While several 2024 films rocked theaters throughout the year, heroic characters, new and old, captured the hearts of moviegoers around the world. Not all movie heroes were pure of heart, as they proved to be just as flawed and conflicted as real, ordinary people. Even heroes with superhuman abilities who fight giant monsters have shown that they are no different from everyone else. The characters seen in the film in 2024 were no exception.
Last year, audiences saw a number of films led by a variety of engaging modern heroes. His motives ranged from revenge, redemption, personal gain or simply the betterment of those around him, featuring a rich tapestry of human characters that film fans could connect with. Whether they're inspirational figures to live by or cautionary tales about human nature, these are the best movie heroes of 2024.
10
Deadpool - Deadpool and Wolverine
Played by Ryan Reynolds
Like half Deadpool and Wolverine, Bullseye made a spectacular return with his debut film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite the film being a sequel produced by Disney, Deadpool is as ridiculous and foul-mouthed as ever. However, Wade Wilson has reached new heights as a superhero in this adventure across realities, and it's not just because of his viral tribute to N'SYNC.
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After being rejected by the Avengers and going through a mid-life crisis, Deadpool went from being a low-level vigilante to becoming the savior of the entire Multiverse. He certainly isn't the best hero due to his questionable moral code and various wicked antics. However, Deadpool and Wolverine showed that he still hasn't lost his heart or sense of humor as he takes on the Multiverse itself to save his friends in this record-breaking superhero epic.
9
Rain Carradine - Alien: Romulus
Played by Cailee Spaeny
Considering the legacy that Ellen Ripley left as one of cinema's most popular heroines, actress Cailee Spaeny lived up to her high expectations as the main character Rain in 2024 Alien: Romulus. In the film, Rain displays heroic virtues despite his upbringing. She fights to protect her loved ones from danger, doing what she can to find a new home and a better life for herself and her android brother Andy.
With her triumph over the murderous aliens, young Rain has established herself as one of science fiction and horror's greatest new heroes.
While Alien: Romulus became a critical and commercial sensation, Spaeny achieved a new level of stardom as heir to Ripley's legacy. As she fought her way through hordes of Alien: Romulus' Xenomorphs and facehuggers and saved Andy and Kay, she conjured up images of Sigourney Weaver doing the same in Aliens. With her triumph over the murderous aliens, young Rain has established herself as one of science fiction and horror's greatest new heroes.
8
Skye Riley - Smile 2
Played by Naomi Scott
Skye Riley replaced Dr. Rose Cotton as the Smile franchise protagonist in the popular 2024 film Smile 2. As a singer recovering from drug addiction and the death of her boyfriend, Skye experiences enormous pressure and self-loathing throughout the film. This only makes her experience of being tormented by the Smile Entity even more terrifying, which also makes her an even more sympathetic protagonist.
Although Skye never got the big break she deserved, having succumbed to the monster's relentless curse, she proved that she could have led the way. Smile franchise going forward if she had survived in the end.
Skye may be guilty of causing her boyfriend's death, but her obvious regret for her actions and desire to please others shows that she has a good heart. She was even willing to risk her life to prevent the Smile Entity from cursing anyone else. Although Skye never got the big break she deserved, having succumbed to the monster's relentless curse, she proved that she could have led the way. Smile franchise going forward if it had survived to the end of Smile 2.
7
Imperator Furiosa - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Played by Anya Taylor-Joy
Emperor Furiosa stole the spotlight from Max as the true protagonist of Mad Max: Fury Roadmaking a prequel film about his origins a cinematic adventure for the ages. Despite a shockingly low attendance at theaters, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga it gained positive reviews and a considerable number of followers. Anya Taylor Joy's performance, in particular, was a highlight of the film that stood out against Charlize Theron's previous portrayal of the character.
This younger Furiosa isn't as heroic as she was in Fury Road, as she is more focused on survival and revenge than protecting others. However, Furiosa never refuses to leave behind those who love and need her, like Jack and her mother, Mary. This serves as an excellent precursor to his older self, who saves the Citadel from Immortan Joe's tyranny. Either way, young Furiosa established herself as a force to be reckoned with by defeating Dementus, making him pay for his crimes with the most creative and shocking act of revenge ever seen in modern cinema.
6
Noa - Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Played by Owen Teague
Actor Owen Teague gave a standout performance as the protagonist of the monkey Noaa new character introduced in the sci-fi blockbuster Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Noa follows the traditional "Hero's Journey" as he ventures into the desert to rescue his clan from the ape warlord Proximus Caesar.
Noa soon proves himself to be a true hero as he stands up to his oppressors with courage and pride, bringing his clan home and preventing Proximus from causing further destruction.
