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.
Glenn Holland in 'Mr. Holland’s Opus' (1995)
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.
Tripper Harrison in 'Meatballs' (1979)
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.
Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' Franchise (2001 – 2014)
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 Gaines in 'Friday Night Lights' (2004)
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.
Mulan in 'Mulan' (1998)
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 Xavier in the 'X-Men' Series (2000 – 2014)
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.
Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope' (1977)
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.
Albus Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' Series (2001 – 2012)
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.
Anna in 'Frozen' (2013)
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.
Hermione Granger in the 'Harry Potter' Series (2001 – 2012)
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.
Yoda in the 'Star Wars' Series (1977 - 2005)
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.
Steve Rogers in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' (2014)
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.
Buy a ticket to Avengers: Doomsday, get a chance to win a trip to the premiere!
NO PURCHASE OR APP NECESSARY. Purchase does not increase chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older, provided, however, that at least one person traveling must be 21+. Void where prohibited. Ends November 9, 2026, visit https://www.fandangomovietickets.com/superpremieresweepstakes. Sponsor: Fandango Media, LLC, 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Buy a ticket to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, get $5 off the pre-order of the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection.
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 7/31/26 and 11:59pm PT on 9/18/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for $5 off the purchase (and not the rental) of the pre-order of the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Credit card may be required for transactions on Fandango.com. Code expires on (and must be used by) 9/23/26 at 11:59pm PT, and the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection will be added to your Library when it is made available by the studio. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy 2 IMAX tickets with code DOGS to redeem your special offer!
The “The Dog Stars – IMAX FanClub Member Promotion” offer (the “Offer”) begins 8/24/26 and will run for a limited time while supplies last. To be eligible, you must have an active, paid FanClub membership at the time of purchase, purchase two (2) or more IMAX tickets to see The Dog Stars on the Fandango website or mobile app, and enter promo code DOGS at checkout. Upon successful entry of a valid promo code, a maximum of $20 will be deducted from the total order. The Offer is valid for IMAX showtimes only and does not apply to standard, 3D, or other formats. Offer valid in the U.S. only, excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. Limit one (1) redemption per person. Adjustments to prior purchases are not permitted. Taxes may apply and are not discounted. The Offer may not be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion unless otherwise stated. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies
Buy a ticket to By Any Means, get the Mark Wahlberg 5 Movie Collection for $7.99
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 6am PT on 8/17/26 and 11:59pm PT on 9/20/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘By Any Means’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the Mark Wahlberg 5 Movie Collection for $7.99 in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 9/23/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one (1) per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Credit card may be required for transactions on fandangoathome.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, get $5 off the pre-order of the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection.
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 8/21/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/5/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Insidious: Out of the Further’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for $5 off the purchase (and not the rental) of the pre-order of the Insidious 6-Movie Collection in My Offers in your account on stream.fandango.com and via participating Fandango apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Credit card may be required for transactions on Fandango.com. Code expires on (and must be used by) 10/10/26 at 11:59pm PT, and the Insidious 6-Movie Collection will be added to your Library when it is made available by the studio. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the fifty United States, D.C., and Puerto Rico only (excluding other U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Don't miss out on the action. Get 10% off your purchase on the A24 Shop when you buy a ticket to Onslaught.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 8/20/26 and 11:59pm PT on 9/14/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see ‘Onslaught’ at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) A24 Shop promotional code (“Code”) that is good for 10% off any order at the A24 Shop. Code expires, and must be redeemed by, 11:59pm PT on 2/19/27. Code is one time use only. Limit one Code redemption per person on the A24 Shop. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies and the Code is subject to A24's terms and policies, at https://shop.a24films.com/policies/terms-of-service.
Buy one ticket to Idiots, get one free (up to $15 off ticket price and fees), during opening weekend showtimes (8/28 - 8/30) with code IDIOTSBOGO.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Visit Fandango.com between 8/11/26 and 8/30/26 at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app, buy at least one (1) ticket to see Idiots at a participating Fandango theater during opening weekend (showtimes between 8/28/26 and 8/30/26), and use Fandango Promotional Code IDIOTSBOGO (“Code”) to get up to $15 off (total ticket price and associated fees and charges) one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime. Code expires, and can no longer be used, upon the earlier of 11:59PM PT on 8/30/26, the limit of Code redemptions being reached, or when Idiots is no longer available in theaters. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie ticket(s) made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If cost of movie ticket(s) and associated fees and charges are more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only, excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Excludes multiple admission tickets. Fandango is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this offer. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to The Dog Stars, get a chance to win a stargazing trip for 2 to Colorado!
NO PURCHASE OR APP NECESSARY. Purchase does not increase chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older, provided, however, that Prize Winner must be 21+, or 18+ and accompanied by a guest that is 21+. Void where prohibited. Ends September 6, 2026, visit https://www.fandangomovietickets.com/coloradostargazingsweepstakes for Official Rules, odds, and details. Sponsor: Fandango Media, LLC, 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.