Top 10 Most Powerful Movie Characters of All Time

#10: Optimus Prime
“Transformers” franchise (1986-)
Any number of giant robots could’ve cracked our Top 10, but none stand out quite like Optimus Prime. On top of being a natural leader, this Autobot is an expert in strategy, weaponry, and - above all else - physical combat. Although he can transform into a truck, Optimus is built more like an indestructible tank, fighting his way through buildings as if the walls were made from construction paper. Even when he passes on the Matrix of Leadership, it doesn’t take more than a reboot to get Optimus back on the battlefield. Whether he’s fighting with his bare fists, a sword, or on a Dinobot’s back, Optimus is every bit as enduring as this Hasbro franchise.
#9: T-1000
“Terminator 2: Judgement Day” (1991)
The T-1000 is an upgrade from the previous Terminator model in every way. He’s as persistent as the T-800, but much more resistant to damage. Made from liquid metal, he can walk away from gunshots and explosions without a scratch. Even when completely shattered, he can pull himself back together in no time. His abilities to shapeshift and form bladed weapons give him an extra edge in assassination missions. Granted, the T-800 bests the T-1000 in the end, but that’s only because he was conveniently standing by a container of molten steel, which would’ve melted down any Terminator model.
#8: The Kurgan
“Highlander” (1986)
There can be only one immortal being in this 1986 cult classic and the Kurgan is determined to become the last swordsman standing. Surviving for almost 3,000 years, the only way to kill this warrior is through a swift beheading. That’s easier said than done, as the Kurgan will slice through anyone who gets in his way of obtaining “the Prize” - unlimited knowledge of humanity. The Kurgan knows that he’s next to unstoppable and flaunts his immortality while putting others in the line of danger. Of course, what the Kurgan possesses in strength he lacks in restraint and wisdom, leading to his eventual downfall by Connor MacLeod’s hand.
#7: Imhotep
“The Mummy” franchise (1999-2008)
Boris Karloff’s 1932 incarnation of Imhotep might’ve been creepier, but the 1999 version of the Mummy was easily the most powerful monster ever to storm through Egypt. This high priest is buried alive with scarab beetles, but returns 3,000 years later with the intent of reviving the ten biblical plagues. Imhotep additionally gains the abilities to unleash a hurricane of sand and amass a legion of zombified human slaves. While he’s described as a walking disease, Imhotep isn’t without a few weaknesses. He has an irrational fear of cats, and reading from the Book of Amun-Ra deprives him of his immortal status. In the end, though, a broken heart is what keeps Imhotep buried for good.
#6: Neo
“That Matrix” franchise (1999-2003)
Initially believing he’s nothing more than an ordinary programmer and hacker, Thomas A. Anderson - a.k.a. “Neo” - learns that he’s trapped inside a virtual reality. Venturing down the rabbit hole, he rises up as mankind’s last hope against robot overlords. Thanks to the Source code he carries, he’s able to fly at rapid speed, manipulate his surroundings, dodge bullets, take on entire armies, and withstand brutal beatings. Oh, and he also knows Kung Fu. Just as his name is a not-so-subtle anagram of “one,” Neo serves as an allegory for Jesus, sacrificing himself and bouncing back from death to triumph over evil. Whoa!
#5: Godzilla
“Godzilla” franchise (1954-)
Before proceeding, let’s address the giant lizard in the room: the monster from that 1998 movie is NOT Godzilla! The REAL Godzilla wouldn’t die from a few measly missiles. The King of the Monsters would pick himself up even after a massive warhead explosion - only fitting since he was conceived as a metaphor for nuclear weapons. With over 30 films under his belt, Godzilla’s size has varied over the years, ranging from roughly 164 feet in the 1954 classic to over 350 in the 2014 reboot. Either way, you wouldn’t want to be caught underfoot or on the receiving end of his devastating atomic breath.
#4: Lord Voldemort
“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-2011)
Godzilla may be the biggest character on this list, but Lord Voldemort could technically take him down by casting Avada Kedavra. A villain so notorious he’s often referred to as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Voldemort aspires to dominate the Wizarding and Muggle Worlds. By splitting his soul into seven Horcruxes, he’s close to immortal, enduring as long as these objects exist. Some might argue that Harry Potter is the more powerful wizard, as he defeats Voldemort as a baby and finishes him for good as a teenager. If it weren’t for the support of his loved ones, though, Harry never would’ve stood a chance against the Dark Lord.
#3: Genie
“Aladdin” (1992)
This all-powerful wish-fulfiller is given only three restrictions: he can’t kill, influence romantic feelings, or resurrect the dead. Outside of that, he can grant his master any three wishes with a zap of his finger. Along the way, he entertains himself by shapeshifting into various celebrities, putting on extravagant musical numbers, and shattering the fourth wall. Of course, his phenomenal cosmic power does come with the drawback of having to spend eternity in an itty bitty lamp - something Jafar should’ve considered when he upgraded from sorcerer to genie. With his last wish, Aladdin releases Genie from this restriction - freeing the big blue spirit to become his own master.
#2: Sauron
“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-2014)
A fallen Maia - the Middle-earth equivalent of demigods - Sauron’s greatest weapon is the One Ring, which allows him to control the other Rings of Power. Even when it falls into other hands however his spirit lives on through the Ring, enabling him to return as the formidable Necromancer of Dol Guldur, who proves more than a match even for Gandalf. He later manifests as a flaming, all-seeing eye in Mordor. On top of that, he has a legion of Orcs and nine immortal Ringwraiths at his beck and call. The only way to stop him is by throwing the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom, located deep behind enemy lines.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Lucy Miller
“Lucy” (2014)
Pinhead
“Hellraiser” (1987)
The Iron Giant
“The Iron Giant” (1999)
#1: Darth Vader
“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
There’s no shortage of powerful characters on both the light and dark sides of the Force, from wise master Yoda to lightning-hurling Emperor Palpatine. But only Jedi prodigy Anakin Skywalker is the “Chosen One”, a powerful hero for the light, and menacing villain once he forsakes his friends and emerges more machine than man. As Darth Vader, he has command over the Emperor’s Imperial forces, and a space station capable of obliterating entire planets. His mastery of the dark side allows him to choke someone with a gesture, and tear his way through a hallway of soldiers . . . and his destiny as the Chosen One means even his former and current masters better take care.




















