Though it was a box office bomb upon its release, The Big Lebowski has gone on to become one of the Coen Brothers' most celebrated films and a cult comedy classic. And the thing that makes it such a wonderful movie is the colorful cast of memorable characters that populate this strange story.
The strange thing about The Big Lebowski is that it is a movie that doesn't really have any heroes or villains. Most of the characters are too incompetent to be good or evil. But that doesn't mean there aren't characters who are easy to hate as well those whom you can't help but be charmed by.
Jesus
Given how iconic the character of Jesus Quintana has become, it's surprising he has such a small role that doesn't really have anything to do with the overall story. Played by John Turturro, Jesus is an arrogant and grotesque rival bowler in The Dude and Walter's league.
From his outrageous outfit to his habit of licking his bowling ball, Jesus just comes off as a real creep. He shows his volatility by throwing a temper tantrum when Walter moves the day of their match. It is also revealed that he is a sex offender and guilty of some really disgusting things.
Uli
Uli is the leader of the nihilist goons who are at the center of the movie's kidnapping plot. Though he seems to be the villain of the story, it is eventually revealed that he doesn't really pose much of a threat at all.
Uli is a former porn star who threatens The Dude with castration if he doesn't pay the ransom money. He also throws his pet ferret in a bathtub just to scare The Dude. Uli even convinces his girlfriend to cut off her toe to fulfill their fake kidnapping scheme. When that plan falls through, he tries and fails to rob The Dude and Walter.
The Big Lebowski
Jeffery Lebowski is a paraplegic businessman who shares the same name as The Dude. After a case of mistaken identity, the so-called "Big Lebowski" hires The Dude to help find his kidnapped wife.
While he initially comes off as a caring husband, it is later revealed he plans to keep the ransom money for himself. He is also not the successful businessman he presents himself to be and even steals money from a charity organization for his own greedy purposes.
Bunny
Bunny is the very young wife of the Big Lebowski and has clearly married the old man for his money. She ran away from home as a young woman and eventually became a porn star. She then turned to life as a trophy wife and quickly became very spoiled.
Bunny doesn't really do anything too wrong in the movie other than leaving town without telling her husband, but that's understandable given how unpleasant he is. She is mostly just unlikable because she comes off as an immature diva who only cares about money.
Walter
Walter Sobchak, played by John Goodman, is The Dude's best friend and perhaps the funniest character in the entire movie. However, as a person, he would be pretty irritating to be around.
Walter is a Vietnam veteran who uses any opportunity to bring up his time in the war no matter how inappropriate it is. He sees himself as some sort of commando, inserting himself into The Dude's mission, making a mess of it, and seeming to have no remorse. He is also relentlessly mean to Donny yet ultimately does seem like a caring friend.
Brandt
Brandt is another ing character who doesn't have a lot of impact on the overall story but is nonetheless very memorable. Hilariously played by the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brandt is the Big Lebowski's loyal assistant.
Though he doesn't have much agency of his own, Brandt just comes off as a really nice guy. He is a bit uptight and awkward but he really just wants to please everyone. The worst thing about him is that he works for a jerk.
The Stranger
A tale as strange as this needs a good narrator to guide us through it and the Stranger fills that role wonderfully. With Sam Elliott's iconic voice moving the plot forward, it's hard not to be immediately hooked.
But when the Stranger appears in the story to offer some wisdom to The Dude, he is even more likable. He is a laidback and friendly kind of guy you would want to have a conversation with at a bar. He is a charming and funny mystery figure who adds a wonderful whimsical aspect to the movie.
Maude
Maude Lebowski, played by Julianne Moore, is the adult daughter of the Big Lebowski who happens to be significantly older than her stepmother, Bunny. Maude is probably the most intelligent character in the movie, which makes her stand out among the cast of buffoons.
Though she is a bit eccentric and aggressive about getting her mother's rug back, Maude is a kind and caring person who is revealed to be the real power behind the family business. Unlike her father, she doesn't belittle a man like The Dude but rather shows him respect.
Donny
Despite not having much to say in the movie, Donny is one of the most memorable characters in The Big Lebowski. Played by Coen Brothers regular Steve Buscemi, Donny is the third member of The Dude and Walter's bowling team who is ignored by the former and berated by the latter.
Though he is mistreated, Donny remains a kind and loyal friend who just wants to help, even if he can be a bit aloof.
The Dude
The Dude is one of the most fascinating protagonists in movie history. Despite being at the center of a complex plot, he doesn't really do anything that makes any real impact. He is just a laidback guy who does his own thing and rolls with the punches, and that is what makes him so likable.
He is certainly a lazy and aimless middle-aged man who only cares about smoking weed, drinking White Russians, and bowling. But Jeff Bridges brings an incredible charm to the role that makes him a lovable goofball. He might not be someone we aspire to be, but he's someone we'd like to hang out with.
