Top 50 Best '80s Movie Characters

At first glance, locking an athlete, a brain, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal in a room together seems like a recipe for chaos. Yet "The Breakfast Club" subverts expectations, demonstrating how much these five seemingly different students truly share in common.

Throughout their day in detention, we witness these teens unravel their guarded exteriors and discover surprising connections. John Hughes crafts this story as a vivid and honest depiction of the adolescent mindset, capturing both vulnerability and growth.

"The Breakfast Club" reminds us that social categories often disguise our shared struggles and desires. This revelation makes watching these characters interact deeply engaging and universally relatable.

The film encourages us to reflect on how we judge others—and ourselves—based on outward appearances rather than real understanding. "The Breakfast Club" invites viewers to look past these barriers and embrace empathy.

Though the characters may return to their typical roles at school on Monday morning, their transformative conversation leaves an indelible mark. Each discovers elements of the brain, athlete, basket case, princess, and "criminal" within themselves.

Ultimately, it is their honest, heartfelt discourse that stands out. "The Breakfast Club" shows us that genuine connection matters more than we realize, especially in a world that too often values emotional detachment.

Indiana Jones stands alongside characters like John McClane as one of the most legendary '80s heroes, renowned for his fearless pursuit of adventure. Unlike McClane, who often appears battered by circumstance, Indy exudes unwavering confidence and skill as he embarks on each quest.

What truly makes Indiana Jones compelling is his remarkable adaptability in any situation. Yet, he remains relatable because he’s not immune to fear, doubt, or pain, reminding us that even the bravest heroes have human vulnerabilities.

Throughout the beloved franchise, Indy journeys to exotic locations, unearths ancient secrets, and—often with a wry grin—dispatches Nazis with much-deserved gusto. His combination of courage and wit continues to enthrall audiences.

Many critics describe Indiana Jones as a lone wolf, a hero who melds instinctive detective prowess with expansive knowledge. His cleverness, resilience, and bravery are at the heart of his lasting appeal.

Ultimately, it’s this perfect blend of intelligence, grit, and sheer determination that secures Indiana Jones’ place as an all-time favorite movie character.

There's no denying that Harrison Ford became a breakout star in the 1980s, with two iconic roles that defined the era. His charisma and charming ruggedness made him a household name across the world.

One of those unforgettable roles is Han Solo—a quick-witted smuggler who helps Luke and Obi-Wan in Star Wars. Fans of the franchise know Han begins his adventure as somewhat of a lone wolf, skeptical of causes bigger than himself.

As the Original Trilogy progresses through The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi, Han transforms into a loyal friend and leader, coming to value teamwork and the greater good above his own interests.

The series deserves credit for weaving in dynamic relationships with Lando, Chewbacca, Luke, and Leia, all of whom help reveal different sides of Han's personality. The Empire Strikes Back, in particular, is celebrated for its sharp dialogue and unforgettable character moments.

In the end, it's Han Solo's sardonic humor and effortless cool that truly set him apart from every other character in the Star Wars galaxy.

James Cameron deserves praise for crafting outstanding female characters in the '80s, a decade often noted for its lack of strong women leads. Among his memorable creations, Ellen Ripley stands out in our list as an iconic, genre-defining role.

Ripley first appears as a hardworking professional in the original film, but it’s in the sequel where her character truly evolves. We witness her grappling with the trauma from her initial encounter with the xenomorph, making her journey reminiscent of Sarah Connor's transformation in the Terminator series.

At the beginning of "Aliens," Ripley wakes into a future she doesn't recognize, challenged by new surroundings and unfamiliar rules. Her vulnerability makes her journey relatable and compelling.

By the film’s climax, Ripley emerges as a courageous, resourceful leader, proving her strength by taking control and saving the day—cementing her legacy as one of cinema’s greatest heroines.

The 1980s delivered a cinematic feast for audiences, introducing unforgettable characters like John McClane from 1988's Die Hard. This decade gave moviegoers the chance to meet some of the most iconic heroes in film history.

Under the direction of John McTiernan and brought to life by Bruce Willis, McClane is an East Coast cop who flies to Los Angeles at Christmas to mend his relationship with his estranged wife, only to find himself battling ruthless European terrorists.

Unlike other action icons of the era, McClane's appeal lay in his vulnerability and everyman toughness. He didn't just depend on muscles or firepower; he fought hard, took punishment, and kept going, which made him easy to root for.

