The Best Movies Where Unlikely Heroes Prevail

Alex Alvarez
Updated April 25, 2024 40 items

We all love a good underdog story where underestimated characters become heroes. The feeling of watching someone who is seemingly outmatched and outgunned come out on top against all odds is exhilarating. It's the kind of thing that makes us believe that anything is possible. That's why we love movies where unlikely heroes prevail. These are the stories that inspire us, that fill us with hope, and that remind us of the power of the human spirit. Some of our favorite unlikely heroes are those who come from humble beginnings, who have been dealt a difficult hand in life, but who find a way to triumph in the end. Others are everyday people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances and rise to the occasion. Whatever their back story, these characters have one thing in common: they refuse to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them. They fight for what they believe in, and they never give up hope. Sit back, relax, and watch these lovable losers rise to the occasion.

These are the stories that stay with us long after the credits have rolled. They're the ones we watch over and over again, because they give us faith in ourselves and in the world around us. So vote up your favorite unlikely hero movies and vote down the ones that you think other fans can skip. Thanks to great streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ you can start streaming most of these movies right away.

  • Ghostbusters II
    1

    Ghostbusters II

    Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
    8 votes
    In Ghostbusters II, the once renowned ghost-fighting team, led by Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), is disbanded and disgraced. However, when a new threat emerges in the form of an ancient tyrant Vigo (Wilhelm von Homburg) planning to conquer the world using slime that amplifies negative emotions, they are forced to reunite. Along with their fellow Ghostbusters; Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson)‚ they set out to save New York City once again from supernatural forces. This comedic action-adventure film blends humor with elements of horror for an exciting cinematic experience.
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  • Free Guy
    2

    Free Guy

    Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery
    14 votes
    When a bank teller discovers he's actually a background player in an open-world video game, he decides to become the hero of his own story -- one that he can rewrite himself. In a world where there's no limits, he's determined to save the day his way before it's too late, and maybe find a little romance with the coder who conceived him.
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  • Galaxy Quest
    3

    Galaxy Quest

    Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman
    17 votes
    In Galaxy Quest, a group of washed-up TV actors, led by Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), find themselves in an interstellar dilemma. Known for their roles in a once-popular sci-fi show, they're mistaken for real space explorers by a group of aliens desperate for help. The crew, including Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver) and Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), are unwittingly thrust into a genuine space adventure. This comedy-science fiction film cleverly parodies genre tropes, offering a comedic twist on the classic space opera narrative. The movie was well received upon release and won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
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  • Everything Everywhere All at Once
    4

    Everything Everywhere All at Once

    Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan
    15 votes
    In Everything Everywhere All at Once, Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Wang, a seemingly ordinary woman grappling with the bureaucracy of her family-run laundromat. An unexpected visit from an inter-dimensional messenger (Ke Huy Quan) catapults her into a cosmic journey across parallel universes. This sci-fi comedy-drama, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, weaves together themes of identity and connectivity in a universe-bending narrative. The film's intricate storytelling is complemented by its memorable characters including her estranged husband (James Hong) and quirky daughter (Stephanie Hsu), adding depth to this visually stunning cinematic marvel.
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  • Witless Protection
    5

    Witless Protection

    Larry the Cable Guy, Ivana Milicevic, Yaphet Kotto
    7 votes
    During a routine patrol in his small town, Deputy Larry Stalder (Larry the Cable Guy) intervenes when he sees a woman (Ivana Milicevic) held against her will by four men in black. The woman, Madeleine, is the key witness in a high-profile FBI case and her supposed captors are the agents assigned to guard her. Larry suspects the agents are crooked, however, and takes Madeleine to Chicago, where he hopes to solve the case himself.
  • The Last Starfighter
    6