He begins the film naïve and fallible and almost loses hope of freeing his people from Proximus. Noa soon proves himself to be a true hero as he stands up to his oppressors with courage and pride, bringing his clan home and preventing Proximus from causing further destruction. Although she is unsure of the coexistence of apes and humanity, Noa still seeks to build a better world based on the lessons of the past. preparing him to be a leader on par with Andy Serkis' Caesar. Common Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes sequel already in development, Noa will only continue to grow.
5
Lúcio Vero Aurélio - Gladiator II
Played by Paul Mescal
As the son of Lucilla and Maximus Decimus Meridius, Lucius had a great destiny linked to the history of Rome in Gladiator II. Like his father, Lúcio was driven by his desire for revenge against Pedro Pascal's Acácio in Gladiator II for the death of his wife. However, what made Lucius different was how he openly denied his origins and his family, preventing him from embracing the future.
His journey and victory over his enemies made Paul Mescal's Lucius a worthy successor to Russell Crowe's Maximus, making him Gladiator II the acclaimed blockbuster sequel that rocked cinemas in 2024.
Although Lucius lets his anger blind him throughout the film, he eventually learns to show mercy and forgiveness towards Acacius. Taking up his father's sword, Lucius embraces his roots and his family to become the heroic leader Rome needs him to be. His journey and victory over his enemies made Paul Mescal's Lucius a worthy successor to Russell Crowe's Maximus, doing Gladiator II the acclaimed blockbuster sequel that rocked cinemas in 2024.
4
Sienna Shaw - Terrifying 3
Played by Lauren LaVera
2024 saw the Terrifying franchise achieving incredible levels of success with Terrifying 3. The sequel continued to establish Sienna Shaw as one of horror films' coolest and most compelling new heroines. Having survived his first encounter with Art the Clown, Sienna spends the film experiencing post-traumatic trauma and survivor's guilt as she tries to live a happy life again. This storyline makes her a likable and relatable protagonist that many audiences can get behind.
Although she experiences crushing loss and horror at the hands of Art and Vicki in Terrifying 3Sienna perseveres and fights to protect her family from danger.
However, the film makes it clear that Sienna was chosen for a greater purpose. as she finds herself embroiled in a biblical war with her ongoing conflict with art. Although she experiences crushing loss and horror at the hands of Art and Vicki in Terrifying 3Sienna perseveres and fights to protect her family from danger. Additionally, Sienna's decision to rescue Gabi at the end of the film makes her return soon. Terrifying 4 even more exciting.
3
Shadow - Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Played by Keanu Reeves
Although Sonic was the main protagonist of the film that shares his name, all eyes were on Shadow when he made his long-awaited debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, This sequel made sure to do the shadows justice on the big screenand the casting of Keanu Reeves was just the beginning. This blockbuster film faithfully adapts the character of Shadow from the source material, depicting his tragic origins and path to redemption.
Despite his dark beginnings, Shadow's willingness to sacrifice himself to protect the world practically made him the ultimate hero.
Shadow starts in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 as a conflicted villain who seeks to destroy humanity after the murder of his friend Maria. However, your character achieves tremendous growth as he learns to overcome his angerteaming up with Sonic to save Earth from Gerald Robotnik's Eclipse Cannon. Despite his dark beginnings, Shadow's willingness to sacrifice himself to protect the world practically made him the ultimate hero.
2
Wolverine - Deadpool and Wolverine
Played by Hugh Jackman
As one of the most iconic characters in comic book history, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine was one of the most anticipated aspects of the third Deadpool film. Wolverine returned in this 2024 blockbuster, seven years after his death in Loganall while wearing a comic book costume, making his partnership with Deadpool in this blockbuster a load of fan service unlike any other.
However, Logan's character arc in this film brought tremendous heart to the storythanks in particular to Jackman's moving performance as the iconic hero. You can hear the actor's true self coming through as Logan declares his pride in being one of the X-Men. With that, this new version of Logan goes from being an old, regret-filled hero to a proud warrior once again, making him the best Wolverine in recent memory.
1
Elphaba – Perverse
Played by Cynthia Erivo
As the main character of one of the most popular Broadway musicals in history, Elphaba had to be done well in the Hollywood film adaptation of Evil for the film to work. Clearly yes, as the film broke box office records and received several rave reviews and award nominations. At the same time, Cynthia Erivo shines with her interpretation of the protagonist Elphaba, a much more heroic version of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Having grown up feared and ostracized due to her green skin, Elphaba's journey of self-acceptance in an unforgiving world brought wonder and tragedy to this musical blockbuster. Even when everyone in Oz turns against her, Elphaba never gives up on her morals and continues to fight for what is rightmaking her the true good witch and an inspiration to everyone. Furthermore, the fact that Erivo was considered for the Golden Globe for Best Actress secures her place as one of the best film heroines in the history of cinema.