Top 50 Best '80s Movie Characters

At first glance, bringing together an athlete, a brain, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal in one room seems destined for disaster. However, "The Breakfast Club" defies conventions by revealing the unexpected connections these five students share beneath their labels.

During their day of detention, the teens begin to break down their emotional defenses. Through candid conversations and heartfelt moments, they discover that they have much more in common than first assumed. John Hughes skillfully captures the complexity of adolescence, blending vulnerability with authentic growth throughout the film.

This enduring classic reminds us that social labels often mask our shared struggles and desires. Watching these memorable characters interact becomes not only entertaining but also relatable, as their journeys mirror our own search for understanding.

The film challenges viewers to reconsider how quickly we judge others—and ourselves—based on surface appearances. "The Breakfast Club" encourages empathy, inviting us to look beyond stereotypes and foster deeper connections.

By the end, while the characters may resume their familiar roles come Monday morning, their transformative exchanges leave a lasting impact. Each discovers a piece of themselves in all the others, proving how complex identity can be.

It is this honest and vulnerable discourse that makes "The Breakfast Club" so powerful. The film serves as a timeless reminder that genuine connection and understanding are far more important than the facades we so often project.

Indiana Jones stands tall among iconic '80s movie heroes like John McClane, celebrated for his relentless pursuit of adventure. While McClane often gets swept up by chaos, Indy approaches every quest with notable confidence, skill, and a hint of unshakable cool.

What sets Indiana Jones apart is his remarkable ability to adapt to any challenge. Yet, he remains deeply relatable, as he faces fear and pain like any ordinary person—reminding us that even the boldest heroes have their moments of vulnerability.

Over the course of the franchise, Indy travels to exotic locales, uncovers ancient mysteries, and—always with a sly grin—dispatches villains, most famously Nazis, with cleverness and gusto. His daring spirit and sharp wit never fail to captivate audiences.

The character has often been described as a solitary maverick—a unique blend of an intuitive detective and an educated scholar. Indiana Jones’ ingenuity, perseverance, and courage remain the cornerstones of his enduring appeal.

In the end, it’s this masterful mix of brains, bravery, and tenacity that secures Indiana Jones’ status as one of cinema’s greatest and most beloved characters of all time.

Harrison Ford emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars of the 1980s, largely thanks to his unforgettable roles that defined a generation. His blend of charm, wit, and rugged individuality captured audiences worldwide and cemented his place as a Hollywood icon.

Among Ford’s legendary performances, Han Solo stands out as the wisecracking smuggler who teams up with Luke and Obi-Wan in the original Star Wars trilogy. When introduced, Han is a self-interested rogue who prefers flying solo, questioning causes larger than his own survival.

However, throughout The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi, Han transforms into a devoted ally and courageous leader. He learns the importance of friendship and selflessness, putting the needs of others and the galaxy above his own ambitions.

The magic of Han Solo’s journey is enriched by his relationships with iconic characters like Lando, Chewbacca, Luke, and Leia. These dynamics, especially showcased in The Empire Strikes Back, highlight different facets of Han and make his character arc memorable and dynamic.

Ultimately, it’s Han Solo’s sardonic wit and effortless cool that set him apart, making him one of the most beloved and enduring characters in the entire Star Wars universe.

James Cameron is renowned for creating compelling female protagonists during the 1980s, a period often criticized for its scarcity of strong women leads. Among his most influential characters, Ellen Ripley stands tall as a true cinematic icon and a trailblazer in the sci-fi genre.

Initially introduced as a diligent officer in the original film, Ripley’s character reaches new depths in the sequel. In "Aliens," we see her confront the trauma of her first xenomorph encounter, echoing the transformation experienced by Sarah Connor in the "Terminator" franchise.

As "Aliens" begins, Ripley awakes in a bewildering new future, dealing with the shock of unfamiliar surroundings and societal changes. Her vulnerability grounds the story, making her journey profoundly human and easy to empathize with.

By the film’s climax, Ripley has evolved into a brave, quick-thinking leader. Her boldness and resilience save her crew and herself, securing her place as one of cinema’s greatest heroines and a touchstone for future generations of film.

