Top8 Heroic Ghosts in Cinema: From Casper to Yoda

Summary

Not all ghosts in cinema are villainous. Some are portrayed as romantic leads or helpful heroes.
Examples include Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams and Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter.
Ghosts like Sam Wheat from Ghost and Yoda in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi showcase compassion and guidance.

As a film aficionado, I’ve noticed over time that various beings have been portrayed as villains in movies, and among them, spirits or ghosts stand out. The supernatural, in general, is frequently shrouded in fear by the masses, leading to the common perception of these entities as malevolent figures. Yet, when it comes to cinematic renditions, this stereotype doesn’t always hold true for ghosts.

For a long time, ghosts have been shrouded in fear and misunderstanding. However, there have been instances that challenge this norm. From characters in love stories to unexpected heroes, these spectral beings who may be lost souls seeking resolution or peace before moving on, are no longer mere faceless, invisible entities to be feared, but rather complex figures with their own narratives.

8. Shoeless Joe Jackson (Field of Dreams)

Build It And He Will Come

Played by Ray Liotta

In Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner’s character embarks on a spiritual journey, receiving a mysterious command to convert a field near his farmhouse into a baseball diamond. He persistently hears, “If you build it, they will come.” Upon the field’s completion, it draws ghostly legends of baseball to participate in games on the diamond.

Despite Shoeless Joe Jackson not being portrayed as a traditional hero, he doesn’t embody villainy either in his spectral form. The ghostly baseball players on the field are merely there to indulge in their cherished pastime, making the movie an enjoyable and wholesome experience that lacks any trace of fear or horror.

7. Moaning Myrtle (Harry Potter)

Helps & Hinders In Equal Measure

Played by Shirley Henderson

In the Harry Potter movie series, which is filled with a fully-fledged magical universe, you’ll find that quite a few spirits or apparitions are present. Most of these ethereal beings aren’t malevolent. House ghosts such as Sir Nicholas have lent assistance to Harry and his companions on various occasions, but it’s intriguing to note that Moaning Myrtle may have been the most helpful of them all.

In the Hogwarts bathroom where she met her untimely death, this teenage ghost persistently haunted the same location, which concealed the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. While Myrtle aided Harry in his search for the entrance during the second movie, she was also beneficial to him in the “Goblet of Fire,” making her one of the most significant recurring spectral characters throughout the Harry Potter series.

6. Sam Wheat (Ghost)

The Original Romantic Creature

Played by Patrick Swayze

In most instances, ghosts are not associated with romantic imagery, but the movie Ghost was an exceptionally unique one. The character played by Patrick Swayze, named Sam, was tragically killed by a thug, yet he persisted in trying to communicate with his lover, Molly, to warn her of impending danger. With the assistance of a psychic, Sam succeeded in helping his beloved to stay among the living.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that “Ghost” from the early ’90s stands out as a timeless classic. It offers some of the most enchanting romance sequences ever filmed with a spectral twist. Although the narrative is tinged with a bittersweet flavor, the protagonist, Sam, manages to emerge as a true hero even beyond this life.

5. Malcolm Crowe (The Sixth Sense)

He IS Dead People

Played by Bruce Willis

From a passionate film enthusiast’s perspective, I can confidently say that throughout the chilling narrative of “The Sixth Sense,” I found myself submerged in Dr. Malcolm Crowe’s life, unaware that he was, in fact, a ghost for most of the film. This shocking revelation is one of the most iconic and indelible twists in cinematic history, leaving audiences stunned and captivated. Despite his spectral existence, Dr. Crowe managed to extend a helping hand to a troubled boy who could see spirits – guiding him through his struggles over the course of the film.

Moreover, Malcolm discovered some tranquility within himself, considering Cole, the young boy he assisted, bore a striking resemblance to the man who had fatally wounded him only a few months prior. Despite its poignant conclusion, this movie remains significant for numerous reasons, among them, it portrays Malcolm as a compassionate spirit.

4. Jacob Marley (A Christmas Carol)

Saving Others From His Fate

Played by various actors in different adaptations

In this rephrased version, let me introduce another captivating narrative: “A Christmas Carol” is a heartwarming story that showcases ghostly characters as unlikely heroes, demonstrating how spirits from the past can guide the living. Throughout its history, multiple film adaptations of Charles Dickens’ initial work have been created. Jacob Marley, who used to be a business partner with Ebenezer Scrooge in his life, comes back to forewarn him about the arrival of three other ghosts and urge him to mend his ways.

In the tale that’s forever etched in our hearts, I fervently hope that by Scrooge’s enlightenment and others’ subsequent transformation, Jacob – who is said to be suffering eternal torment due to his past decisions – might find some solace or perhaps even a way to break free from his torment. His role serves as a profound reminder of the importance of change and redemption.

3. Casper (Casper the Friendly Ghost)

The Original Friendly Ghost

Played by Malachi Pearson

The concept of a heroic spirit largely stems from an unwillingness to cause harm and a preference for doing good, as exemplified by the cheerful and amiable Casper. Despite being tormented by his uncle’s malevolent ghostly presence, Casper consistently chooses not to harm others and forms friendships, particularly with Kat Harvey and her father, in his movie.

In a single opportunity for resurrection, Casper chose to help Kat avoid loneliness by saving her father. Moreover, his strategies provided Kat and Dr. Harvey with a final encounter with Amelia, who is both Kat’s mother and Dr. Harvey’s wife. Despite being young when he transformed into a spirit, Casper was an exceptionally selfless hero.

2. Bruce (The Black Phone)

Saves Others From A Killer

Played by Tristan Pravong

In a chilling yet intriguing twist on a ghostly tale, “The Black Phone” showcases a teenage character named Finney, who finds himself kidnapped by a local child abductor and killer known as the Grabber, and imprisoned in his basement with minimal chances of escape. However, a phone within the basement mysteriously rings. On the line is Bruce, another victim of the Grabber, who has passed away and offers to assist Finney in his bid for freedom.

Throughout “The Black Phone,” Finney receives assistance from Bruce and spirits of children previously slain by the Grabber, communicating via a phone attached to the wall. These spectral beings persist in tormenting the Grabber (portrayed by Ethan Hawke), until Finney successfully escapes. A refreshing spin on a popular genre, “The Black Phone” is an outstanding horror movie that every fan of the genre should watch.

1. Yoda (Star Wars)

The Legendary Teacher

Played by Frank Oz

In the Star Wars universe, while it’s not heavily emphasized, ghostly entities do exist. Particularly intriguing are Force Ghosts, a unique occurrence where powerful Jedi can transcend death itself. Notable among these is Yoda, one of the strongest Jedi, who utilized this ability to aid Luke Skywalker in the climax of Return of the Jedi.

In that very same movie, Luke encountered his father appearing as a spirit known as a Force Ghost. At various points across the series, this occurrence repeated itself. Interestingly, Yoda was among the initial Force Ghosts and proved to be exceptionally beneficial. As the story unfolded, he continued to dispense wisdom not only to Luke but also to others.

2025-03-25 00:40