25. Miranda Priestly - The Devil Wears Prada - Meryl Streep won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy in this iconic film role said to be modeled after Anna Wintour of Vogue. She is a sobby bi***; and "that is all."
24. Gollum/Smeagol - The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit - At some point during his 589 year old life, the lovable Smeagol becomes the terribly untrustworthy Gollum because of the power of the notorious Ring. There may be some more dangerous characters on this list, so be careful, My Precious...
23. Marty McFly & Doc Brown - Back to the Future - Full disclosure, all parts of this movie series came out before I was even born. However, I have still managed to see the first two films at least a half a dozen times each. Michael J. Fox excellently plays the scared young kid about to endure an epic journey through space in time with the most eccentric human he will ever meet. "GREAT SCOTT!"
22. Beetlejuice - Don't dare say his name three times or he might just appear! This deviously charismatic creature from hell (I'm not being mean, he literally rose from hell to be present in the movie) is not someone to mess with, no matter how desperate you may be for his "help." Don't get me wrong, this movie is absolutely knee-slapping hilarious at some points, such as the ridiculously funny Day-O lip-sync dance. BEETLEJUICE...BEETLEJUICE...BEETLEJUICE!!!
21. Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games - Jennifer Lawrence stars in this movie that truly gave her her big break, introducing us to a dystopian world like no other. Katniss is one bada** bi***. She takes absolutely no guff from anyone, not even the president and his soldiers that watch her every move. Lawrence won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook the same year the debut film in this series hit the big screens. If you feel like reading more of this article, may the odds be ever in your favor.
20. Rocky Balboa - "The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows," but it felt like it when this 1976 film starring Sylvester Stallone won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This movie that echoes a metaphor for overcoming obstacles was so powerful that the steps before the Philadelphia Museum of Art are known today as the Rocky Steps for their presentation in the film.
19. Elle Woods - Legally Blonde - Apparently just any ditzy blonde can become a lawyer, especially when that blonde is none other than Reese Witherspoon. What, like, it's hard? This movie was so immensely popular that it eventually became a Broadway musical, an opportunity to showcase this Glinda-like character in all her glory.
18. The Terminator - I'm not going to lie…I have absolutely no idea what these movies are about... Give me a couple hours and I'LL BE BACK to tell you more...
17. Jason Bourne - I like to think of these movies as Mission: Impossible meets James Bond. What drives this movie as a leading force in action series is that it revolves around a central mystery of Jason Bourne's beginnings: They hold us out for what feels like forever until we find out if Bourne is even a good guy or a bad guy.
16. Groot - Guardians of the Galaxy - Groot appears as a baby, teenager, and an adult throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy series and various Marvel accompaniments. He is a plant-man of few words who is guaranteed to make you laugh for weeks, even though legitimately the only phrase he can say is "I am Groot."
15. Wolverine - X-Men - Honesty hour...I have only seen one film in this series, which was the highly regarded Logan. I do know that Wolverine's claws are an undeniably recognizable "superhero" accessory because he is "the best there is at what [he does], but what [he does] best isn't very nice."
14. Regina George - Mean Girls - On Wednesdays, we watch Mean Girls. The movie became so popular that it is now a Broadway musical, just as that of Legally Blonde. Regina George is a horribly mean high school bully and pretty-girl. But, do you think a young Lindsay Lohan is going to let her rule the school? As if!
13. Princess Leia - Star Wars - C'mon, people. There's a reason why the hairstyle is now called SPACE buns! The marvelous, never forgotten Carrie Fisher is an undeniably famous character in movie history who captured millions with her grace, beauty, acting, and bada** presence.
12. E.T. - This adorable alien is from one of Steven Spielburg's earliest films, in 1982. The soundtrack, scenery, and sweet disposition of this little alien makes this film perfect for those of all ages. I cry happy tears every time I watch this movie; I just can't help it!
11. Iron Man - We are all too familiar with a rags-to-riches story. That is why the exceptionally witty, undeniably charismatic millionaire that is Iron Man has such a magnificent back story. Still don't know what makes him so special? Wondering why we root for a millionaire that supposedly has everything he could ever need? Watch the first film to figure out why he has that glowing circle in the middle of his suit.
