You’re supposed to root for the protagonist of a movie. They’re the lead character and, more often than not, they come out on top.
However, not every lead character in a film is a good person. We’re not talking about anti-heroes, either; they’re genuinely awful people and are worse than most movie villains!
We may or may not be serious, but either way, these protagonists aren’t exactly winning us over.
Scott Pilgrim – Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Part of the message of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is that Scott Pilgrim must undergo personal growth.
At the start of the film, he’s kinda a jerk that ditches his current girlfriend for a manic pixie dream girl.
Wolverine – X-Men Franchise
Yes, it’s completely in character for Wolverine to be a jerk, but he’s still a jerk. Seeing his character growth across the X-Men films, though, was an absolute joy to watch.
At least it’s played for laughs during his cameo in X-Men: First Class. Sidenote: I’m pretty sure the writers hated Cyclops.
Nick Dunne – Gone Girl
Did Amy Dunne overreact? I’d say she did just a tad bit.
Did she have every right to be upset? You bet. Not only did Nick do himself zero favors during the investigation, but he also, you know, cheated on his wife.
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James Bond – The Bond Franchise
James Bond is seen as the ultimate spy, but in reality, he’s a severely flawed human being. It’s something that was played up during the Daniel Craig era to great success.
Ironically, the best example was from one of the worst films in the franchise: Quantum of Solace. It’s a perfect display of his charm and charisma, but it also led to the death of Strawberry Fields.
Peter Venkman – Ghostbusters
I guess it’s time to run through Bill Murray’s filmography.
On the one hand, it’s part of Venkman’s character to be a sarcastic jerk, and with Murray, it plays well alongside Akroyd and Ramis. That doesn’t excuse his behavior, though.
Bob Wiley – What About Bob?
Oh my god, Bob Wiley is one of the most insufferable characters in movie history.
I totally understand Richard Dreyfus’ pain; how in the world does his family not see how annoying Bob is?
Phil Connors – Groundhog Day
Phil Connors deserved to live in Punxsutawney forever. It’s a punishment he deserves.
He’s selfish, entitled, and his co-workers loathe him. Don’t worry, though, as he’d learn his lesson some 10,000 years or so later.
LT Pete “Maverick” Mitchell – Top Gun
Before you say anything, yes, I’m fully aware that the point of the movie is Maverick being unlikable, overly confident, and cashing checks his body can’t cash.
It’s hard to root for him, though. If anything, I’m rooting for the memory of Goose.
Tom Hammond – (500) Days of Summer
A good test of someone’s maturity is to ask them what they think of Tom Hammond from (500) Days of Summer.
If they think he’s a nice guy who was given a rotten deal, then they have some growing up to do. Tom was selfish, unrealistic, and unwilling to put the work into his relationship with Summer. Even if he did all the right things, that doesn’t guarantee that they’re meant to be together. Sometimes, people just aren’t right for each other.
Bill Harding – Twister
You’re telling me that Bill Paxton gets to bring his fiancée to the middle of nowhere tornado alley, chase tornadoes while putting her in danger, and constantly flirts with his ex-wife?
What a stand-up guy.
Ferris Bueller – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
As a kid, Ferris Bueller is indeed a hero. Unless you’re Cameron, that is. Then he’s your best friend who forces you to skip school even when you’re sick.
When you’re an adult, though, my god, Ferris, learn some discipline and stop skating through life.
Wonder Woman – Wonder Woman 1984
2017’s Wonder Woman is a breath of fresh air for comic book movies: a fantastic, enjoyable D.C. Comics film that proves a female-led movie can succeed at the box office.
The much anticipated follow-up, Wonder Woman 1984, is a disaster. Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, is unlikable for several reasons, one of which is that she brings Steve Trevor back into existence by possessing the body of someone else.
Val Coleman – The Birdcage
Is Val the main protagonist of The Birdage? No, but he’s still a pretty rotten son.
I get what he’s trying to do, but having to lie about his family to get married when all his parents want is to be accepted is pretty low behavior. At least he realizes what he’s done in the third act.
Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire – Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin Williams tries to murder his ex-wife’s boyfriend while posing as an old Nanny in an attempt to circumvent court-ordered visitation rights for his children.
Father of the year, folks!
Dewey Finn – School of Rock
An egotistical slacker, Jack Black’s Dewey Finn poses as his roommate to become a substitute teacher, but it’s not to teach some of the brightest minds of the next generation.
No, it’s to win the battle of the bands. Don’t worry, though. The parents see how talented they are and refuse to press charges.
Grandpa Joe – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
I guess you’re not so bedridden when you’re invited to the famous Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.
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