As he wrestled with personal issues and tried to prove his love to his wife, McClane also showed audiences he was both witty and courageous. His imperfect, relatable heroism continues to resonate with viewers even decades later.

Axel Foley, the unforgettable Detroit police officer from Martin Brest's Beverly Hills Cop, stands out for his unorthodox methods and quick wit. Early in the film, we follow Axel as he navigates the polished streets of Beverly Hills, determined to find those responsible for his friend's death.

Though the premise could make for a typical action movie, Eddie Murphy's masterful performance elevates the film. In the franchise's first two installments, Murphy brings energetic charisma to the character, making Axel irresistible and giving viewers someone they can't help but support.

Axel is clever, cheeky, and endlessly charming, easily shifting from goofy to serious when the moment demands. His remarkable social skills and street smarts allow him to maneuver through challenging situations with ease.

Despite his success, it's curious that Axel remains a lone wolf without a steady partner. Still, Murphy ensures Axel comes across as a conscientious, dedicated officer, always committed to doing what's right, making him a true '80s icon.

The 1980s introduced countless notorious villains, but few left a mark as indelible as Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street. While many deranged serial killers filled the decade's cinema, Freddy stood out as the face of terror for a generation.

Freddy is more than just a nightmare figure—he personifies the darkest corners of our subconscious, invading our dreams and exploiting our deepest fears with relentless cruelty. He doesn't just haunt our sleep; he embodies the internal demons that never truly leave us.

Beyond his role as a horror icon, Freddy serves as a chilling metaphor for generational sins—the consequences of parents' actions inevitably affecting their children. His very existence is a dark reflection of past misdeeds coming back to torment the innocent.

Audiences are meant to despise Freddy, and he revels in that infamy. His identity is built on being the embodiment of evil, deriving sadistic pleasure from psychologically tormenting his victims long before delivering the final blow.

Renowned for his elaborate planning, Freddy meticulously orchestrates his attacks, stretching the torment over weeks before closing in for the kill. When his moment arrives, he savors every second—his malevolent glee and rage on full display as he hunts his terrified prey.

When you first watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, you might find yourself initially frustrated with Elliot. He appears to be a typical kid craving attention in his household, making him seem all too familiar and perhaps a bit self-centered.

Yet, Henry Thomas quickly transforms this impression with a captivating performance that reveals Elliot's depth and vulnerability. His ability to communicate complex emotions with genuine ease on screen is both surprising and moving.

Thomas draws viewers deeply into the touching story of Elliot and E.T. in a remarkably short time. The scene where his alien friend faces tragedy stands out as a particular highlight.

Watching Elliot’s heartfelt tears will surely tug at your heartstrings, demonstrating the unique power of their friendship. Few cinematic pairings have matched the lasting impact of Elliot and E.T. since the film's debut in the early 1980s.

The 1980s saw a wave of teenagers captivated by the wildly popular Rambo film series. So profound was the influence of John Rambo that many young fans dreamed of growing up to become commandos themselves.

These cult classics inspired a generation to believe that nothing was cooler than tearing through the jungle and taking down bad guys, all while dishing out justice in spectacular fashion.

Rambo’s fearless attitude, impressive physique, and combat prowess quickly became icons of the action genre. Young audiences eagerly emulated his effortless style, bravery, and unique approach to danger, cementing Rambo's legacy in '80s pop culture.

Ask any devoted Star Wars fan, and they'll likely name The Empire Strikes Back as the franchise's finest installment. Many point to its rich lineup of beloved characters as a key reason for its enduring appeal.

Among them is Yoda, the wise Jedi Master who encounters Luke Skywalker after Luke's ship crashes on the swampy planet of Dagobah. Yoda soon becomes Luke's mentor, guiding him on the challenging path to understanding and mastering the Force.

Despite belonging to a mysterious and seldom-seen species, Yoda's immense power in the Force is undeniable. For Luke, there could be no better teacher to help him learn self-discipline and harness his abilities.

The bond that develops between Yoda and Luke quickly becomes one of the most memorable relationships in the saga. It's clear that bringing Yoda to life was a stroke of cinematic brilliance and a defining moment in movie history.

Marty McFly is a teenager who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into time-travel adventures, but he initially struggles to operate the very machine that whisks him across eras. His first journey sends him to the past, where a chance encounter with his young parents nearly prevents them from meeting.

