If there’s anything movie lovers crave, it’s a fictional character to root for, which is much easier if the characters are likable. So when movie characters aren’t likable from the start, well-written character development is needed to salvage the situation.
Whether it’s newfound empathy, heightened self-awareness, or maybe the main character just took off her glasses, character development unlocks the character’s potential, taking viewers on a journey through the character’s humanity.
10 Good Will Hunting (1997)
Although the wit and impeccable one-liners of Will Hunting (Matt Damon) opening scene is enough to captivate audiences, his secretive, witty personality was in dire need of a transformation, which the film certainly shows by the end credits.
Redditor Touchdown_Jeebus says his transformation from a little kid who rejects everyone and everything to someone who can be truly vulnerable and respectful of others was their “favourite”. They noted that Will’s eventual respect and acceptance of Sean McGuire (Robin Williams), “led to the ‘no fault of yours’ scene, which is the character’s ultimate transformation…the realization that he’s just a kid looking for acceptance.” How do you like these apples?
9 Breakfast Club (1985)
You won’t get an ending like Bender’s iconic fist in the air without some emotionally tumultuous character journeys along the way. Coming from different social backgrounds, the ragtag Sabbath Detention Gang draws on their shared humanity to deal with trauma, identity issues and the challenges of adolescence.
While some of the character changes may have gone in the wrong direction (most notably Allison’s makeover), for the most part, this group definitely left school that Saturday afternoon changed for the better, with the Redditor name removed since then. Club Breakfast as one of the films with the best character development.
8 Up (2009)
Redditor 15Baconbits points out that Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) character development in Up is one of the best character development in movies, and for good reason. Starting the film as a lonely, bitter, and grumpy man, Carl’s world is turned upside down with the arrival of Boy Scout Russell.
Through their adventures on helium balloons and flying houses, Carl’s emotional shackles are loosened, and he rediscovers his kindness and joy in life, respecting the sentimentality of a soda bottle cap and viewing Russell as the grandson he never had.
7 The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990)
Unlike other famous movie characters with exceptional development, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) transformation into Godfather films are praised more for accuracy than for any moral growth.
Redditor BPsandman84 writes: “It’s heartbreaking that a child who was born the most innocent and pure of a family was forced to lead a life no one really wanted and ended up becoming a far more despicable character than anyone else.” Redditor goodgodthefrog also notes that his character development was “so believable it’s scary”.
6 Jerry Maguire (1996)
To be fair Tom Cruise, the man is good at character development, often playing characters that go from arrogant and dignified to more emotionally mature and considerate. It’s at its best in Jerry Maguire.
The film tracks the inner exploration of the selfish and privileged Jerry Maguire and struggles with emotional intimacy and self-improvement after an epiphany and a bold career move when he is fired from his job as a high-profile sports agent. Redditor nikiverse writes: “Tom Cruise was great. You could really see his character grow in the film.”
5 Boogie Nights (1997)
Redditor Darren Aronofsky notes that the character development depicted in boogie nights deserves praise, with which fans of the film will surely agree. This is especially true for the director. Paul Thomas Andersoncharacterization of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) and Rollergirl (Heather Graham).
During Eddie’s time in the adult film industry, he went from being young and relatively naive to being a seasoned professional, going through a tumultuous transition from anonymity to stardom. Similarly, Rollergirl’s transformation shows her maturity. Although she dropped out of high school to work in the industry at the beginning of the film, she returns to school in the finale to work on GED, showing a desire to evolve and come to terms with past decisions.
4 Trilogy “Before” (1995-2013)
A trilogy about a romantic relationship between two people. Richard Linklater’With’Before‘ Trilogy it is essentially an ongoing exploration of personal and interpersonal growth that explores how two people change individually and as two halves in a shared relationship, presenting viewers with character growth that is akin, thoughtful, and incredibly sincere.
Redditor TDK67 writes that the films are “6 hours of pure character development. The characters don’t go through any major transformations… but they do fucking “evolve” because movies are just hours and hours of two people just learning and evolving with each other.”
3 The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Reflecting on character development in the movie, Redditor OriginalMuffin writes: “I would yell HobbitsAnd movie fans can only assume that this comment celebrates Bilbo Baggins’ exceptional transformation.
The transition from a deeply independent, rigid and generally grumpy (role Martin Freeman plays too well), Bilbo Baggins is the definition of a character’s heart growth. So much so that by the end of the final film, it’s almost impossible to imagine a selfless and fearless protagonist ever turning down an adventure.
2 Groundhog Day (1993)
Element most important for plot development groundhog day this is the character development of the protagonist Phil (Bill Murray). Trapped in a seemingly endless cycle in which he relives the same day over and over again, Phil’s growth is vital to getting back to normal and, as an added bonus, to a happier life.
The significance of his character development is underscored by Redditor user os99, who writes: “Most importantly…it doesn’t turn Bill Murray from a sassy asshole to a sweet mess. In the end, he has a weird snide side to him, but he develops into a more acceptable character.” it is for this reason that a Reddit user in poetry and beer simply writes: “Groundhog Day. No questions”.
1 12 Angry Men (1957)
The successful development of one character is a feat in itself, so when a film eloquently explores the personal adventures of 12 people, it should be celebrated.
Redditor Reapers_fate acknowledges this, noting that 12 angry men “Beautifully fully develops 12 unique characters.” By bringing together people with opposing morals, stories and opinions, the film effortlessly bridges their inner journeys, suggesting that self-reflection and positive change are always possible.
Source: Collider
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