15 Superhero Movies With Sidekicks Who Steal More Scenes Than the Leads

Superhero narratives usually focus on the journey of a main protagonist as they discover their powers and save the world. However, supporting characters frequently capture the audience’s attention with their humor or unique skills. These sidekicks provide essential emotional support and comic relief that balances the high stakes of the narrative. Some of these secondary heroes possess such charisma that they overshadow the stars on the poster. Here are the sidekicks who managed to steal the spotlight from the leads.

‘Kick-Ass’ (2010)

Mindy Macready bursts onto the screen as the violet-wigged vigilante known as Hit-Girl. She possesses lethal combat skills that far surpass the abilities of the titular character Dave Lizewski. Her profane language and brutal fighting style create a shocking contrast with her young age. Audiences often find her story arc more compelling than the main narrative involving Kick-Ass. Chloë Grace Moretz delivers a performance that anchors the film in gritty action.

‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017)

The Kronan gladiator Korg offers a hilarious juxtaposition to the apocalyptic stakes of the narrative. Director Taika Waititi voices the character with a soft-spoken New Zealand accent that defies his rocky appearance. He provides constant comic relief while Thor navigates the dangers of the planet Sakaar. Korg quickly became a fan favorite despite having limited screen time compared to the God of Thunder. His joke about printing revolution pamphlets remains one of the most memorable lines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Ant-Man’ (2015)

Michael Peña plays Scott Lang’s former cellmate and loyal friend Luis. He steals every scene he inhabits with his fast-talking storytelling style. The filmmakers visualize his convoluted narratives with lip-synced flashbacks that provide immense humor. Luis remains optimistic and eager to help despite the high-tech threats surrounding the team. His excitement about the superhero world mirrors the enthusiasm of the audience.

‘Deadpool’ (2016)

Dopinder starts as a mild-mannered taxi driver who gets pulled into Wade Wilson’s chaotic world. He eventually embraces the violence and seeks mentorship from the Merc with a Mouth. His innocent demeanor contrasts sharply with the bloody events occurring in his backseat. Dopinder proves his loyalty and courage during the climatic battles of the franchise. Fans adore his evolution from a bystander to a willing accomplice.

‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)

Benedict Wong portrays the librarian of Kamar-Taj with a stoic seriousness that plays well against Stephen Strange. He serves as a grounding force who strictly adheres to the rules of the mystic arts. The character eventually reveals a dry wit and a taste for pop culture that adds depth to his personality. Wong evolves into the Sorcerer Supreme and becomes a crucial connector within the wider cinematic universe. His no-nonsense attitude often curtails the arrogance of the title character.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

Jacob Batalon plays Peter Parker’s best friend and self-proclaimed “guy in the chair” Ned Leeds. He discovers Spider-Man’s secret identity early on and eagerly inserts himself into the superhero operations. Ned provides essential technical support and enthusiastic encouragement to the young hero. His obsession with building a Lego Death Star serves as a charming subplot throughout the film. The dynamic between Ned and Peter captures the authentic feeling of high school friendship.

‘The Green Hornet’ (1966–1967)

Bruce Lee immortalized the role of Kato in this classic television series. The martial arts icon displayed physical prowess that frequently overshadowed the Green Hornet himself. Audiences tuned in specifically to watch Lee execute lightning-fast moves and stunts. His screen presence was so commanding that the show was marketed as The Kato Show in some international markets. This role helped launch Bruce Lee into global superstardom.

‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)

Peter Maximoff makes an unforgettable impression during a prison break sequence inside the Pentagon. The filmmakers utilize high-speed photography to showcase his super speed from his perspective. He casually manipulates the environment and guards while listening to music in a slowed-down world. This single sequence stands out as the visual highlight of the entire movie. Evan Peters brings a playful arrogance to the mutant speedster that charms viewers instantly.

‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

The orange tabby cat named Goose appears to be a normal pet until the film reveals his true alien nature. He is actually a Flerken capable of unleashing terrifying tentacles from his mouth to devour enemies. Nick Fury develops a soft spot for the creature before learning a painful lesson about handling him. Goose manages to swallow the Tesseract and plays a vital role in saving the day. The cat steals the spotlight from the human cast members in almost every interaction.

‘Logan’ (2017)

Dafne Keen portrays the young mutant Laura with a ferocity that matches Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. She conveys immense emotion and rage despite having very few lines of dialogue. Her brutal fighting style utilizes foot claws and mirrors the savage nature of her biological father. The bond she forms with Logan serves as the emotional core of the film. Critics praised her performance as a standout element in the gritty superhero drama.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Michael Caine brings a profound sense of wisdom and humanity to the role of Bruce Wayne’s butler. He serves as the moral compass who challenges Batman to consider the consequences of his actions. His monologues regarding the nature of criminals provide some of the most iconic lines in the trilogy. Alfred cares deeply for Bruce and acts as his only tether to a normal life. The emotional weight of the films often rests on his shoulders.

‘Deadpool 2’ (2018)

Shioli Kutsuna plays the cheerful mutant ninja Yukio who greets Deadpool with unbridled friendliness. Her bright demeanor provides a hilarious contrast to the cynical and violent tone of the movie. She fights alongside Negasonic Teenage Warhead with impressive electric abilities during the climax. The recurring gag of her simply saying “Hi Wade” became a favorite moment for fans. Her presence adds a necessary touch of lightness to the team.

‘Wonder Woman’ (2017)

Lucy Davis plays Steve Trevor’s secretary Etta Candy with delightful wit and charm. She helps Diana Prince navigate the social norms of London during World War I. Her practical attitude and humorous observations highlight the absurdity of the era’s restrictions on women. Etta proves herself brave and resourceful when tasked with protecting important artifacts. She steals scenes simply by reacting honestly to the presence of an Amazonian demigoddess.

‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

Lucius Best can manipulate moisture to create ice and serves as the cool counterpart to Mr. Incredible. Samuel L. Jackson voices the character with a smooth charisma that makes him instantly memorable. His frantic search for his super suit remains one of the most quoted scenes in animation history. Frozone arrives just in time to assist the Parr family during the final battle with the Omnidroid. He balances his superhero duties with a humorous domestic life.

‘The Tick’ (2016–2019)

Griffin Newman plays Arthur Everest in this Amazon Prime adaptation of the comic book. He suffers from mental health issues and initially resists the call to adventure. The narrative focuses heavily on his trauma and growth into a hero. Arthur grounds the absurdity of the show with a relatable human perspective. His moth suit becomes a symbol of his newfound courage.

Tell us which sidekick you think deserves their own spinoff movie in the comments.