As if time itself isn’t enough to handle, Marty quickly learns that his very existence is at stake. The iconic role was played by the effortlessly charismatic Michael J. Fox, who stepped in despite juggling a busy schedule.

Fox’s genuine and relatable performance made Marty an enduring '80s hero, inspiring a generation to believe that determination can make the impossible possible.

While there are plenty of unforgettable gangster movies, few feature a character as powerful and iconic as Al Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana in Scarface. His legendary performance set a new standard for cinematic criminals.

Montana is one of the most famous gangsters in film history—a ruthless outsider who climbs the criminal ranks to build his empire, only to alienate everyone who once mattered to him.

With his brash confidence, flashy suits, and ever-present mountain of cocaine, Tony Montana's unchecked ambition offers a wild ride—and more than a few life lessons—through his turbulent lifestyle. Still, it’s impossible not to be captivated by his daring swagger.

And who could ever forget the legendary scene where the fearless, almost manic Tony Montana reveals his "little friend" to a room full of adversaries? That moment remains etched in movie history.

John Keating, a former Welton Academy student and distinguished Rhodes scholar, returns to his alma mater in the late 1950s as an English teacher. With his charismatic presence and unconventional teaching style, he immediately stands out in contrast to the school's traditional and monotonous classroom routines.

His unique approach ignites a newfound enthusiasm among his students, encouraging them to think beyond the confines of textbooks and rote learning. Rather than following the well-trodden path, Keating inspires them to pursue originality and do remarkable things with their lives.

Through his innovative lessons, Keating helps students discover the beauty of poetry and challenges them to question strict societal expectations. His influence motivates them to defy traditional authority figures, including their own families and other rigid teachers at Welton.

Valuing individuality and creative freedom, Keating's philosophy clashes with the school's emphasis on tradition and conformity. As a result, his presence is soon seen as a threat by those determined to uphold the status quo.

Sarah Connor may not be the title character in James Cameron's The Terminator, but she stands out as the most significant female figure in the film—and arguably, in the entire franchise.

Portrayed with determination by Linda Hamilton, Sarah is revered by film fans worldwide for her fierce, action-hero persona in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Yet, her initial portrayal as an everyday young woman, working to make ends meet in 1980s America, makes her incredibly relatable to audiences.

Sarah Connor's character arc is a major highlight of the series. Beginning her journey as a waitress simply looking for some enjoyment, she ultimately embraces her destiny as the mother of humanity's future leader, giving the story its emotional depth and drive.

While Marty McFly stands out as one of the '80s coolest characters, it's impossible to imagine the iconic "Back to the Future" franchise without the eccentric Doc Brown at its heart. His outlandish ideas and wild inventions are what set the entire adventure in motion.

Christopher Lloyd masterfully brings Doc Brown to life, portraying him as an aged genius and a much-needed mentor for Marty. As he unveils the DeLorean time machine, Doc not only captivates the audience but also keeps us invested in the story’s high stakes.

Doc Brown’s warm-hearted nature and heroic instincts make him every bit as memorable as Marty. It's no wonder we find ourselves cheering for him just as much—if not more—throughout the whirlwind journey.

Robert De Niro delivers a powerhouse performance as Jake LaMotta in Martin Scorsese’s 1980 black-and-white biopic, Raging Bull. Often regarded as one of cinema’s finest actors, De Niro transforms LaMotta’s anger into a raw and unforgettable onscreen presence.

What sets Jake apart is De Niro’s refusal to soften the character for the audience. He bravely depicts LaMotta as abusive, belligerent, and deeply flawed—leaving viewers both fascinated and disturbed by his authenticity.

The portrayal’s unflinching honesty can be uncomfortable to watch, yet it’s this intensity and sincerity that make Jake LaMotta one of the most memorable characters of the '80s.

Many fans may not realize that Ghostbusters originated from Dan Aykroyd’s deep interest in spirituality and the paranormal. The film was initially envisioned as a collaboration between Aykroyd and John Belushi, inspired by this unique fascination.

There were also rumors that Eddie Murphy might join the cast. However, after Belushi’s untimely passing, Bill Murray stepped in to play a pivotal role, which greatly influenced the final character dynamics.

Murray brought his trademark sardonic wit as the team’s charming ladies’ man, while Harold Ramis portrayed the group’s cerebral scientist. Meanwhile, Aykroyd’s character delighted in the supernatural, and Ernie Hudson’s pragmatic approach ensured the business side was never overlooked.

