbit life, he knows that all of Middle-earth is doomed if he cannot complete the mission - so that is exactly what he does.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite reluctant hero? For more heroic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.