The 120 Greatest 2000s Movie Characters (Ranked)

The 2000s were a decade that saw some of the most memorable and iconic characters in movie history. From heroes and villains to romantic leads and quirky sidekicks, the 2000s had it all. In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of cinema and rank the 120 greatest movie characters of the 2000s. So, let’s get to it.

1. Maximus Decimus Meridius (Gladiator, 2000)

Our list starts with Maximus. He was a Roman general who got betrayed, his family murdered, and sold into slavery. His misfortunes led him to become a gladiator, and he sought revenge and redemption against Commodus, the corrupt Emperor.

2. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal, 2001)

Hannibal Lecter is a brilliant psychiatrist and serial killer who eats his victims. He uses his intellect to manipulate those around him.

3. Neo (The Matrix Reloaded, 2003)

Neo from Matrix is a computer programmer who discovers that his world is a simulated reality, and he is the chosen one to lead a rebellion against the machines that control it.

4. Wolverine (X-Men, 2000)

Wolverine is one of the most popular X-Men. Known as a mutant with a regenerative healing factor and retractable adamantium claws, his rough and emotionally scarred personality makes him an interesting and complex character.

5. Harry Potter (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

Harry Potter from the Harry Potter movie franchise is probably one of the most popular movie characters ever. Known as the ‘Boy Who Lived,‘ Harry is a young boy who discovers that he is a wizard and is accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And there, his adventure begins.

6. Tony Stark (Iron Man, 2008)

Tony Stark is a billionaire inventor and industrialist who creates a high-tech suit of armor to become the superhero Iron Man. His intelligence, wit, and playboy lifestyle often define his character.

7. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003)

Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean is a cunning, eccentric pirate known for his wit and charm. He is the captain of the Black Pearl and navigates the Caribbean seas in search of adventure and treasure.

8. Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

Albus Dumbledore is the wise and compassionate headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

9. Voldemort (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

Voldemort, also known as Tom Riddle or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, is the main antagonist in the Harry Potter franchise. He is a dark wizard who seeks to conquer the wizarding world and destroy those who oppose him.

10. Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Frodo Baggins is a Hobbit from the Shire who embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring. Along the way, he demonstrates immense bravery and loyalty to his friends.

11. Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Gandalf is a wise and powerful wizard who guides the members of the Fellowship in their quest to destroy the One Ring.

12. Batman (Batman Begins, 2005)

Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a wealthy philanthropist who dons a bat-themed costume to fight crime in Gotham City.

13. Joker (The Dark Knight, 2008)

The Joker is the chaotic and sadistic archenemy of Batman, who thrives on causing destruction and chaos in Gotham City. His twisted sense of humor and unpredictability make him one of the most memorable villains in film history.

14. Legolas (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Legolas is an agile and skilled Elf archer who is a Fellowship of the Ring member. His keen senses and unwavering loyalty to his friends make him a valuable ally in their quest.

15. Jason Bourne (The Bourne Identity, 2002)

Jason Bourne from the Bourne movie series is a highly skilled and resourceful former CIA assassin who suffers from amnesia. As he uncovers the truth about his past, he must navigate a dangerous world of espionage and betrayal.

16. Professor X (X-Men, 2000)

Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a powerful telepath and the founder of the X-Men, a group of mutants working to protect humans and mutants alike.

17. Magneto (X-Men, 2000)

Erik Lehnsherr, also known as Magneto, is a powerful mutant who can manipulate magnetic fields.

18. Spider-Man (Spider-Man, 2002)

After being bitten by a genetically altered spider, Peter Parker gains extraordinary abilities and becomes the crime-fighting superhero, Spider-Man.

19. Ethan Hunt (Mission: Impossible II, 2000)

Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible movie series is an elite IMF agent, who embarks on dangerous and seemingly impossible missions to protect the world from nefarious threats.

20. Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005)

Willy Wonka is the owner of a fantastical chocolate factory filled with wondrous delights. He invites a group of children into his world, ultimately seeking an heir to his candy empire.

21. V (V for Vendetta, 2006)

V is a mysterious anarchist who seeks to dismantle an oppressive regime in a dystopian future in England.

22. Benjamin Button (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 2008)

Benjamin Button was born with the peculiar condition of aging in reverse, and his life unfolds as a poignant tale of love, loss, and the passage of time.

23. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

Hermione Granger is an intelligent and resourceful witch who becomes an invaluable ally to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley in their adventures at Hogwarts.

24. Ron Weasley (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

Ron Weasley is a loyal and kind-hearted wizard who embarks on a series of extraordinary adventures with his best friends, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

25. Nightcrawler (X2: X-Men United, 2003)

Kurt Wagner, a.k.a. Nightcrawler, is a mutant that can teleport and has a prehensile tail. He is a member of the X-Men team and a former circus performer.

26. Cyclops (X-Men, 2000)

Scott Summers/Cyclops is a mutant that can emit powerful optic blasts from his eyes. He is a member of the X-Men team and a former student of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

27. John Hancock (Hancock, 2008)

Hancock is a misunderstood and often-disliked superhero who struggles with his own demons while trying to save the world.

28. Lara Croft (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2001)

Lara Croft is an adventurous and fiercely independent archaeologist who uncovers ancient artifacts and solves complex puzzles in her quest for lost treasures.

29. Boromir (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Boromir is a skilled warrior and member of the Fellowship who succumbs to the temptation of the One Ring. His redemption and ultimate sacrifice make him a tragic and memorable character.

30. Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Aragorn is a skilled ranger and the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. His bravery, wisdom, and leadership help guide the Fellowship on its quest.

31. Gimli (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Gimli is a brave and loyal dwarf warrior. He is a proud member of the Fellowship of the Ring, and his friendship with Legolas the elf makes his character even more interesting.

32. Danny Ocean (Ocean’s Eleven, 2001)

Danny Ocean from the Ocean’s movie series is a master thief with unparalleled charm, assembling a team of skilled criminals to pull off an ambitious Las Vegas casino heist.

33. Storm (X-Men, 2000)

Storm is a mutant who can control the weather, harnessing her powers for the greater good as a member of the X-Men.

34. Mystique (X-Men, 2000)

Mystique is a shape-shifting mutant who can take on the appearance and voice of anyone, often using her abilities to infiltrate and manipulate her enemies.

35. Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, 2005)

Anakin Skywalker is a skilled Jedi Knight who ultimately falls to the dark side and becomes the infamous Darth Vader.

36. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, 2005)

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a wise and noble Jedi Master who trains Anakin Skywalker and plays a key role in the rise and fall of the Galactic Republic.

37. Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich, 2000)

Erin Brockovich is a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and leads a groundbreaking lawsuit against a corporation that has contaminated a small town’s water supply.

38. Gollum (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002)

Gollum is a tortured, twisted creature who is consumed by his obsession with the One Ring.

39. Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)

Sam is Frodo’s loyal and steadfast best friend. His unwavering support and courage make him a crucial part of the quest to destroy the One Ring.

40. Jean Grey (X-Men, 2000)

Jean Grey is a powerful mutant with telepathic and telekinetic abilities who struggles with her immense power and the darker side of her personality, known as the Phoenix.

41. Bella Swan (Twilight, 2008)

Bella, from the Twilight movie series, is a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington, where she falls in love with the mysterious vampire Edward Cullen and becomes entangled in the world of supernatural creatures.

42. Edward Cullen (Twilight, 2008)

Edward Cullen is a 108-year-old vampire who appears to be 17, and he struggles with his immortal existence and love for the human Bella Swan, trying to protect her from the dangers of his world.

43. Hulk (The Incredible Hulk, 2008)

Dr. Bruce Banner is a brilliant scientist who transforms into the Hulk due to a gamma radiation accident.

44. Robert Langdon (The Da Vinci Code, 2006)

Robert Langdon is a Harvard symbologist who becomes involved in a complex mystery surrounding a secret society, religious symbolism, and the Holy Grail.

45. Juggernaut (X-Men: The Last Stand, 2006)

Cain Marko, the stepbrother of Professor X, gains superhuman strength and invulnerability from an ancient crystal and becomes the unstoppable Juggernaut.

46. Frank Abagnale Jr. (Catch Me If You Can, 2002)

Frank Abagnale Jr. is a charming and intelligent con man who, before his 19th birthday, successfully impersonates a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, while forging millions of dollars in checks, evading capture by the FBI for years.

