Indiana Jones
The Character: A scientist, yes, but not an ordinary one, because Dr. Jones also runs a nice line in wise-cracking, arse-kicking action heroism. Probably the most charismatic action hero ever written, the icing on a distinctly swashbuckling cake is the fact that he’s played by the equally charming Harrison Ford. It’s a match made in heaven.
Most Endearing Moment: The weary shrug with which he cuts the sword-waving assassin painfully short.
Atticus Finch
The Character: On the grander scale of things, Finch is a profoundly honourable man, ensuring Tom Robinson is given a fair hearing regardless of the colour of his skin. On a more personal level however, he’s also a brilliant father, setting an excellent example to his kids, and teaching them how to live life as a good person. Top man.
Most Endearing Moment: The impassioned speech he makes in defence of Robinson. You tell ‘em, Atticus!
Shaun
The Character: Funny, good-natured, a little bit hopeless… we’ve all got a mate like Shaun, although whether they’d be as handy in a zombie outbreak as he is is up for debate. Determined to rescue both his girlfriend and his dear old mum, whatever the cost, Shaun’s just the sort of bloke you’d want in your corner come the dawning of a flesh-eating apocalypse.
Most Endearing Moment: His reaction to Ed’s use of the word “zombie”. “Don’t say that!” he says, shocked. “The Z-word… don’t say it!
R.P. McMurphy
The Character: An anti-establishment icon, but one whose prime motivation is kindness. During his time in the psych ward he does his level best not only to disrupt the regime, but also to bring a crumb of happiness into the lives of his fellow inmates. Witness his fabricated description of the World Series with which he delights the gathered patients to see what we mean.
Most Endearing Moment: The fishing trip he takes them on. “You’re not nuts,” he encourages them, “you’re fishermen!”
Amelie Poulain
The Character: A committed do-gooder with an impish sense of mischief, Amelie is the ultimate romantic, allowing her belief in love and happy endings to drive her towards a number of hare-brained but well-intentioned schemes. As sweet as a Parisian pastry, without ever becoming cloying.
Most Endearing Moment: The delight she takes at her first good deed, reuniting a shut-in with his estranged family.
George Bailey
The Character: A truly good egg, George Bailey never stops putting other people before himself, sadly putting his own ambitions to one side for the good of the family. Even when his stupid old uncle ruins him, he doesn’t lose his temper with the old fool. He’s practically a saint, and while that might sound a little trying, you never begrudge him his eventual happiness because he’s so damn charming.
Most Endearing Moment: What do you think? “Merry Christmas, Bedford Falls!”
Genie
The Character: Robin Williams has never been so charming as he is voicing the big blue wish-granter, one of Disney’s most affable sidekicks with a cracking line in song and dance routines. We ain’t never had a friend like him, but we really wish we had.
Most Endearing Moment: The moment at which he realises he’s finally free, packing his suitcases and heading off into the sunset.
Sally Albright
The Character: Meg Ryan is cute as a button in seminal rom-com When Harry Met Sally , stubbornly refusing to bow to Billy Crystal’s cynical worldview, even when her love life ends up in the toilet. The dictionary definition of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Most Endearing Moment: Her tearful reaction to the news that her ex-boyfriend is getting married. Awwww.
Josh Baskin
The Character: Tom Hanks’ character in Big is a bona fide manchild, but unlike the irritating Tom Green variety, this big kid is impossible to dislike. From his keyboard-hopping antics to the touching bond he forms with Elizabeth Perkins, he’s a fish out of water, but an extremely loveable one.
Most Endearing Moment: The joyous trampolining session that has Perkins shedding her inhibitions and joining in the fun.
Marty McFly
The Character: Unlike most teenagers, Marty McFly isn’t much for sulking or defacing public property. Nope, he’d rather be rocking out on his guitar, riding his skateboard or travelling through time. Boasting a strong sense of right and wrong, he’s never afraid to stick up for the little guy… and most of the time, that little guy is him. If there’s a more likeable movie character out there, we’ve yet to meet them.
Most Endearing Moment: Sticking up for George McFly by landing one on school bully Biff Tannen in the diner.