    The Last Starfighter

    Lance Guest, Robert Preston, Dan O'Herlihy
    12 votes
    In The Last Starfighter, Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) is a teenager with dreams bigger than his small town life. After achieving the highest score on a video game, he's whisked away by an alien named Centauri (Robert Preston), revealing that the game was a test for real-life starfighters. Plunged into an interstellar conflict as Earth's sole representative, Alex must rise to the occasion and become the hero he always longed to be. This 1984 sci-fi adventure combines elements of coming-of-age stories with thrilling space opera, demonstrating innovative use of computer-generated imagery in its time.
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  • The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
    7

    The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

    Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan
    6 votes
    In New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager named Clary Fray (Lily Collins) learns that she is descended from a line of Shadowhunters -- half-angel warriors who protect humanity from evil forces. After her mother (Lena Headey) disappears, Clary joins forces with a group of Shadowhunters and enters Downworld, an alternate realm filled with demons, vampires and a host of other creatures. Clary and her companions must find and protect an ancient cup that holds the key to her mother's future.
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  • The Forbidden Kingdom
    8

    The Forbidden Kingdom

    Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano
    11 votes
    Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.
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  • Happy Gilmore
    9

    Happy Gilmore

    Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen
    11 votes
    In Happy Gilmore, the title character, played by Adam Sandler, is a failed hockey player with an uncanny talent for golf. His powerful swing, honed from years of hockey playing, propels him into the professional golfing scene. As he battles to win the championship against his arrogant rival Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Happy also fights to save his grandmother's house from foreclosure. This sports-comedy flick, directed by Dennis Dugan, presents an unconventional approach to golf and life, showcasing Sandler's knack for physical comedy amid heartfelt moments.
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  • Ride Along 2
    10

    Ride Along 2

    Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter
    5 votes
    Rookie lawman Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) aspires to become a detective like James Payton (Ice Cube), his future brother-in-law. James reluctantly takes Ben to Miami to follow up on a lead that's connected to a drug ring. The case brings them to a homicide detective and a computer hacker who reveals evidence that implicates a respected businessman. It's now up to James and Ben to prove that charismatic executive Antonio Pope is actually a violent crime lord who rules southern Florida's drug trade.
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  • Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
    11

    Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

    Reese Witherspoon, Sally Field, Regina King
    12 votes
    Meet Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a Harvard Law graduate turned animal rights crusader in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde. In this charming comedy sequel, Woods navigates the labyrinth of Washington D.C.'s political scene to pass an anti-animal testing bill. With her chihuahua Bruiser and colleagues Grace Rossiter (Regina King) and Emmett Richmond (Luke Wilson) by her side, she challenges the status quo with her unique blend of style and substance. The film showcases the power of determination, wit, and a splash of pink against the grey backdrop of politics.
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  • Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
    12

    Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

    Ben Affleck, Jeff Anderson, Diedrich Bader
    13 votes
    Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, a comedy directed by Kevin Smith, centers on the shenanigans of two characters: Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). When they discover a movie is being made about their comic book alter egos, Bluntman and Chronic, they set out to sabotage it. Along the way, they encounter an array of colorful characters, including Federal Wildlife Marshal Willenholly (Will Ferrell) and Justice (Shannon Elizabeth), a jewel thief with a heart of gold. This comedic romp takes the duo from New Jersey to Hollywood in a zany quest for justice.
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  • Dungeons & Dragons
    13

    Dungeons & Dragons

    Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch, Justin Whalin
    13 votes
    In the Kingdom of Izmer, wizards use their magic to rule the land. The young Empress Savina (Thora Birch) desires to use magic for good, but the evil Profion (Jeremy Irons) plans to utilize his powers to usurp the throne from Savina and subject the kingdom to totalitarian rule. Profion gains control of the kingdom's golden dragons, while Savina sets out to win control of the even more powerful red dragons, gaining the alliance of a motley group of individuals along the way.
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  • Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
    14

    Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

    Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin
    8 votes
    In the zany, comedic sci-fi film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, two high school slackers, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves), encounter an unexpected twist of fate. A visitor from the future bestows upon them a time-traveling phone booth to aid their quest for knowledge. The duo embarks on a wild journey through time, meeting historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Socrates along the way. This whirlwind adventure tests their friendship and alters their perspective on life. It's a cultural odyssey, marked by humor and history, that showcases the dynamic performances of its lead actors.
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  • The Expendables
    15