47. Padmé Amidala (Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, 2002)

Queen Padmé Amidala is the strong-willed and compassionate leader of the planet Naboo, who later becomes a senator, fighting for peace and diplomacy during the tumultuous Clone Wars.

48. Blade (Blade II, 2002)

Blade, also known as Eric Brooks, continues his relentless pursuit of vampires and forms an uneasy alliance with a group of vampires called the Bloodpack to combat a new, powerful enemy known as Reapers.

49. Sarah Connor (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, 2003)

Sarah, from the Terminator movie series, is a strong, fearless woman who becomes the target of Skynet’s deadly cyborgs. She is determined to protect her son, John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance.

50. Xander Cage (xXx, 2002)

Xander is an extreme sports enthusiast and reluctant spy, recruited by the NSA for a dangerous mission. His unique skills and fearless approach to danger make him an unconventional hero.

51. Alonzo Harris (Training Day, 2001)

Alonzo Harris is a corrupt and intimidating narcotics officer who takes rookie cop Jake Hoyt under his wing.

52. Wladyslaw Szpilman (The Pianist, 2002)

Władysław Szpilman is a talented Polish-Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust.

53. Jimmy Markum (Mystic River, 2003)

Jimmy Markum is a grieving father seeking justice for his murdered daughter.

54. Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood, 2007)

Daniel Plainview is an ambitious and ruthless oilman during the early 20th century.

55. Idi Amin (The Last King of Scotland, 2006)

Idi Amin is the notorious Ugandan dictator whose reign was marked by brutality and paranoia.

56. Leigh Anne Tuohy (The Blind Side, 2009)

Leigh Anne Tuohy is a strong-willed woman who takes in a homeless teen, Michael Oher.

57. Michael Oher (The Blind Side, 2009)

Michael Oher is a homeless and traumatized teenager who finds a new life with the Tuohy family.

58. Hanna Schmitz (The Reader, 2008)

Hanna Schmitz is a former SS guard who became involved with a young man after World War II.

59. Maggie Fitzgerald (Million Dollar Baby, 2004)

Maggie Fitzgerald is a determined aspiring boxer who seeks guidance from a reluctant coach.

60. Frankie Dunn (Million Dollar Baby, 2004)

Frankie Dunn is a grizzled boxing coach who forms an unexpected bond with Maggie Fitzgerald.

61. Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003)

Elizabeth is the governor’s daughter who gets caught up in a high-stakes adventure with pirates.

62. Davy Jones (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, 2006)

Davy Jones is the cursed captain of the Flying Dutchman who collects the souls of those who have made deals with him.

63. Chuck Noland (Cast Away, 2000)

Chuck is a FedEx executive who becomes stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash.

64. John Nash (A Beautiful Mind, 2001)

John is a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia and delusions.

65. Muhammad Ali (Ali, 2001)

Ali is the legendary boxer who fights against racism and political oppression in the 1960s and 1970s.

66. Bob Harris (Lost in Translation, 2003)

Bob is an aging actor who strikes up a friendship with a young woman while filming a commercial in Tokyo.

67. W.P. Inman (Cold Mountain, 2003)

Inman is a Confederate soldier who deserts the army to return to his true love.

68. Howard Hughes (The Aviator, 2005)

Howard is the aviation pioneer and Hollywood mogul, who battles mental illness and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

69. Johnny Cash (Walk the Line, 2006)

Johnny is a legendary musician who rose to fame and struggled with addiction in the 1950s and 1960s.

70. Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness, 2007)

Chris is a struggling salesman and single father who lands an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm.

71. Danny Archer (Blood Diamond, 2007)

Danny is a mercenary and diamond smuggler who helps a Sierra Leonean fisherman find his family.

72. Michael Clayton (Michael Clayton, 2008)

Michael is a “fixer” for a powerful law firm that uncovers a conspiracy and tries to set things right.

73. Nikolai Luzhin (Eastern Promises, 2008)

Nikolai is a driver for a Russian mafia family in London who becomes involved in a dangerous power struggle.

74. Virginia Woolf (The Hours, 2001)

Virginia Woolf is an iconic author who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

75. Christine Collins (Changeling, 2008)

Christine is a mother who searches for her missing son, and battles corrupt authorities in 1920s Los Angeles.