The 1980s were a golden era for movies, introducing audiences to legendary characters like John McClane in 1988's Die Hard. This decade gave rise to some of cinema's most unforgettable heroes, cementing their place in pop culture history.

Brought to life by Bruce Willis under John McTiernan's direction, McClane is a gritty New York cop who travels to Los Angeles during Christmas, hoping to reconcile with his estranged wife. Instead, he finds himself caught in a high-stakes battle against ruthless European terrorists.

What truly sets McClane apart from other '80s action icons is his vulnerability and relatable everyman persona. He doesn't rely solely on brute strength or firepower—he survives with quick wit, grit, and determination, making him an accessible, easy-to-root-for hero.

Struggling with personal relationships while displaying immense courage under fire, McClane's blend of humor, resilience, and heart has ensured his enduring legacy. His imperfect, resourceful heroism continues to connect with audiences decades after his debut.

Axel Foley, the iconic Detroit police officer from Martin Brest's Beverly Hills Cop, remains unforgettable for his unconventional tactics and razor-sharp wit. Right from the start, Axel immerses himself in the upscale world of Beverly Hills, relentlessly pursuing justice for his friend's murder.

What could have been a standard action flick is transformed by Eddie Murphy's extraordinary performance. In the first two films of the franchise, Murphy infuses Axel with remarkable energy, humor, and charm, crafting a character audiences instantly root for and adore.

Axel effortlessly balances cleverness and cheekiness, shifting seamlessly from playful banter to serious determination. His street smarts and exceptional people skills empower him to navigate even the toughest situations with flair and confidence.

Intriguingly, Axel often works alone, rarely paired with a steady partner. Nevertheless, Murphy's portrayal highlights Axel's unwavering commitment and integrity, making him a beloved and enduring figure among the greatest movie characters of the '80s.

The 1980s gave rise to many infamous villains, yet none are quite as unforgettable as Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street. Amid the era's wave of cinematic maniacs, Freddy became the definitive symbol of terror for an entire generation.

Freddy isn't merely a figment of nightmares—he embodies the darkest reaches of the human psyche, breaking into dreams to prey on our most vulnerable fears. His ominous presence lingers not just in sleep, but as a reminder of internal horrors that refuse to fade.

More than a typical horror villain, Freddy stands as a powerful metaphor for generational trauma. His existence draws a grim parallel to how the unresolved sins of parents return, haunting their children with devastating consequences.

Freddy is intentionally crafted to be despised, and he thrives on this infamy. His twisted pleasure comes from psychologically tormenting his victims, relishing the fear he inspires well before delivering their gruesome end.

Famous for his cunning tactics, Freddy takes his time, staging elaborate mental games that stretch dread over days or weeks. When the final moment arrives, his satisfaction is palpable—every terrifying second is marked by his sinister joy in the hunt.

On your first viewing of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Elliot might come across as just another attention-seeking youngster—familiar, relatable, but a bit self-absorbed. This impression, however, quickly changes thanks to the nuanced performance by Henry Thomas.

Thomas brings a remarkable depth and sincerity to Elliot, allowing audiences to witness his emotional growth and vulnerability as the story unfolds. His expressive portrayal makes Elliot feel authentic and incredibly sympathetic.

The bond between Elliot and E.T. becomes the heart of the film, pulling viewers into their touching journey. The intensely emotional scenes—especially those involving E.T.’s fate—underscore the strength of their friendship.

Elliot's tearful moments resonate with viewers, showcasing the enduring magic of their connection. Since its release, few cinematic duos have delivered as much heartfelt impact as Elliot and his extraterrestrial companion.

During the 1980s, the Rambo film series captured the imagination of countless teenagers, becoming a cultural phenomenon unlike any other. John Rambo himself inspired many to dream of adventure, heroism, and the strength to overcome impossible odds.

These iconic movies sparked a new generation's fascination with action heroes, making jungle battles and dramatic confrontations the ultimate symbols of cool. Rambo's relentless pursuit of justice resonated with viewers, turning him into a global superstar.

