There are countless well-written stories, but it’s the characters that make them unforgettable. The best characters feel so real, with personalities all their own, so they’re not just faces that fade once the credits roll. We end up loving them for their strengths, flaws, fears, and dreams. They’re the kind we can’t help but revisit, feeling like old friends every time.
I’ve got a soft spot for Forrest Gump. Every time I watch it, my heart still aches for little Forrest as he walks down the school bus aisle, hoping someone will share a seat with him. What makes Forrest so special is that, unlike most characters, he doesn’t change much. From the beginning to the end, he stays true to his simple, pure self—his values, beliefs, flaws, and all. Most characters go through a big transformation, but Forrest’s innocence and quirks are what make the wild events around him so fun to watch.
Who is your favorite wholesome character? A recent message board ranked people’s top favorites, and these were the winners.
Samwise Gamgee
When we meet Sam in The Lord of the Rings, he starts out as Frodo’s gardener and friend—simple and content with his peaceful life. But when the world needs saving, Sam steps up and proves he’s the true hero. He’s easily the best character—some even say the author’s favorite!
Sam is kind and protective, always on guard against the wicked. He listens carefully to Frodo’s and Gandalf’s warnings about evil and “the ring.” If you don’t believe it, read the books. You’ll see Sam’s great judgment and loyalty.
Buddy the Elf
With sweet, innocent humor and a fresh take on the holiday, Elf is hands down one of the best Christmas comedies. Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrel, is just so lovable—who wouldn’t root for him? Sure, New York City might seem too harsh for Buddy, but his kind, always-smiling attitude makes everything around him change for the better.
Raised in the North Pole, Buddy doesn’t know much about the human world. But his love for Christmas and his simple kindness help him win over even the biggest Grinch, proving that the holiday spirit really can work magic.
Amélie Poulain
The movie Amélie is full of charm, with a quirky, fairy-tale vibe and unforgettable characters you can’t help but love. But, really, Amélie Poulain totally won us over with her sweet, oddball ways. She’s a shy, introverted soul who doesn’t fully understand social norms.
To me, Amélie feels like a love letter to society’s misfits, showing that it’s not only okay but beautiful to be different. She adds color to the world, spreading love and joy in her unique way, and finds her own happiness in the process. That’s why we all adore her.
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
This little gem is pure wholesomeness. Who wouldn’t have a soft spot for a 1-inch-tall shell with one googly eye named Marcel? In the movie Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, he lives with his grandma, Connie, and sets off to find their lost community with help from a documentary filmmaker. Dean Fleischer Camp’s sweet blend of live-action and stop-motion brings the internet-famous Marcel (co-created with Jenny Slate, who voices Marcel) to life.
Marcel’s world is tiny, so he finds joy in the smallest things, reminding us all to do the same. By the end, it’s impossible to watch him without feeling a little lighter and more hopeful.
Paddington Brown
In the Paddington movie, a young bear heads to London looking for a new home. Lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kind Brown family, who take him in for a while. Paddington is truly a gem among animated movies, a breath of fresh air compared to most kids’ films today.
Is Paddington Brown an iconic character? Absolutely. His cuteness—actually, “cute” doesn’t even cover it—is what makes him so lovable. He’s warm, cuddly, and impossible not to adore.
Chauncey Gardiner
The 1979 dramedy Being There is a classic starring Peter Sellers as Chance. What we see as “normal” in life, Chance experiences with fresh eyes. When his employer dies, this simple-minded gardener, having never left home, is suddenly thrown into the world, becoming a trusted advisor to a powerful tycoon and a Washington insider.
Chance finds himself in situations where he’s mistaken for a genius, with his simple words interpreted as deep insights. “Chance, the Gardener” turns into “Chauncey Gardiner,” showing us how people search for meaning in the simplest things.
Desmond Doss
Hacksaw Ridge is based on a true story that takes place during WWII when American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss served in Okinawa and made history by earning the Medal of Honor without firing one shot.
Desmond Doss’s story is one that will stick with you long after watching the film. He’s a great reminder there’s still real goodness in the world.
Pedro Sanchez
Any Napoleon Dynamite fans can quote this movie for hours. Although Napoleon has some of the best lines, Pedro, the quiet, awkward friend, steals the show with his unpredictable moves. Despite being a bit shy, he adds more to the story than you’d think!
Pedro’s wild choices teach us a valuable lesson: take risks and don’t sweat the small stuff. His actions, though weird, change things for the better. Life’s too short to play it safe—sometimes, you regret what you didn’t do more than what you did.
Waymond Wang
Everything Everywhere All At Once is a wild, genre-bending multiverse story packed with layers of philosophy and culture. It seems everyone everywhere needs Waymond Wang.
He’s a refreshing break from Hollywood stereotypes, offering a rare portrayal of Asian masculinity that doesn’t rely on action or spotlight. Instead, Waymond’s strength is his kindness and his ability to inspire. He stands by his wife, letting her shine, which is what makes him such a powerful yet understated character.
Truman Burbank
Maybe it’s because Jim Carrey goes all-in in The Truman Show, but Truman Burbank is a genuinely memorable character. In a way, he’s relatable to the American public because he’s just an average person.
Truman’s life is on display as the star of a 24/7 TV program, even though he doesn’t know it. We watch him try to escape his manufactured world, a satirical message about breaking free from society’s limits.
Source: Reddit
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