15 Most selfless characters in movies and shows history

Selflessness is that rare quality in fiction where a character sacrifices their own needs for others, whether it’s saving the world, helping a friend, or lending their last pack of gum. These paragons of altruism remind us to aim higher—though not too high because we still want that last slice of pizza. They inspire us to be better humans (or hobbits), even if it’s just by holding the elevator for someone. Let's celebrate these 15 characters who put "others first" on their business cards while occasionally making us question if they're actual saints or just really, really bad at prioritizing themselves—or if they secretly enjoy the drama. The opinions in this list are those of the writer. Reader discretion is advised.

1. Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)

Sam's loyalty to Frodo is the gold standard of selflessness. He carried Frodo (and his emotional baggage) up Mount Doom, despite having the stamina of a potato farmer. Sam didn’t want glory, just a happy Shire and a shot with Rosie Cotton. From cooking rabbits to warding off giant spiders, Sam proved that friendship is more important than comfort—or personal safety. He was Frodo’s rock, even when the ring’s power weighed heavier than a fully loaded backpack on a hike.

2. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Atticus is the kind of dad who’d be banned from PTA meetings for making other parents look bad. As a lawyer, he risked his reputation and safety to defend a black man wrongly accused of a crime. All this while teaching Scout and Jem about morals, fairness, and why walking in someone else’s shoes is better than hurling them. He stood firm in the face of hatred, proving selflessness often comes with a heavy dose of courage—and a really sharp suit.

3. Steve Rogers/Captain America (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Steve Rogers started life as a scrawny guy with more heart than muscle. Then he became Captain America and got muscles to match. Did it go to his head? Nope. Steve jumped on grenades, saved civilians, and froze himself in ice for decades—all for a country that sometimes didn’t deserve him. Let’s not forget he gave up his happy ending to return Infinity Stones. Cap's moral compass is so straight, that even GPS gets jealous. And the guy still found time to inspire everyone with a "language!" reminder.

4. Beth Pearson (This Is Us)

Beth Pearson isn’t just selfless; she’s the glue of the Pearson family. Between Randall’s existential crises, her daughters’ teenage drama, and balancing a career, Beth still finds time to dispense wisdom like a modern-day Oprah. She consistently supports her husband’s lofty ambitions, even when it means putting her own dreams on hold. If patience is a virtue, Beth’s got it in Costco-sized bulk. Plus, she does it all with a calm grace that makes everyone wonder if she’s secretly a superhero in disguise.

5. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)

Forrest ran through life with a simple mantra: “Love everyone and maybe eat some shrimp.” From saving fellow soldiers in Vietnam to investing in Bubba’s dream, Forrest’s selflessness came naturally. Sure, he might not have known he was being heroic, but that just makes his sacrifices more pure. Plus, he taught us that life is like a box of chocolates—sometimes, you get praline, and other times, you just get diabetes. And let’s not forget, he ran across America just because someone needed hope.

6. Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso)

Ted Lasso makes selflessness an art form—wrapped in dad jokes and delivered with a Southern drawl. He moved to England to coach a sport he didn’t understand, just to help a failing soccer team (and its owner) find their groove. Ted’s real superpower? Turning cynics into optimists, one man at a time. Honestly, the man deserves a medal—or at least a lifetime supply of hugs and well wishes. His positivity is so infectious, that even the grumpiest characters find themselves rooting for him.

7. Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter Series)

Sure, Dumbledore kept a few secrets (okay, a lot), but his intentions were selfless. He spent his life-fighting dark wizards, mentoring Harry, and crafting the perfect dramatic exit with Fawkes. Dumbledore knew he wouldn’t see the wizarding world’s ultimate victory, yet he orchestrated it anyway. And let’s be honest—if you willingly deal with that many teenagers, you deserve a medal for patience. He proved that selflessness isn’t about perfection but doing what’s necessary, even when it’s hard.

8. Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

Leslie Knope isn’t just selfless; she’s relentless. Whether it’s improving Pawnee’s parks or supporting her friends, Leslie’s to-do list of good deeds never ends. She gave us the concept of Galentine’s Day and proved that waffles and ambition are a winning combo. Leslie’s selflessness is so contagious, that even Ron Swanson occasionally cracks a smile. Her endless enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty make her the best friend everyone wishes they had.

9. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Katniss volunteered as tribute, which is the dystopian equivalent of offering to take a friend’s final exam. She survived killer teenagers, a manipulative government, and two love interests who needed to sort out their feelings. All this while keeping her family safe. Katniss didn’t ask for hero status, but it was thrust upon her like an over-the-top Capitol costume. Her sacrifices remind us that sometimes, being selfless also means being reluctantly the strongest.

10. Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)

Jon Snow knows nothing—except how to sacrifice himself for others. From taking the black to literally dying (and coming back), Jon’s loyalty to his people is unparalleled. Whether fighting White Walkers or handling political drama, Jon made sure everyone else came first. Maybe a bit too first—just ask Ghost, his ignored direwolf. His selflessness often landed him in trouble, but it also made him the true (if reluctant) hero of Westeros.

11. Lisa Simpson (The Simpsons)

Lisa is the moral backbone of her chaotic family, which is no small feat when your dad is Homer Simpson. From protecting the environment to saving her classmates, Lisa constantly puts others before herself. She’s also 8 years old, proving that age is no excuse for not caring about the planet—or finishing your homework. Her intelligence and compassion make her the voice of reason in a town full of absurdity.

12. Superman/Clark Kent (Superman)

Superman could’ve lived a quiet life as Clark Kent, writing puff pieces for the Daily Planet, or could've taken control of our little blue planet. But no, his moral compass pointed towards protecting the innocents, repeatedly. He’s so selfless, he doesn’t even hold a grudge when people turn on him faster than a light switch. Let’s not forget, that the man literally fights villains in spandex. That’s dedication. And when you have heat vision, you could easily toast marshmallows instead of battling and finally forgiving Lex Luthor.

13. Joy Wang (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

Joy Wang may not have started selfless, but by the end, she’s the ultimate multitasker. Fighting interdimensional chaos while saving her family? Check. Joy’s journey is a lesson in love, sacrifice, and the universal appeal of googly eyes. Who knew selflessness could be so absurdly awesome? Her willingness to mend fractured relationships proves that saving the world starts at home, even when multiverse chaos looms.

14. Paddington Bear (Paddington)

Paddington Bear’s marmalade-fueled kindness knows no bounds. This little bear brings joy and chaos to everyone he meets, often at his own expense. Whether it’s helping the Brown family or stopping a villain, Paddington’s selflessness is as sweet as his favorite sandwiches. Honestly, we should all ask ourselves: “What would Paddington do?” He’s proof that even a small bear can make a big difference, one kind act at a time.

15. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Buffy saved the world way too many times. She sacrificed her social life, love life, and, occasionally, her actual life to fight vampires and other supernatural baddies. Buffy’s selflessness came with sass, stakes, and some killer boots. If you’re looking for a role model who can slay (literally and figuratively), Buffy’s your girl. Her sacrifices taught us that being selfless doesn’t mean being humorless—just ask her about the time she faced off with a singing demon.