The movie genre of drama is one of America’s most popular divisions of film. This may stem from the uplifting stories that they often tell, or the idea that everyone needs a good cry once in a while. Drama films also tend to produce strong, enduring characters that the audience can identify with or look up to. With this in mind, here is a list of the greatest classic drama characters that have lived on through film.
1. Jay Gatsby, “The Great Gatsby” (1974)
The first time Jay Gatsby appeared on the big screen was in 1974, played by Robert Redford. “The Great Gatsby” gained important critical acclaim, winning two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation, after it was released.
The character of Gatsby is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel "The Great Gatsby." An ode to the timelessness of Fitzgerald’s story as well as the character of Gatsby, there was a 2013 remake starring Leonardo Dicaprio. This goes to show that Gatsby lives on through the big screen like none other.
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2. Don Vito Corleone, "The Godfather” (1972)
Another extremely popular film that many consider one of the greatest of all time, “The Godfather” is a gripping drama involving the Italian mafia. At the head of the family, and the center of the movie, sits Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando.
3. Rocky Balboa, "Rocky” (1976)
An exemplary underdog story, Sylvester Stallone plays Rocky in a movie that captivated America. People loved the character of Rocky so much that there is a statue of him in Philadelphia.
Interestingly enough, Stallone was also the writer of the script that had him playing the lead.
After it was released, “Rocky” was a sensational drama hit, winning three Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director (John G. Avildsen), and Best Film Editing.
4. Randle McMurphy, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
One of Jack Nicholson’s most iconic roles, Randle McMurphy represents the little bit of crazy we all have inside of us.
The film was an award-winning hit, taking five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor (Nicholson) and Best Director (Milos Forman).
5. Tony Montana, “Scarface”
Owner of one of the most impersonated lines in movie history – “Say hello to my little friend” – Tony Montana (Al Pacino) cuts a distinctive figure, striking fear in the hearts of moviegoers everywhere as a drug kingpin rising in the ranks in Miami.
6. John Keating, “Dead Poets Society”
“Dead Poets Society” shows English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) inspiring his students inside and outside of the classroom in classic uplifting drama.
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7. Thomas Lawrence, “Lawrence of Arabia”
Released in 1962, “Lawrence of Arabia” presents Thomas Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) as a “flamboyant and controversial British military figure,” following Lawrence’s service in the Middle East.
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