The Most Likable Movie Characters of the ’60s

Movie characters often resonate with the audience, whether it’s because one can relate to a character’s personality traits, moral dilemmas, or personal choices. Regardless of the reason, throughout cinema history, numerous movie characters have walked on screen and stolen the hearts of their audiences. Each decade brings new characters to the front and center.

Often, these characters capture many social issues that are going on at the time. Other times, the characters are funny, compassionate, or brave. Sometimes, these movie characters are likable because of the actor or actress who plays them. The most likable movie characters of the 60s are no exception.

In the 1960s, several movies hit the big screen and made an impact. “To Kill a Mockingbird” took on Harper Lee’s book and brought to the forefront racial injustice that so many were facing. “Batman,” the beloved comic book that delighted adults and children alike, was brought to life again. Furthermore, musicals like “Mary Poppins” and “Funny Girl” allowed audiences to fall in love with likable characters who exhibited traits that were hard not to appreciate. These movies and more gave viewers fun-loving, humorous, complex, and caring characters that are still loveable today. (To read about the top television shows of the 1960s, take a look here.)

While not all of these characters are agreeable in personality, like in the case of the Man with No Name, who is morally grey, they all offer audiences reasons to like them. This article will explore the most likable movie characters of the 60s and what makes their likeability so endearing.

To compile a list of the most likable movie characters of the 60s, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources, including IMDb. Now, let’s take a look at the most likable movie characters of the 60s.

Atticus Finch

• Actor: Gregory Peck
• Movie: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Year: 1962

“To Kill a Mockingbird” was written by Harper Lee and is one of history’s most iconic and enlightening books. Its main protagonist is Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck. Additionally, Atticus Finch is one of the most likable movie characters of the 60s.

Finch is respected in his small town of Alabama. He is a quiet and empathetic lawyer who takes on the case of a black man being unfairly accused of rape by a white woman. Furthermore, Atticus Finch won the hearts of audiences everywhere because of his empathy, bravery, compassion, and consideration for other people.

Bruce Wayne

• Actor: Adam West
• Movie: “Batman”
• Year: 1966

Batman is among the most well-known superheroes and has starred in numerous movies, television shows, games, and more. In 1966, another “Batman” movie emerged, and audiences quickly fell in love with Bruce Wayne.

This version of “Batman” did pretty well at the box office, and Adam West’s version of Bruce Wayne is partially responsible. Moreover, West is often considered one of the most convincing in the role of Wayne. Not to mention, his Batman voice was iconic.

Maria Von Trapp

• Actor: Julie Andrews
• Movie: “Sound of Music”
• Year: 1965

Julie Andrews portrays Maria von Trapp from “Sound of Music” in 1965. The governess of the seven von Trapp children had a free spirit that pulled people in, including the audience.

Andrews plays a patient, kindhearted, and sweet governess. She is tasked with bringing joy and life back into the home for the children. This is a challenge since their father runs their home like a military camp. However, challenging this task is Maria wins over Captain von Trapp and his seven children, bringing merriment into the home again. It’s hard not to love this sweet, kind, and endearing governess, especially with Andrews playing her.

Doctor John Dolittle

• Actor: Rex Harrison
• Movie: “Doctor Dolittle”
• Year: 1967

Before Eddie Murphy was on screen talking to animals, there was Rex Harrison. Doctor Dolittle can communicate with animals, allowing him to help care for them. Moreover, the doctor doesn’t socialize well with humans. Instead, he finds comfort with animals. Throughout the challenges in the movie, Doctor Dolittle shows his funny and caring side.

Oliver Twist

• Actor: Mark Lester
• Movie: “Oliver!”
• Year: 1968

Charles Dickens’s novel “Oliver Twist” is both iconic and endearing. In 1968, the movie “Oliver!” hit the screens with Mark Lester playing the main protagonist. It’s hard not to feel for the orphan Oliver Twist, even when he learns to become a pickpocket. Furthermore, the novel and movie take a hard look at the issue of poverty. Additionally, Oliver Twist’s innocence makes him likable.

Scout

• Actor: Mary Badham
• Movie: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Year: 1962

When we meet Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” she is only six years old. Throughout the film, the young girl faces hard truths about life as she learns through her father. Scout begins to gain insight into the racism and injustice prevalent throughout her community. This knowledge grows stronger as the movie progresses, and the audience is privy to seeing these heavy truths through a child’s eyes. Scout is also brave, thoughtful, and very smart. All of these characteristics make her a very likable character.

Baloo

• Actor: Phil Harris
• Movie: “The Jungle Book”
• Year: 1967

When one thinks of Baloo from the 1967 classic “The Jungle Book,” the song “The Bare Necessities” probably pops into mind. Phil Harris voices the movie character Baloo. However, this fun-loving on-screen bear varies significantly from the book character. In the movie, Baloo is funny, lovable, and kindhearted. He mentors Mowgli, but he also cares for the boy. Furthermore, Baloo is one of the most fun characters from this Disney movie.