    The Expendables

    Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li
    8 votes
    Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his loyal men take on what they think is a routine assignment: a covert operation to invade the South American country of Vilena and overthrow its dictator. But, when they learn that the job will be a suicide mission, they must choose redemption or the destruction of their brotherhood.
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  • Suicide Squad
    16

    Suicide Squad

    Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie
    11 votes
    In the action-packed, comic-book inspired film Suicide Squad, a motley crew of incarcerated supervillains become unlikely heroes. This band of misfits includes the enigmatic Deadshot (Will Smith), the unhinged Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and the fiery Diablo (Jay Hernandez). Under the manipulative control of government official Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), they're dispatched on a dangerous mission to save the world from an ominous threat. The twist? They're all expendable. With their freedom at stake, this is their chance to do some good - whether they want to or not. Amidst chaos and conflict, Suicide Squad explores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.
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  • The Medallion
    17

    The Medallion

    Jackie Chan, Lee Evans, Claire Forlani
    9 votes
    Eddie (Jackie Chan) is an indomitable Hong Kong cop who, after a near fatal accident involving a mysterious medallion, is suddenly transformed into a Highbinder -- an immortal warrior with inhuman powers. Eddie enlists the help of fellow agent Nicole (Claire Forlani) to determine the secret of the medallion and face down the evil Highbinders who so desperately want it back.
  • BASEketball
    18

    BASEketball

    Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Yasmine Bleeth
    3 votes
    When slacker friends Joe Cooper (Trey Parker) and Doug Remer (Matt Stone) are challenged to a pickup basketball game against some jocks, they counter by proposing to play a game they learned called "BASEketball," which combines basketball and baseball. In reality, they are improvising all of the rules, but somehow the sport becomes a hit. A promoter (Ernest Borgnine) forms a popular league, but after his death a rival owner (Robert Vaughn) wants to change the rules to increase profits.
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  • Sidekicks
    19

    Sidekicks

    Chuck Norris, Beau Bridges, Jonathan Brandis
    8 votes
    An otherwise rejected or ignored boy (Jonathan Brandis) creates a fantasy pal (Chuck Norris) from his martial-arts movie hero.
  • Delta Farce
    20

    Delta Farce

    Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, DJ Qualls
    6 votes
    Three buddies (Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, D.J. Qualls) set out on a relaxing weekend of drinking and target practice, when a sergeant (Keith David) mistakes them for Army Reservists. The three men are deployed to Iraq, but a premature ejection lands them in Mexico. Believing they are in the Middle East, the bogus soldiers save a village and become local heroes, until a karaoke-loving warlord decides to strike back.
  • Attack the Block
    21

    Attack the Block

    John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail
    6 votes
    In Attack the Block, a South London neighborhood becomes an unlikely battleground when a meteor shower brings more than just celestial spectacle - it brings hostile extraterrestrial life. The story revolves around Moses (John Boyega), the gang leader, who is forced to defend his turf against these alien invaders. As night descends, the stakes rise in this sci-fi thriller, with the teenage misfits morphing into unlikely heroes. Directed by Joe Cornish, this movie uniquely blends elements of horror, action, and comedy, delivering a fresh take on the alien invasion genre.
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  • The Replacements
    22

    The Replacements

    Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Orlando Jones
    4 votes
    In the heart of a pro football lockout, an unlikely group of ragtag players are assembled under the guidance of seasoned coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman). This motley crew, led by Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), a washed-up quarterback, is tasked with keeping the Washington Sentinels' season alive. In this sports comedy-drama, The Replacements, the team's journey from underdogs to champions is as unpredictable as it is entertaining. With each game, they learn to overcome their individual shortcomings and work together, proving that sometimes second chances can make you a winner.
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  • The Last Boy Scout
    23

