Characters in movies are some of the most resonant aspects for any audience. When we see ourselves, our lives, and our experiences reflected on-screen, not only are we inspired, but we are also left fully rooting for their ultimate win. The concept of a “Chosen One” in movies is a tale as old as time. It usually follows an everyday person that is presented with the opportunity for greatness. There are trials and tribulations they have to overcome, but their destiny as “The Chosen One” ultimately leads them to the top.
As movie-lovers, we love this kind of plot because it gives off the feeling that just about anyone can be more and achieve more than they imagined. Many massive movie franchises have utilized this trope throughout their movies to keep audiences rooting for their main characters. We want them to succeed and be special because it makes us feel like we can do the same. From Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games movies to Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, here is our list of the best 7 “Chosen One” characters in movie history.
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7 Thomas — The Maze Runner Franchise
Gotham Group
During a time when a few young adult dystopian novels were being turned into movie franchises, we were given the first Maze Runner movie in 2014. This movie follows a group of boys who are trapped behind tall walls, surrounded by a seemingly endless maze, and forced to survive. However, when Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien, comes into the picture, things start to change. He is the chosen one in this movie franchise, though some may put up the argument for Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) as well. Thomas is seemingly an underdog in an unfamiliar environment who rises above and beyond his peers to get them to the next stages.
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6 Neo — The Matrix Franchise
Warner Bros. Pictures
Being the “chosen one” typically involves someone who is ordinary and learns to be/is fated to be extraordinary. Well, what could be more ordinary than being a computer programmer. 1999’s The Matrix gives us Neo, played by Keanu Reeves. Neo is a computer programmer who is led to a very secret society that is dedicated to taking down The Matrix, an AI that has taken over the world. Neo is very clearly the chosen one in this film because he is said to be the one to save all of humanity.
5 Po — Kung Fu Panda Franchise
DreamWorks Animation
Kung Fu Panda is one of the more lighthearted entries on this list. Po is just the son of a noodle shop owner until the temple announces that they will be selecting a new Dragon Warrior. Po, determined to get into the temple, lands in the middle of the field and is selected as the new Dragon Warrior. He is unprepared, untrained, and a complete underdog by definition. His supposed mentor, as well as his peers, do not see him as a viable candidate for the job. However, he happens to be this movie’s “chosen one,” so, of course, he ends up rising to the occasion.
4 Katniss Everdeen — The Hunger Games Franchise
Lionsgate
The dystopian Hunger Games franchise defined a generation. These movies chronicle the rise of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a girl from District 12 who volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games to save her sister. Katniss exhibits all the necessary characteristics of being “the chosen one.” Throughout all four films, she is the defining voice of the neglected people to overtake the Capitol. Not only does she rise above the hardships of her upbringing, but she is also consistently used as a martyr and symbol for change to inspire others.
3 Frodo — The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
There is absolutely no way we could leave Frodo out of this one. Lord of the Rings as a franchise continues to stand the test of time, and Frodo Baggins is a perfect example of being “the chosen one.” He, an ordinary Hobbit, stumbles upon something that throws him into a grand adventure, where his perseverance is tested time and time again. Along with creating a world that is wholly magical and mystifying, Frodo’s storyline in Lord of the Rings is giving “chosen one” energy through and through.
2 Harry Potter — The Harry Potter Franchise
Warner Bros.
Being the “chosen one” in a movie is not usually directly stated as much as it is in the Harry Potter franchise. This incredible and iconic set of movies follows Harry Potter, a young boy who is the key to stopping Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard, from rising to power. Each year Harry spends at Hogwarts becomes a test of his bravery, tenacity, and courage. Coming from a Muggle (non-magic folk) upbringing, Harry’s journey as a wizard is forged completely by scratch, but his fate as the chosen one constantly steps in to infiltrate every aspect of his life. Harry is the one to defeat Voldemort before, and he will be the chosen one to the bitter end.
1 Luke Skywalker — Star Wars Original Trilogy
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Last but definitely not the least, we have Luke Skywalker. Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises in film history. Of course, we can debate all day about which characters are the best or what movies are worth a watch. However, there is no doubt that Luke is “the chosen one.” When Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master, teaches Luke how to use the Force in Star Wars: A New Hope, it was a game-changer. In this franchise, Luke is a great example of being a “chosen one.” He’s essentially lacking in skill surrounding all the tings that would make him stand out, but he learns. He grows and changes into someone who is built for the hardships he is bound to encounter.
