Certain actors and movie stars may have gained immense success for a particular role or type of protagonist and chose to stick to it. While always playing the hero doesn’t mean always playing the same type of character, some actors rarely play the bad guy. Some of the greatest actors of all time never actually played villains, which proves that sticking to heroic roles is not necessarily a bad thing.
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What goes hand in hand with this phenomenon is an actor’s popularity and public perception. It’s rare to go to a Jason Statham, Keanu Reeves, or Will Smith film, and expect them not to be the hero of the story they’re in. For some, they found their niche at an early age and just ran with it. For others, it might be a safe space to rest after a lengthy and varied career. Whatever the reasoning may be, these actors put audiences at ease, because they know they’ll be seeing their favorite star being the hero.
10 Adam Sandler
The Sandler Effect: A Generation of Laughs
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The beloved comedy actor has made a career playing the goofy, childlike underdog who always wins in the end. He may have to prove himself or overcome some obstacles to either get the girl, or win the race, but viewers usually know what they can expect from an Adam Sandler film. He showcases his outlandish, often immature brand of humor in a variety of comedies, usually as the star, or as the lead of an ensemble.
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Even in his dramatic roles, Adam Sandler is able to save the day. In Uncut Gems, he’s a flawed gambling addict, but his perseverance to balance his personal and professional issues is what makes him relatable to those watching. His long list of romantic comedies sees him as an unlikely romantic lead whose lovable quirkiness manages to win over his female co-stars. He, in turn, overcomes whatever personal issues he may be going through to become a more well-rounded person. Whether he’s making audiences laugh, cry, or smile, Sandler is sure to bring humor and heart to all his roles.
9 Vin Diesel
Diesel’s Evolution: From Street Racer to Galactic Guardian
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Best known for playing roles that emphasize strength, loyalty, and leadership, Vin Diesel often portrays characters with a tough, stoic exterior but with a deep sense of honor. It’s been working for him since his career-defining role in The Fast and the Furious in 2001, which means he’s been playing the same character literally as well as figuratively for over 20 years. Dominic Toretto has been through a lot, but he always manages to save the day and do what’s best for his chosen family. Diesel showcases his action skills in the Fast & Furious franchise as well as in other roles like Riddick.
He gained a whole new legion of fans, as he delivered the same line in so many different ways.
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His high-octane filmography is entertaining and thrilling, but no matter what the heroes he portrays go through, viewers know he’ll prevail. As Groot, Diesel puts his booming voice to use, adding a lot of character and nuance to what is effectively a tree that says one word. He gained a whole new legion of fans, as he delivered the same line in so many different ways. Teen Groot is sassy and sarcastic, and baby Groot is cute and curious, but the thing they have in common is that, like most Vin Diesel characters, they’re a hero at any age.
8 Tom Hanks
America’s Dad: Hanks’ Everyman Appeal
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As one of the world’s most revered and beloved movie stars, there’s no doubt Tom Hanks is a talent that will be remembered for as long as people watch movies. He’s been part of some of the most celebrated films of the last 40 years and has garnered countless awards, including two back-to-back Oscar wins.
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As much depth and nuance as he brings to each of his well-thought-out roles, the fact of the matter is, that he is most likely playing the hero of the story. His innate earnestness, and the adoration he’s earned from audiences all over the world, means that he’s always expected to be the good guy.
Woody in Toy Story, Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code, and Jim Lovell in Apollo 13 are just some of the heroic roles he’s played throughout his prolific career. Forrest Gump is one of Tom Hank’s most memorable characters, and he embodies a lot of the positive traits that Hanks himself has.
His romantic comedies showed his leading man credentials, as he charmed and delighted audiences, and, mostly, Meg Ryan. Even in his recent, more antagonistic role, of Colonel Tom Parker in Elvis, he was able to show the humanity in this unlikable character. From A League of Their Own to A Man Called Otto, Tom Hanks is often the hero every viewer roots for.
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7 Chris Pratt
From Parks and Rec to Guardians: Pratt’s Hollywood Rise
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Having come a long way from his Parks and Recreation days, Chris Pratt’s movie resume would make Andy Dwyer proud. As the lovable yet silly Pawneean, his biggest dream is to be an action star, and his alter ego, Burt Macklin, is the perfect example of how much this means to him. If he knew he was destined to be a Guardian, as well as an Avenger, train Velociraptors, and protect a LEGO world, his little face would light up with the kind of joy only April got to see.
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Pratt has been part of some of the biggest franchises, which include Jurassic World and The Lego Movie, and the pivotal role of Star-Lord in the MCU, and he’s always the hero. He blends his innate charm with a relatable masculinity that’s been working really well for him in all his roles. He still gets to sprinkle some of his comedic skills, and even in his voice work, he’s always been the main character. As Garfield and Mario, Pratt cemented his voice-acting dominance with two more massive potential franchises that have already grossed millions.
6 Jackie Chan
Martial Arts Mastery: Chan’s Signature Stunts
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Legendary actor and martial artist, Jackie Chan, is known for his dynamic, action-packed performances and his unique blend of comedy, charm, and physical skill. His characters often embody a mix of underdog determination, resourcefulness, and slapstick humor. Ever since his successful Hollywood transition, his characters have mostly included ordinary people, like police officers, chefs, or delivery drivers, with no aspirations for heroism. And yet, heroism is often thrust upon them.
