Like Watson to Holmes, Samwise to Frodo, or BB8 to Rey, every hero needs a sidekick. There are many notable supporting characters across the decades, but there are just as many that go unnoticed or unrecognized in the grand scheme of things. While they're rarely at the center of the silver screen, these friends, siblings, strangers, and children make a difference in whether the film's hero succeeds or fails.
These characters don't get the glitz and glamour of a starring role, but their contribution and dedication to solving the problem make them worthy of not being forgotten.
Joshamee Gibbs — 'Pirates of the Caribbean' (2003-2017)
Whatever rabbit hole Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is about to go down, Joshamee Gibbs (Kevin McNally) is always right behind. The voice of pirate lore, Mr. Gibbs is responsible for making the film's exposition come to life for audiences.
Not much is known about this pirate historian except for the small glimpse of his days in the Royal Navy during the opening of Curse of the Black Pearl. A survivalist, Gibbs is one of the few characters that survive and appears in all five films.
Mellie Logan — ‘Logan Lucky’ (2017)
Beauty, brains, and muscle cars are three advantages to having a sister like Mellie (Riley Keough) when trying to rob the Coca-Cola 600. A strong, female getaway driver is just what the heist called for. She’s able to not only do her part in transporting Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) and her brother Clyde (expertly played by Adam Driver), but she still makes back it in time to finish her niece's hair for the pageant.
The youngest of the Logan siblings, Mellie’s gum-chewing spunk makes her an admirable sidekick, and crucial to pulling off the robbery.
Bernard — ‘The Santa Clause 1 & 2’ (1994 & 2002)
The keeper of all Santa knowledge and history head elf, Bernard (David Krumholtz), is the big guy’s right-hand man. Aiding Santa/Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) for two of the three films, Bernard’s expertise keeps his major life transitions going somewhat smoothly.
His apparent worry and constant concern demonstrate that he cares deeply for the magic of Christmas and will do anything he can to keep the North Pole on track. His presence was missed by fans in the third installment, with the role of head elf taken over by Curtis (Spencer Breslin).
Frenchy — 'Grease' (1978)
This beauty school dropout is the original 1950’s hype-woman. A member of the Pink Ladies girl gang, Frenchy (Didi Conn) takes Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) under her wing and helps her navigate the struggles of high school romance.
As a sidekick, her character has an arc of its own as she tries to grow up to fast by dropping out of high school for beauty school. A shoulder to cry on, advice-giver, and confidence booster, Frenchy deserves recognition as one of the underrated best friends in film.
Paul — ‘It Follows’ (2014)
It could be because he loves her or because he’s a good friend, either way, Paul (Keir Gilchrist) embodies all the qualities of a modern-day sidekick. Never judging or casting doubt on his friend, Paul believes Jay (Maika Monroe) when she confesses that she’s being followed by an almost invisible demon.
He ultimately risks his own life and safety when he lets her pass the demon on to him and attempts to pass it on to someone else. The pair end up together in the end, bonded by the trauma of hosting the demon and the potential for it to come back.
Matt Hooper — 'Jaws' (1975)
Where the hero lacks, the sidekick provides. A marine biologist from the oceanographic institute, Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) is called in to assist with the shark attacks plaguing Amity Island. While his knowledge and background are crucial, his character is often overshadowed by the dominant personality of Quint (Robert Shaw).
Instead of becoming an antagonist and wanting to save the shark (as experts tend to do in the name of science), Hooper survives the final battle with the shark and surfaces after its explosive death. Salvaging some gear, like a good supporting character, he helps the hero, Chief Brody (Roy Schneider), swim home.
Holly March — ‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)
It’s almost impossible to distinguish who is in charge between private investigators Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe). Leave it to March’s daughter, Holly (Angourie Rice) to keep these two on track.
What makes this character special is her ability to aid in solving the case while having everyone’s best interest at heart, including the villains. Keeping her dad on track and Healy’s moral compass pointing north, Holly is a key player in the investigation just as much as any character.