5 Supporting Characters Who Proved to Be More Charismatic Than the Leads

Most of the time, movies follow one particular character while the rest play supporting roles in the story. But sometimes the supporting characters are much more interesting than the leads.

These five are prime examples.

Doc Holliday – Tombstone (1993)

Set in 1879, in the aftermath of the Civil War, this Western drama follows former sheriff Wyatt Earp, who retires to live a quieter life with his family and moves to the title town, where silver has been discovered, attracting hordes of outlaws. Although Kurt Russell's character is the lead, Val Kilmer's Doc Holiday, Earp's tuberculosis-stricken friend, is far more charismatic and memorable.

Walter Sobchak – The Big Lebowski (1998)

Set in 1991, the Cohen brothers' crime comedy follows Jeffrey Lebowski, known as the Dude, a Los Angeles resident who lives a happy and carefree life despite the chaos in the world. His life is turned upside down when he's mistaken for the millionaire of the same name by some thugs who want him to ransom the rich man's wife. Portrayed by John Goodman, the Dude's Vietnam War veteran friend Walter, who helps him out of the situation, has more charisma and character, which is why he's the real highlight of the movie.

Geoffrey Chaucer – A Knight's Tale (2001)

Set in fourteenth century Europe, this action comedy follows Heath Ledger's squire William Thatcher as he impersonates his recently deceased master, Sir Ector, who was one victory away from winning the jousting tournament, in order to immortalize Sir Ector's legacy. There are many supporting characters in the film, but Paul Bettany's portrayal of Geoffrey Chaucer, a self-centered poet and ring announcer, is a true masterpiece.

Sandy Lyle – Along Came Polly (2004)

John Hamburg's rom com stars Ben Stiller as Reuben Feffer, a senior insurance executive whose life is nothing short of miserable. One day, things take an unexpected turn when Reuben's classmate Polly, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, suddenly reappears in his life and he falls in love with her. As charming as Reuben is, he has nothing on his actor friend Sandy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), whose lighter approach to life and self-confidence make him the most appealing character in the movie.

The Sheriff – The Hateful Eight (2015)

In the case of Quentin Tarantino's Western, it's hard to find a single likable character. The film's lead, Samuel L. Jackson's bounty hunter Warren, is somewhat appealing in contrast to the rest of the Hateful Eight. But Walton Goggins' Sheriff Mannix, who had Warren's back in every situation and never even thought of betraying him, is far more appealing and memorable.