The 2020s have already gifted us with a treasure trove of unforgettable movie characters. Whether they're saving the universe, battling inner demons, or just trying to survive a holiday break, these figures have burrowed into our collective imagination. We've ranked the ten greatest so far—and trust us, it was a tough call.
10. Rocky — Project Hail Mary (2026)
Though its theatrical run is still fresh, Project Hail Mary has quickly become a landmark in hard sci-fi. Based on Andy Weir's novel, it follows amnesiac teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) as he teams up with an alien to save the cosmos. But the real scene-stealer is Rocky, a non-verbal, rock-like creature voiced by James Ortiz and brought to life via an elaborate puppet. He's funny, visually delightful, and surprisingly emotional—his bond with Grace is the film's beating heart.
9. Anthony — The Father (2020)
2020 was a tough year for cinema, but The Father shone through. Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his portrayal of Anthony, an elderly man grappling with dementia. The film's genius lies in how it fractures reality through his perspective, making every moment disorienting and heartbreaking. His final scene is one of the most devastating in recent memory.
8. Roz — The Wild Robot (2024)
DreamWorks Animation bounced back in a big way with The Wild Robot. Lupita Nyong'o voices Roz, a sentient robot stranded on an island who must raise an orphaned gosling. Her design, compassion, and journey into motherhood make her one of the studio's most endearing protagonists. It's a masterclass in animated storytelling.
7. Art the Clown — Terrifier 2 (2022) and Terrifier 3 (2024)
Art the Clown has become the new face of slasher horror. David Howard Thornton's performance is a perfect blend of menace and dark comedy. Director Damien Leone keeps Art mysterious and unpredictable, making him a pop-culture sensation. Decades from now, horror fans will still be talking about this terrifying clown.
6. Paul Hunham — The Holdovers (2023)
Alexander Payne's The Holdovers became an instant Christmas classic. Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a cranky history teacher stuck at a boarding school over the holidays with a troubled student. Giamatti's Oscar-nominated performance turns a curmudgeon into a deeply human figure, making us laugh and cry in equal measure.
5. Paul Atreides — Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024)
Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides is the epic hero of our time. From reluctant heir to messianic leader, his journey across Denis Villeneuve's Dune films is a masterwork of character development. Chalamet brings both vulnerability and steel to the role, making Paul's transformation into Muad'Dib both thrilling and tragic.
4. Evelyn Wang — Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Michelle Yeoh's Evelyn Wang is the everywoman who becomes a multiverse-hopping hero. In a film that blends absurdist comedy with profound family drama, Evelyn's arc from overwhelmed laundromat owner to cosmic warrior is both hilarious and deeply moving. Yeoh's performance earned her a well-deserved Oscar.
3. Lady Bird — Lady Bird (2017, but her impact extends into the 2020s)
While technically a 2017 film, Lady Bird's influence has only grown in the 2020s. Saoirse Ronan's portrayal of a fiercely independent teenager navigating senior year in Sacramento remains a touchstone for coming-of-age stories. Her rebellious spirit and tender vulnerability make her timeless.
2. Art the Clown — Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3
Yes, Art appears twice on this list—because he's that iconic. His blend of silent-film physicality and gruesome creativity has revitalized the slasher genre. He's a villain who defies logic and expectations, making every scene he's in unforgettable.
1. Rocky — Project Hail Mary
Topping our list is the alien who stole our hearts. Rocky is more than a puppet—he's a fully realized character whose friendship with Grace transcends species. In a decade full of great characters, Rocky stands out as a symbol of hope, humor, and the power of connection.
These characters remind us why we love movies: they make us laugh, cry, and think. For more on the best of the decade, check out our list of The 10 Best HBO Shows of the Last Decade, Ranked and The Most Addictive Movie Franchises Ever, Ranked: From Bond to the MCU.
