Top 10 Most Memorable False Protagonists

#10: Luke“The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012)

When your movie begins with Ryan Gosling, you expect him to stick around for most of the runtime. “The Place Beyond the Pines” has other plans with its unique structure. Gosling’s character Luke Glanton robs banks in order to provide for his kid, but a failed getaway takes a turn for the worse. A cop named Avery Cross corners Glanton in a house and shoots him. Once you realize what’s happened, the movie shifts perspectives to follow Bradley Cooper’s Cross in the aftermath. The larger plot takes a look at fathers, sons, and the trauma that generations pass down to each other. It’s a much more ambitious drama that doesn’t falter even after losing a pivotal role.

#9: Dino

“Oz” (1997-2003)

This gritty prison drama started off strong with anti-heroes like Dino Ortolani. He looked to be one of the main characters in Oz, giving viewers several highs and lows in the pilot. As the episode went along, his bold personality landed him in critical condition before he got burned. His death by the end of the episode comes with a warning for audience members. You start to realize that even the strong-willed can go at any point. Showcasing the brutal uncertainty of being locked up, his demise proved to be emblematic of the show’s unrelenting storytelling.

#8: John Klute

“Klute” (1971)

When a businessman goes missing, John Klute goes looking for him. The detective seems like the hero considering his place in the story and the movie’s title. “Klute” starts to split its time between the private eye and one of his contacts Bree Daniels. To the benefit of this mystery film, it takes time to explore the inner life of the latter call girl. Donald Sutherland’s character searches for the truth and develops a relationship with Daniels. While you’re still invested in the case, you also grow to see how the woman will turn out. Fonda’s Oscar-winning performance delves into the complicated world of city living, identity, and mental health.

#7: Dallas

“Alien” (1979)

Some people might forget that Ellen Ripley isn’t the clear hero in the first “Alien.” When the crew wakes up, Dallas takes the lead as the commanding officer among other potential protagonists. The ensemble tries to figure out what to do after Kane brings a deadly creature on board. In a shocking scene, the captain goes deep into the ship only to be surprised by a xenomorph. This clears a path for Ripley’s ascendance as the last survivor. Sigourney Weaver’s starmaking role comes at the expense of many other tragic demises, but she clearly earns her status as a franchise leader.

#6: Rita

“ Mulholland Drive” (2001)

You’d be forgiven if you don’t exactly understand this one. Rita survives a gunman and a car crash, struggling with amnesia while navigating Los Angeles. Her mysterious backstory seems worthy enough for an entire plot. Rather than focus on her the whole time, director David Lynch instead shifts the story to Naomi Watts’ Betty. The latter comes to Hollywood to become a star, but she ends up becoming Rita’s savior. Both women intertwine in strange ways until Watts’ character grows to hate her friend. Lynch’s nebulous plot draws you and makes you question the main cast, their identities, and reality itself.

#5: The First Group

“Death Proof” (2007)

Long before it becomes violent, “Death Proof” plays out like a casual hangout. Several friends come together for a drink-filled evening. Julia and her buddies turn her birthday into a fun night, but then they drive away. Little do they know that Stuntman Mike stalks them in his fully-loaded car. Despite all the time we spend with these women, they’re killed in a head-on collision. Quentin Tarantino then takes his slasher-homage and jumps into the future with a whole new group of heroes. Easing you into a false sense of security, the filmmaker isn’t above killing half the cast before resetting the plot with other characters.

#4: Ned Stark“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Sean Bean is one of the most well-known actors in the first season of “Game of Thrones.” His role as Ned Stark fuels the initial story, with his heroic family coming into contact with more nefarious rivals. Bean’s presence likely tricked casual fans unaware of his character’s literary fate. Stark doesn’t make it out of the original season alive, instead losing his title as Hand of the King after accusations of treason. He’s sentenced to death by Joffrey and his absence sends his clan into a frenzy. For much of the series, his children seek revenge for his slaying in a large ensemble of intertwining narratives. Arya, Robb, Sansa, Bran, and Jon Snow all have their own subplots that power much of the remaining series.

#3: Casey Becker

“Scream” (1996)

This Wes Craven horror film famously starts with an ominous phone call. Drew Barrymore’s character picks up the phone, slowly realizing that she’s talking to a deranged killer. The fantastic opening sequence follows Casey Becker as she tries to reason with the caller and save herself. With a simple setup, the “Scream” franchise creates its most iconic moment. Barrymore’s fame does not prevent her character from being killed. Showing fans that nobody is safe, the filmmakers dispatch with their leading lady and shift the narrative to Sidney Prescott. This incredible twist set the tone for a long-running series.

#2: Vito Corleone

“The Godfather” (1972)

In this epic mob tale, a New York family navigates their violent operation and personal relationships. Marlon Brando begins the film as the title character with tremendous power. Vito Corleone demands respect from his underlings, doing favors for people on his daughter’s wedding day. His character then survives an assassination attempt and spends time in recovery. Michael eventually avenges his father, joining his siblings as an unlikely co-conspirator. Al Pacino’s role requires him to go from a relatively innocent man to the next godfather. Francis Ford Coppola’s classic follows the younger son on his tragic trajectory, skillfully showing the anti-hero’s rise to power.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Barbra, “Night of the Living Dead” (1968)

She Flees to a House, but Ben Takes Over as the Main Survivor & Leader

Sarah, “The Last of Us” (2023-)

Joel’s Daughter Doesn’t Make It past the Initial Outbreak & Her Dad Takes Over

Pyle, “Full Metal Jacket” (1987)

The Trainee Seeks Revenge after a Grueling Training Sequence

Don, “28 Weeks Later” (2007)

This Cowardly Anti-Hero Runs Away Only to Help Cause Another Outbreak

#1: Marion Crane

“Psycho” (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s influential film starts off like a simple crime plot. Marion Crane steals some money and runs away, but her getaway stalls out at a motel, where she meets the odd Norman Bates. Returning to her room, she prepares for what will be her last shower. Janet Leigh’s hero is around for a large chunk of the movie, but her death takes “Psycho” in a strange direction. Bates cleans up after what might be his violent mother while a detective searches for Crane. The remainder of the story follows the investigation into Crane’s murder, Bates’ cover up, and everything that leads up to another surprising twist. Hitchcock relishes in changing the rules and pulling the rug out from under his audience.

Did we forget another movie that switched main characters? Let us know in the comments below.