The world of fiction is host to many known and unknown names that have become cult classics. Names that have broken out the fictional world to influence pop culture through their acts, lines, and demeanour.
But of the many names that have graced the screens (both big and small,) there is one name that holds much weight because of the stellar badass characters it has produced, the name “John”. And below, in no particular order, are 14 fictional badass characters with the name that’s attached to men, myths, and legends.
John Stewart
John Stewart of the Green Lantern Corps is one creative never-give-up man with one of the most powerful weapons in the DC Universe. He has proven his mettle time and time again and is someone the Corps are very happy to have on their side. Even though he’d been in the pages of comics for years, his popularity increased from the Justice League cartoon series and since then, he’s become a character whose influence in pop culture can’t be underestimated.
Jon Snow
The last Targaryen and rightful heir to the throne, who never got to be king simply because he “don’t want it.” Jon Snow was one of the fan favourites in the popular TV show, Game of Thrones, and his character produced many memes, lines, and pop culture references in today’s world. Even his very name is a reference to one not knowing anything. When it comes to fighting, battle, and the will to always do what’s right, Jon Snow is the one person in the series everyone can count on to do what it takes for peace to reign, even if he has to do it himself.
John Winchester
To say John Winchester isn’t a badass is to say water isn’t wet. When you look at Dean and Sam Winchester, all their feats, and the things they are capable of doing, you can admit that they are a duo you don’t want to mess with. All that is thanks to the training they got from their father, John Winchester, who has also recorded victories against a number of powerful demons himself.
John Constantine
We can’t talk about fighting demons and not mention probably the number 1 human badass in fiction when it comes to the art of demon hunting, the ever-smoking Englishman John Constantine. His feats and abilities have earned him a place in the Justice League and when threats that involve dark magic is present, then John Constantine has to be, too. A man who gave the devil the middle finger and was able to summon The Presence and make him do his bidding is by all definitions of the word, a badass.
John Wick
Headshots, headshots, and even more headshots are synonymous to John Wick. He isn’t called The Boogyman and a myth and legend for nothing. A man who took out three people with a pencil and went against a whole army of assassins and came out victorious, with the only permanent damage sustained being one he inflicted on himself. That is John Wick. That’s the legend.
John McClane
Before the likes of John Wick, there was John McClane. A man who just wanted to rest until criminals crossed his path and made him put his skills to good use. The Die Hard franchise is forever a cult classic and has cemented the name “John” into the badass Hall of Fame.
John Matrix
It is always a mistake making retired military men get back in action solely for revenge or to save someone they love, and that is the case of John Matrix. Commando is another cult classic that did the name, John, justice with Arnold Schwazzneggar playing the titular role and doing enough damage to make the criminals regret ever crossing his path.
John Spartan
Demolition Man, like the name suggests, is not a name you want to ever make an enemy out of. John Spartan played by Sylvestre Stallone was a former member of the LAPD who got frozen in the late 20th century and is a current member of the S.A.P.D in the 21st century.
John Hancock
Superspeed, strength, durability, and flight are some of the powers John Hancock has that makes him one of the most powerful superheroes to ever grace the big screen. A man strong enough to stop a train moving at top speed while standing, and strong enough to force a man’s head up another’s ass is not one you’d want to annoy. His journey from being an antihero to becoming a hero and a symbol of hope for everyone makes him worthy of the name.
Johnny Cage
An ex-movie star with skills in martial arts that made him instrumental in winning Mortal Kombat, the bloodiest tournament in history, to save the Earth from the Outworld Ruler, Shao Khan. Johnny Cage is as badass as they come.
Johnny English
The name Johnny English is one that makes you laugh just thinking about it, but there is no denying that when you want to get the job done and save the world, Johnny English is the man you call. Even though he might mess things up or get caught in his own traps, the luck he has is enough to show that he will always prevail in the end and save the world even if he has to give up his own life to do it.
John Smith
A hitman, assassin, and a brilliant strategist, who is married to a hitwoman, assassin, and brilliant strategist working for a rival assassin group, John Smith, played by Brad Pitt, is a badass by the definition of the word. He took the fight to both companies who wanted both he and his wife dead, and together, they took them out and got to live the life of love and peace they wanted.
John Diggle
From an ex-military man to a bodyguard for a rich, billionaire playboy, and then to a superhero in his own right, John Diggle is a man that everyone is glad is on the side of good. His dynamic flow and always being the voice of reason to keep the team together earned him the name codename Spartan in CW’s Arrow. A name that invokes both fear in his enemies and trust in his allies.
John Rambo
John Rambo! That’s the name. That’s all you need to know.
What do you think about my list? are there other badass characters named John that should have made the list? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.