Some movie characters are defined by their narcissism and there is a certain group of people who love to see them control, manipulate, and dominate their surroundings. They seize every opportunity to put themselves first which often happens at the expense of everyone else.
They are unapologetically self-centered, using charm, cunning, or sheer force of will to bend the world to their liking. From ruthless schemers to power-hungry antiheroes, their self-obsession is both their greatest strength and their fatal flaw. They only care about staying in control and feeding their endless egos.
Yet, no matter where you stand, their impact is undeniable because they leave a trail of unforgettable moments that keep us thinking long after the credits roll.
Here is a list of movie characters who portrayed narcissism
1) Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)
Patrick Bateman is the ultimate narcissist, obsessed with his looks, status, and power over others. He meticulously curates his image, from his designer suits to his workout routine, and expects the world to admire him for it.
Behind his polished exterior, he’s a sociopath who manipulates and eliminates anyone who threatens his ego. Bateman’s world revolves entirely around himself, and he has no qualms about using lies, charm, or violence to maintain control.
He thrives on others’ fear and submission, showing no remorse for the chaos he creates. His narcissism is chilling, making him unforgettable and deeply disturbing.
2) Amy Dunne (Gone Girl)
Amy Dunne turns narcissism into a weapon, controlling everyone around her with calculated precision. She crafts elaborate lies and scenarios to ensure that she’s always seen as the victim or the hero, depending on what suits her.
Amy doesn’t just manipulate people—she plays them like puppets, bending them to her will with ease. From her “Cool Girl” persona to her terrifying schemes, Amy’s world revolves around making sure everyone sees her exactly as she wants to be seen.
Her need for control and validation drives her to dangerous extremes, leaving destruction in her wake and proving she’s always steps ahead.
3) Tom Ripley (The Talented Mr. Ripley)
Tom Ripley is a chameleon who is obsessed with using his narcissism to blend into any environment and exploit those around him. He craves wealth, status, and approval, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get them—even murder.
Ripley manipulates people with charm and deceit, constructing elaborate lies to cover his tracks and maintain his facade. His self-obsession blinds him to the moral cost of his actions, as long as he’s climbing the social ladder.
Every relationship he forms is transactional, serving only his ambitions. Ripley’s ability to manipulate and destroy while maintaining his image makes him a dangerously unforgettable narcissist.
4) Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Top Gun)
Maverick thrives on his need to be the best, no matter the cost. His narcissism is evident in his reckless flying and disregard for rules, all to prove he’s superior. Maverick’s charm keeps people around him, but it’s clear he views others as obstacles or tools in his pursuit of glory.
His arrogance creates tension with his peers and superiors, yet he uses his skill to force their respect. Well, there are moments where people see him vulnerable but his world centers on his ego and the need to validate himself. His charisma makes him likable, but his narcissism often drives a wedge between him and others.
5) Lou Bloom (Nightcrawler)
Lou Bloom’s ambition knows no limits, and his narcissism is the engine that powers it. He approaches every interaction with calculated precision, exploiting others for his gain.
Lou’s unsettling charm masks a complete lack of empathy, as he manipulates his assistant, the media, and even crime scenes to further his career. His drive for success turns dangerous as he orchestrates chaos just to capture the perfect shot.
For Lou, people are simply tools to be used and discarded, and his relentless pursuit of validation makes him one of the most unnerving characters to watch unfold.
6) Catherine Tramell (Basic Instinct)
Catherine Tramell uses her intelligence and charm to control and manipulate those around her. She thrives on power, playing mind games that leave people uncertain and off balance.
Her narcissism drives her to stay in charge, treating others as pawns in her schemes. Even when under suspicion, Catherine remains calm and confident, ensuring she’s always a step ahead. Her actions are calculated, and her need to dominate makes her both captivating and dangerous.
7) Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood)
Daniel Plainview is the kind of man who starts with nothing and claws his way to the top, no matter the cost, and his obsession with oil and power defines him, driving him to manipulate, betray, and destroy anyone in his way. He promises towns prosperity while secretly plotting to drain them dry.
