The 20 Most Likable Movie Characters of the ’80s

E.T. is an unforgettable character from the 1980s. This strange alien from a far-off planet is a defining symbol of the 80s. During the film, E.T. is lost and befriends a group of kids who try to help him get home.

“E.T.” also known as “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” was released in the United States on June 11, 1982. It easily exceeded its budget and became popular enough to get video games and even a theme park ride called E.T. Adventure.

Next on our list of the most likable movie characters of the 80s is Beetlejuice from the film of the same name. When this fun mischievous creature is on screen, he’s hard to look away from, likely because of his wide eccentric eyes, striped suit, and bright green hair.

“Beetlejuice” is a comedy-horror musical that was released on March 30, 1988. It stars incredible actors like Jeffrey Jones, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Catherine O’Hara, and Geena Davis.

Also on our list of the greatest movie characters of the 80s is Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film series. “Back to the Future” was released on July 3, 1985, in the United States. It was very successful, so successful in fact that the film became the highest-grossing film of 1985 worldwide.

Not only is the concept of this entertaining 80s movie fun, but McFly is silly and easy to root for. Michael J. Fox did an excellent job of bringing Marty McFly to the big screen.

In 1989, “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” was released, gathering the attention of thousands of moviegoers. Although it was moderately popular, it’s now considered a cult classic. This film had a budget of $10 million but grossed $40 million.

One of the main characters in this film is Ted “Theodore” Logan. This goofy character is played by Keanu Reeves. He’s best known for hilarious lines like “Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K” and “Deacon, do you realize you have just stranded one of Europe’s greatest leaders in San Dimas?”

It wouldn’t be fair to mention Ted, without also listing Bill as one of many iconic male 80s characters. Alex Winston does a phenomenal job of playing the silly Bill Preston.

Like Ted, Bill has many hilarious lines like “Bogus. Heinous. Most non-triumphant. Ah, Ted, don’t be dead, dude”, “As you can see, Genghis very much enjoys Twinkies because of the excellent sugar rush”, and “You killed Ted, you medieval dickweed!”

Sometimes, likable characters are the bad guys! This is the case for the film “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Freddy Krueger is a disfigured supernatural creature that haunts dreams and kills people in horrifying ways.

Freddy Krueger is likable, kind of. Very few people enjoy this character for his personality, but instead as a horror character and killer from the 1980s. Since the first movie though, Freddy Krueger has been featured in video games, other movie franchises, and more.

Molly Ringwald worked hard during the 1980s. She played one of the best female 80s characters, Samantha Baker from the 1984 film “Sixteen Candles.”

Samantha Baker is a sweet teenage girl whose family forgets her 16th birthday because of her sister’s wedding. The day from the beginning is messy! So, why is she so likable? Probably because she is so relatable.

Easily one of the most likable 80s movie characters is Ferris Bueller from the film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” This fun film was released on June 11, 1986, in the United States. Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of this teenager is exciting to watch as he breaks the fourth wall multiple times in the film.

Tony Montana’s “Scarface” is an alluring character. Played by Al Pacino, this tough character is charming, strange, and powerful. The film was released on December 9, 1983, in the United States and did moderately well, although it’s even more popular now decades later.

Throughout the film, Tony Montana states lines that are still repeated today like “I always tell the truth, even when I lie”, “The only thing in this world that gives orders… is balls”, and “Say hello to my little friend!”

Eddie Murphy also plays another incredible and likable movie character of the 80s, Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop”. This comedic action flick was released on December 5, 1984, in the United States and was a hit from the beginning. The film blew its budget, earning $234 million at the North American domestic box office.

Eddie Murphy did such an excellent job playing his role that the movie spawned three sequels.

The film “Die Hard” is constantly quoted. It starred Bruce Willis as John McClane, a tough and reluctant hero. “Die Hard” was another hit film of the 1980s. It was released on July 15, 1988, and is based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel “Nothing Lasts Forever.”

Here are a few quotes from the film by John McClane “Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs…”, “Yippee Ki Yay, motherfucker”, and “No fucking shit, lady! Does it sound like I’m ordering a pizza?”

Another Molly Ringwald 80s character makes our list. “The Breakfast Club” is a popular movie. Any of the characters could’ve made our list, but Claire Standish really stands out.

Claire Standish is a “princess.” She’s often seen as perfect but is struggling due to her parents fighting and divorce. She’s in detention because she skipped school to go shopping.

Continuing our list of the greatest movie characters of the 80s is Indiana Jones from the 1981 film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The movie was almost immediately successful, with a budget of about $20 million and an earning of $354 million worldwide.

This unforgettable film stars Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, a charming adventure-loving archaeologist. He says fantastic lines like “It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage” and “I don’t know. I’m making this up as I go.”

David Bowie portrayed one of the most iconic male 1980s movie characters, Jareth the Goblin King. Within the film, Jareth is eccentric, and while he’s the antagonist, he steals the show! Jareth is unforgettable, including his big hair, fantastic costumes, and dramatic eye makeup.

Who says an animated film shouldn’t make our list? Ariel, also known as the Little Mermaid, is a favorite Disney princess for many. She’s a red-haired mermaid, who is curious and naive, and ultimately falls in love with a human named Prince Eric whom she saves.

Ariel is relatable, sweet, and quirky. Although voiceless in the film, “The Little Mermaid”, her body language makes her seem endearing. This romantic musical fantasy film was so successful it received a sequel, TV series, and stage musical.

Somehow in the same decade, we received some of the best romance, horror, adventure, and animated films. “Aliens” is no exception. The best character in this 1986 film has to be Ellen Ripley. She was also in the first Aliens film released in 1979.

Ellen Ripley is one of the most well-known female characters in cinema history. She challenges gender roles and is a patient, smart, and strategic character.

Some of the most iconic ’80s movie characters are from the “Ghostbusters” film released in 1984. One of the best is Peter Venkman played by Bill Murray. This character is popular and has appeared throughout the franchise, including “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”

He is a womanizer who is the more street-smart of Ray and Egon. Peter Venkman is intelligent, despite his nonchalant personality, holding degrees in parapsychology and psychology.

Starting the decade strong, “The Shining” was released on May 23, 1980. Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, is an unforgettable character. His animated eyes and reactions are often remembered, even by people who’ve never seen this film!

“The Princess Bride” released on September 25, 1987, is an excellent film with wonderful characters! Although only moderately successful, “The Princess Bride” is a cult classic and more popular decades later.

One reason this wonderful film is popular is Inigo Montoya, a Spanish fencer looking for a six-fingered man who killed his father. Inigo Montoya is hilarious, but also loveable and honorable.

He is best known for lines like “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” He also repeats this quote during an important fight scene, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

Last but not least is Chunk from “The Goonies” released on June 7, 1985. The movie is about a fun group of kids who are trying to save their homes by going on a treasure hunt. Chunk is an adorable character who is clumsy, hilarious, and adventurous. The actor who portrayed Chunk, Jeff Cohen, is now a lawyer.

Chunk is best known for lines like “Look, look! It’s not broken. It’s perfect! Ha ha!” and “Okay, Brand. Michael Jackson didn’t come over to my house to use the bathroom. But his sister did.”

“The Goonies” was a hilarious 80s movie. Click here to discover more of the funniest comedies of the 1980s.