Certain actors and movie stars may have found immense success for a certain role or type of leading man and chose to stick with it. Although always playing the hero doesn't mean always playing the same type of character, some actors rarely play the villain. Some of the greatest actors of all time have never played villains, which proves that sticking to heroic roles isn't necessarily a bad thing.
What goes hand in hand with this phenomenon is the actor's popularity and public perception. It's rare to go to a Jason Statham, Keanu Reeves or Will Smith film and expect them not to be the heroes of the story they're in. For some, they found their niche early on and simply moved on. For others, it can be a safe space to rest after a long and varied career. Whatever the reasoning, these actors put the audience at ease because they know they will see their favorite star being the hero.
10
Adam Sandler
The beloved comedy actor has made a career out of playing the goofy, childish underdog who always wins in the end. He may have to prove himself or overcome some obstacles to get the girl or win the race, but viewers generally know what they can expect from an Adam Sandler movie. He displays his brand of strange and often immature humor in a variety of comedies, usually as a star or as an ensemble lead.
Even in his dramatic roles, Adam Sandler is able to save the day. In Rough gemshe's a flawed gambling addict, but his perseverance in balancing his personal and professional problems is what makes him relatable to anyone watching. His long list of romantic comedies sees him as an unlikely romantic lead whose lovable quirkiness manages to win over his female co-stars. He, in turn, overcomes any personal problems he may be going through to become a more well-rounded person. Whether he's making audiences laugh, cry, or smile, Sandler is sure to bring humor and heart to all of his roles.
9
Vin Diesel
Best known for playing roles that emphasize strength, loyalty, and leadership, Vin Diesel often portrays characters with a tough, stoic exterior but a deep sense of honor. It's been working for him since his career-defining role in Fast and Furious in 2001, meaning he's been playing the same character literally and figuratively for over 20 years. Dominic Toretto has been through a lot, but he always manages to save the day and do what's best for his chosen family. Diesel shows off his action skills in Fast and Furious franchise, as well as in other roles like Riddick.
His high-octane filmography is fun and exciting, but no matter what the heroes he portrays go through, viewers know he will prevail. As Groot, Diesel puts his booming voice to use, adding a lot of character and nuance to what is effectively a one-word tree. He gained a whole new legion of fans by conveying the same phrase in many different ways. Teen Groot is sassy and sarcastic, and Baby Groot is cute and curious, but what they have in common is that, like most of Vin Diesel's characters, they are heroes at any age.
8
Tom Hanks
As one of the most revered and beloved movie stars in the world, there is no doubt that Tom Hanks is a talent that will be remembered as long as people watch movies. He has been a part of some of the most celebrated films of the last 40 years and has won numerous awards, including two consecutive Oscar wins.
As much depth and nuance as he brings to each of his well-thought-out roles, the fact remains that he's probably playing the hero of the story. His innate gravitas and the adoration he's earned from audiences around the world mean he's always expected to be the good guy.
Woody in Toy StoryRobert Langdon in The Da Vinci Codeand Jim Lovell in Apollo 13 are just some of the heroic roles he has played throughout his prolific career. Forrest Gump is one of Tom Hank's most memorable characters and embodies many of Hanks's own positive characteristics.
His romantic comedies showed off his leading man credentials, as he enchanted and enchanted audiences, and especially Meg Ryan. Even in his recent and more antagonistic role, Colonel Tom Parker in Elvishe was able to show the humanity of this unpleasant character. Of A league of its own to A man named OttoTom Hanks is often the hero every viewer roots for.
7
Chris Pratt
Having come a long way since his Parks and Recreation days, Chris Pratt's movie resume would make Andy Dwyer proud. As the lovable and goofy Pawneean, his biggest dream is to be an action star, and his alter ego, Burt Macklin, is the perfect example of how much that means to him. If he knew he was destined to be a Guardian as well as an Avenger, train Velociraptors, and protect a LEGO world, his little face would light up with the kind of joy only April could see.
Pratt has been part of some of the biggest franchises, which include Jurassic World and The Lego Movie, and Star-Lord's central role in the MCU, and he is always the hero. He combines his innate charm with a relatable masculinity that has worked very well for him in all of his roles. He still manages to hone some of his comedic chops, and even in his voice work, he was always the main character. Like Garfield and Mario, Pratt consolidated his dominance in voice acting with two more franchises with great potential that have already grossed millions.
6
Jackie Chan
Legendary actor and martial artist Jackie Chan is known for his dynamic, action-packed performances and his unique blend of comedy, charm and physical skill. His characters often embody a mix of determination, resourcefulness and slapstick humor. Since his successful transition to Hollywood, his characters include mostly ordinary people, such as police officers, chefs or delivery drivers, with no aspirations for heroism. And yet heroism is often forced upon them.
