We often find ourselves enchanted by the main characters, the heroes of the story. But sometimes, it’s the side characters who steal the show.
These secondary figures, with their unique quirks, fascinating backstories, and standout performances, often bring an unexpected depth to the plot. They captivate us, make us laugh, make us think, and occasionally, they even outshine their leading counterparts.
Here are some of these unsung heroes, side characters who arguably stole the limelight and became more engaging than the main characters in their respective movies.
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Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Captain Jack Sparrow, brilliantly brought to life by Johnny Depp, quickly became the star of the show despite being a side character. Jack Sparrow is far more than just a source of comic relief; his eccentric yet endearing personality, quick wit, and the unpredictable strategies he employs to outsmart his adversaries set him apart.
Over the course of the franchise, Sparrow transforms from a self-centered pirate to an unlikely hero. His mischievous antics, daring escapes, and cunning plans keep audiences hooked, always wondering what he’ll do next.
Unlike the main protagonists, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who follow more traditional character arcs, Sparrow constantly surprises and entertains, making him a standout character. His complex relationships, especially his intriguing rivalry with Barbossa, add layers to his character, making him more captivating.
From his memorable entrance sailing into Port Royal on a barely afloat ship, to his grand adventures on the high seas, Sparrow steals every scene he’s in.
Stephen in “Braveheart”
Stephen, the “mad” Irishman in “Braveheart,” is a secondary character who leaves a lasting impression. Portrayed by David O’Hara, Stephen brings a distinctive charm and levity to the otherwise heavy narrative of the movie.
Stephen’s arrival in the story is timely, injecting a dash of much-needed humor and optimism. His quirky, almost mystical demeanor, marked by his claim of speaking to God, is a stark contrast to the grounded, stoic nature of the protagonist, William Wallace.
Stephen’s loyalty to Wallace, however, is unwavering and fierce. He serves as both a trusted confidant and skilled warrior in Wallace’s quest for Scottish independence. His antics, unpredictability, and amusing dialogue, coupled with his deep devotion to the cause, make him an engaging and memorable presence in the film.
Despite his side character status, Stephen’s personality is so strong that he frequently outshines the main characters.
Dr. Ian Malcolm in “Jurassic Park”
Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of Dr. Ian Malcolm in “Jurassic Park” is a shining example of a side character outdoing the lead. Dr. Malcolm, a charismatic and slightly eccentric mathematician, is a standout character in the film, offering humorous quips and clever insights that often outshine the more serious, stoic main characters.
Malcolm’s theories on chaos and unpredictability not only foreshadow the catastrophic events in the park, but also add depth and intellectual appeal to the film’s narrative.
His famous line, “Life finds a way,” became one of the most iconic quotes from the film, reflecting his unique viewpoint and personality. Goldblum’s charismatic performance made Dr. Malcolm an unforgettable character, who became so popular that he was given a leading role in the sequel, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.”
Tommy Lee Jones in “The Fugitive”
In “The Fugitive”, Tommy Lee Jones, who plays the relentless US Marshal Samuel Gerard, truly steals the show. Even with Harrison Ford, a Hollywood legend, as the leading man, Jones manages to shine brighter.
Jones brings an intense, no-nonsense energy to his role as Gerard. His character is on a relentless pursuit of Ford’s character, Dr. Richard Kimble. Gerard’s sharp wit, determination, and dedication to his job make him a fascinating character to watch.
While Ford delivers a solid performance as the wrongfully accused Kimble, it is Jones’s captivating portrayal of Gerard that often steals the spotlight. His charismatic performance not only won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor but also made his character one of the most memorable parts of the film.
Robert Pattinson in “Tenet”
“Tenet” brought a new side of Robert Pattinson to the big screen that left audiences forgetting about his past role as Edward Cullen in “Twilight”.
As Neil, Pattinson’s charisma and effortless charm took center stage, showing us a complex character who was at times more intriguing than the protagonist.
Neil’s mysterious background and Pattinson’s nuanced performance made the character compelling and memorable. While “Tenet” revolves around John David Washington’s Protagonist, Pattinson’s performance was equally captivating, if not more so.
It’s in this high-stakes thriller that Pattinson truly shines, leaving his “Twilight” persona far behind and showing audiences his true acting range.
Emily Blunt in “The Devil Wears Prada”
Emily Blunt’s performance as the sassy and stylish assistant Emily Charlton was a standout in “The Devil Wears Prada”. Even with acting powerhouses like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in the lead, Blunt’s portrayal of Emily stole many scenes.
She was sharp, funny, and perfectly captured the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry. As Miranda Priestly’s first assistant, she delivered her lines with an unforgettable mix of disdain and desperation that left a lasting impression.
With her impeccable timing and unique character, Blunt often outshone her on-screen bosses and carved a memorable place in the movie.
Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter”
As one of the core characters in the “Harry Potter” series, Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson, proves to be more than just a sidekick.
Initially introduced as a bookish know-it-all, Hermione undergoes an impressive transformation throughout the series. Her character growth from a rule-obsessed scholar to a brave, quick-thinking strategist is engaging to witness.
Hermione’s depth and strength often eclipse that of Harry, the titular character. Her romance with Ron Weasley, layered with years of friendship and mutual respect, feels more substantial compared to Harry’s relationship with Ginny.
In terms of competence and proactivity, Hermione arguably outshines Harry, always steps ahead with a plan, and frequently saving the day.
Donkey in “Shrek” series
Voiced by the charismatic Eddie Murphy, Donkey from the “Shrek” series is a side character who often steals the show. He brings not only comic relief, but also heartfelt sincerity to the franchise.
His unwavering loyalty, boundless optimism, and uncanny ability to talk himself out of any situation make him a lovable and unforgettable character.
Even when compared to the titular ogre, Shrek, Donkey stands out as a character. His hilarious antics and wisecracking dialogue often overshadow the grumpy yet soft-hearted Shrek.
Donkey’s memorable one-liners and his unlikely friendship with Shrek are key elements that have helped make the series such a beloved classic.
Loki in “Thor” and “Avengers” series
Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki in the “Thor” and “Avengers” series is truly captivating. Loki, the God of Mischief, is a side character who often outshines his heroic brother Thor.
With his complex personality, cunning mind, and his ever-shifting loyalties, Loki provides a depth of character often unmatched in superhero movies.
Unlike the typical villain, Loki is not purely evil. He struggles with his identity, his desire for power, and his need for acceptance, which adds layers to his character. His ability to elicit both sympathy and frustration from audiences sets him apart from many main characters.
Hiddleston’s compelling performance as Loki has won him a dedicated fanbase and made Loki one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Stanley Tucci in Every Movie
Stanley Tucci is one of those rare talents who can take any role and make it exceptional. Be it Caesar Flickerman, the flamboyantly charming host in “The Hunger Games”, or Dr. Conrad Zimsky, the pragmatic geophysicist in “The Core”, Tucci manages to make every character he plays intensely compelling.
He has a knack for capturing the essence of his characters, often providing the emotional depth and layers that make them more intriguing.
Even in a supporting role, Tucci never fails to command attention, often overshadowing the main characters with his charismatic performances. It’s as if every movie he’s in becomes a Stanley Tucci showcase.
