The 1970s introduced a more realistic portrayal of what it means to be alive during a time of cultural and political change. With this lifting of the veil, audiences got a chance to explore some edgier concepts in films that didn’t shy away from controversy.
In some cases, characters held a mix of gritty perspectives that made them intriguing, drawing you in with each new scene. In other cases, their simplicity was so laughable that you couldn’t look away.
Likability is complex. In some instances, it’s the friendliness and warm smile of a character like Sandy in “Grease” that lower your guard and have you rooting for them. On other occasions, the likeability of a character is distinguished by their tough exterior and non-minced words, as seen with Randle McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
These types of characters keep you searching for the goodness in them and when you find it, you celebrate. Some of the most likable movie characters of the 70s are those with a notable character arc who start out as mousy and evolve into confident people, like Adrien Pennino in “Rocky.”
Some are protectors, others are fighters, and some are so simple-minded, you can’t help but have a heart for them. (Check out the highest grossing movie characters of all time.)
Chewbacca
- Movie: “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” (1977)
- Played By: Peter Mayhew
A part of the Wookie race, Chewbacca is a hairy creature that communicates via grunts and growls in “Star Wars” (1977). Although he can be impossibly brutish, he earns himself an endearing nickname from Hans Solo, who calls him “Chewie.” He is a protector in the film who displays loyalty. Despite being strong enough to literally tear people apart, he instead serves as Hans’ faithful partner in crime.
Sandy Olsen
- Movie: “Grease” (1978)
- Played By: Olivia Newton-John
After a summer fling with her ultimate crush, Danny Zuko (played by John Travolta), Sandy Olsen encounters him at the school they both attend. She’s a sweet girl who oozes innocence and because of this, she has a hard time with the “cool” crowd. Her friendly and considerate nature shines through, no matter the harshness of others. In the end, she shows off a spicier side of her personality, as she wins her true love over.
Alice Hyatt
- Movie: “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974)
- Played By: Ellen Burstyn
Alice Hyatt had dreams of taking on a singing career but she settled when she married her husband and instead took on the role of housewife. When tragedy strikes, she’s pushed back into singing as she tries to make a living as a newly single mom. Hyatt is optimistic and quick with her wit. Though the odds are stacked against her, she forges forward with a smile, which makes her an admirable character.
Addie Loggins
- Movie: “Paper Moon” (1973)
- Played By: Tatum O’Neal
Addie Loggins loses her mother and teams up with a con artist, Moses Pray. She is clearly wise beyond her nine years and catches on to Pray’s grifting behavior, playing along to earn money via a range of dishonest methods. She’s a quick thinker who knows how to use her charm for her benefit and she shows the goodness of her heart when she refuses to swindle those who she feels don’t deserve it.
Chief Bromden
- Movie: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
- Played By: Will Sampson
Chief Bromden has quite the character arc in the movie. His method for dealing with the easy-to-hate head nurse in the ward is to pretend to be both deaf and mute. He withdraws to protect himself. However, he finds purpose through his interactions with the others in the ward, and he has a breakthrough when he starts speaking again. He’s the kind of character you root for and celebrate.
Adrian Pennino
- Movie: “Rocky” (1976)
- Played By: Talia Shire
Adrian Pennino works in a pet store and her tough past is evident in her eyes (when she manages to look up long enough to make eye contact). Though she’s a meek character at first, when she meets Rocky Balboa, she starts to blossom. She comes alive in a way that proves she comes to know how strong and beautiful she is (despite what she had previously been told).
Lili Von Shtupp
- Movie: “Blazing Saddles” (1974)
- Played By: Madeline Kahn
Lili Von Shtupp is a stage performer who has been through enough — and she’s understandably jaded. But being that she lives on stage, she demonstrates her tenacity with the understanding that ‘the show must go on.’ While pushing through, she encounters a man she falls for, demonstrating that a tired, jaded woman can soften and become vulnerable with the right person.
Navin Johnson
- Movie: “The Jerk” (1979)
- Played By: Steve Martin
Navin Johnson was Steve Martin’s breakout role. He perfectly embodied the role of a ridiculously stupid person. Though impressively simpleminded, Johnson wins over audiences with his personality as he experiences a series of nutty events. While this type of personality may prove insufferable in other contexts, Johnson offers comedic relief throughout the film.
Duchess
- Movie: “The Artistocats” (1970)
- Voiced By: Eva Gabor
Duchess, with her French accent, is the sophisticated mother of Toulouse, Berlioz, and Marie in the film. She exudes elegance as the pet of an aristocrat. She’s classy in her dealings, maintaining a kind and friendly demeanor. She is loving to her owner and protective of her kids, teaching them how to behave in French society.
