Famous Movie Characters

The topic of the most famous movie characters is so subjective, it's difficult for critics to agree on which ones are, in fact, the most famous. The following slideshow features some of the most memorable movie characters; some may have loved them, some may have hated them, but they are all memorable nonetheless.

Darth Vader

Darth Vader is one of the most memorable characters of the Star Wars films. Of course, no one can forget Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca or Princess Leia either.

Clint Eastwood's arguably most famous character, Dirty Harry has one of the infamous phrases in movie history: "…you've gotta ask yourself one question. 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"

Al Pacino is a consummate actor who has portrayed a number of roles. Tony Montana in the 1983 Brian DePalma film Scarface, along with Michael Corleone in The Godfather, is one of his most famous movie characters of his career. Other famous characters played by Pacino include:

• Carlito Brigante - Carlito's Way
• Lt. Col. Frank Slade - Scent of a Woman
• Frank Serpico - Serpico

Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarrantino have worked on a film together. Her portrayal of "The Bride" in Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 remains one of the most memorable female lead characters in film.

How many times have you heard somebody quote Forrest Gump? Probably too many to count. Tom Hanks has played a whole lot of famous characters but Forrest really just sticks with people.

Jon Heder plays the hilariously memorable character of Napoleon Dynamite. Who can forget Napoleon's moon boots, chapstick and need for tater tots? Classic.

Julia Roberts' breakout role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman remains a classic. Roberts also has a number of other memorable characters like:

• Erin Brokovich - Erin Brockovich
• Shelby Latcherie - Steel Magnolias

Robert DeNiro is known for a number of famous roles, one of them being Vito Corleone in The Godfather II. Here is a short list of other memorable roles of DeNiro's:

• Jake LaMotta - Raging Bull
• Travis Bickle - Taxi Driver
• Max Cady - Cape Fear
• Jack Byrnes - Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers
• Leonard Lowe - Awakenings

Harrison Ford's character of Indiana Jones is one of this veteran actor's most highly recognized roles. Ford's other memorable roles include:

• Han Solo - Star Wars films.
• Rick Deckard - Blade Runner
• Jack Ryan - Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger
• Dr. Richard Kimble - The Fugitive

Johnny Depp garnered a new generation of fans with his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

There are so many famous film characters that it is impossible to mention them all, but here are some other notables:

• Rocky and Rambo - Sylvester Stallone
• The Joker - Heath Ledger
• Jack Torrance - Jack Nicholson
• Hannibal Lecter - Anthony Hopkins
• The Dude - Jeff Bridges
• Ellen Ripley - Sigourney Weaver