Top 10 Worst Role Model Heroes

“Iron Man” franchise (2008-)
If it weren’t for his ego, Iron Man would be the perfect hero. Sure, he’s saved the day on more than one occasion. But even forgetting his sketchy past as an arms dealer, Tony Stark’s narcissism and rash decisions make him less than an ideal role model. A prime example of his hubris is his creation of Ultron, in the belief that he could solve the world’s global defence problems. Stark’s brash personality has also led to ample turmoil within the group, especially when it comes to Captain America. Oh and let’s not forget the time he was cocky enough to broadcast his address to the world and almost get himself AND Pepper killed.

“Terminator” franchise (1984-)
Originally designed by Skynet to bring humanity down for the count, the T-800 made the jump from emotionless killing machine to loveable action hero in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”. Reprogrammed by John Connor and sent back in time to protect his younger self, this cybernetic organism’s actions are determined less by a sense of heroism and more by whomever happened to tinker with his circuits last. Ironically, this lack of free will is the main reason the T-800 is such an unstoppable hero: there isn’t a single truck he isn’t willing to crash through to save John Connor. So, relentless? Yes. But a good role model? Not really.

“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Spending a century jumping from war to war, Logan has not only seen but also pretty much done the worst humanity has to offer. Due to his indestructible bones and insanely quick healing ability, Wolverine often sprints into battle without a game plan besides brute force. As part of the X-Men, this hot-headedness does not make him the most reliable of team players, as he prefers to do his own thing rather than follow orders. An alpha male through and through, Logan cannot stop himself from butting heads with any authority figure in his way. Just ask Cyclops.

“True Grit” (1969; 2010)
This aging gunslinger has definitely seen better days. Unable to find a man with true grit to track down her father’s killer, the young Mattie Ross turns to the infamous Rooster Cogburn for help. Now spending his days collecting bounties and his nights drinking whiskey, this Civil War Veteran grudgingly agrees after being offered a sizeable payment. Although John Wayne’s Cogburn is flawed, Jeff Bridges can be downright terrifying as the reluctant hero. An outlaw’s worst nightmare and a nuisance to anyone else, one of his drunken tirades almost ends up getting Mattie killed by the person he was assigned to track down. So, a mixed bag.

“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-)
An off-kilter character even by Disney’s standards, the eccentric Captain of the Black Pearl might be the best, or worst, pirate ever to sail the seven seas. Brilliant with a sword and quick-witted, while also cowardly and manipulative, Jack is openly admired and mocked by his peers. In a permanent state of intoxication, his multiple heroic deeds are undermined by a strong sense of self-preservation and at one point he even sells out his crew to save his own skin. Jack’s talent made him one of the nine pirate lords. On the other hand, his personality explains why he owes the other eight lords money.

“Deadpool” franchise (2016-)
OK, this entry is practically cheating. A gun for hire, Wade Wilson willingly agrees to take part in a series of risky experimental treatments after being diagnosed with liver, lung, brain and prostate cancer. Injected with a mutant serum and tortured daily, Wilson is re-born as the Merc with a mouth, but at a high cost. With a vulgar sense of humor, the self-hating Deadpool rejects the hero route, preferring to pursue the person who caused his disfigurement one henchman shish kebab at a time. Never pretending to be anything else, Deadpool gleefully kills anyone in his way while seeking vengeance, and suggests others do the same.

“Dirty Harry” franchise (1971-)
Clint Eastwood often plays grumpy characters that may or may not be great role models – like the bitter War Veteran who develops a friendship with a gang member in “Gran Torino,” for example. But none beats this San Francisco cop. Never hesitating to step across any ethical boundary in pursuit of justice, Inspector Harry Callahan really earned the title Dirty Harry. From engaging in a game of Russian roulette with bank robbers to shooting unarmed men after they’ve already surrendered, Callahan often creates situations where the use of maximum force would be justified. His disregard for criminal procedure has resulted in a few dangerous killers being set free on a technicality.

“Die Hard” franchise (1988-)
Inspired by American icons like John Wayne and Roy Rogers, this foul-mouthed, wise-cracking hard-boiled New York Cop is quick on the draw and has a body count that can rival anyone on the big screen. Starting off as a pretty ordinary guy with a Christmas tradition of mowing down terrorists, McClane becomes more and more reckless as the films go on, eventually causing multiple car pile-ups – among other forms of mayhem. A chain smoker and an alcoholic, this reluctant hero has alienated his family, while his aversion to authority constantly leaves him one misstep away from unemployment.

“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
Sure, he’s a lovable rogue. But he’s also a cynical smuggler who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. He works for gangsters, seems to owe pretty much everybody money, and most definitely shoots first! Not exactly someone to emulate in daily life. While his smart-ass, cavalier, swashbuckling attitude is the reason we love him, it’s also the reason he isn’t a fantastic role model. Han certainly has his hero moments, and can always be counted on in the end. But as we saw in “The Force Awakens”, the whole smuggling gig just seems too tempting to ever give up entirely. Hey, do what you’re good at, we guess!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Star-Lord
“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise (2014-)

Arthur Curry/Aquaman
“Aquaman” (2018)

John Wick
“John Wick” franchise (2014-)

Axel Foley
“Beverly Hills Cop” franchise (1984-)

#6: Frank Castle / The Punisher
“The Punisher” (2004) & “Punisher: War Zone” (2008)

“James Bond” franchise (1962-)
Ever since “Dr. No” hit the big screen in 1962, nobody has entertained us for as long or often as the agent with a license to kill. Perfectly combining suaveness and sophistication with ruthless aggression, the thrill-seeking 007 usually follows a brutal murder with a witty one-liner. In a business where waking up tomorrow is hardly a guarantee, this spy indulges often and heavily in all of his vices. A compulsive gambler, with a drink always at hand, and a serial womanizer, the most unrealistic part of the James Bond franchise might be just how in control he always seems to be.