by There are millions of movie characters throughout films across the decades. However, there are some characters that resonate better with people than others. These characters may learn an important lesson that helps viewers to learn something new. These characters can also inspire people to act like the movie character. They also can help people find a way to deal with their personal trials and struggles. Today we are going to break down the top ten most inspirational movie characters that resonate with the lives of millions.
10: Optimus Prime (Transformers Universe)
Optimus Prime is probably the best known Autobot, and there’s no secret why. Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots. However, he leads with kindness, caring, and sacrifice. Optimus is seen protecting those that are close to him, including humans. As the leader of the Autobots, Optimus must lead by example which helps his team follow his lead.
Audiences are able to resonate with Optimus because he leads by example. This can help others to realize that if you want to get something done, you need to be the example. This will help get things done.
9: George Bailey (It’s A Wonderful Life)
George Bailey wanted to see the world. All his childhood he grew up wanting to be able to travel the world and do big things. However, when his hometown needs his help, he puts his personal ambitions aside to help his community. He settles down and gets married, and life goes relatively well for him. However, as life continues, George is faced with trials and struggles. These trials lead him to believe that the world would be better off without him.
However, after a visit from his guardian angel, George Bailey learns that every single person makes an impact to those around him. Therefore, George realizes that he truly has a wonderful life.
People can resonate with George Bailey because he lives a pretty average life. It would not take a lot for people to be in similar situations as he is. For example, someone can be going through a tough time just as George was and think that they are worthless, but this movie just shows that everyone is important, an important reminder for all viewers.
8: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars Universe)
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most famous Jedi, because his history is rich with events that molded him into the person that he became. After witnessing his Master’s death, Obi-Wan became a Jedi master and took on young Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan. Obi-Wan spent a great deal of time teaching Anakin how to master the force and become a better Jedi than he ever could be.
However, after Anakin turned to the dark side, Obi-Wan was tasked with protecting Luke Skywalker, the last hope that the galaxy had. While Obi-Wan remained devoted to his mission, he stayed to the end, even giving his life to protect Luke Skywalker.
The audience can see that Obi-Wan had been crushed by his Master’s death and Anakin’s betrayal. However, despite the hardships, Obi-Wan stayed strong and didn’t give up on his objective. This is so inspirational that Obi-Wan definitely deserves his spot on this list.
7: Captain America (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
All Steve Rogers wanted to do was to serve his country in World War 2. He consistently applied to join the army until he finally was accepted. Once he was injected with the super soldier serum, Steve became the superhero known as Captain America.
Captain America is known for his patriotism and belief that everyone deserves to be free. He follows his gut and uses his instinct when it comes to tough choices. He also puts other’s, especially his closest friends, lives above his own.
Almost everyone knows who Captain America is, and how inspirational he can be. In one scene in The Winter Soldier, Captain America delivers a speech that tells everyone what is going on and asks them to help him fight. Bravely he declares, “If I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to be I’m not.”
6: Rocky Balboa (Rocky Series)
Rocky Balboa is a boxer. Whenever in a boxing match, you usually go until one person stays down and either surrenders or is knocked out. Whenever Rocky Balboa is knocked down, he immediately gets back up and gets back to fighting. He consistently trains to make sure that he gives it his all.
Viewers can see Rocky’s determination to win and be compelled to do the same in there everyday life. The audience can push for their goals and never give up, even when trials get in their way.
5: Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)
Forrest Gump lives a simple life, very similarly to George Bailey. However, Forrest grew up with braces on his legs. Eventually, he learns to run. Jenny, Forrest’s love interest, tells him that he should always run from his problems, since he is very fast. However, throughout Forrest’s life, he uses his running for other things than running away from problems. For example, during the Vietnam War, Forrest used his ability to save his fellow soldiers. Besides running, Forrest also is seen exhibiting loyalty and honesty. Forrest keeps his promises that he makes to people. He also stays loyal to Jenny, even if she isn’t ready to be with him yet.
Much like George Bailey, people can relate with Forrest, since he is an average person. People can be inspired to run towards their problems instead of running away from them, which is what earns Forrest his spot on this list.
4. Spiderman (Tobey Maguire Series)
Nobody knew who Peter Parker was. To his classmates, Peter was just the awkward nerd. However, after being bitten by a genetically-enhanced spider, Peter’s entire life began to change. As Peter developed the powers of a spider, he was faced with many different paths he could take. He could use his powers to make himself money. Or, he could use his powers to join the Green Goblin and take over New York. Finally, he could use his powers to protect the people of New York. Remembering what his Uncle Ben taught him, Peter decides to become Spiderman and protect the people of New York.
One of the most memorable lines that is often quoted from Spider-Man, is “With Great Power, comes great responsibility.” This is true in every day life just as true as it is for Peter Parker. This phrase can help viewers resonate with Peter as they may have important roles at their jobs, and this means they are responsible for more.
3. Batman (The Dark Knight Series)
Bruce Wayne’s life took a turn for the worst when both of his parents were murdered when he was very young. Since then, Bruce has lived a different life. Despite having all the money in the world, Bruce wants to be something more. Bruce wants to help Gotham City reach its potential, but he realizes that can’t happen with the crime. Therefore, he becomes Batman, a masked vigilante who fights crime.
Bruce wants to make Batman be a symbol so that anyone could be Batman. Bruce doesn’t take any credit for being Batman, since that is not why he is doing it. Batman also has one rule he refuses to break when fighting crime. This rule is that he will not kill anyone.
Viewers can see that Bruce wants to make his city a better place, and they can be inspired to help make their communities a better place. Not everyone has to fight crime, but there are plenty other ways to inspire hope and help take care of the area you live in.
2. Iron Man (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Tony Stark was a brilliant man who can have literally anything he ever wanted. However, after being captured by terrorists, Tony began the adventure that would put him on the path of becoming Iron Man. As Iron Man, Tony is able to stop terrorists and other threats from harming others. However, Tony’s story goes far beyond fighting bad guys as in Iron Man 3, he realizes that he is much more than just a man in armor. In Avengers: Endgame, Tony finally got the life he always wanted, but when the world needs him, he gives up his life to save everyone else.
These sacrifices that Tony Stark was able to make touches viewers as they watch Iron Man become the ultimate sacrifice to defeat Thanos. Such selflessness is admirable which earn Tony Stark his place on this list.
1. Darth Vader (Star Wars Universe)
Anakin Skywalker was born a slave, but very quickly his life changed when he was taken in by Obi-Wan Kenobi to be trained as a Jedi. However, as a young adult he let his emotions get the better of him as he was turned to the Dark Side of the Force, leading him to become Darth Vader. For a majority of his life, Darth Vader was the most feared individual in the galaxy, second to only the Emperor. Vader would kill anyone who opposed him and is known as one of the best villains in any film. However, towards the end of his life he realizes that what he was doing was wrong and his son, Luke, saves him from the dark side.
The reason that Darth Vader is an inspirational movie character is that his life is full of opposites. One day he is the strongest Jedi, the next he is an evil Sith lord. However, by the end of his life, he joins the light side again, showing that it is never too late to be a good person. What happened in the past is the past, but what you do in the present matters, a lesson that works well with audiences.
