The Surprising Twist: 21 Movies Where the Supporting Cast Outshines the Hero

1. Predator 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 7.7，ID: tt0093773
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Predator, a 1987 classic, delivers a high-octane thrill ride that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, Dutch, leads a commando team into a South American jungle, only to find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial predator. While Dutch is the quintessential action hero, it’s the supporting characters that truly shine. Each member of Dutch’s team brings a unique skill set and personality to the table, adding depth and diversity to the narrative. Their fears, quirks, and camaraderie make them more relatable and engaging than the invincible Dutch. In the end, Predator isn’t just about the survival of the fittest; it’s a testament to the human spirit and the power of teamwork.
2. Tombstone 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 7.4，ID: tt0108358
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Tombstone is a classic Western that tells the story of Wyatt Earp and his brothers. However, it’s Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday that truly steals the show. His performance adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film, making it a standout in the genre. Despite being a supporting character, Holliday’s charisma and wit make him more memorable than the hero, proving that sometimes, the supporting characters can indeed be better than the heroes.
3. High Fidelity 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.5，Douban Rating: 7.3，ID: tt0146882
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Based on the information and reviews I found, “High Fidelity” is a comedy about real people in real lives. The movie centers around John Cusack’s character, Rob, who owns a used-record store in Chicago. However, Jack Black’s portrayal of the kooky Barry, who sings and dances when he pleases, lifts the movie’s spirits to make it the feel-good comedy it’s known to be.
4. The Fast and the Furious 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.8，Douban Rating: 7.8，ID: tt0232500
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The Fast and the Furious 2001, a high-octane film filled with thrilling car races and daring heists, is a spectacle to behold. However, it’s not the main characters that steal the show, but the supporting cast. Han, with his cool demeanor and charismatic presence, truly outshines the heroes. His character adds a layer of depth and intrigue that keeps the audience engaged, making the movie a much more enjoyable ride. Despite the film’s shortcomings in plot and logic, the strength of its supporting characters makes it a memorable watch.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.8，Douban Rating: 9.0，ID: tt0120737
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a film that has been praised for its action, acting, and visuals. However, some critics have pointed out that the film’s translation of Tolkien’s vision could have been better. The film is about a meek Hobbit named Frodo and his eight companions who set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. The film is full of eye-popping special effects and features a pitch-perfect cast. It is visually striking, thematically grave, and morally weighty. The film is masterfully paced and seems to get better as it progresses.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 2003，IMDB Rating: 8.0，Douban Rating: 8.8，ID: tt0325980
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a swashbuckling adventure that takes us on a thrilling journey with Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. However, it’s the supporting characters that truly shine in this film. They add depth, humor, and a unique charm that makes the movie a memorable experience. From the eccentricities of Captain Jack Sparrow to the stoic strength of Will Turner, each character brings something unique to the table. But it’s the supporting cast, with their diverse personalities and compelling backstories, that truly enrich the narrative and make the film a joy to watch.
7. Mean Girls 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.0，Douban Rating: 6.9，ID: tt0377092
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Mean Girls, a 2004 comedy, offers a humorous and insightful look into the dynamics of high school cliques and popularity. The film’s protagonist, Cady Heron, navigates this intricate social landscape, but it’s the supporting characters, particularly the Plastics, who truly shine. These characters, with their distinct personalities and quirks, add depth to the narrative and often outshine Cady in terms of charisma and engagement. The film’s strength lies in its ability to portray these characters in a manner that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making Mean Girls a standout in its genre.
8. The Devil Wears Prada 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.9，Douban Rating: 8.1，ID: tt0458352
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The Devil Wears Prada is a film that stands out not just for its critique of the fashion industry, but for its remarkable performances, particularly that of Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly. Streep’s portrayal of the powerful and demanding editor is so compelling that it arguably overshadows the protagonist, Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway. This dynamic makes The Devil Wears Prada a prime example of a movie where the supporting character outshines the hero, adding a unique twist to the viewing experience.
9. The Dark Knight 2008，IMDB Rating: 9.0，Douban Rating: 9.2，ID: tt0468569
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The Dark Knight is a film that transcends its comic book origins to become an engrossing tragedy. It’s not a simplistic tale of good and evil. Batman, portrayed by Christian Bale, is seen as a vigilante by the citizens of Gotham City. The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger, is more than a villain. He poses moral dilemmas for his enemies. In the context of the topic ’20 movies where the supporting characters are better than the heroes’, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker stands out. His performance is so powerful that it overshadows the lead character, Batman. Ledger’s Joker is a complex character whose actions are designed to pose moral dilemmas for his enemies.
10. Inglourious Basterds 2009，IMDB Rating: 8.3，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt0361748
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Inglourious Basterds, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a film that leaves a strong impression with its audacious style and iconic characters. The film is not just about the heroes, but also about the supporting characters who bring depth and complexity to the story. One such character is Col. Hans Landa, played by Christoph Waltz, whose performance is so compelling that it overshadows the heroes of the film. His character, with its unique blend of evil and irony, adds a layer of intrigue that makes the film all the more engaging. This film is a testament to the fact that sometimes, supporting characters can outshine the heroes and leave a lasting impact.
