In our minds, we often categorize the characters into heroes and villains, the good and the bad, the ones we should support and the ones we shouldn’t. However, not all of our heroes are truly that heroic. So, here are 30 popular heroes with an unspoken (and sometimes evil) side.
1. Ross Geller
As much as we love Ross, and really, who doesn’t? He simply isn’t cutting anymore because of some dubious habits. And although he will always be viewed as the good guy, his persistent jealousy and domineering tendencies are very inappropriate for a man in his 30s.
2. Willy Wonka
There is no doubt that Willy Wonka’s actions create some moral concerns, even though we all have pleasant recollections of him from the novel or the various movies. First of all, why does he subject kids to such risky experiments? And why doesn’t anybody care? His behavior is outrageous, even though we know he is supposed to be playful and fanciful.
3. Jack Dawson
We see Jack Dawson as flawed, even if he is charming, attractive, and caring. He is not a likeable character because of his frequent mistakes and impetuous behavior on the ship.
4. Ted Mosby
When a character’s voice tells the story [physically], it’s difficult to despise them. You are free to criticize their actions or even their core nature as much as you choose. However, if they are narrating the events, you are unlikely to completely despise them.
5. Leonard Hofstadter
Some say he is as toxic as male as they get. He thinks Penny is too stupid to take classes without cheating. Moreover, he does not trust her around her male friends. He even gets jealous when she becomes more successful than himself.
6. Ferris Bueller
Ferris Bueller was living out all of our dreams: skipping school and going out on the town to do whatever he wanted and we all looked up to him in the past. And since he was despised by other characters, we also idolized him. Making the other characters despise the protagonist is the best way to win over the viewers.
7. Batman
Well, critics say that Batman is a billionaire who could afford to fix all the social problems in Gotham. However, instead, he beats up mentally unstable criminals. Some argue that he is a hero for the capitalist ruling class only, fighting crimson in the streets to enable the status quo to perpetuate.
8. Zack Morris
You may have loved or despised Zack Morris during the film “Saving By the Bell”, but you most likely aren’t aware that his mischievous nature was a purposeful and important aspect of his character development. He was intended to be a mischievous, unruly, but likeable child from the beginning.
9. SpongeBob SquarePants
Everyone is justified to be angry with SpongeBob’s infantile behavior because he is so obnoxious. However, who is truly at fault in this situation? Who were the parents who let their child leave home and live on their own in an adult setting?
10. Elsa
Although Elsa from “Frozen” isn’t usually viewed as a “bad person,” some could argue that her initial actions, motivated by fear and isolation, could be viewed as problematic because she unintentionally causes a dangerous winter by fleeing her kingdom and shutting herself away, causing significant hardship for her people. And she almost kills her sister TWICE.
11. Greg Heffley
With the exception of his mother, Greg shares characteristics with most of his family members, which include being lazy, ignorant, and rebellious. He is extremely egotistical, takes advantage of his buddies for his own benefit, and generally doesn’t give a damn about anyone else unless he receives something in return.
12. Walter White
Some say ego was always inside Walt. And although there was always a monster lurking, he wasn’t one from the beginning. Since he didn’t feel like the provider, Walt abandoned his girlfriend and his thriving business. He’s the kind of guy who prefers “the easy money” to accepting a regular job.
13. The Hulk
Among the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the Hulk, but is he truly a hero? We guess the discussion here is more about whether the Hulk has enough good qualities to be a hero than it is about whether he is a horrible man. He usually has no control over his behavior. “Good person who tries to do the right thing but has no regard for other people’s stuff” is, in our opinion, his most accurate description.
14. Maui
Maui lacks empathy and is a self-centered, careless individual. However, his entire character ark is about him conquering those aspects of himself so that he can help others. That is essentially the film’s main message. Or perhaps it was us that did not understand the movie. However, we’ll assume the best about him.
15. Grandpa Joe
Grandpa Joe from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” sat in bed for years, never lifting a finger to help his starving family despite being perfectly able-bodied except when a day of chocolate and fun is involved.
16. Carrie Bradshaw
Carrie is a terrible friend. She is a manipulative person, a flaky partner, and a deeply irresponsible person. Moreover, Carrie’s incapacity to recognize her shortcomings is one of her many toxic tendencies, therefore it is remarkably stupid of her to portray herself as the victim in every bad circumstance, the majority of which are caused by her own acts.
