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Okay, so the 2020s have been WILD, right? Like, seriously, we’ve seen some *unforgettable* movies drop since 2020. And with those movies? Absolute LEGENDS. We’re talking characters who broke the internet, started entire fashion trends, and just lived rent-free in our heads for years. I’ve watched everything, read all the Reddit threads, and now I’m here to give you my definitive, no-holds-barred ranking of the greatest movie characters of the decade so far. Get ready to agree… or furiously debate in the comments! Let’s GOOO!
1. Joe Gardner (Soul, 2020) — The Soul-Searching Legend
Look, I’m just gonna say it: Joe Gardner kicked off the decade with a whole mood. Pixar’s ‘Soul’ (2020) hit us right in the feels, especially after, well, 2020! Jamie Foxx’s voice performance as the jazz musician trying to get back to his body was just *chef’s kiss*. He made us all think about our ‘spark’ and what life is really about. Honestly, a total vibe check that we all needed. It’s streaming on Disney+ if you need a rewatch, and with a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, you know it’s good.
2. Mirabel Madrigal (Encanto, 2021) — The Heart of the Family
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We don’t talk enough about Mirabel! In a family full of super-powered folks, she was just… Mirabel. And that’s exactly why we loved her. ‘Encanto’ (2021) became a cultural phenomenon, and Stephanie Beatriz’s Mirabel was the glue. She was relatable, determined, and proved you don’t need magic to be special. Honestly, her journey to save the Madrigal magic was pure, unadulterated joy. Plus, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ is STILL stuck in my head. No cap.
3. Tashi Duncan (Challengers, 2024) — The Tennis Queen
Zendaya absolutely SLAYED as Tashi Duncan in ‘Challengers’ (2024). This character was everything: ambitious, manipulative, fiercely intelligent, and totally in control. She was the one pulling all the strings in that intense love triangle, and honestly, we were LIVING for it. Tashi was a complex female lead who didn’t need to be ‘likable’ to be captivating. She just *was*. The movie’s critical acclaim, with an 89% RT score, speaks for itself, and Zendaya’s performance was a huge part of that.
4. Puss in Boots (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 2022) — The Unexpected Legend
Who knew a spin-off sequel from ‘Shrek’ would deliver one of the most profound animated characters of the decade? ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022) was a masterclass, and Antonio Banderas’ Puss was at his absolute best. Facing his own mortality, Puss gave us heart, humour, and some seriously gorgeous animation. This movie and his character arc were critically acclaimed, hitting a stellar 95% on RT. Honestly, a character comeback for the ages!
5. J. Robert Oppenheimer (Oppenheimer, 2023) — The Destroyer of Worlds
Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer? Honestly, iconic. Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023) was a cinematic event, grossing over $950 million worldwide, and Murphy’s intense, haunted portrayal was the absolute core. He captured the genius, the ambition, and the profound moral conflict of the man who created the atomic bomb. You could feel the weight of the world in his eyes. It was a performance that just stuck with you, earning him that well-deserved Oscar.
6. Paul Atreides (Dune / Dune: Part Two, 2021 & 2024) — The Reluctant Messiah
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides? We literally can’t get enough. Across ‘Dune’ (2021) and ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024), he’s taken us on an epic journey from noble heir to full-blown, terrifying messiah. The sheer scale of his character’s development, his struggle with destiny, and those intense desert stares… it’s just *chef’s kiss*. ‘Dune: Part Two’ alone raked in over $711 million globally, cementing Paul’s place as a sci-fi legend of the 2020s. We’re living for the drama!
7. Miles Morales (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023) — The Ultimate Spider-Man
Miles Morales is just getting better and better! ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023) took everything we loved about him and cranked it to 11. He’s still figuring out what kind of hero he wants to be, challenging the ‘canon,’ and doing it all with incredible style. The animation? Mind-blowing. The emotion? SO real. Shameik Moore brings such heart to the role. This movie hit a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Miles is a huge reason why. We can’t wait for ‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’!
8. Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once, 2022) — The Multiverse Mom
Okay, Evelyn Wang is literally everything. Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar-winning performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022) gave us the most chaotic, relatable, and ultimately heartwarming mom-turned-multiverse-hero. From tax audits to kung fu fighting with fanny packs, Evelyn did it all. She’s the immigrant mother we’ve seen on screen, but with a sci-fi twist that made her truly unique. The movie was a critical darling, nabbing a 94% on RT. A total mood, honestly.
9. Death (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 2022) — The Terrifying Wolf
I’m not kidding, the literal character of Death in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022) was one of the BEST villains of ANY movie this decade. He was genuinely terrifying, with those piercing red eyes and that chilling whistle. Voiced by Wagner Moura, this character wasn’t just a threat; he was a philosophical concept given form. He made us all feel Puss’s fear and forced him to confront his arrogance. A true masterclass in animated villainy. Honestly iconic.
10. Ken (Barbie, 2023) — He’s Just Ken!
Ryan Gosling as Ken in ‘Barbie’ (2023) — need I say more?! He stole the show, no cap. From his ‘Kenergy’ to his existential crisis about patriarchy, Ken was the unexpected heart and humour of the movie. His song, ‘I’m Just Ken,’ was a whole cultural moment, even getting an Oscar nomination! ‘Barbie’ made over $1.4 billion worldwide, and a huge chunk of that was because everyone was obsessed with Ken. He literally gave us EVERYTHING.
11. Jobu Tupaki (Everything Everywhere All at Once, 2022) — The Nihilistic Fashion Icon
Jobu Tupaki is not just a character; she’s a *statement*. Stephanie Hsu’s performance as the universe-hopping, everything-bagel-creating villain (and daughter!) in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022) was pure fire. Her fashion? Unmatched. Her nihilism? Deeply relatable. Her emotional core? Devastating. She was powerful, vulnerable, and just utterly captivating. Jobu Tupaki proved that a ‘villain’ can be the most complex and memorable part of a movie. She’s a legend.
12. Barbie (Barbie, 2023) — She’s Barbie!
Come on, like it could be anyone else for the top spot? Margot Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie in ‘Barbie’ (2023) wasn’t just a character; she was a cultural reset. She made us laugh, she made us cry, she made us think about feminism, patriarchy, and the sheer absurdity of life in plastic. The movie was a global phenomenon, and Barbie’s journey of self-discovery resonated with literally EVERYONE. She’s iconic, she’s empowering, and she’s undeniably the greatest movie character of the 2020s so far.
FAQs
Who is considered the most iconic movie character of the 2020s?
Honestly, it’s gotta be Barbie from the 2023 movie. She sparked a global cultural phenomenon, inspired countless fashion trends, and her story resonated with millions. Margot Robbie’s portrayal was just perfection!
What movie characters from the early 2020s are still popular?
Characters like Mirabel Madrigal from ‘Encanto’ (2021) and Evelyn Wang from ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022) definitely still hold a special place. Their stories of family, self-discovery, and wild adventures continue to be super popular.
Are there any animated characters from the 2020s that made a big impact?
Absolutely! Puss in Boots from ‘The Last Wish’ (2022) and Miles Morales from ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023) completely blew us away. They pushed animation boundaries and gave us incredibly deep, engaging stories. Total legends!
Phew! There you have it — my definitive, totally unbiased (just kidding, I have STRONG opinions!) ranking of the greatest movie characters of the 2020s so far. This decade has given us so many unforgettable faces, from existential jazz musicians to multiverse-hopping moms and, of course, the one and only Barbie. Did your faves make the cut? Who do YOU think should be higher or lower? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this list with your movie-loving besties!