Inspector Clouseau

• Actor: Peter Sellers
• Movie: “The Pink Panther”
• Year: 1963

“Pink Panther” came out in 1963, and Peter Sellers portrayed Inspector Clouseau. While Inspector Clouseau later becomes less believable as the series continues, the first movie cements the character as lovable and funny. In addition, audiences feel slightly for Inspector Clouseau throughout the series, even if he is silly and clumsy.

While there have been more Inspector Clouseau’s who have come after Peter Sellers, his performance is the one that made the character who he is. In fact, some argue that no other actor comes close to being able to match Sellers’ on-screen portrayal of this bumbling, amusing, yet charming character.

The Man With No Name

• Actor: Clint Eastwood
• Movie: “A Fistful of Dollar,” “For a Few Dollars More,” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”
• Year: 1965, 1965, 1966

Clint Eastwood is considered an icon. His filmography is impressive, and he steals the show whenever he is in a movie. The franchise that propelled him towards stardom was the trilogy “A Fistful of Dollars,” where he stars as the Man With No Name. Additionally, it was during this trilogy that Eastwood delivered two of his well-known movie lines: “The dead can be very useful sometimes,” in “A Fistful of Dollars,” and “You see, in this world, there are two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig,” in “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”

While the Man with No Name is considered an anti-hero, audiences are still drawn to him. Perhaps it was his raggedy appearance and cigar, or that Clint Eastwood played his part so well. Maybe it could be that the character isn’t strictly black or white. The Man With No Name shouldn’t be likable, yet for some reason, many people can’t help but like the character.

Anita

• Actor: Rita Moreno
• Movie: “West Side Story”
• Year: 1961

“West Side Story” is a romantic musical about two teens who fall in love, yet to say their friends do not get along is putting it lightly. Furthermore, this tension leads to a tragic ending.

Rita Moreno played Anita in the 1961 movie. Anita’s character could be described as “difficult”  because she was not the quiet, agreeable depiction of a young lady that so many believed girls should be. However, many people are drawn to her because she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Anita is also self-confident and assertive. However, she is wise and takes on the role of “big sister” to Maria, offering advice whenever possible.

Mary Poppins

• Actor: Julie Andrews
• Movie: “Mary Poppins”
• Year: 1961

Before she was a governess, Julie Andrews was the lovable Mary Poppins. The musical “Mary Poppins” tells the story of two small children needing care and guidance. However, they are not the only ones needing a bit of care and guidance; it turns out the entire Banks family needs Mary Poppins.

While Mary Poppins appears no-nonsense at times, she is also lovable, patient, and imaginative. She takes the children on essential outings that ignite their minds and understanding. Mary Poppins will always be likable, no matter how many years pass.

Annie Sullivan

• Actor: Anne Bancroft
• Movie: “The Miracle Worker”
• Year: 1962

The movie “The Miracle Worker” tells the true story of Helen Keller and explores her relationship with her teacher, Annie Sullivan. In this movie, Anne Bancroft portrays Annie Sullivan excellently. When she arrives at the Keller residence, Sullivan is met with several challenges. However, she perseveres and remains compassionate yet determined to teach the young girl.

Annie Sullivan’s character is also likable because she shows how one can overcome traumatic experiences to help someone. Additionally, she was innovative, patient, and resolved with Keller, all characteristics that drew audiences in.

Fanny Brice

• Actor: Barbara Streisand
• Movie: “Funny Girl”
• Year: 1968

Loosely based on the life of actress and singer Fanny Brice, Barbara Streisand became very successful with the film “Funny Girl.” Many people were drawn to this character because she is excessively optimistic, driven, and hilarious. The movie is also light-hearted and fun, especially with the many songs in the film. One of the most well-known numbers Barbara Streisand sings in the film is “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” along with many other catchy songs.

Helen Keller

• Actor: Patty Duke
• Movie: “The Miracle Worker”
• Year: 1962

“The Miracle Worker” is a movie that depicts the real life of Helen Keller. In the 1962 movie, Patty Duke portrays Helen Keller. In addition, the emotion portrayed in the movie draws audiences in and allows them to be privy to what life may have been like for the child. As viewers watch the challenges that Helen Keller faces, it’s easy for their hearts to go out to the girl and her teacher.

Elaine Robinson

• Actor: Katharine Ross
• Movie: “The Graduate”
• Year: 1967

Katharine Ross plays Elaine Robinson in the movie “The Graduate.” The plot of the movie depicts a young graduate who is having an affair with an older woman who is married. However, during this affair, Benjamin falls for the woman’s daughter, Elaine. Elaine is likable because her emotion when finding out about the affair with her mother is relatable. However, at the movie’s end, Elaine can move past what happened and ends up running away with Benjamin, an act that shows forgiveness at its finest. Yet, as the movie ends, the audience sees a glimpse of uncertainty in both faces. This gives audiences an idea that maybe Elaine running away had less to do with Ben and more to do with bucking parental and societal expectations.  (Take a look at movies baby boomers love that kids study in college here.)