11. Thor: Ragnarok 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 7.4，ID: tt3501632
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“Thor: Ragnarok” is an exciting cosmic journey that elevates the Marvel franchise. Chris Hemsworth shines with a mix of humor and action, while Tom Hiddleston’s Loki remains the franchise’s most entertaining villain. As a movie lover, I found its vibrant visuals and comedy refreshing in the MCU. Though the plot can feel disjointed and humor sometimes outshines serious moments, “Thor: Ragnarok” delivers a fun and unique take on the superhero genre, making it a must-watch for Marvel fans.
12. Black Panther 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 6.5，ID: tt1825683
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Black Panther is a standout film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that takes us to the beautiful world of Wakanda. The film is not only action-packed but also rich in character development, especially its supporting characters. Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright, is a prime example of a supporting character who shines brightly, adding depth and humor to the film. Her intelligence and wit make her a memorable character who arguably outshines the hero himself.
13. Avengers: Infinity War 2018，IMDB Rating: 8.4，Douban Rating: 8.1，ID: tt4154756
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Avengers: Infinity War is a cinematic spectacle that brings together a multitude of characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is praised for its ability to balance the screen time among the characters, allowing each member of the Avengers to shine. However, the film’s length and direction have been criticized.
14. Avengers: Endgame 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.4，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt4154796
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Avengers: Endgame is a blockbuster film that culminates a decade of Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s praised for its complex narrative, iconic heroes, and satisfying conclusion. However, the supporting characters in the film, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Ant-Man, break free of the crowd. They are allowed to bounce off each other, making them stand out and possibly better than the heroes. This aligns with the topic that supporting characters in films can sometimes be funnier, smarter, and more charismatic than the main characters. They can steal the show from the lead.
15. Knives Out 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 8.2，ID: tt8946378
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In the world of mystery thrillers, ‘Knives Out’ stands out for its intricate plot and compelling supporting characters. Directed by Rian Johnson, it features a web of intrigue where each twist is carefully crafted. The Thrombey family, portrayed by a talented cast, enriches the narrative, making it as much about them as the mystery. Daniel Craig’s quirky detective Benoit Blanc and Ana de Armas’ devoted nurse Marta Cabrera particularly shine. ‘Knives Out’ showcases the allure of well-developed supporting characters, often rivaling the main heroes.
16. The Hunger Games 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.2，Douban Rating: 7.0，ID: tt1392170
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The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross, presents a chilling dystopia where the fight for survival is televised. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen is commendable, embodying strength and conviction. However, the film misses the mark in leveraging its sci-fi elements for deeper social commentary.
17. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 7.2，ID: tt2488496
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a delightful blend of the old and the new. The film introduces new characters who are not only compelling but also bring a fresh energy to the series. Rey and Finn, in particular, stand out with their charisma and resourcefulness. They breathe life into the narrative and often outshine the main characters, making the film a perfect example of a movie where the supporting characters are better than the heroes. Their interactions with the beloved older characters, such as Han Solo and Chewbacca, add depth to their characters and make the film a nostalgic yet refreshing experience. The film is a testament to the fact that a good movie with a good heart can serve as everyone’s mirror.
18. Star Wars: The Last Jedi 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.0，Douban Rating: 7.1，ID: tt2527336
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a visual spectacle, filled with sprawling incidents and a diverse cast of characters. The film takes the Star Wars series into uncharted territory, offering an emotional, high-octane ride. However, the film’s true strength lies in its supporting characters. From the veteran presence of Chewbacca and R2-D2 to the introduction of compelling new faces, these characters bring a depth and charisma that outshine the main heroes. Their humor, intelligence, and charm add a layer of complexity to the film, making it a memorable viewing experience.
19. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.6，Douban Rating: 6.3，ID: tt2527338
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As a software engineer who enjoys comedy, romance, and animation, I found ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ to be a departure from my usual preferences. However, the film’s well-executed action scenes and strong performances were commendable. The supporting characters, in particular, added depth and charisma to the story, often outshining the main heroes. Despite some criticisms about the film’s lack of imagination, I believe it concluded the Star Wars saga with a fan-focused devotion that is worth acknowledging. Overall, while ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ may not have been a laugh-out-loud or heartwarming experience for me, it offered an engaging adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
20. Guardians of the Galaxy 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.0，Douban Rating: 8.1，ID: tt2015381
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Guardians of the Galaxy is a vibrant cosmic adventure that takes us into the far reaches of the Marvel Universe. The film’s strength lies not just in its witty script or stunning visuals, but in its ensemble of richly drawn characters. The supporting characters, particularly the wisecracking Rocket Raccoon and the endearing tree-like creature Groot, steal the show with their humor and heart, often outshining the main heroes. Their camaraderie and banter inject the film with a sense of fun and energy that sets it apart from many other superhero movies. Despite its epic scale, Guardians of the Galaxy never loses sight of its characters and their emotional journeys, making it a standout in the superhero genre.
21. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 8.0，ID: tt3896198
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a delightful blend of action, humor, and character development. The movie shines not just because of its main characters, but also due to its supporting cast. Characters like Rocket, with his snarky wit, Baby Groot, with his adorable antics, and Yondu, with his complex personality, add depth and charm to the movie. They each have their moments to shine, making the movie a balanced ensemble piece rather than a one-man show.