Their distinct personalities and dynamic teamwork became the heart of the film, creating unforgettable chemistry and many of the movie’s most memorable moments.

While it may spark debate, we believe Marion Ravenwood stands out as perhaps the most compelling character in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Far from being a typical damsel in distress, Marion consistently proves she can handle herself, bringing strength and resourcefulness to every scene.

Fortunately, she is never reduced to a cliché or annoyance. Instead, her character is thoughtfully crafted, and Karen Allen delivers a spirited performance that truly brings Marion to life. While the film is brilliant on its own, Marion's presence adds depth and further elevates this classic adventure.

Director Joe Dante and producer Steven Spielberg recognized the box office potential of the 'Gremlins' script early on.

To broaden its appeal, they toned down the graphic violence and transformed the project into the beloved children's classic we know today. While the film retains some darker themes, its playful approach keeps it suitable for younger audiences.

Upon its release, 'Gremlins' quickly surpassed many horror films of its era in popularity. As adults thrilled to frightening creatures like the Xenomorph, kids delighted in the mischievous and unique Gremlins.

The film also sparked a massive merchandising phenomenon, cementing its place as a pop culture icon of the 1980s.

Get ready for the unforgettable presence of the Terminator, undoubtedly the ultimate killing machine from the '80s. This relentless robotic assassin is driven by a single objective: to eliminate Sarah Connor at any cost.

When a muscular Arnold Schwarzenegger took on the role, it became clear he was born to play this iconic character. His performance was so memorable that an entire generation came to know him simply as “The Terminator.”

Schwarzenegger’s imposing physique and distinctive accent cemented his status as a global superstar following the film’s massive success. His portrayal set the gold standard for killer cyborgs and robots in cinema for years to come.

This English heavy metal “band” was created meticulously by comedians Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. They worked so sincerely on the characters that it'd be safe to say that it's the closest a fictitious band has ever come to being perceived as legit by viewers.

The members of Spinal Tap are different in the sense that they not only write and perform every song in the movie but also every comedic situation they get themselves into.

The three main leads stay so true to their characters that you can't help but believe them. Also, each of them has enough lines to mark their presence and pretty much everything that they say and do in the movie is uproarious, to say the least.

We can't thank Mr Miyagi enough for prompting us to learn the tricks of karate. He serves as a father figure and friend to Daniel and cleverly gets him to do his chores; all while understanding karate.

Needless to say, those sequences ultimately become the highlight of the movie. What's even more memorable is that we catch the two relatable characters bonding over their mutual loss. While Mr Miyagi's wife and son died during childbirth, Daniel's father seems to have been gone without any signs of return.

Talented actor Pat Morita plays the role of Miyagi with such strength and emotion that you can't help but admire his undeniable performing skills. Him teaching Daniel karate through the use of everyday tasks is a memory that movie buffs from the '80s can never forget.

Not a huge success on its release, The Shining is now recognized as arguably the greatest horror movie of all time. The seminal project is populated with mind-numbing sequences, but it is Jack Nicholson's terrific portrayal of Jack Torrance that truly elevates the storytelling to a different level.

The talented actor went method to make it look like his character suffered from the world's worst case of cabin fever. The scenes in which he can be seen snapping at his wife and chasing her to slaughter her lingers long on our minds after we are done watching the cult classic.

To ensure that he does justice to his role, Nicholson only ate cheese sandwiches for two straight weeks because there aren't a lot of things he hates more in the world than cheese sandwiches.

As the notorious spirits of the hotel start tampering with Torrance's delicate psychology and his son's psychic talents, Jack's resolve to kill his family grows stronger.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior is set about three years after the events of the first instalment. In the movie, we catch the indomitable titular character wandering the wastelands in solitude along with his canine companion.

His family has been murdered by a gang of lawless freaks, which is perhaps why he no longer believes in being a protector of the law. While it may look like he doesn't really care about justice, he sure does about survival.

We see him going from being a bonafide hero to an apathetic drifter who only comes to people's aid out of self-interest. Sooner than later, he heads into a town and becomes entangled in their many critical issues; only to put his action abilities on display.

Max apparently has no option left but to kill a bunch of people to save the day. He is the ultimate anti-hero who leaves before the residents can even thank him for his "services".

Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were two of the biggest stars of Saturday Night Live when The Blues Brothers hit the screens. You have to give them credit for taking the risk to make a full-length feature out of the characters that they developed exclusively for the show.

As you know, the duo had a bonafide hit in their hands. Even though the characters were paper thin, they trusted director John Landis to create a musical-comedy based solely on the joke that two white boys knew the blues.

Needless to say, the eventual success of the motion picture solidified the fact that successful comedies don't need strong characters, but only strong comedy and uproarious punchlines. The artists can be seen playing Jake and Elwood who are just too cool to give a damn about anything and who can bounce off of every outlandish situation with apathy.

Michael Keaton allowed the actor in him to shine as he walked the fine line between subtle and wacky to portray Beetlejuice on celluloid. The character took pride in his ability to haunt the living and was brought to life courtesy of the hard work of costume designers and makeup artists.

As absurd a character can potentially be, filmmaker Tim Burton ensures that he never comes across as off-putting. Today, we fondly remember the instantly recognizable character for his humorous ramblings and constant jokes.

First things first, allow us to confess that the most emotionally complex character on this list is the one that isn't a human at all. But, those who've sat through Blade Runner would agree that its characters provide it with a definitive edge.

As the story progresses, it's not difficult to make out that all Roy Batty wants is to live, and not take over the city. However, he is forced to go on a killing spree out of frustration of being born with a time limit.

That said, it is imperative to mention that the film isn't from his perspective since he happens to be an antagonist who has committed multiple heinous crimes. However, he at least goes out making us realize that man or machine, we all have to perish one day.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High was packed with great characters that were enacted by soon-to-be motion picture stars. However, it is Sean Penn's perpetually stoned Jeff Spicoli who manages to impress us the most.

Sure, Phoebe Cates coming out of the pool in slow motion has got to be a highlight of the movie, but it is Penn who's been given a memorable character.

Needless to say, the actor dives so deep into his role that you stop seeing the actor entirely after a point. It is, as they say, a near-perfect illustration of "invisible acting."

We all know that life is the messy bits and that it moves pretty fast. Before we realize it, our fondest memories are a thing of the past. So, it's important to stop and look around every once in a while; much like our protagonist Ferris Bueller does in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

He is someone who believes in making his seemingly impossible plans work themselves out. However, deep down, he's more than aware of the fact that life is only going to get more complex as he and his pals grow older.

So, he decides to enjoy it while he still can; all while making us ponder how much time we wasted not having fun at school. Ferris tells us that it is imperative to be a bit wayward at times so long as we know what our responsibilities are.

It is his way of reminding us that we only live once.

A character you may not hear much about today is Snake Plissken from Escape from New York. When we usually talk about anti-heroes, we discuss reluctant protagonists who are compelled to do the right thing, whether they like to or not.

However, that's not who we are dealing with here for Snake is a man who agrees to go on a critical mission after having been injected with micro-explosives that are set to kill him if he failed.

That said, what truly sets him apart is that we don't ever see him seeking redemption for his crimes. In fact, the impassive and indifferent individual couldn't care less about finding some sense of self-worth.

All he cares about is himself and that never changes.

Portrayed by the popular Tom Cruise, Pete Mitchell, better known by his call sign "Maverick", is the main protagonist in the classic action flick Top Gun. The young, cocky pilot-in-training at an elite flight academy for the Air Force is full of charm and self-confidence.

However, he also proves to be an incredibly talented fighter pilot; especially when he doesn't let his waywardness get in the way of his rigorous training. He knows he's one of the best, and he likes to show off whenever he gets an opportunity to; even more so to his rival and fellow student Iceman.

Needless to say, the character got really popular with youngsters at the time and is often recognized as one of the most famous ones to have ever been enacted by the iconic Cruise.

If Elliott and his beloved family are the heart of Steven Spielberg's classic motion picture E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, their alien friend E. T. is pretty much its soul. Even though the character barely speaks, he can be seen mimicking simple phrases after hearing them spoken by the humans in his vicinity.

The innocence and longing in his big eyes are more than enough to make us feel for him deeply. As viewers, we relate to both him and his newfound friend Elliot.

While we acknowledge E. T.'s fear and wonder, we also get to feel how the kid must be feeling following the divorce of his parents. Even though a ton of animatronics and puppetry is involved, the makers manage to sketch and portray their characters with amazing depth.

Needless to say, we identify the most with E. T. and would love to have a pal like him in the real world.