Daniel’s charm is a mask, hiding his ruthless need to dominate everyone around him, including his own son, H.W., whom he uses as a prop for his business. His rivalry with Eli Sunday exposes his dark side further, as he crushes anyone who dares to challenge him.
8) Frank Abagnale Jr. (Catch Me If You Can)
Frank Abagnale Jr. thrives on deception, reinventing himself to manipulate those around him. His narcissism fuels his ability to lie convincingly, making people believe in the roles he plays.
Whether pretending to be a pilot, a doctor, or a lawyer, Frank’s charm allows him to stay one step ahead. He uses others to maintain his schemes, enjoying the admiration his false identities bring. For Frank, every con is about staying in control and feeding his ego.
9) Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)
Miranda Priestly demands perfection and absolute obedience from everyone in her world. Her narcissism drives her need for control, viewing others as tools to execute her vision. She dominates her environment with icy precision, ensuring everything revolves around her standards.
Miranda’s cold demeanor intimidates and alienates, yet people constantly seek her approval. Her influence is undeniable, making her a powerful figure who shapes everything in her path to fit her expectations.
10) Kathryn Merteuil (Cruel Intentions)
Kathryn Merteuil manipulates everyone around her with charm and intelligence, using their weaknesses to her advantage. Her narcissism fuels her need for control, orchestrating elaborate schemes to maintain power.
Kathryn’s relationships are calculated and designed to serve her goals, and she shows no remorse for the damage she causes. She thrives on dominance, ensuring she’s always in charge. Her cunning and ruthless approach make her both dangerous and unforgettable.
11) Terence Fletcher (Whiplash)
Terence Fletcher is a music instructor who believes fear and humiliation are the only ways to achieve greatness. He throws chairs, screams insults, and tears down his students’ confidence to push them beyond their limits.
Fletcher is manipulative and controlling, justifying his cruelty as necessary for creating legends. His harshest moment comes when he sets Andrew up to fail during a major performance, only to take credit when it succeeds.
Fletcher’s methods leave a trail of broken students, showing that his brilliance is matched by his ruthlessness.
12) Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street)
Jordan Belfort is a man driven by greed and a desire for power. He builds his wealth through lies and manipulation, drawing people into his world of excess. Belfort uses his charm to control everyone, from his employees to the FBI, while sinking deeper into drugs and corruption.
His actions, like crashing a helicopter or crawling to his car in a drugged haze, show his complete lack of concern for the consequences. For Jordan, it’s all about winning, even if it means destroying everything in his path.
13) Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Dune: Part Two)
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen is the epitome of cold ambition, bred to be the perfect weapon in his family’s pursuit of power. His cunning is matched by his ruthlessness, as he uses charm and brutality to manipulate those around him. Feyd’s confidence on the battlefield is as sharp as his strategic mind, making him a dangerous opponent to Paul Atreides.
Raised in the shadow of Baron Harkonnen, Feyd seeks not just to serve but to dominate, ensuring that his path to leadership is carved through intimidation and calculated violence. He is a figure who embodies the deadly elegance of House Harkonnen.
14) Lt. Daniel Kaffee (A Few Good Men)
Lt. Daniel Kaffee begins as a laid-back lawyer, more interested in plea deals than courtroom battles. But when assigned a case involving a Marine’s death, his true determination emerges.
Kaffee’s sharp wit and unyielding drive come through as he digs into the conspiracy, even when it risks his career. His narcissism is evident in his belief that he can outsmart anyone, but it’s his bold decision to challenge Colonel Jessup in court that defines him.
Kaffee’s gamble pays off, revealing his intelligence and confidence under pressure. He’s a man who thrives on risk, making his victory as much about ego as justice.
15) Tony Montana (Scarface)
Tony Montana is a man driven by ambition and an unrelenting hunger for power. From washing dishes in Miami to running a drug empire, Tony’s rise is fueled by his ruthlessness and refusal to back down.
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His iconic “Say hello to my little friend” moment highlights his defiance, even in the face of death. Tony manipulates every one around him, including his best friend and his wife, as he prioritizes his empire above all else.
His paranoia and greed ultimately lead to his downfall, but his journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of the American Dream—no matter how destructive.
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