From Yoda to Dumbledore: 10 Movie Role Models You Wish You Had

In 'St. Vincent,' Bill Murray may not be the greatest role model, but fear not --because the silver screen has given us plenty of quality mentors. Let’s look back at some notable characters worth looking up to. 

Everybody has their favorite teacher. For the students at John F. Kennedy High School, that teacher is Mr. Holland (Richard Dreyfuss). As the music teacher who shows us that character is the true measure of a man, Mr. Holland hits all the right notes.

How do you make summer camp even more awesome than it is? Make Bill Murray the counselor! With shouts of ''it just doesn’t matter,'' his Tipper Harrison reminds us that it’s not winning that counts, it’s getting the girl AND winning that really counts. 

One does not simply walk into Mordor, so it takes someone very special to lead a Fellowship. With his unmatched combination of bravery, kindness and literal wizardry, it’s easy to see what makes this guy one of the greatest mentors on (Middle) Earth.

Coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) has a motto: ''Perfection is being able to look your friends in the eye and know you did everything you could not to let them down.'' We’d put that quote on the cover of the role model playbook any day, right next to some choice lines from the that other great 'FNL' coach, Eric Taylor. 

Talk about being daddy’s little girl: When Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) finds out that her father is too sick to lead his army, she disguises herself to fight in his place, thus risking her life to save China. This sword-wielding gal is our kind of hero. 

Professor X (Sir Patrick Stewart) may be able to read and control the minds of others, but you don’t need psychic powers to see what makes Charles the person every X-Man looks up to. And not just because he rides a hover-chair.  

The Force is more than strong with Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker’s mentor who sacrificed himself so that Luke could save the galaxy. Strong, wise and selfless – on top of being crazy good with a lightsaber – are what make this Jedi quite the role model.   

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) has certainly cast a spell over his students -- and not just because he’s a powerful wizard. With a kind heart and gentle touch, he reminds Hogwarts’ students that anything’s possible when you believe in the magic within you. 

Armed with only her fearlessness, never-give-up attitude and her faith in others, Anna (Kristen Bell) is determined to save both her kingdom and her sister. And unlike most Disney heroines, when the chips are down, she doesn’t need a man to save her -- just herself. Girl power, indeed. 

Smart, strong, brave and caring, Hermione (Emma Watson) shows us greatness can come from any background. She might be a wizard, but there’s no trickery behind her kind spirit and great character. 

When he’s not Force-lifting X-Wings out of swamps or battling Sith, this surprisingly spry Jedi Master inspires all with his unique way of spouting wisdom. Best role model in the galaxy he is.

Outside of his impressive action hero chops, it’s Cap’s unwavering ability to do the right thing -- even if it’s not the popular choice -- that makes one want to trade in all their heroes for him.