    The Last Boy Scout

    Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Chelsea Field
    4 votes
    In the action-packed thriller The Last Boy Scout, private detective Joe Hallenbeck (Bruce Willis) teams up with disgraced ex-football player Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans). Their mission? To solve the murder of Cory (Halle Berry), a stripper with ties to the professional football world. Amidst an explosive mix of corruption, drugs, and politics, they navigate a dangerous landscape that takes them from seedy underbellies to high-profile arenas. Directed by Tony Scott, this film weaves together elements of suspense, camaraderie, and unexpected humor. Despite its gritty exterior, it offers a compelling narrative about redemption and unlikely alliances.
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  • Paul Blart: Mall Cop
    24

    Paul Blart: Mall Cop

    Kevin James, Jayma Mays, Keir O'Donnell
    1 votes
    A single suburban father (Kevin James) works at a mall as a security guard to make ends meet, and he takes his job very seriously, even though most of his colleagues and customers don't. As the holidays approach, Paul gets his moment to shine when Santa's little helpers shut down the mall down and take hostages, including his daughter and girlfriend. He realizes no one knows the place better than he does, and he mounts his trusty steed, a Segway, and goes to the rescue.
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  • Mystery Men
    25

    Mystery Men

    Hank Azaria, Janeane Garofalo, William H. Macy
    1 votes
    In the offbeat superhero film Mystery Men, seven underdogs (William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, Ben Stiller and more) with unusual abilities band together to save their city. They, however, lack the conventional powers of typical comic book heroes. Instead, they boast peculiar skills like silverware hurling and flatulence control. When Champion City's real protector, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear), is kidnapped by villain Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush), these misfit vigilantes must step in to fill his shoes. This quirky comedy combines both action and humor to create an entertaining parody of superhero tropes.
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  • Defendor
    26

    Defendor

    Woody Harrelson, Kat Dennings, Sandra Oh
    1 votes
    An everyday guy (Woody Harrelson) believes he is a superhero and befriends a teenager while seeing a psychiatrist.
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  • Blues Brothers 2000
    27

    Blues Brothers 2000

    Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, Joe Morton
    1 votes
    The now-brotherless Ellwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) is finally out of prison, attempting to reunite the old band and find a few new partners in crime (John Goodman), (J. Evan Bonifant). In this sequel to the original "Blues Brothers" comedy/musical, Ellwood battles the Chicago police, sings and dances his way out of numerous sticky situations, and manages to get the old band on the road for a hair-raising adventure.
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  • McHale's Navy
    28

    McHale's Navy

    Tim Curry, Debra Messing, Ernest Borgnine
    1 votes
    McHale's Navy is a 1997 military comedy film starring Tom Arnold. The movie is based on the 1962-1966 television series of the same name. Ernest Borgnine was the only member of the original television show's cast to appear in the movie. This was the last film to use the early 1990s Universal Pictures logo, before beginning to use the 1997-2012 logo starting with The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
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  • I Spy
    29

    I Spy

    Eddie Murphy, Owen Wilson, Famke Janssen
    1 votes
    When the Switchblade, the most sophisticated prototype stealth fighter created yet, is stolen from the U.S. government, one of the United States' top spies, Alex Scott (Owen Wilson), is called to action. What he doesn't expect is to get teamed up with a cocky civilian, World Class Boxing Champion Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy), on a dangerous top secret espionage mission. Their assignment: using equal parts skill and humor, catch Arnold Gundars, one of the world's most successful arms dealers.
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  • The Impossible Spy
    30

    The Impossible Spy

    John Shea, Eli Wallach, Sasson Gabai
    1 votes
    In 1959, Ellie Cohen (John Shea), an unassuming Israeli accountant, is recruited by the spy agency Mossad to gather intelligence on the Syrian government. Disguising himself as a Muslim businessman, Cohen ingratiates himself with the top brass of Syria's Ba'ath Party and gains the trust of prominent party leader Gen. Gamal Haled (Rami Danon). But the threat of blowing becomes increasingly dangerous as Cohen draws closer and closer to the inner circle of the enemy.