It’s common for movies to include a character’s name in the title, often signaling that character’s central role in the story. We typically assume a movie named after a character will focus on them more than others. However, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, a movie’s title features a character who ends up not being the main character at all.
It can be a real surprise when a movie’s main character isn’t actually the hero of the story. Sometimes this happens because a character who seems important doesn’t have much screen time, and the plot focuses on other people acting for them. Whatever the reason, this is happening more and more often in movies these days, and it’s a bit concerning.
7) Nemo – Finding Nemo (2003)
Many Pixar films are surprisingly upsetting, but Finding Nemo stands out for telling a deeply emotional story without being overwhelmingly sad. While the movie is called Finding Nemo, it’s really about Marlin, Nemo’s father. Nemo’s capture sets Marlin on an incredible adventure to find him, making Nemo a crucial character even though he isn’t the main one.
6) Spock – Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984)
While not considered one of the strongest Star Trek films, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is a crucial part of the crew’s ongoing story. Ironically, despite being the film’s namesake, Spock appears very little, as the plot picks up immediately after his death in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Although he is eventually brought back to life, his role is surprisingly small compared to the other main characters, despite the title suggesting he’s the focus.
5) Private James Francis Ryan – Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Many consider Saving Private Ryan to be one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest films, and it’s widely recognized as a classic World War II movie. The story centers on Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, and his squad as they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue Private James Ryan – the last surviving brother from a military family – from behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France. While the movie is titled after Private Ryan, the film primarily explores the experiences and sacrifices of Captain Miller’s team, rather than focusing on the rescue itself.
4) Joe Black – Meet Joe Black (1998)
The film Meet Joe Black is a hidden gem starring Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, and Claire Forlani. It centers on a wealthy, older man named Bill (Hopkins) who is visited by Death, portrayed by Brad Pitt, who Bill nicknames ‘Joe Black’. While Brad Pitt is a significant presence, the story primarily focuses on the relationship between Bill and his daughter, Susan (Forlani), rather than on Death himself.
3) Jay Gatsby – The Great Gatsby (2013)
Although The Great Gatsby isn’t necessarily considered a career-best performance for Leonardo DiCaprio, it’s definitely one of his most famous films from recent years. While DiCaprio plays the title role, the story is actually told from the perspective of Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor, who shares the story of his friend. Surprisingly, despite being a very famous character, Jay Gatsby isn’t the main character in the movie that bears his name.
2) The Terminator – The Terminator (1984)
Released in 1984, The Terminator launched a hugely successful film series and remains a standout entry. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a highly advanced robot sent from the future with the mission to kill Sarah Connor. Despite being the title character, the Terminator functions as the primary villain, relentlessly hunting Connor and Kyle Reese, the film’s true heroes who have traveled back in time to protect her.
1) Bill – Kill Bill (2003)
Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill films are famous for their over-the-top violence, but the character Bill, played by David Carradine, isn’t actually featured much. He’s the target of the Bride’s quest for revenge, and she fights her way through his former colleagues to reach him. While the movies focus on the Bride—played by Uma Thurman—she’s the true main character and one of Tarantino’s most memorable creations, despite the films being named for Bill.
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2026-01-02 00:42