76. Inspector Lee (Rush Hour 2, 2001)

Inspector Lee, from the Rush Hour movie series, is a Hong Kong police detective traveling to the United States to investigate a Chinese triad case. He and Carter team up again in this sequel to solve the case and stop the villains.

77. James Carter (Rush Hour 2, 2001)

James Carter is an LAPD detective who teams up again with Inspector Lee to solve the case involving the Chinese triads.

78. Toad (X-Men, 2000)

Toad is a mutant with the ability to jump great distances and an elongated tongue. He is a member of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants.

79. Pyro (X2: X-Men United, 2003)

John Allerdyce, also known as Pyro, has the ability to manipulate fire. He is a student at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters and later joins Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants.

80. Beast (X-Men: The Last Stand, 2006)

Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, is a mutant with blue fur and animal-like strength and agility. He is a member of the X-Men team.

81. Precious (Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, 2009)

Precious is an overweight and abused teenage girl who discovers hope and self-worth through an alternative school program.

82. Sofya Tolstoy (The Last Station, 2009)

Sofya is the wife of the famous writer Leo Tolstoy, who battles for control over his estate and legacy.

83. Harvey Milk (Milk, 2009)

Harvey is the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, who fights for LGBTQ+ rights and faces political opposition.

84. Slevin Kelevra (Lucky Number Slevin, 2006)

Slevin is a mysterious protagonist caught in the middle of a gang war. He is known for his sharp wit and ability to think on his feet.

85. John McClane (Die Hard 4.0, 2007)

John is a tough-as-nails NYPD detective who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time again. He uses his resourcefulness and determination to take down cyber terrorists.

86. Napoleon Dynamite (Napoleon Dynamite, 2004)

Napoleon is a quirky, socially awkward high school student with a unique sense of humor. He navigates the challenges of adolescence, making unlikely friendships and finding love along the way.

87. Leticia Musgrove (Monster’s Ball, 2001)

Leticia is a woman who falls in love with a corrections officer while her husband is on death row.

88. Juno MacGuff (Juno, 2007)

Juno MacGuff is a smart, witty 16-year-old who faces an unexpected pregnancy with maturity and a unique sense of humor.

89. The Bride (Kill Bill: Vol. 1, 2003)

The Bride, also known as Beatrix Kiddo and played by Uma Thurman, is a former assassin seeking vengeance on her former associates for attempting to kill her and her unborn child.

90. Elle Driver (Kill Bill: Vol. 1, 2003)

Elle Driver is a ruthless and cunning assassin who is part of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As a rival to The Bride, she is characterized by her intense rivalry and one-eyed appearance.

91. Mace Windu (Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, 2002)

Mace Windu is a wise and powerful Jedi Master who serves on the Jedi Council. Known for his unique purple lightsaber, he plays a significant role in the events leading up to the Clone Wars.

92. Mikael Blomkwist (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2009)

Mikael Blomkvist, from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo movie series, is a journalist who becomes embroiled in a dangerous investigation when wealthy businessman Henrik Vanger hires him to solve the decades-old disappearance of Vanger’s niece.

93. Lisbeth Salander (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2009)

Lisbeth Salander is a brilliant computer hacker and investigator known for her gothic appearance and social awkwardness. She has a dark past and is determined to fight against corrupt individuals and systems.

94. John Q (John Q, 2002)

John Quincy Archibald is a desperate father who takes extreme measures to secure a heart transplant for his dying son.

95. Clementine Kruczynski (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004)

Clementine is an impulsive and free-spirited woman who undergoes a procedure to erase memories of her ex-boyfriend, Joel. She represents the unpredictable nature of love.

96. Achilles (Troy, 2004)

Achilles is a legendary Greek warrior known for his unmatched battle skill and vulnerability in his heel. He is driven by glory and honor, yet haunted by the consequences of his actions.

97. Mary Jane Watson (Spider-Man, 2002)

Mary Jane Watson is the love interest of Peter Parker (Spider-Man). She is an aspiring actress who is kind-hearted and brave, often finding herself entangled in dangerous situations due to her relationship with Peter.

98. Green Goblin (Spider-Man, 2002)

Green Goblin, a.k.a Norman Osborn, is a wealthy scientist and businessman who turns into a supervillain after an experiment goes wrong. He becomes one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes.