With his fearless persona, imposing physique, and masterful combat skills, Rambo redefined the action genre of the era. Young fans enthusiastically mimicked his style, courage, and resourcefulness, ensuring his legendary status in '80s pop culture for years to come.

When discussing the legacy of Star Wars, many fans consider The Empire Strikes Back to be the series’ crowning achievement, thanks in large part to its unforgettable characters and deeply emotional storytelling.

Yoda, the enigmatic and profoundly wise Jedi Master, makes his iconic debut in this film. He meets Luke Skywalker when Luke’s X-wing crashes on the misty, swamp-filled planet of Dagobah. Taking Luke under his wing, Yoda becomes the mentor who guides him through the demanding process of mastering the Force.

Despite Yoda belonging to a mysterious and rarely glimpsed species, his command over the Force is legendary. As a teacher, he helps Luke learn restraint, focus, and the true essence of being a Jedi.

The relationship that blooms between Yoda and Luke stands as one of the most memorable in the series. Yoda's introduction marked a cinematic milestone, forever elevating the saga’s mythos and leaving an indelible impact on movie history.

Marty McFly, the spirited teenager from "Back to the Future," is unexpectedly swept into time-travel escapades when he fumbles with the DeLorean, a machine beyond his wildest imagination. His journey to the past throws everything off course, especially after he inadvertently disrupts his parents' first meeting, jeopardizing his own future.

With the stakes skyrocketing and time running out, Marty must navigate a series of unpredictable challenges to secure his existence. The character was brilliantly brought to life by Michael J. Fox, whose boundless energy and charm illuminated the screen—even as he managed an intense filming schedule.

Fox’s authentic performance made Marty McFly not just an '80s icon but a lasting symbol of courage and quick thinking, inspiring audiences to believe that determination and heart can reshape destiny.

Among all the gangster films ever made, few characters are as unforgettable as Tony Montana, masterfully brought to life by Al Pacino in Scarface. Pacino's fearless performance elevated Montana to legendary status, forever changing the way movie villains are portrayed.

Tony Montana epitomizes the quintessential cinematic gangster—ruthless, ambitious, and unrelenting in his quest for power. Rising from humble beginnings as an outsider, he builds a criminal empire, only to lose everything and everyone he once cherished.

Montana's explosive personality, flamboyant wardrobe, and notorious drug-fueled lifestyle make him mesmerizing to watch. His brazen swagger and outsized dreams make Scarface's wild journey both thrilling and cautionary, full of unforgettable lessons and memorable moments.

No scene is more iconic than the infamous moment when Tony, defiant and dangerously unhinged, introduces his "little friend" in a dramatic standoff. That single scene remains a staple of movie history, ensuring Tony Montana's place among the all-time greats.

John Keating, a former student and distinguished Rhodes scholar, returns to Welton Academy in the late 1950s as an English teacher. His charismatic presence and unconventional teaching methods instantly set him apart from the school's rigid, traditional educational system.

Keating's innovative approach sparks excitement among his students and encourages them to think creatively, moving beyond textbooks and rote memorization. He motivates them to value originality and aspire to lead extraordinary lives.

Through his inspiring lessons, Keating reveals the beauty of poetry and teaches his students to challenge restrictive societal norms. He encourages them to question authority, even when it means going against their families or the strict faculty at Welton.

By championing individuality and creative freedom, Keating finds himself at odds with the school's strict adherence to tradition. His influence quickly becomes a source of concern for those who seek to preserve Welton's status quo.

While Sarah Connor is not the titular character in James Cameron's The Terminator, she quickly emerges as the most influential woman in the film—and arguably, the entire franchise.

Brought to life by Linda Hamilton's unforgettable performance, Sarah captivates audiences with her transformation into a resolute, action-driven hero in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Yet, what makes her so compelling is how she first appears: a regular young woman struggling to get by in 1980s America, making her instantly relatable.

Sarah Connor's dramatic character arc is a cornerstone of the series. From her humble beginnings as a waitress seeking a normal life, she evolves into the courageous mother of humanity's future savior, infusing the story with powerful emotion and purpose.