Paulie Pennino
- Movie: “Rocky” (1979)
- Played By: Burt Young
Paulie Pennino is insecure and belligerent but he is the type of character whose rough exterior only hides his softer, more sentimental side. Rocky Balboa’s way of dealing with Pennino reveals that his badgering personality is just a defense mechanism, which allows audiences to appreciate what exists beyond the grump. With Balboa’s help, you’re able to take note of his softer side and unwavering loyalty.
Chance the Gardener
- Movie: “Being There” (1979)
- Played By: Peter Sellers
Chance the Gardener has a ‘chance’ encounter with the Rands, who own the estate where he’s just been displaced from. They mistake him as a member of high society and through this lens, they perceive Chance as an ultra-wise gentleman. Meanwhile, Chance is just spouting off what he knows about horticulture as he understands it through his simple mindedness.
John Shaft
- Movie: “Shaft” (1971)
- Played By: Richard Roundtree
John Shaft isn’t just a charmer with the ladies, he’s also a fearless force to be reckoned with. He’s ultra-cool, equipped with tough fists, a gun he knows how to handle well, and the perfect words for any situation. He’s a charismatic character who garners the respect of those he meets (as well as audiences).
Harry Stoner
- Movie: “Save the Tiger” (1973)
- Played By: Jack Lemmon
Jack Lemmon fascinates audiences as Harry Stoner, a self-proclaimed good citizen who finds himself in a web of lies, morally confused alongside his partner, Phil. Though corrupt, you see a glimmer of what could have been in the eyes of Stoner, who dreams of simpler times.
C-3PO
- Movie: “Star Wars” (1977)
- Played By: Anthony Daniels
C-3PO is a lovable, highly anxious service droid who operates by the book. He’s experienced destruction on more than one occasion and values how he’s been pieced back together. He is loyal with a strong, showy disposition that allows him to get the job done — whatever it is. He may not be the best droid available, but he seems to transcend his limited abilities, displaying human-like characteristics.
Charlie Bucket
- Movie: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
- Played By: Peter Ostrum
Charlie Bucket grew up in poverty and as a result, is a reasonable boy with an understanding of others that surpasses his years. He is kind, curious, and respectful. When he visits the mysterious Willy Wonka factory, he manages to maintain his composure and observe the rules, while the other children on the tour keep getting into trouble. He stands out for this reason, which lends to his likability.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Movie: “Star Wars” (1977)
- Played By: Alec Guinness
He can be a bit mischievous at times, but Obi-Wan Kenobi garners the respect of audiences through his wise, modest, and steadfast personality. He is a thoughtful character who focuses his efforts on using the Force in benevolent ways and working alongside Luke Skywalker and his allies to destroy the Death Star and rescue Princess Leia.
Norma Rae Webster
- Movie: “Norma Rae” (1971)
- Played By: Sally Field
Norma Rae Webster is a single mom who works in a small factory town. She receives pennies in return for her dedication and hard work and when a union organizer arrives to try and set up a union, Webster doesn’t hesitate to jump into the fight. She knows all too well that it won’t be an easy feat. She is feisty and propelled by a desire for justice. Her stubbornness plays in nicely as she has to use her voice to make a lasting change.
Randle McMurphy
- Movie: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
- Played By: Jack Nicholson
Randle McMurphy is one of those movie characters you don’t want to like. But throughout the film, you see past his volatile and arrogant personality and peek into his free-spiritedness and caring heart. He sees the reality of those living in the ward and he does whatever he can to help them, infusing hope into an otherwise stale and rigid environment. His charisma, even though tainted by his crudeness, is just the right medicine for the other mental patients.
Annie Hall
- Movie: “Annie Hall” (1977)
- Played By: Diane Keaton
Annie Hall is a quirky character whose free-spiritedness is intoxicating. You watch as she broadens her intellectual horizons after meeting Alvy while she freely shares her fun-loving attitude with him. She’s a singer who loves poetry books, photography, and tennis. Her character’s bubbly charm remains throughout the film, but you follow her evolution as she becomes more cultured and confident in Manhattan, following the influence of her polar opposite partner.
Ellen Ripley
- Movie: “Alien” (1979)
- Played By: Sigourney Weaver
Ellen Ripley is a warrant officer aboard the space freighter, Nostromo. She is a responsible woman who is averse to risk but takes whatever action is necessary to ensure the survival of the crew she is in charge of. As a leader, she manages to keep the respect of her crew by infusing her firmness with friendliness. Up against several imposing threats, including an alien intruder, her bravery is evident. She doesn’t hesitate to make tough decisions and wields her words wisely, speaking only when what she has to say is of dire importance. She’s the kind of person you value as a leader in a dangerous situation. (Here are the most likable movie characters of the 60s.)