Alexander James "Alex" Murphy may have been killed in the line of duty by a ferocious crime gang, but he is transformed into the cyborg entity RoboCop soon after. The fact that he's the first in a planned series of robotically enhanced Detroit police officers makes him and his abilities come across as fascinating, to say the least.

His sole aim is to add to the police force which is overwhelmed with crime in the city. Needless to say, the badass-looking cyborg takes the onus on himself to teach the baddies a lesson they'd never forget.

Beware of this ultra-violent super cop for his belief in shooting first and asking the questions never.

Thanks to Inigo Montoya's believable backstory and quotable lines, we're able to make room for him in our piece. Also, it only helps that he has a well-choreographed fight scene.

From the moment we first lay our eyes on him, we know that he's going to be a special character in the story. The fact that his beloved father was killed by a man with six fingers on one hand only makes us want to watch him get the better of his foe in due time.

So, when the two finally cross paths before the movie ends, it is worth the anticipation.

Walter Hill's 48 Hrs. tells the story of Reggie Hammond; a convict with six months left on his sentence. While he plans on serving the rest of his time quietly and without trouble, trouble makes sure to find its way to him anyway.

Sooner than later, we catch him assisting a cop named Jack Cates in capturing his old partner who now seems to have become an incredibly dangerous thief. Yes, Eddie Murphy was only just a funny kid from SNL when he was cast in the movie.

But, as the story reaches its finale, we are almost certain of seeing the rise of a new motion picture star. It's not surprising then that he went on to portray a few more likeable characters during the decade after having been noted for his role-play in this full-length feature.

Based on Stephen King's 1982 novella The Body, Stand By Me is an iconic comedy-drama that features a talented young cast. Credited with influencing a generation of cine-goers, the film takes a potentially horrifying tale and turns it smartly into an unforgettable coming-of-age drama that one can never forget.

The wonderfully narrated and grounded story is told from the perspective of an adult Gordie Lachance. Its evergreen commentary on adolescence and friendship holds far more relevance today when most of us have become way too dependent on the digital world to even make new connections.

While The Goonies certainly is one of the great kids' adventure flicks to have hit the cinemas during the '80s, Chunk is a character that everyone who has seen the movie duly remembers.

Sure, all the kids in the story hold their own but it is the Hawaiian-shirt-wearing member of the gang who somehow manages to stand out. Even though he's captured by the Fratellis, he goes on to save his own life by whining loudly.

Yes, you read that right! Chunk feels like the character that young star Jeff Cohen was born to play, and the sequence where he's seen telling his entire life story to the Fratellis is able to convince us of the same.

Oh, boy! Don't fret and run for we are now making room for the iconic killer from the long-running Friday the 13th film series. His deformed face and mask make him an instantly recognizable character in popular culture.

The twisted and merciless Jason jumps out of nowhere to plague and torture his victims. Worse still, he's in possession of a machete at all times which he uses to slaughter people.

Later in the story, it's revealed that he has been treated rather poorly in his life. Also, his mother was murdered in the past; something that pushed him to go on a killing spree.

His superhuman strength and pain resistance capability are enough to ensure that the franchise carries on.

If your beloved family has ever forgotten your birthday, you'll definitely relate to Samantha from Sixteen Candles. Since her sixteenth birthday is overshadowed by her older sister's forthcoming wedding, her loved ones forget to wish her.

All thanks to Molly Ringwald's earnest performance and some classic John Hughes hi-jinks, everything seems to work out for her rather well as the film inches closer to its very cinematic finale.

The actress does a splendid job of humanizing the character and making it as believable as it is relatable. Thankfully, she doesn't come across as stereotypical while doing so.

It'd be safe to assert that the release of Private Benjamin went on to prove that Goldie Hawn was meant to face the camera. The actress plays a strong-willed independent who decides to go into the military in this wacky comedy.

As the motion picture progresses, we find her changing the military almost as much as it goes on to alter her. Thankfully, the actress was able to break free from the shackles of portraying the stereotypical "dumb blonde" on-screen.

As Judy Benjamin, she not only proved that she could act but also seemed to have found her niche. Her transformation from an underdog to a force to be reckoned with is a delight to watch in this Howard Zieff-helmed drama.

Yes, we can't help but agree that Hans Gruber's neatly trimmed beard and hand-tailored suits can fool anyone who happens to be in his vicinity. Oh, who are we kidding?

