Unlikely Heroes
AMC Movie List

Unlikely Heroes

Born losers? Think again. These ten characters overcome the most unlikely odds. Which ones are your favorites?

rank title points votes your vote
1 Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
<p>Not particularly bright, agile or ambitious, Gump (Tom Hanks) would be a goner if it wasn't for pure luck guiding him to the right place at the right time.</p> 87 169
2 Frodo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings
<p>Frodo (Elijah Wood) forsakes the protection of his taller and tougher companions to save everyone from the gold ring that enslaves all who touch it.</p> 60 160
3 The Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters
<p>In addition to showdowns with skeptics and the EPA, these four everyday guys cross the streams to save New York from Sumerian demigods. </p> 52 146
4 Edward, Edward Scissorhands
<p>Breaking the spell of suburban conformity one hair-do and sculpture at a time, Edward (Johnny Depp) also defends his lady love and her brother from violence.</p> 37 133
5 Shrek, Shrek
<p>Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is a true individual, using brawn and wits to deflect all manner of mythical hazards, while remaining curmudgeonly to the core.</p> 36 154
6 Chunk and Sloth, The Goonies
<p>Considered expendable by their cohorts, chubby Chunk and mirror-cracking Sloth swoop in to save the other Goonies from being forced to walk the plank. </p> 31 139
7 Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, The Wizard of Oz
<p>This foursome saves the day thanks to their combined brains, heart, courage, and... whatever it is that Dorothy brings to the table. </p> 31 139
8 Shaun, Shaun of the Dead
<p>The zombie apocalypse serves as the ultimate self-help experience for Shaun (Simon Pegg), who finds his calling as a survivalist and leads others to safety. </p> 23 129
9 The Three Amigos, The Three Amigos
<p>This trio (Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short) quails when a village calls upon them to perform feats of bravery that they'd normally hand over to their stunt-doubles. </p> 10 116
10 Hancock, Hancock
<p> Hancock (Will Smith) is a disgraceful public nuisance with a chip on his shoulder that takes more than superhuman strength to shake loose.&nbsp;</p> -2 136