What makes a movie memorable in everyone’s eyes? The storyline? Probably. The dialogues? Totally worth a shot. The direction? Well, cinema geeks love that. But the true essence that makes a movie immortal in fans’ memories is Most Iconic Movie Characters.
If the characters are relatable, obviously, fans will relate to them. If the characters are really cool, fans will try to mimic those characters. But what remains constant is that fans will always connect with characters at some level.
Now, there have been millions of characters presented to us throughout cinema history. But some of those characters are forever etched in our memories for more than one reason.
Those characters deserve an appreciation post of their own. So, here are the 10 Most Iconic Movie Characters of the Decade. This list might miss some of your favorite characters as we will only try to include the characters in the 21st century. So, let’s start.
James Bond
- Appearances: 25 movies across the franchise
- Played By: Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby
Every James Bond actor brought something different to the role. The class and charisma Sean Connery brought to the role is unrivaled. Timothy Dalton was cold, calculating, and brooding. It comes very close to capturing the essence of Fleming’s Bond.
Pierce Brosnan captured the previous Bond actors’ traits and is effortlessly charismatic. The humor and fun Roger Moore had in the role is why it’s always a pleasure to watch his films. George Lazenby only did one Bond film but did a pretty good job.
And finally, Daniel Craig perfected the modern-day James Bond, humanized the character, and still made it work. You can pick any James Bond movie to watch and will thoroughly enjoy it.
Courtesy – Google Images
Voldermort
- Appeared In: Harry Potter Franchise
- Played By: Ralph Fiennes
Well, you can pick any character from Harry Potter, and all of them will be iconic. But the most iconic character in the franchise is the movie’s antagonist. There is a reason that Voldermort is considered one of the Most Iconic Movie Characters.
His aura, evil, and everything else was something to be reckoned with. A truly one-of-a-kind character that you can’t recreate no matter what.
Courtesy – Google Images
Captain Jack Sparrow
- Appeared In: Pirates Of The Caribbean Series
- Played By: Johhny Depp
The character of Jack Sparrow is as iconic as the actor who played the role. The charisma of Johhny Depp that he brought into the life of Jack Sparrow was the sole reason why Pirates Of The Caribbean is such a success.
The character is the perfect blend of stupidity and thrill. And the way Johhny Depp played the role is genuinely commendable. Performance of a lifetime for a character of a lifetime.
Courtesy – Google Images
John Wick
- Appeared In: John Wick Trilogy
- Played By: Keanu Reeves
We could have also included Neo from Matrix, but John Wick seems more appropriate after a lackluster third part of that series. After all, how many characters can kill someone with a pen?
The character is just badass in every sense. And remember, there are a few things you should avoid in life: The DMV, skipping out on your taxes, and killing John Wick’s dog.
Courtesy – Google Images
Indiana Jones
- Appeared In: Indiana Jones Franchise
- Played By: Harrison Ford
We were going to skip this character because of the criteria, but we are getting an Indiana Jones movie in 2023. So, that is a perfect excuse to add him to this list. Because he is as iconic as the word “Iconic” itself.
Even if you have not watched Indiana Jones, there is a high possibility you have heard the reference in various shows and movies. It is just that good and possibly the best treasure seeker ever.
Courtesy – Google Images
Darth Vader and Han Solo
- Appeared In: Star Wars Franchise
- Played By: Various characters from different shows and movies
There is a reason why “I am your father, Luke” is still one of the most famous dialogues of all time. After eleven movies and many shows, Darth Vader’s character has not lost its edge in any way. The internet lost its mind when the character returned in Rogue One, showing how great this character is.
Harrison Ford has two Most Iconic Movie Characters under his belt. The man knows how to pick a role, doesn’t he? Han Solo has so many iconic things to his name. Millenium Falcon, His friendship with Chewbacca, and his nonchalant style of solving a crisis.
Courtesy – Google Images
Rocky Balboa
- Appeared In: Rocky and Creed Franchise
- Played By: Sylvester Stallone
We know you might be thinking, how can he be a character of this decade? But when Rocky returned for Creed, we all know how much chaos it caused. Every fan was eagerly waiting for the return of their childhood hero.
Yes, the character of Rocky is like a hero for so many kids out there. The man perfectly reflects hard work, grit, and dedication. There are so many real stories where the character of Rocky brought people out of their slumber. Definitely one of the Most Iconic Movie Characters.
Courtesy – Google Images
Patrick Bateman
- Appeared In: Americal Psycho
- Played By: Christian Bale
Well, as disturbing character Patrick Bateman was, he is just as iconic now. The meme culture brought him such fame that no one expected. The character skyrocketed to the iconic level in just a few days.
The character is toxic for sure and is the epitome of sadism for sure. But the meme culture can make anyone famous. And it has made Patrick Bateman not just famous but an icon for sure. It is sad, but it is what it is.
Courtesy – Google Images
Raju
- Appeared In: Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri
- Played By: Akshay Kumar
There is a reason why fans are not accepting the third Hera Pheri movie without Raju, and there is a reason why Raju is one of the most memed characters of all time. He is just that special.
Once again, meme culture took over to skyrocket this character to success but even without all the memes, the character of Raju is just iconic. Definitely one of the funniest characters of all time.
His antics, traits, and dialogues never failed to make us laugh. No matter how many times we watch these two movies again and again. We could have included Babu Rao as well, but we went with Raju, as he will be missed in the third installment.
Courtesy – Google Images
Batman
- Appeared In: Lots Of Movies and Shows
- Played By: God Knows how many actors
Do we need to say more? He is goddam Batman!!! Because he is the hero, we deserve. He’s a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight. He is just so cool. We know he is a superhero, but he is the best superhero.
Courtesy – Google Images
