Top 10 Hilarious Movie Heroes

#10: Happy Gilmore “Happy Gilmore” (1996)

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Happy is really anything but. After the bank starts the process of repossessing his grandmother’s house by taking her furniture, Happy enters a golf tournament. And despite the fact that the aspiring hockey player knows nothing about golf, he hopes he can buy her house back with the reward money. Throughout the movie, Happy becomes infamous for his easily sparked temper, whether it's going off on a hilarious curse-filled tirade against his golf ball or beating up (or being beat up by) Bob Barker). He may be a sweetheart at his core, but his farcical penchant for violence is always funny – at least on the big screen. [We miss this Adam Sandler.]

While Susan Cooper has many elements of many of the other characters played by Melissa McCarthy, that doesn't make her any less funny. This action spy comedy follows Susan as she works at a desk job for the CIA before being thrown into the field as an agent - complete with ridiculous wigs and outfits. Her fish out of water approach to spying is refreshingly absurd, and it lends itself to some terrifically amusing moments, especially whenever she shares the screen with Jason Statham’s Rick Ford. In short, Susan is a welcome addition to the spy spoof genre, and one of McCarthy’s greatest creations.

#8: Greg Jenko & Morton Schmidt “Jump Street” franchise (2012-)

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When it was announced that the ‘80s television show would be adapted for the big screen, many collective groans were issued. However, everyone's fears were put to rest in 2012, mostly due to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s dynamic performances. The characters are perfect parodies of the typical cops seen in movies and TV, but they are also gut-busting simply on their own accord - even if you know nothing about police archetypes. The socially awkward Schmidt and dim-witted Jenko work great together, and their polar opposite personalities ironically make for terrific chemistry and humorous situations.

#7: Ron Burgundy “Anchorman” franchise (2004-)

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Usually, you either you love Will Ferrell or you hate him, but there's no denying the legacy that Ron Burgundy has attracted over the years thanks to the first film. This includes garnering sequel craze for almost a decade and becoming the focus of various Internet memes. The anchorman for a San Diego TV channel, Ron is terribly sexist and misogynistic, yet he remains funny through his naivete and overblown narcissism. Even though he's not the “funny” one of his group, and may even be considered the most “normal,” that may be exactly why he’s such a fantastically funny character that we can’t get enough of.

Axel Foley may be a terrific cop, as he has exceptional detective skills and street smarts, but his childlike personality makes him funnier than any cop we know – in the movies or otherwise. Axel’s wisecracks are always a delight to listen to (at least they are in the first 2 movies), and his hobbies include eating and watching TV, something that we think almost everyone can relate to. He's the perfect everyman cop, played with confidence and energy by Eddie Murphy during his prime. What more can you ask for?

While many of the younger folk may know Inspector Clouseau from that poorly received Steve Martin reboot, the original character, masterfully played by Peter Sellers, is much better and much funnier. Clouseau is a bumbling, inept, borderline stupid chief inspector that somehow keeps getting hired to help solve crimes. His foolish persona proved to be so immensely satisfying and popular with audiences however, that he was promoted from a supporting character in the original movie to a protagonist in later installments. No matter what age you are, slapstick humor is always funny if done well, and with Clouseau, it's masterful.

#4: Daniel Hillard / Euphegenia Doubtfire “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)

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Along with his hysterical performance as Armand Goldman in “The Birdcage,” Robin Williams’ terrific and transformative role as Mrs. Doubtfire cements his place as a legendary comedian and actor. In this 1993 comedy classic, Williams’ Daniel dresses up as a nanny in order to see his children after his wife seeks a divorce. It's kind of a depressing concept, but Daniel makes it funny and light, mostly thanks to his wicked sarcasm, intense hatred for Pierce Brosnan's Stuart, and the silly nanny accent. The idea of a man dressing up as an old woman is funny enough, but Daniel's infectious personality makes it even more so.

#3: Austin Powers “Austin Powers” franchise (1997-2002)

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Easily the quintessential spy spoofing character, Austin Powers made audiences everywhere howl with laughter. Whether it was through his absurd appearance, witty one-liners, or instantly recognizable catchphrases, the character's influence was felt everywhere in the late ‘90s, as everyone was repeating his signature lines and copying his goofy mannerisms. While Mike Myers was certainly appreciated as an actor at the time, Austin Powers catapulted him into Hollywood superstardom. Even though the last movie dates back to 2002, people are still clamoring for a fourth installment, showcasing the character's monumental popularity and how much of a pop culture icon he has become.

What can we say, there's something about spoof movies that are really funny! “The Naked Gun” series follows a... well, we guess you can say not so bright police officer, played straight by the late Leslie Nielsen. Drebin is simply a joy to watch, even though he wouldn't be very fun to work with, as he often causes more problems than he solves because of his ineptness. He is also completely oblivious to what is going around him, which makes for some truly hysterical moments. His cynicism is just icing on the cake, as it makes him thoroughly unlikable as a person, but comical as a movie character. Before we look at our funniest protagonist, here are a few honorable mentions. Borat Sagdiyev “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (2006) Captain Jack Sparrow “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-) Ash “Evil Dead” franchise (1981-) Monsieur Gustave H. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) Phil & Claire Foster “Date Night” (2010) Gracie Hart “Miss Congeniality” (2000)

#1: Ace Ventura “Ace Ventura” franchise (1994-95)

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Ace Ventura is without a doubt one of cinema's wackiest and funniest characters, and he is played with manic energy and determination by the one and only Jim Carrey. This was the role that shot the actor and comedian into the Hollywood A-list, as people saw what a funny man he could be, and we can't think of a better introduction. Ace is infectiously unhinged, and his eccentricities are flamboyant, which makes him a delight to watch. Though that rhino scene in “When Nature Calls” could’ve basically sealed him the number one spot. While some may find Ace annoying, it’s clear from the 2 movies’ commercial success and cult status that many find him cheerfully lighthearted and fun. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the funniest movie protagonist? For more hilarious top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.