While Marty McFly is undeniably cool, "Back to the Future" simply wouldn't have become an '80s classic without the unforgettable presence of Dr. Emmett Brown. Doc Brown's eccentricity, wild genius, and innovative inventions are what shape the very core of the film's adventures.

Christopher Lloyd’s brilliant performance breathes life into Doc, presenting him as both a quirky scientist and a wise, caring mentor. The unveiling of the DeLorean time machine is a cinematic moment that captures our imagination and raises the stakes for the story.

With his blend of humor, warmth, and sheer brilliance, Doc Brown is just as iconic as Marty. His courage and heart ensure we’re cheering for him throughout every thrilling twist in the journey.

In Martin Scorsese's 1980 black-and-white masterpiece, Raging Bull, Robert De Niro delivers an unforgettable performance as Jake LaMotta. De Niro, celebrated for his transformative roles, channels LaMotta's volatile emotions into a compelling and deeply authentic character portrayal.

What distinguishes Jake LaMotta is De Niro's bold unwillingness to make the character likable. Instead, he fully immerses himself in LaMotta's flaws—bringing to life a man who is abusive, volatile, and painfully real. This rawness captivates and unsettles viewers in equal measure.

The portrayal's stark honesty, often tough to witness, is exactly what cements Jake LaMotta as one of the most powerful and unforgettable movie characters of the 1980s.

<em>Ghostbusters</em> was born from Dan Aykroyd’s profound fascination with the paranormal and his belief in the unexplained. Originally, the project was set as a collaboration with John Belushi, inspired by these otherworldly interests and a love for all things ghostly.

There was industry buzz that Eddie Murphy might join the cast, but after Belushi’s tragic passing, Bill Murray took on the role that would dramatically reshape the film’s character dynamic.

Murray delivered his iconic dry humor as the witty ladies’ man, while Harold Ramis played the logical, intellectual scientist. Dan Aykroyd embodied enthusiastic wonder for the supernatural, and Ernie Hudson’s no-nonsense, pragmatic outlook kept the ghostbusting business grounded.

The interplay of their unique personalities and their seamless teamwork became the film’s true centerpiece, infusing the movie with unforgettable energy and chemistry that continue to delight audiences to this day.

Marion Ravenwood stands out as one of the most memorable characters in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Unlike the typical damsel in distress, Marion consistently demonstrates resilience, wit, and resourcefulness, stealing every scene she's in with her bold presence.

Rather than falling into clichés, Marion is portrayed as a dynamic and multidimensional character. Karen Allen's spirited performance breathes life into Marion, making her an essential part of the film. Her role adds both depth and excitement to this classic '80s adventure.

Director Joe Dante, alongside producer Steven Spielberg, saw early promise in the script for 'Gremlins.' Their creative vision led them to reduce the more graphic violence, ultimately transforming the initially darker concept into a beloved family-friendly classic.

Despite maintaining some eerie undertones, 'Gremlins' balances its mischievous humor with suspense, making it accessible and enjoyable for younger viewers without losing its edge.

When released, the film quickly outshone many contemporary horror movies in popularity. While adults gravitated towards terrifying monsters like the Xenomorph, children found themselves captivated by the playful chaos of the Gremlins.

'Gremlins' also ignited a merchandising craze, forever cementing its status as a defining piece of 1980s pop culture.

Prepare yourself for the unforgettable impact of the Terminator, the quintessential killing machine of the 1980s. A remorseless robotic assassin, the Terminator is programmed with a singular mission: track down and eliminate Sarah Connor, stopping at nothing to fulfill its purpose.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's imposing presence and steely performance defined the role, making him synonymous with the character. His turn as the Terminator not only captivated audiences but also launched him to superstardom, turning "The Terminator" into a byword for unstoppable power in pop culture.

Schwarzenegger's legendary physique and distinct accent combined to create an enduring cinematic icon. His portrayal set the benchmark for all future depictions of robotic antagonists, leaving a lasting legacy in science fiction and action films.

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.