10. Indiana Jones
Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr., aka Indiana Jones is the short-tempered archeology professor that has grit and brains in equal measures. Played by a young(ish) Harrison Ford, and created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg Indiana, or Indi as he’s often called, has been a favorite since Raiders of the Lost Ark was first released in 1981.
9. John McClane
John McClane can take a beating as well as any man. That’s what plants him so securely in this top ten. He’s not some untouchable, super-awesome killing machine. He’s just an everyday dude who gets the job done- whatever it takes. He has flaws like the rest of us – he smokes, drinks and has separated from his wife (if that can be considered a flaw).
8. James Bond
Someone once said to me, “If you actually met James Bond, you’d think he was arse,” but I remain unconvinced. And now there’s just so many Bonds that surely you’d have to get along with at least one of them. In any case, there’s no arguing the fact that an M6 agent who swans around in nice suits, drinking Martini’s while deploying an arsenal of sweet gadgets and defeating super villains is worthy of a spot in the top 10.
7. Mad Max
Max started off as a good bloke who was just trying to keep his family together as the world crumbled. After the apocalypse wiped out his wife and children, all that was left was a lone wolf hell bent on revenge. And really, who can blame the dude? Beneath that hardened exterior, Max still has a heart that beats for the more fragile among us, and the scars to prove it.
6. Maximus
Maximus would give the whole Roman soldier lark away in a second if the Emperor would just let him get back to farming the land. Alas, he’s just too good at killing for that to happen. After being tasked with reviving the Roman democracy, things go awry and Maximus ends up battling it out in the arena… and those killing skills turn out to be rather handy.
5. Rambo
John Rambo- that maladjusted Vietnam veteran you’ve just gotta love. Who cares if you can’t understand a word he’s saying? It’s an action movie, and actions speak louder than words.
4. Robin Hood
Robin (and to a lesser extent his merry men) has seen so many incarnations over the years that his longevity alone is testimony to his position in the top ten. Originally Robyn Hode of early medieval English folklore, his penchant for taking from the rich and giving to the poor has cemented his position in history and, let’s be honest, our hearts.
3. Tarzan
This wild man first came to life as a character in Tarzan of the Apes (magazine published 1912 and book published 1914) and proceeded to star in 25 sequels and innumerable works in print, film and (hopefully) song.
The son of a British lord and lady marooned on the Atlantic coast, his mother was taken ill and died while his father was killed by Kerchak, the leader of the tribe of apes who the adopted the boy. How’s that for the foundations of some serious inner turmoil?
2. William Wallace
Sir William Wallace was a Scottish landowner who became a pivotal character in the Wars of Scottish independence. Immortalised in the film Braveheart by Mel Gibson, Wallace’s story became one we all know. Although the film was criticised for its inaccuracies regarding his title, love interests and what he wore, the fact remains that William Wallace – film hero – is among the top ten.
1. Atticus Finch
While this is perhaps an unexpected entry, Atticus Finch is undoubtedly worthy of his top ten position. Played by Gregory Peck in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning classic, the character had a tangible impact on the legal profession.
Apparently Lee became quite close to Peck after the filming and is even said to have given him her father’s watch. Kudos, Gregory.
SPECIAL MENTION
Rocky Balboa
“Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give… it’s about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.”
Enough said really, Rocky was and still is a hero!
