21 Of The Most Influential Mentors Ever Showcased Both In Movies And TV Shows

These shows and movies help us internalize and break free from our own challenges.

Maryjane

• Published in Film & TV
• June 25, 2022

Some of us watch TV shows and movies solely for their ability to be extremely motivating and inspirational. We enjoy watching underdog stories and seeing characters on our television screens rise above apparently insurmountable situations to achieve the unthinkable.

It's entertaining to see a character from an underprivileged demographic enter a scene and give an inspiring speech or pep talk that we presume comes from actual personal experiences if they were, you know, a real person. It's uplifting, moving, and frequently hilarious.

People love watching individuals motivate others, particularly when that inspiration comes from an unexpected source like Jason Sudeikis' amazing soccer coach, Ted Lasso, on Apple TV. These shows and movies help us internalize and break free from our own challenges while also empowering us to persevere and overcome them.

A huge amount of that has to do with the mentors from movies and TV shows we've grown to love over the years. We walk away from the screen with the impression that we can dominate the world.

So, if you need some energy injected into your veins, look no further than your favorite fictional characters. We have successfully compiled a 21-name list of the most influential movie and TV show mentors at your disposal.

1. Miranda Bailey

The Grey's Anatomy surgeon is the OG of TV mentors as she is a female in a male-dominated field. She's tough regarding her charges, and she performs with the best interests of her employees in mind.

She's so good that she became a mentor to her own mentor.

2. Mr. Miyagi

He has been an inspiration to generations since the 1984 Karate Kid as the sensei put karate on the map and offered Daniel LaRusso guidance, respect, and a fatherly sort of love.

3. Mickey

Mickey from Sylvester Stallone's Rocky franchise trained Rocky Balboa. The boxing coach gave him his start and he was a master at issuing tough love in the most authentic way.

4. Rocky Balboa

He good at motivational speeches and he later became the mentor while using his own life experience to motivate and inspire others to be their best.

5. Ted Lasso

The coach has won the hearts of numerous television viewers in only two short seasons. Ted is goofy but he takes on a task and achieves it such that it inspires all around him.

He is what most of us need as we can’t help but reflect on our lives while watching his performance.

6. Albus Dumbledore

The Harry Potter series had a great mentor as Dumbledore was always had the wisest advice, but still gave Harry space to make his own mistakes. His morals never slipped regardless of his immense power and he led his students and staff with so much dignity.

7. Professor Charles Xavier

The X-Men's Professor is so inspiring and a legend in the comic book world. He uses his position to lecture his mutant students to accept their unique abilities and use them to do good.

8. Alfred Pennyworth

He is an underrated character in the DC Comics world. In Gotham, he practically raised Bruce Wayne. He is so honest with Batman, and endlessly supportive as well.

9. Melinda May

The Marvel series titled Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shows the empowerment of her agents to cater for themselves and she leads by example. She hones her own skills and teaches everyone by backing up the instruction and advice that she gives out.

10. Joe West

Joe practically stepped in as Flash's father when he lost his parents. He is a devoted father and police officer who makes sure he’s always there for Flash and his biological daughter, Iris.

He had no superpowers but he's a good example of bravery.

11. Yoda

The iconic Jedi Master from the Star Wars franchise is best known for his wisdom which is a necessary trait for all mentors. He is knowledgeable and helpful and did a wonderful job in training Luke Skywalker.

12. LouAnne Johnson

She plays the character of a teacher and devoted mentor named LouAnne Johnson in Dangerous Minds. She is a tough ex-Marine who takes no crap, but she does the best to make a difference in her students' lives.

13. Morpheus

He was an invaluable ally and a great teacher to Neo in The Matrix series. His calm and commanding demeanor makes him a guru for "The Prophecy" believers too and he is like a father figure to his crew members.

14. Jack Pearson

He is the ultimate dad as he won millions of hearts the moment he took on the Jack role in This Is Us. His kids grea up trying to attain the standards he set for himself, as he was an example of love and encouragement.

15. Leslie Knope

She proves that comedy characters can be as inspirational as drama characters. She's kind, hardworking, and always encourages others.

Her positivity has no end, as she always looks on the bright side.

16. Diane Lockhart

She is a lawyer who tolerates no crap, and we love her for that. She is an ambitious, successful, and dedicated woman, and she stays true to her morals, even in a difficult world.

17. M

M from some James Bond films is a female MI6 boss in an organization and she's well-respected. She even trained 007 and she never hesitates to put Bond in his right place.

She is loyal and committed to helping him be the best.

18. John Keating

Most often, the most impactful mentors to us are teachers and John Keating in Dead Poet's Society is so inspiring. Characters like him inspire generations of people to think a whole lot bigger.

19. Jack Donaghy

He taught 30 Rock's Liz Lemon many things about the industry they worked in. The relationship was a look at how two different people can teach and inspire one other.

20. Erin Gruwell

She starred in the film Freedom Writers where she worked tirelessly to inspire and motivate her students. She is a tough, but kind and caring teacher.

21. Mindy Lahiri

She may not necessarily serve a as a mentor to any particular person on the series, but she's the perfect mentor for female watchers. She is smart, successful, independent, and unapologetic.

At least, we know that she knew her worth and will not accept anything less.

We don't just watch TV and movies to be entertained or to escape boredom We also watch them to connect to someone or something, and many of these mentor actors help us do just that.

Which movie mentor in our list inspires you the most? Or do you have more inspiring actors we can add to this list of mentors?

Maryjane