Top 10 Smartest Movie Heroes

“Mission: Impossible” franchise (1996-)

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Impossible missions are more possible with this highly intelligent operative. A military man turned secret agent, Ethan Hunt is a force to be reckoned with, dispatching all manner of targets and fulfilling his missions successfully. As if being part of the elite Impossible Mission Force weren’t enough, he is decisive and independent and possesses a near photographic memory that is a boon when remembering key details of high stakes missions. And of course, his signature skill at breaking into high security facilities is unparalleled. A martial arts expert, polylinguist, and all-around jack-of-all-trades, Hunt is a formidable agent indeed, and one of the most intelligent around.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)

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It may be a sin to kill a mockingbird, but it would be an even greater one to leave out Atticus Finch from this list. Principled, courageous, and self-disciplined, Atticus is an attorney faced with defending a black man falsely accused of assault in Alabama. Despite the intense racist backlash, he succeeds in protecting his client and even mounts an air-tight defense, proving beyond reasonable doubt that his client was innocent. Though he lost his case in the face of entrenched Southern bigotry, Atticus’s honorable intelligence changed public perception of the legal profession. Now that is a superhuman feat worthy of this list.

“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)

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Speaking of public perception, there have been many good and powerful witches in fiction. But few can boast the fierce intelligence and logic of “Harry Potter’s” Hermione Granger. As Harry’s most bookishly powerful friend, Hermione’s intelligence has a great range, from getting twelve O.W.L.s to helping Harry solve the mysteries of their year, to punching Malfoy in the face (yes, that counts!). Hermione’s outstanding feats of magic complement her typical Gryffindor-like courage, helping her to rise up against injustice and the forces of wizard supremacy. Lupin and Sirius say it, and we agree: She is the brightest witch of her age.

“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

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It’s one thing to keep your smarts together during high-stakes missions or even in the face of impending death. But it’s another to keep your head in one of the most dehumanizing of institutions. Andy Dufresne is the rare type of individual that manages to thrive in prison thanks to his quiet intelligence. Using his banker’s background, he helps inmates with financial advice and even manages to build an impressive prison library. Above all, Andy retains his integrity in the face of systemic cruelty and degradation, which is a tremendous feat. That, and escaping prison by chipping an underground tunnel hidden behind a poster of Rita Hayworth. That, too.

“The Martian” (2015)

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Getting left behind on a deserted planet would defeat even the bravest and toughest of individuals. For Mark Whatney, it’s the perfect opportunity to play Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” This quip-ready hero uses extra-impressive smarts to survive on Mars and wait for rescue from the next mission in four years. Using his botanical knowledge, he creates a garden with excrement fertilizer and successfully grows potatoes. He even manages to establish video communication with NASA, retrieving the long-defunct “Pathfinder” probe and fixing it. The only thing that threatens to defeat him? Having to listen to ‘70s disco. Honestly, that’s understandable.

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

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With Death Eaters, prison, Mars, and now serial killers, the smartest characters are undoubtedly the best at facing truly horrific threats. While Hannibal Lecter’s intelligence and eloquence may be showier, it is FBI trainee Clarice’s smarts that compel cooperation from the outwardly genteel serial killer and capture Buffalo Bill once and for all. Clarice’s success in getting Lecter’s cooperation and identifying Buffalo Bill, and killing him when she hears the cock of his hammer wins her accolades. She graduates with honors and becomes a full-fledged agent, even gaining the fondness of Lecter himself. The lambs have definitely stopped screaming for this one.

“Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-90)

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There is genius and then there is genius that comes up with the invention of a time travel machine on the bathroom floor. Dr. Emmett Brown is the quintessential eccentric mad scientist without the unethical experiments and world domination. Instead Doc’s frazzled mannerisms are a result of his enthusiasm for all things science. Doc is also smart enough to realize the consequences of time traveling, and even asks Marty to destroy his time machine once he returns to his present. Doc’s scientific smarts were influential enough to be the inspiration behind Rick Sanchez of “Rick and Morty” fame. Greatness indeed begets greatness.

“Alien” franchise (1979-)

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Let’s face it: If people had listened to Ripley, it is likely none of the events of the movies would have occurred. When the alien creature attaches itself to a fellow crew member, it was Ripley who refused to let him into the ship, only to be overridden. What follows is a reign of terror as the alien escapes into the ship, leading into a manhunt for the chest-burster. Ripley’s smarts serve her well as she is the only survivor of the original crew. Ripley’s intelligence and quick thinking help her finally defeat the creature and have since set a high bar for science fiction protagonists.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)

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Which list wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favorite genius billionaire playboy philanthropist? Tony Stark’s memorable introduction in the seminal “Iron Man” led to a whole universe of movies and for good reason. Tony is known as a brilliant inventor whose smart armor suit has him on par with naturally-gifted superheroes. Tony’s inventions don’t stop there — he even invents a time travel device that restores trillions of lives back to Earth. Add to this a trenchant wit, able leadership, and a series-long redemptive arc ending in a sacrifice, and Tony Stark more than lives up to his four-word self-description. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Various

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No matter what cinematic version you prefer, it is clear that the world’s greatest detective is going to top everyone’s list for most intelligent character. Portrayed excellently by a whole host of actors, Sherlock Holmes’s talents at detection, quick learning, and inductive reasoning are formidable indeed. In just a glance or two he can absorb and correctly interpret details missed by even the most astute of people. Above all is his dedication to the truth of things and solving the grand mystery of humanity. Sherlock Holmes may not be the only fictional detective out there, but he is the most iconic one for good reasons. Which other fictional genius was truly awe-inspiring? Let us know in the comments down below!