Movie Heroes (part I)

Everybody loves an underdog. Here we count down our picks for the Top 10 From Zero to Hero Movie Protagonists.
For this list, Johnny is taking a look at characters in movies that start off as losers, but become triumphant by the end of their journeys.

10) Neo - “The Matrix” franchise (1999-2003)

1999 brought us several movies about ordinary men frustrated with their mundane lives. “The Matrix” took this to a whole new level with Neo’s journey. Originally known as Thomas Anderson, this hacker spent his nights searching for meaning on the web. After following the white rabbit, Neo learns the shocking truth about his reality and that he’s the one who will lead humanity to salvation. A master of kung fu and able to bend the rules of the world around him – when he’s in the Matrix, at least – Neo gives hope to all desktop junkies seeking a higher purpose.

9) Po - “Kung Fu Panda” franchise (2008-)

While pandas are undeniably adorable, they’re actually surprisingly vicious in real life. Of course only in the realm of animation can pandas perform kung fu. Slow, chubby, and voiced by Jack Black, Po is among the least intimidating creatures in the animal kingdom. Upon being singled out as the Dragon Warrior, however, Po strives to prove through persistence and realization that he’s more awesome than he appears. It goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover, even if the title is “Kung Fu Panda.”

8) Daniel LaRusso - “The Karate Kid” (1984)

“The Karate Kid” introduced a generation of younger audiences to the sports underdog story and Daniel LaRusso’s zero to hero journey remains one of cinema’s most famous. This New Jersey native has trouble adjusting to his new life in Los Angeles, becoming the target of a local gang. Daniel sets out to study karate and he finds a gifted teacher in Mr. Miyagi. He of course learns self-defense, but Daniel also takes in several important life lessons, establishing himself asa noble fighter and rising up as a man.

7) Katniss Everdeen - “The Hunger Games” franchise (2012-2015)

As a resident of District 12, Katniss knows just what it’s like to be at the bottom of the barrel. After volunteering herself as a tribute for the Hunger Games to save her sister, however, she is unwillingly thrust into the public eye. Becoming a symbol thanks to her bravery, resourcefulness, and compassion, the world looks up to this survivor and centerpiece of the coming revolution. Although initially reluctant to accept her title as the girl on fire, Katniss eventually comes to terms with her responsibilities and vows to take down President Snow.

6) Dave Lizewski - “Kick-Ass” franchise (2010-)

Comic book popularity is at an all time high, so why hasn’t anybody tried to become a superhero? Dave Lizewski decides to give the costumed vigilante occupation a shot and immediately gets his ass handed to him. While he’s better at getting his ass kicked than kicking ass in the beginning, Dave quickly gains attention for standing up to crime, putting himself out there, and taking a punch like a champ. As he works his way up the superhero latter, this scrawny nerd slowly lives up to his name.