Watching incredible feats of heroism as timeless figures saved the day led to some of the most iconic moments in film history and solidified their place among the greatest movie heroes of all time. From out-of-this-world superheroes to more grounded protagonists across action, horror, and sci-fi, the appeal of iconic heroes comes down to many things, including captivating courage, spectacular showcases of brute strength, or even more subtle qualities that signal the virtue of a selfless hero.
These stars all became icons in their own right, yet each has different qualities that make them stand out in film history. While many of the world’s biggest franchises were led by astounding cinematic heroes, this esteemed honor also extends to more grounded characters whose status as a movie legend comes from their realistic portrayal and real-world perseverance.
Over the years, several movie heroes have left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Here are a few of the most iconic movie heroes of all time:
15. Ash Williams – The protagonist of the Evil Dead franchise, Ash Williams has faced off against sinister Deadites across film, TV, video games, and comics. Bolstered by Bruce Campbell’s comedic sensibilities, the darkest aspects of this horror series were lightened by Ash’s incredible battles with demonic creatures as he utilized his famous chainsaw and boomstick to fight back against the evil forces unleashed after reading the Necronomicon incantations.
14. Sarah Connor – As one of the most badass women in action and sci-fi movie history, Sarah Connor, the mother of humanity’s future savior, John Connor, made her an essential figure in the Terminator franchise. While Linda Hamilton initially appeared like a typical damsel in distress in the original The Terminator, as the franchise continued with classics like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, she proved herself a capable hero of serious fortitude. By training and preparing her son for the inevitability of Skynet’s world takeover, Sarah Connor became a noble and selfless symbol of resistance.
13. Harry Potter – The boy who lived in J.K. Rowling’s world of witchcraft and wizardry, it’s impossible not to feel for Harry’s difficult childhood, forced to live in a cupboard by his cruel, heartless aunt and uncle. Yet, throughout the series, it was thrilling to watch Harry grow and mature into a true hero capable of facing the evil wizard Lord Voldemort himself. As a modern fantasy classic, there’s no denying Harry’s place among the greatest movie heroes of all time.
12. Batman – With a commanding rogues gallery of some of the most recognizable villains in the superhero genre, Batman caters to a wide variety of audiences and offers a range of options to keep him at the forefront of the genre.
11. Ellen Ripley – As the lone survivor of the Nostromo spaceship, Ellen Ripley was truly one of the greatest movie heroes, consistently demonstrating her bravery in facing off against terrifying Xenomorphs in the Alien franchise. While Ripley was one of the greatest heroines cinema has ever seen, her depiction challenged the traditional representation of women in action, horror, and sci-fi movies. By breaking the mold and showcasing herself as a hero as formidable as any man, Ripley opened the door for characters like Buffy and Furiosa in later years.
10. James Bond – Few movie characters have endured as long or maintained their cultural relevance like James Bond. As a character made famous through Sean Connery’s suave portrayal, the decision to continually recast this MI6 secret agent with new actors meant he could be reimagined and repurposed for every subsequent generation. Whether viewers prefer the cool charisma of Connery, the camp fun of Roger Moore, or the dark reboot with Daniel Craig, there’s a version of James Bond to suit all tastes, as he’s carved out an unmatched reputation as cinema’s definitive spy.
9. Indiana Jones – Indiana Jones pays homage to the incredible adventurers of 1930s film serials while remaining incredibly modern. From battling Nazis in Raiders of the Lost Ark to a quest for the Holy Grail, Harrison Ford’s portrayal has cemented Indy as an icon of cinema. Indiana’s instantly recognizable fedora, whip, rugged charisma, sharp wit, sarcasm, and respect for history make him an all-time great hero. Indiana Jones embodied the perfect mix of intellect and action, creating a character representing the best of adventure storytelling and movie heroism.
