1. Psycho 1960，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 725546, ID: 0054215 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ is a masterclass in suspense and psychological horror, but it also presents a deeply misunderstood male character in Norman Bates. Bates, portrayed by Anthony Perkins, is often seen as a mere villain, but his character is a tragic figure shaped by a traumatic past and a domineering mother. The film’s exploration of his psyche reveals the complexities of his character, challenging the simplistic notion of men as inherently violent or evil.
2. The Notebook 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 628438, ID: 0332280 Photo by deviantart.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 While ‘The Notebook’ is often celebrated as a quintessential romance, it also highlights the problematic portrayal of male characters. Noah Calhoun, played by Ryan Gosling, is depicted as the ideal romantic hero, but his actions, such as threatening to harm himself to win Allie’s affection, are troubling. This behavior is romanticized, perpetuating the harmful stereotype that men must be persistent and aggressive to prove their love.
3. Crimson Peak 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 159459, ID: 2554274 Photo by spontis.de, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Crimson Peak’ is a gothic romance that explores the dark secrets of Thomas Sharpe, played by Tom Hiddleston. Thomas is often seen as a villain, but his character is a tragic figure trapped by his circumstances and manipulated by his sister. The film highlights the misunderstood nature of male vulnerability and the impact of toxic family dynamics.
4. Citizen Kane 1941，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 469027, ID: 0033467 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Citizen Kane is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of a man’s life, yet it often portrays Charles Foster Kane as a toxic, self-absorbed individual. The film’s depiction of Kane’s relentless pursuit of power and control highlights the misunderstood nature of male ambition and vulnerability. The film’s portrayal of male characters as inherently flawed can be seen as a reflection of societal misconceptions about men.
5. Star Wars 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1463676, ID: 0076759 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Wars is an epic space opera that revolutionized the sci-fi genre, yet it often simplifies its male characters into archetypal roles. Han Solo, for instance, is depicted as a charming rogue, but his character’s depth and vulnerabilities are often overshadowed by his bravado. The film’s portrayal of male heroism and stoicism can perpetuate the stereotype that men must always be strong and fearless.
6. Top Gun 1986，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 509328, ID: 0092099 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Top Gun is a high-octane action film that glorifies the macho image of fighter pilots, yet it often overlooks the emotional complexities of its male characters. Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, is portrayed as a fearless and rebellious pilot, but his struggles with grief and self-doubt are only briefly touched upon. The film’s emphasis on competition and bravado can reinforce the misconception that men must always be tough and competitive.
7. (500) Days of Summer 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 565532, ID: 1022603 Photo by wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (500) Days of Summer is a refreshing take on romantic relationships, told from the perspective of a male protagonist. Tom’s journey through love and heartbreak is portrayed with honesty and vulnerability, challenging the stereotype that men are emotionally detached. The film’s non-linear narrative and quirky style add depth to Tom’s character, making him relatable and sympathetic. However, the film’s focus on Tom’s perspective can sometimes overshadow Summer’s own experiences and agency.
8. The Little Mermaid 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 293441, ID: 0097757 Photo by fanpop.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Little Mermaid is a beloved Disney classic that tells the story of Ariel’s quest for love and freedom. However, the film’s portrayal of Prince Eric as a passive and idealized love interest can reinforce the stereotype that men must be strong and silent. Eric’s character lacks depth and agency, often serving as a mere object of Ariel’s affection.
9. Taxi Driver 1976，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 932875, ID: 0075314 Photo by neformat.com.ua, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver’ offers a haunting portrayal of loneliness and alienation through the character of Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro. Travis is a Vietnam veteran struggling to find his place in a decaying society, and his descent into violence is a stark commentary on the misunderstood male experience. The film’s gritty realism and De Niro’s intense performance shed light on the psychological turmoil and societal pressures that can drive a man to the edge.
10. American Psycho 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 730068, ID: 0144084 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mary Harron’s ‘American Psycho’ is a darkly satirical take on the male obsession with power and appearance. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and psychopathic New York City investment banker, exposes the fragility of masculinity and the destructive nature of societal expectations. The film’s blend of horror and humor provides a biting critique of the male ego and the lengths to which men will go to maintain their facade.
11. Fight Club 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2354896, ID: 0137523 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 David Fincher’s ‘Fight Club’ is a provocative exploration of male identity and disillusionment. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt deliver powerful performances as two sides of the same man, grappling with the emptiness of consumer culture and the search for meaning. The film’s raw depiction of violence and rebellion serves as a metaphor for the internal struggle many men face in a society that often misunderstands their needs and desires.
12. Joker 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1516637, ID: 7286456 Photo by cyberculture.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ is a chilling character study of Arthur Fleck, a man pushed to the brink by a society that ignores and mistreats him. Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting performance captures the pain and desperation of a man struggling with mental illness and societal rejection. The film’s portrayal of Arthur’s transformation into the Joker highlights the dangerous consequences of misunderstanding and neglecting the male experience.
13. A Clockwork Orange 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 888047, ID: 0066921 Photo by companyfolders.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is a disturbing yet thought-provoking film that delves into the psyche of its protagonist, Alex. The movie portrays Alex as a misunderstood character whose violent tendencies are a product of societal failures. Kubrick’s masterful direction and Malcolm McDowell’s chilling performance make this film a compelling exploration of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of a society that fails to address its underlying issues.
14. The Godfather 1972，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2036858, ID: 0068646 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ is a cinematic masterpiece that redefines the gangster genre. The film’s portrayal of Michael Corleone’s transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss is both captivating and tragic. Al Pacino’s nuanced performance and the film’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, power, and family make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.
15. Scarface 1983，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 927056, ID: 0086250 Photo by ssl-images-amazon.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Brian De Palma’s ‘Scarface’ is a gritty and unflinching look at the rise and fall of Tony Montana. Al Pacino’s larger-than-life performance brings depth to a character who is often misunderstood as merely a violent criminal. The film’s exploration of the American Dream and the corrupting influence of power and greed makes it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
16. The Wolf of Wall Street 2013，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1606437, ID: 0993846 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is a wild and exhilarating ride through the excesses of Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jordan Belfort is both charismatic and repulsive, capturing the essence of a man driven by greed and ambition. The film’s unflinching depiction of the hedonistic lifestyle of its protagonist serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and moral decay.
What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Men: 16 Misunderstood Movie Characters