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Part of the relatable charm of Chan’s characters is the mix of humility and skill.
While highly capable, they rarely act arrogant or aggressive. Often, his fights aim to disarm or incapacitate opponents rather than harm them seriously, which shows how much heart is in each role. Franchises like The Karate Kid, Kung Fu Panda, and Rush Hour all showcase the abilities that made audiences fall for his self-deprecating heroism.
5 Jason Statham
The Ultimate Action Hero: Statham’s Tough Guy Persona
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Suave, sophisticated, sometimes suave and sophisticated at the same time, but always rugged and strong, Jason Statham’s roles have always showcased his action skills. His characters typically operate in high-stakes environments, combining elite combat skills with sharp wit and a calm, unflappable demeanor. He’s been a Transporter and a Mechanic, he’s joined the world of The Expendables as well as the Fast franchise and has taken on prehistorical sea creatures in The Meg movies.
Every time audiences see a new Jason Statham film announcement, they know to expect explosive action, a cool demeanor, and some British wit. Though always a tough guy, he’s never shied away from relying on his sense of humor. In films like Spy and Hobbs & Shaw, Statham shows that he can banter as well as fight. As an actor who could get a project green-lit based on a name like “untitled Jason Statham thriller”, he’s one of the few action stars that audiences want to see do the same thing over and over again.
4 Will Smith
From Fresh Prince to Blockbuster Star: Smith’s Journey
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As one of Hollywood’s most versatile and charismatic actors, Will Smith is known for his ability to switch between comedy, drama, action, and even music-driven performances. His characters effortlessly blend charm, emotional depth, and relatability, making him a hero that audiences want to follow. He’s a romantic hero in Hitch, an action hero in Independence Day, and something in between those two in a lot of other movies. Though an undisputed talent on stage and screen, Will Smith is unlikely to be playing the villain in his films.
Whether he’s a man in black fighting aliens, inspiring audiences with true stories, or making them laugh, Will Smith’s on-screen hero origin story has spanned decades.
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The actor has showcased his tough action star credentials in the Bad Boy series, Hancock, and Suicide Squad, but it was always clear that his moral compass was on the right side. A lot of Smith’s dramatic roles usually focus on a caring father who works hard to overcome some obstacles to support his family, which shows him in a positive way as an unrelenting provider. Whether he’s a man in black fighting aliens, inspiring audiences with true stories, or making them laugh, Will Smith’s on-screen hero origin story has spanned decades.
3 Mark Wahlberg
From Rapper to Actor: Wahlberg’s Transformation
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He may have started his career as a rapper with a tough exterior and played the iconic villain in Fear with Reese Witherspoon, but the past two decades have seen Mark Wahlberg step into more familiar roles. As an action star, he’s tough, resourceful, and unwilling to back down from a fight. Often driven by a sense of loyalty to family or friends, his characters always have a strong moral compass. Even when playing a criminal in films like The Italian Job, he infuses the character with enough likability and empathy to ensure he’s the one whose side the viewers are on.
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With quite a few comedy and family-oriented roles under his belt, he’s built a fan base that enjoys seeing his gruff and deadpan delivery mixed with some slapstick physical humor. Mark Wahlberg has built a career on blending intensity, humor, and heart, making him a standout actor in a variety of genres. Whether he’s saving the world, delivering a comedic punchline, or portraying real-life heroes, Wahlberg’s roles consistently reflect his heroic versatility.
2 Keanu Reeves
Beyond Action: Reeves’ Thoughtful Roles
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From action star to romantic hero, with comedy skills to boot, Keanu Reeves has had audiences in the palm of his hand since the 1980s. With a mix of spiritual intensity and a calming presence, he often plays characters who take on the role of protector, motivated by loyalty, love, or a strong moral compass. These roles let him show his action skills and emotional depth, making him a very captivating leading man.
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Even when playing a violent assassin in the John Wick films, he has viewers on his side, as they learn about his touching experience with his late wife. And, avenging the heartless killing of a puppy is probably the most relatable reason to go on a Wick-style rampage in cinema history.
As Neo in The Matrix series, Keanu Reeves became the chosen one for many. Movies like Speed, Point Break, and Constantine have all showcased just how many different ways he can save the day. He’s also never afraid to lean on his irreverent humor, most notably in the Bill and Ted Adventures. But, even his cameos in Toy Story 4 and Always Be My Maybe, prove that while he can be tough and intense, he doesn’t always take himself too seriously.
1 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The Rock’s Rise: From Wrestling to Acting
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His larger-than-life persona and charismatic presence have made him one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood. Dwayne Johnson’s roles often combine physicality, humor, and leadership, making him the natural hero of action, comedy, and family-friendly films. Parts like the Scorpion King and Black Adam showcase his incredible athleticism and ability to portray physically strong characters. His roles in the Fast franchise and Jumanji series have shown his leadership skills, and he’s been great as part of a double act as well. His comedic chemistry with Kevin Hart, Jason Statham, and Chris Evans reinforces his presence on the screen.
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Starring in Moana and Super Pets made him a hero to a whole new generation, meaning his fans range from small children who love Disney, to fully grown adults who enjoy fast cars and explosions. Whether Johnson’s playing the classic action hero, the wise mentor, or the anti-hero, his characters are often defined by their strength, leadership, and humor. His ability to blend these traits with a genuine, relatable nature has made him one of the most prolific and successful action heroes in Hollywood.