It can manage to fool us even more easily as viewers. That's precisely where the criminal mastermind derives his strength from. Thriving on his capacity with languages and accents, Alan Rickman's uber-baddie wants $640 million of bearer bonds to spend his holidays merrily.

Needless to say, the actor's deliciously devilish turn is a major highlight in the first instalment of the Die Hard franchise.

The popularity of the Lethal Weapon franchise during the 1980s can be measured by the fact that its buddy cop flicks were replicated in one form or another by a lot of people in the near future.

The series succeeds in making us relate to the background stories of both cops. It only helps that the actors playing the roles shared a dynamic chemistry. So, as their partnership steadily turns into a potentially lifelong friendship, we can't help but root for their bond to emerge triumphant at all costs.

This lovable goofball liked nothing more than adventures and his viewers liked nothing more than seeing him have fun. A unique character that was sketched for both adults and children, Pee-wee Herman managed to make a great impression on the small screen.

Therefore, it was only obvious that his transition to the movies would have a positive outcome as well. Unfortunately, the character's legacy has been tarnished following Paul Reubens's legal troubles.

But, he truly did make a lot of people smile during his heyday.

We are never going to compare Heath Ledger's character projection of Joker in The Dark Knight to that of the great Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's Batman. While many consider the former's portrayal of the character to be the greatest yet, the latter's doesn't fall too short.

We catch the sociopathic criminal getting an origin story in the 1989 motion picture. So, when it's revealed to the enamoured audience that it's Joker who murdered Bruce Wayne's parents, one can't help but take the character even more seriously.

The inimitable Nicholson, who has played a ton of great characters throughout his career, doesn't get enough credit for his portrayal of Joker.

How many of you would disagree with us when we stress that Westley and Princess Buttercup's story is possibly one of the greatest romantic tales to have ever been told on celluloid?

Not many, we hope. A tale that begins with Westley serving as Buttercup's servant ends with the two being head over heels in love. So, no matter what the girl asks of Westley, he always comes up with an "as you wish.” The awestruck viewer and Buttercup both realize soon enough that his response might just be his way of expressing his love.

Years later, we witness the same three words bringing her back to him after a ton of events that transpire in the screenplay. Watching them close the movie together almost ends up pushing us to believe in the power of true love.

Ashley Joanna "Ash" Williams is a horror hero for the ages. He first made his presence felt in the original movie of the franchise that hit the screens during the early '80s.

While the character certainly is flawed, he's also loco enough to get the better of his many ghost enemies. Needless to say, we catch the man dealing with one malevolent spirit after another in the movies that follow.

Of late, he was seen in the Ash v. Evil Dead television series. What's interesting is that his right arm has been replaced with a chainsaw in it.

Since the popular villain Boba Fett doesn't have a lot to do with the franchise, it's safe to assume that George Lucas may have included him in his story to perhaps sell more Star Wars merchandise.

Well, we can't confirm if the aforementioned statement is true, but we certainly can vouch for the fact that the character's coolness goes on to outweigh his uselessness sooner than you'd expect.

Underdeveloped as it may be, the character continues to be remembered by the diehard fans of the beloved series courtesy of his cool appearance.

Michael Keaton surprised one and all with his adroit character projection of the titular character in Tim Burton's Batman. The atmospheric and aesthetically appealing motion picture thrives on Batman's enigma and magnetic screen presence.

While The Caped Crusader leaves no stone unturned to best his enemies, he is a man of few words. So, why don't we just let his cool gadgets and fists speak for him?

One of the most badass screen villains of the 1980s was the Predator. His unmatched strength and out-of-the-box design helped in attracting the masses to the cinemas in a big way.

While the character hasn't been developed for the audience to sympathize with, it is, arguably, one of the greatest cinematic creatures of all time. Furthermore, the movie's special effects serve as the cherry on top of the cake.

Khan was first seen making his presence felt as an antagonist in the episode 'Space Seed' of the original show. Since he proved to make an impression, the makers decided to rope him in for The Wrath of Khan.

Portrayed by Ricardo Montalban, the man seems more than eager to exact revenge on Kirk and the USS Enterprise. In fact, a number of Star Wars fans have gone on to draw parallels between the Khan/Kirk relationship with that of the captain and the object of his obsession in Moby Dick.

Montalban gives his best playing the character and is able to sell his scenes rather efficiently.