Top 10 Lovable Losers in Film
#10: Fogell / ‘McLovin’
“Superbad” (2007)
What is it about this character that works on so many levels? As part of a trio of friends trying to get laid before school lets out, Sam Fogell is definitely the biggest loser of the three. He wears vests that make him look like Aladdin, awkwardly tells girls the time and purchases fake IDs that only have one name…McLovin. Yet, he is easily the most beloved character to emerge from the film. Maybe it’s his ability to take a punch, or perhaps his affinity for getting drunk with on-duty police officers? Either way, McLovin definitely deserves a spot on this list!
#9: Lloyd Christmas & Harry Dunne
“Dumb and Dumber” (1994)
If you were looking for a film about two lovable chumps who travel across the U.S. while constantly one-upping their own stupidity… look no further. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play the aforementioned chumps, and what the characters lack in brains they more than make up for in heart. Who could forget the scene of Lloyd and Harry turning down the opportunity to be oil boys for a busload of bikini clad women? Each dumb decision they make is promptly followed by a quote of earnest simplicity, clearly demonstrating to the audience that they are equal parts stupid and sweet. Ultimately, these two goofs make for a highly entertaining duo!
#8: Morton Schmidt / Doug McQuaid
“21 Jump Street” (2012)
High school is a tough time for a lot of people. Thankfully most people only have to go through it once. Morton Schmidt is not most people. As an undercover police officer, Schmidt and his partner Jenko are tasked with infiltrating a high school drug ring in the film. While Jenko might not be booksmart, it’s Schmidt that needs lessons on how to be cool. Socially awkward, bad with the ladies and physically... ungifted, Schmidt has loser written all over him. However, the character is redeemed through a series of uncomfortable yet sweet sequences throughout the film. Whether he’s playing Peter Pan in a play or awkwardly asking a girl to prom, you gotta’ love Morton Schmidt – whose further antics continue in sequel.
#7: Brian Ralph Johnson
“The Breakfast Club” (1985)
Auf Dino-Spurensuche mit Brian Switek
John Hughes ability to turn chumps into champs right before the eyes of viewers is iconic. The character of Brian Johnson is a perfect example of this. When the film starts, it’s clear he is the geek in the group. However, as the five main characters get to know one another, Johnson reveals himself to be a big sweetheart, trying to cope with the struggles of high school like the rest of them. Hughes definitely had an affinity for writing geeky but lovable characters – just one year earlier he gave the world Farmer Ted, the goofball from “Sixteen Candles” desperately seeking to bed Molly Ringwald’s Sam – conveniently also played by Anthony Michael Hall.
#6: Dewey Finn
“School of Rock” (2003)
Jack Black has made a career out of playing losers…some lovable…some less so. But as this washed up musician turned substitute teacher, he’s as endearing as they come. Black plays Dewey Finn, a man who rebounds after being kicked out of his own band by transforming a group of prep school kids into the most kick-ass group of child musicians since the Von Trapp Family. While his cons include showing up to class hung-over and running a little late on the rent, his pros smash those to pieces. Dewey is all heart when it comes to his students and his friends, making us all wish he could have been our teacher.
#5: Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski
“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
In the pantheon of laid-back movie characters, one stands above the rest. Brilliantly portrayed by Jeff Bridges, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski is perpetually one White Russian away from melting into his surroundings. After a case of mistaken identity leads to his rug being ruined, The Dude springs into action in only the way he can – slowly, passively, and completely stoned. While his shortcomings are constantly being thrown in the viewer's face, it’s his chilled out demeanor and indifference to pretty much everything that make him one of the most iconic lovable losers to ever grace the screen.
#4: Neville Longbottom
“The Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
In the Harry Potter Universe, one character is the definition of lovable and a quintessential loser. That character... is Neville. Whether he’s falling off his broom, being picked up by pixies or cowering in the face of Snape, Neville never quite knows how to handle himself. And yet, when his character is brought up by fans, it is almost always accompanied with glowing praise. This is in no small part due to the incredible bravery that Neville has shown over the years. Whether standing up to his friends, Death Eaters or Voldemort himself, Neville always follows his heart. And that makes him not only a true Gryffindor, but a pretty lovable guy.
#3: Saul Silver
“Pineapple Express” (2008)
Movie drug dealers are usually pretty cool guys; they often wear nice clothes, drive sweet cars and use their menace to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. If you’ve seen “Pineapple Express,” you know that Saul is absolutely nothing like that. A stoner pot dealer who makes zero effort to impress, Saul is the epitome of loserdom. However, while he may move a little slower than most, his heart is always in the right place. Whether he is visiting his grandma to say hello or discussing engineering with a customer, Saul is just down to have a good time. If you need more convincing, watch the final diner scene – priceless!
#2: Andy Stitzer
“The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005)
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It’s little wonder it took this character so long to pop his cherry. From his collection of unopened action figures to his ridiculous haircut and poor style choices, Andy Stitzer is definitely a loser. Throughout the film, his work pals try and help him lose his virginity, always with hilarious results. However, while he may be a geeky virgin, Andy is also a big sweetheart. He is quick to help those in need and always has time to chat with his neighbors – even if they too think he desperately needs to get laid. An iconic portrayal by the always-funny Steve Carrell, this is one character that took lovable loser to a whole new level.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Alan Garner
“The Hangover” (2009)
Ben Stone
“Knocked Up” (2007)
Louis Tully
“Ghostbusters” (1984)
#1: Philip F. ‘Duckie’ Dale
“Pretty in Pink” (1986)
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In this classic John Hughes-written comedy, one character's raw charisma carried the film from start to finish. Portrayed by a very young Jon Cryer, Duckie leapt off the screen and into the hearts of viewers everywhere. Who could forget the iconic scene of him lip-syncing an Otis Redding tune while dancing his heart out? Or the time he got tossed into the girl's’ washroom and immediately began lamenting the fact that it’s nicer than the guys’? Next to Blane, the boy for whom Duckie’s love interest pines, Duckie doesn’t stand a chance, but he certainly won over the hearts and affections of countless cinemagoers.
