Movies

5 Immoral Movie/TV Characters People Idolize And See as Role Models

5 Immoral Movie/TV Characters People Idolize And See as Role Models
Image credit: Lionsgate

Are we learning the wrong lessons from these popular characters?

Movie or TV characters are designed to serve a purpose. Some are heroes we aspire to, while others are villains, representing the darker aspects of human nature. But what happens when the lines blur?

What happens when characters designed to demonstrate immorality and serve as cautionary tales end up being idolized and taken as role models? We are about to remember some of such instances.

Arthur Fleck (Joker )

Arthur Fleck, the man behind the Joker's maniacal grin in the eponymous movie, is a mentally ill loner who turns to violence as a response to the cruelty and indifference of society.

Yet, he's been hailed by some as a symbol of rebellion against a broken system. But we have to keep in mind, the Joker is a villain, not a hero. His actions are destructive, not revolutionary.

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Tony Soprano (The Sopranos )

Tony Soprano, the mob boss with a heart... sort of. Despite his ruthless and violent lifestyle, Tony's charisma and vulnerability have made him a beloved character. He's a family man who struggles with anxiety, making him relatable.

But let's not forget, he's a mobster who's committed countless crimes. His charm shouldn't overshadow his immorality.

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Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

Tyler Durden, the epitome of toxic masculinity in Fight Club, is often seen as a symbol of freedom and rebellion against consumer culture.

But Tyler is a dangerous anarchist who uses violence and manipulation to achieve his goals. He's not a role model, he's a warning.

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Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street)

Jordan Belfort, the infamous stockbroker whose life of excess was portrayed in The Wolf of Wall Street, is often admired for his wealth and hedonistic lifestyle.

But Belfort is a criminal who defrauded countless people. His story is a tale of greed and corruption, not a guide to success.

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Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

Patrick Bateman, a successful Wall Street banker with a penchant for murder, is a horrifying character. Yet, if you are on social media, you definitely came across those “sigma” clips.

Bateman has become a symbol of what a masculine man should be. It started as a meme, and now people genuinely look up to him.

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