17. Professor Severus Snape
You might discover that many of the beloved characters in the “Harry Potter” series have nefarious motives if you intend to reread the books soon. In my opinion, Snape is purposefully portrayed as a multifaceted figure who is unquestionably more of an anti-hero than a villain.
18. Sophie
The Amanda Seyfried character in “Mamma Mia” seems very self-absorbed and critics don’t find the character that funny either. Some even argue that she is a sociopath who invites 3 of her mom’s ex-lovers to her mother’s hotel on the eve of her wedding without telling her to try to force a situation where her real father will be revealed.
19. Glinda the Good Witch
Despite being portrayed as “good” in “The Wizard of Oz,” some interpretations, especially from the musical “Wicked,” contend that Glinda is not totally good. They emphasize her selfishness and put her social status and public image above more fundamental ethical considerations.
20. Peter Pan
We’re all familiar with the Peter Pan story, and even though Captain Hook is undoubtedly a villain with evil purpose and a history of cruelty, Peter isn’t instantly made a hero. He has been known to lie for his own benefit and exhibits some vicious tendencies himself.
21. Jerry
In the classic and cherished animation “Tom and Jerry”, the goofy house cat Tom is being harassed by the wacky house mouse Jerry. Jerry is definitely not the victim in the story, even though we doubt that he was ever meant to be much of a hero. Jerry is the one who spends his days planning nasty pranks to irritate Tom.
22. Nate
Despite Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) being the primary antagonist in “The Devil Wears Prada,” many fans contend that Andy’s boyfriend, Nate (played by Adrian Grenier), is the “bad guy” of the film because he frequently criticizes and disapproves of her demanding career, and he is constantly asking for attention.
23. Chuck Bass
At first, Chuck Bass is a morally complex figure who acts selfishly and manipulatively. He tries to mature and becomes more vulnerable throughout time, particularly in his relationship with Blair Waldorf. Despite his numerous shortcomings, his character arc implies that he is capable of transformation and atonement.
24. Michael Scott
Some say that, through inappropriate behavior, bad management, and a lack of self-awareness, Michael Scott demonstrates toxic qualities. And although he frequently causes awkward situations with his activities, he occasionally displays sensitivity and kindness. Michael is a complicated person who longs for connection in spite of his shortcomings.
25. Edward Cullen
Because of his obsessive and domineering actions toward Bella, such as keeping tabs on her every move and making decisions for her without consulting her, Edward Cullen from “Twilight” might be viewed as toxic. And despite coming from a place of concern, his continual need to protect her frequently crosses lines and compromises her independence.
26. Noah Calhoun
Some “The Notebook” fans say that Noah Calhoun’s obsessive and possessive behavior toward Allie makes him a problematic character. His behaviors, such as pressing her to select him and pursuing her despite her connection with another guy, imply a lack of respect for her independence.
27. Jessica Jones
The complicated character Jessica Jones is not a bad person, but rather someone who is battling internal demons and trauma. Because of her background history, she frequently exhibits skepticism, hostility, and emotional distancing. Jessica is a flawed yet heroic heroine who uses her abilities to fight against injustice and protect others.
28. Damon Salvatore
The complicated character Damon Salvatore from “The Vampire Diaries” begins as an antagonist who engages in a number of immoral behaviors, including violence and manipulation. But as his character changes, Damon exhibits a more vulnerable and redeeming side, particularly in his interactions with Elena and other characters.
29. Harry Potter
We honestly cannot say that Harry Potter is viewed as a bad person because he frequently opposes injustice and evil and is brave, devoted, and unselfish. And even heroes encounter difficulties, as seen by Harry’s imperfections and blunders, which are a natural part of being human.
30. Serena Van Der Woodsen
Serena from “Gossip Girl” can be viewed as a toxic character. She routinely makes decisions without fully weighing the repercussions that usually harm her friends and family. Serena, like many other characters on the show, is depicted with depth and vulnerability, though, demonstrating that her toxic tendencies are the result of a complicated combination of identity exploration, prior trauma, and insecurity.
