What Makes Movie Characters Iconic?

by Adrian Johansen

There are various aspects of a movie that can cause it to transcend its theatrical run to have a lasting influence on our culture. There are shots so recognizable they become part of the long-term language of cinema. Individual scenes — the shower sequence in Psycho and the canyon ending of Thelma & Louise — make for easy parody and reference because they’re so ingrained in our film history.  Even great costumes can have a timeless connection to a single movie. 

Yet, it is often the characters within movies we’ll find are achieving truly iconic status. They move beyond the screen to become our real-life role models and our shorthand for certain behavior or morality. There are those characters who hold such a solid place in our consciousness we will gladly sit through a terrible fourth sequel just to spend time with them. 

So, what does it take for some characters to reach iconic status? Let’s take a look at a few of the contributing factors. 

Personality

There is a kind of alchemy that can occur when a movie character is well-written and expertly performed. It goes beyond an acted set of lines to move the narrative along. Instead, the character develops what feels like a genuine and unique personality we find gives them life beyond the screen. When such a personality resonates with the audience, this contributes to iconic status.

Some of these personalities create a sense of character we’d like to spend more time with. They could be fun and flawed like Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy. It may be that even in extreme circumstances, the character remains grounded and relatable in ways we would value in our real-life friends. Marty McFly in Back to the Future and Princess Anna from Frozen both exemplify these qualities. The audience wants to get to know these people on and off the screen. We want to form relationships with them and share in their adventures.

Another personality connection helping to make characters iconic is more intimate. We see aspects of their outlook and approach we would like to be more like. We might not want to find ourselves faced with murder and a bungled kidnapping like Marge Gundersen from Fargo, but her unflappability and ethical strength are downright aspirational. We all know the Star Wars smuggler Han Solo has some less positive attributes. But many people want to emulate his charismatic traits and loyalty to his friends. 

Resilience

Some of the most iconic characters in cinema history are those who have overcome the odds by the strength of their being. This is a strange thing to say about a fictional human, but it’s nonetheless true. Their resilience in the face of serious adversity provides audiences with examples of how the human spirit can triumph through the worst experiences. At their best, these iconic characters are clear in the idea that challenges leave people changed — not always in good ways — but there is some light to be found beyond the dark times.

Some of these characters are directly relatable in reflecting the reality of contemporary mental health experiences rather than the stereotype. Anxiety and depression are increasingly common today but there is still a great deal of confusion about where the conditions overlap and diverge. They are very different illnesses, with anxiety more focused on excessive worry and depression based around hopelessness. Neither is quite this simple, though. Characters like Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower can be key in portraying how depression and anxiety are complex and showing the struggles with navigating them. But Charlie is also a great example in showing that achieving moments of joy are still attainable.

But the concept of resilience is not just applicable to characters in realistic circumstances. Ripley in the Alien franchise is a prime case of a flawed character who faces continuous challenges and overcomes them through wit, perseverance, and inner strength. Though the situation may be fantastical, this doesn’t make the character any less inspirational. For a few generations now, the character has been a significant role model for overcoming adversity when one feels isolated and terrified.  

Appearance

An important part of what can make a movie character iconic is their appearance. Their distinctive silhouette can make them instantly recognizable and what they wear becomes a cultural artifact. We only need to look at the Smithsonian Museum’s collection of superhero costumes and accessories to see these are important aspects of our shared artistic history.

To some extent, this is a way we can become closer to the characters we admire. We often see TV characters have a direct influence on the direction of men’s style, as with Mad Men’s Don Draper and Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders. With iconic movie characters, though, the fashion choices are often more pronounced, becoming an extension of the character. Indiana Jones’ fedora, leather jacket, and whip combo are unlikely to be seen on the streets (outside of a comic con), but they crystallize the character as a pinnacle of our culture.

However, one of the more attainable appearance-based elements audiences can emulate are accessories. James Bond’s watch and Neo’s shades from The Matrix are both practical and also reflect the lifestyle of the on-screen character. Our current accessories marketplace offers a variety of durable jewelry and watch options for people keen to follow active lifestyles in a similar way to these icons. While the high-end versions may not be exactly the same, obtaining items that support and enhance the activities these movies inspire are a testament to the character’s impact.

Conclusion

Movies are a ubiquitous part of our landscape, but it still takes something very special for a character to be considered iconic. Often the combination of writing and performance creates a distinct personality that resonates beyond the screen. At other times, the resilient nature of the character helps to inspire audiences to overcome the difficulties in their lives. Even something as seemingly superficial as a costume can solidify a key place in our cultural pantheon. Whatever part of the character sparks their iconic status, it shows just how important and impactful these fictional people can be in our lives.