10. Captain Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean - Growing up with movies in this series coming out every couple years, it is quite the understatement to say "it's a pirate's life for me." Don't get me wrong, these movies often did not get more than 2/5 stars and generally made no real sense, but they were sure as heck fun to watch and graphically incredible. Johnny Depp morphs himself once again into an iconic Disney pirate who drinks too much, cares too little, and serves us with the best-of-the-best eyeliner-looks.
9. Black Panther - When I saw the trailer for Black Panther, it immediately captured my attention. I was shocked I was so invested in seeing the movie, being that I had never seen another superhero movie in my life at the time, with the exception of a couple. The late Chadwick Boseman was an incredibly fierce force to be reckoned with. Yes, this movie IS as good as they say it is. Wakanda today, Wakanda tomorrow, Wakanda forevermore.
8. Dorothy Gale - The Wizard of Oz - Grab your ruby slippers, tap the heels together three times, and say it with me folks, "there is no place like home." This was a masterpiece of cinematography within the movie industry for its time. The transitioning between black and white to color was outstanding, given the resources in 1939. Dorothy Gale has been hailed as one of the most recognizable movie characters of all time, from her pigtails, to her blue dress, to her red slippers, even to her little dog Toto. Her actual slippers from the movie are on display year-round at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American History. Judy Garland is truly an icon herself, and was the subject of Renee Zellweger's biographical portrayal.
7. Darth Vader - Star Wars - I don't know if it's the "I am your father" giveaway or not that put me off from desiring to see a single film in the Star Wars series, but I am still more than familiar with Darth Vader's evil persona, costume, and one of the most ultimate plot twists in film history. He's also a very popular annual Halloween costume choice for a reason.
6. Hannibal Lecter - The Silence of the Lambs - Perhaps one of the most infamous characters on this list and one of the most dangerous villains of them all is none other than Hannibal Lecter. Anthony Hopkins won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this role, and Clarice herself won Best Actress. It is hard to forget that "muzzle" of Lecter's once you first see it. This role has been a model for various future film and television endeavors, such as Betty Cooper's interactions with the Black Hood in Riverdale.
5. Joker - Batman - There are ONLY TWO characters IN HISTORY for which two different actors have won an Academy Award, Vito Corleone of The Godfather and Joker. Whether your favorite version is by the late Heath Ledger or the recent Joaquin Phoenix, or even Jared Leto, it is indisputable that this devilishly smiling supervillain continues his reign at the top five of this list. It is beyond easy to picture this character licking the scarred sides of his mouth, asking his victims, "Why so serious?"
4. Spider-Man - Your friendly neighborhood superhero has had three different characters play him in four different film series. First, we had Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man, then we had Andrew Garfield (A.K.A. the love of my life) in The Amazing Spider-Man, and now we have Tom Holland in the current Spider-Man and Avenger films. His boyish charm is a unique take on a superhero, as he is not portrayed as a 20s or 30s guy who could have walked to this set from his set on Baywatch. Instead, he is a high school student navigating his personal life and the personal lives of those in danger around him.
3. Yoda - Star Wars - In a galaxy far, far away...There was once a little green wise, old man. And when I say old, I mean old...like 900 YEARS old! A voice of wisdom and a trainer of Jedi (think Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda or Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid), Yoda brings sense and preparation to those who need it with the Force. While we have discovered that "Baby Yoda" is not Yoda but actually a completely different little green wise, 50 year old child, Yoda still serves as an example
2. James Bond - 12 different actors so far have played the world-famous Bond, James Bond. This character has graced the silver screen in 26 films, spanning an unfathomable 58 years. Each actor brings their own unique take on this often stoic and charismatic U.K. spy. These typically three-hour-long movies may be difficult to follow along with, but the point is that there is a handsome British spy about to save the world with some impeccable ninja-like skills.
1. Harry Potter - "After all this time? Always." There are so many things I could say about this world-recognized ever-loved boy wizard. He has been featured in seven books, eight movies, and is at the center of HIS OWN THEME PARK (in Universal Studios, Florida). The author of the books is the first billion-dollar author in history. The books have sold 400 million copies around the world in 55 languages, SO FAR, and all of the films have a collective total of an outlandish $7.73 billion! Although the films are about a young boy wizard, Potter has been a relatable icon for individuals of various ages, genders, and races. The premise of an orphan being destined for greatness and saving the world is empowering in so many ways that it is no wonder the Boy Who Lived climbed to the top of this list.