99. Robert Neville (I Am Legend, 2007)

Robert Neville is a military virologist and the last known human survivor of a deadly virus outbreak. He spends his days searching for a cure and fighting off mutated, aggressive creatures that roam the desolate world.

100. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)

Elizabeth Bennet is a strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely independent young woman who challenges societal norms in Regency-era England.

101. Spock (Star Trek, 2009)

Spock is a half-human, half-Vulcan science officer on the starship Enterprise. He is known for his logical, rational mind and ability to suppress emotions.

102. Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a wealthy, handsome, and reserved gentleman who falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet.

103. James T. Kirk (Star Trek, 2009)

James Tiberius Kirk, from the Star Trek franchise, is the charismatic, fearless captain of the starship Enterprise. He is known for his unorthodox tactics and for leading his crew through numerous adventures.

104. Uhura (Star Trek, 2009)

Nyota Uhura is a skilled communications officer aboard the starship Enterprise. She is intelligent, resourceful, and compassionate, often playing a crucial role in establishing peaceful contact with new alien civilizations.

105. Elle Woods (Legally Blonde, 2001)

Elle Woods, from the Legally Blonde movie series, is a fashionable sorority girl who turned out to be a successful lawyer and challenges stereotypes while pursuing her passion for law at Harvard.

106. Jake Sully (Avatar, 2009)

A paraplegic former Marine, Jake Sully, connects with Pandora’s indigenous Na’vi people through the Avatar Program. He becomes a key figure in their fight against human exploitation and environmental destruction.

107. Neytiri (Avatar, 2009)

Neytiri is a Na’vi princess and skilled warrior who teaches Jake Sully about her people’s culture. She is a fierce protector of her people and the environment, forming a deep bond with Jake.

108. Alfred Borden (The Prestige, 2006)

Alfred Borden, a talented magician, is locked in a bitter rivalry with fellow magician Robert Angier. Borden is dedicated to his craft and desire to protect his secrets.

109. Robert Angier (The Prestige, 2006)

Robert Angier is a magician consumed by his obsession to surpass his rival, Alfred Borden. His quest for vengeance leads to extreme measures and explores the destructive nature of obsession.

110. Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada, 2006)

Miranda is a demanding and powerful fashion magazine editor who hires a new assistant.

111. John Constantine (Constantine, 2005)

John is a cynical, chain-smoking exorcist who can see half-angels and half-demons. He battles the forces of darkness to save his own soul and protect humanity.

112. Peter Pan (Peter Pan, 2003)

Peter Pan is a magical, ageless boy who lives in Neverland and refuses to grow up. He is adventurous, brave, and mischievous, leading a group of Lost Boys and battling the evil Captain Hook.

113. Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, 2005)

Lucy is the youngest of the Pevensie siblings and discovers the magical world of Narnia. Her innocence and bravery play a pivotal role in fulfilling the prophecy and saving Narnia from evil.

114. Frida Kahlo (Frida, 2002)

Frida is a Mexican painter who overcomes physical pain and political turmoil to create art that celebrates her culture and identity.

115. Miho (Sin City, 2005)

Miho is a deadly and silent assassin, skilled in various martial arts and weaponry. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and instrumental in their justice quest.

116. Hartigan (Sin City, 2005)

Hartigan is an aging, honorable cop who seeks to protect a young woman from a sadistic predator. His unwavering dedication to justice and morality set him apart in the corrupt world of Basin City.

117. Shrek (Shrek, 2001)

Shrek is a grumpy yet lovable, ogre who sets out on a journey to rescue Princess Fiona and save his swamp from the villainous Lord Farquaad.

118. Jerry Shaw (Eagle Eye, 2008)

Jerry Shaw is an ordinary man who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy after receiving mysterious phone calls from a woman claiming to be a government agent.

119. Rachel Holloman (Eagle Eye, 2008)

Rachel Holloman is another main character in Eagle Eye. She is a single mother who also receives mysterious phone calls and becomes Jerry’s ally in uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy.

120. Daredevil (Daredevil, 2003)

Matt Murdock, known as Daredevil, is a blind lawyer by day and a vigilante by night, using his heightened senses and martial arts skills to fight crime in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.