Part of the relatable charm of Chan's characters is their mix of humility and skill. Although highly capable, they rarely act arrogantly or aggressively. Often, their fights are aimed at disarming or incapacitating opponents rather than seriously harming them, which shows how much courage there is in each role. Franchises like The Karate Kid, Kung Fu Panda, and Rush hour all showcase the skills that made audiences fall in love with their self-deprecating heroism.
5
Jason Statham
Smooth, sophisticated, sometimes smooth and sophisticated at the same time, but always rugged and strong, Jason Statham's roles have always demonstrated his action skills. His characters typically operate in high-risk environments, combining elite combat skills with sharp intelligence and a calm, unflappable demeanor. He has been a Conveyor and one Mechaniche joined the world of The Expendables as well as the Fast franchise and faced prehistoric sea creatures in Meg films.
Every time audiences see an announcement for a new Jason Statham film, they know to expect explosive action, a cool demeanor and a bit of British humor. Although he is always a tough guy, he has never shied away from relying on his sense of humor. In films like Spy and Hobbs and ShawStatham shows that he can joke and also fight. As an actor who could get the green light for a project based on a name like “Jason Statham's untitled thriller,” he's one of the few action stars audiences want to see doing the same thing over and over again.
4
Smith
As one of Hollywood's most versatile and charismatic actors, Will Smith is known for his ability to switch between comedy, drama, action and even musical performances. His characters combine charm, emotional depth, and relatability, making him a hero audiences want to follow. He is a romantic hero in Hitchan action hero in Independence Dayand something in between in many other films. Although he is an undisputed talent on stage and screen, Will Smith is unlikely to play the villain in his films.
The actor showed off his strong action star credentials in Bad Boy series, Hancock, and Suicide Squad, but it was always clear that his moral compass was on the right side. Many of Smith's dramatic roles often focus on a caring father who works hard to overcome some obstacles to provide for his family, which shows him in a positive light as a relentless provider. Whether he's a man in black fighting aliens, inspiring audiences with true stories, or making them laugh, Will Smith's on-screen hero's origin story has spanned decades.
3
Mark Wahlberg
He may have started his career as a rapper with a tough exterior and played the iconic villain in Fear with Reese Witherspoon, but over the past two decades Mark Wahlberg has taken on more familiar roles. As an action star, he is tough, resourceful and not willing to back down from a fight. Often driven by a sense of loyalty to family or friends, his characters always have a strong moral compass. Even when playing a criminal in films like Italian workhe infuses the character with enough sympathy and empathy to ensure he's the one on the viewers' side.
With some comedy and family-oriented roles under his belt, he's built a fan base that enjoys seeing his gruff, deadpan delivery mixed with some slapstick physical humor. Mark Wahlberg has built a career mixing intensity, humor, and heart, making him a standout actor across a variety of genres. Whether saving the world, telling a comedic joke, or portraying real-life heroes, Wahlberg's roles consistently reflect his heroic versatility.
2
Keanu Reeves
From action star to romantic hero, with comedic skills, Keanu Reeves has had audiences in the palm of his hand since the 1980s. With a mix of spiritual intensity and calming presence, he often plays characters who take on the role of protector, motivated by loyalty , by love or a strong moral compass. These roles allow him to showcase his action skills and emotional depth, making him a very captivating protagonist.
Even when playing a violent killer in John Wick films, he has viewers by his side as they learn about his moving experience with his late wife. And avenging the cruel death of a puppy is probably the most relatable reason to go on a Wick-style rampage in the history of cinema.
Like Neo in The Matrix series, Keanu Reeves became the chosen one for many. Films like Speed, Breaking Point, and Constantine everyone showed how many different ways he can save the day. He is also never afraid to rely on his irreverent humor, especially in The Adventures of Bill and Ted. But even his cameos in Toy Story 4 and Always be my maybeprove that while he can be tough and intense, he doesn't always take himself too seriously.
1
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
His larger-than-life personality and charismatic presence made him one of Hollywood's most bankable actors. Dwayne Johnson's roles often combine physicality, humor and leadership, making him the natural hero of action films, comedy and family films. Plays like the Scorpion King and Black Adam showcase his incredible athleticism and ability to portray physically strong characters. Their roles in Fast franchise and Jumanji series have showcased his leadership skills, and he's also been great as part of a double act. His comedic chemistry with Kevin Hart, Jason Statham and Chris Evans reinforces his screen presence.
Starring Moana and Super pets made him a hero to a whole new generation, which means his fans range from little kids who love Disney to adults who like fast cars and explosions. Whether Johnson plays the classic action hero, wise mentor, or antihero, his characters are often defined by their strength, leadership, and humor. His ability to combine these traits with a genuine, relatable nature has made him one of Hollywood's most prolific and successful action heroes.