10 Most lovable characters in movies.

10 Most lovable characters in movies.

1. Optimus Prime

Appearance: The Transformers series (2007-)

Creator: Denny O’Neil, Jim Shooter, Bob Budiansky

Performer: Peter Cullen (voice)

Defining moment: Riding high on a mecha dinosaur in Age Of Extinction.

Fascinating fact: He has his own Mr. Potatohead, called Optimash Prime (“More than meets the fry”).

2. Norman Bates

Appearance: The Psycho films (1960-1990), Psycho remake (1998)

Creator: Robert Bloch

Performer: Anthony Perkins, Henry Thomas, Vince Vaughn

Defining moment: With a superimposed skull, he says, “I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Fascinating fact: Hitchcock always addressed Anthony Perkins on set as ‘Master Bates’. Ho ho ho.

3. Jim's Dad

The Character: When your life throws up as many embarrassing situations as Jim Levenstein’s seems to, it helps to have a father who understands what you’re going through. And despite his frequently embarrassing overshares, Jim’s Dad is always there to lend a sympathetic ear. Or more often, a lift to the hospital.

Most Endearing Moment: The ill-judged but well meaning rant in Jim’s defence in the hospital waiting room in the second film. At least he cares…

4.  Max Cherry

The Character: Quentin Tarantino doesn’t usually have much time for solidly dependable nice guys, but bail bondsman Max Cherry is all that and then some. Exuding a slightly melancholy air throughout, he’s a good guy who becomes embroiled in a grubby business, as he falls for Pam Grier’s middle-aged air hostess. It’s all for love, you see…

Most Endearing Moment: The sad but affectionate farewell he bids to Jackie before she skips the country.

5. Groot

Appearance: Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Creator: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Performer: Vin Diesel/ Krystian Godlewski

Defining moment: His return midcredits, getting his groove on as a sapling.

Fascinating fact: A Flora colossus from Planet X, Groot made his debut 1960’s Tales to Astonish #13. Far from heroic, proto Groot attempted to abduct humans for scientific experimentation.

6. Red

Appearance: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Creator: Stephen King

Performer: Morgan Freeman

Defining moment: His final parole board. “To tell you the truth, I don’t give a shit.”

Fascinating fact: In the novella, Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption, Red is a white Irishman. He gets his name from his mop of crimson hair.

7. Dobby

The Character: Dobby, the self-lacerating house elf is a character who grows on you throughout the Potter series. Initially a squeaky-voiced irritant, he develops into an affectionately regarded mascot before progressing to full-blown hero status. Then when he finally snuffs it, you find yourself in bits. How did that happen?

Most Endearing Moment: His defiance of old mistress Bellatrix Lestrange with the immortal words, “Dobby is a free elf!”

8. The Dude

The Character: Anyone who spends their days slouching around in a dressing gown, quaffing white Russians and playing the odd game of bowling is alright by us. The Dude is just about the most laid-back, affable kind of guy you could ever hope to meet. He abides, don’t you know? Taking her easy for all us sinners…

Most Endearing Moment: “I am not Mr. Lebowski. You’re Mr. Lebowski. I’m The Dude!”

9. Samwise Gamgee

Appearance: The Lord Of The Rings trilogy (2001-2003)

Creator: J. R. R. Tolkien

Performer: Sean Astin

Defining moment: Lugging Master Frodo onto his back and trudging up Mount Doom’s ashy slope: “I can’t carry it for you... but I can carry you!”

Fascinating fact: Astin uses a frying pan as a weapon in two films, The Fellowship Of The Ring and Toy Soldiers.

10. E.T.

The Character: Quite possibly the best-loved alien in celluloid history, E.T. is not only great with kids, he’s also got magical extra-terrestrial powers (as proven by Drew Barrymore’s magically revived flower). Mum, will you buy us one? Please?

Most Endearing Moment: The tear-stained farewell in which he reminds Elliot that, “I’ll be right here.” Sniff.