Side characters who got their own show or movie

One of the most essential elements of any film or TV show is its side characters. While a compelling protagonist is crucial, those who aren't in the spotlight of the story are often just as important for the production's success. From the sidekick to the main antagonist, these side characters are some of the last people audiences would expect to be top-billed in a series or movie, yet also so deeply deserving.

Saul Goodman - 'Breaking Bad'

In 'Breaking Bad,' Bob Odenkirk plays Saul Goodman, the crooked attorney who represents Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, or Heisenberg.

Saul Goodman - 'Better Call Saul'

In its prequel, 'Better Call Saul,' we get to follow the story of Jimmy McGill, who will eventually go on to become Saul Goodman. Some say the spin-off rivals the original series.

Frasier - 'Cheers'

Although Frasier Crane didn't appear until the third season of 'Cheers,' he quickly became one of the show's most beloved characters thanks to Kelsey Grammer's performance.

Evan Baxter - 'Bruce Almighty' (2003)

Although Steve Carell's character Evan Baxter, Bruce's rival anchor, only appears very briefly, his scenes are some of the most entertaining in the whole film.

The Scorpion King - 'The Mummy Returns' (2001)

In 'The Mummy Returns,' Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evie (Rachel Weisz) have to stop Imhotep from taking over the world, and resurrecting the Scorpion King (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).

The Lone Gunmen - 'The X-Files'

Richard "Ringo" Langly, Melvin Frohike, and John Fitzgerald Byers were 'The X-Files' resident conspiracy theorists. And who can ever forget about them?

Mork - 'Happy Days'

Robin Williams’s extra-terrestrial Mork made his debut in the fifth season of 'Happy Days,' as Richie Cunningham sees a flying saucer before meeting him. 

Jesus Quintana - 'The Big Lebowski' (1998)

This cult classic by the Coen brothers is often cited as one of the funniest and most entertaining comedies. And John Turturro's character Jesus Quintana is responsible for a lot of the film's most memorable moments.

Peacemaker - 'The Suicide Squad' (2021)

James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' introduced a fantastic ensemble cast of weird and wonderful characters. One of them was John Cena's Peacemaker.

Shaw - 'Furious 7' (2015)

Initially we imagine Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw to be just as villainous as his brother in the previous movie. But as the franchise progresses it has shown that, similar to Dominic Toretto, for Shaw it's about family above all else.

Pete and Debbie - 'Knocked Up' (2007)

Judd Apatow's hit comedy 'Knocked Up' features some hilarious and memorable supporting characters, such as Leslie Mann's Debbie and Paul Rudd's Pete.

Machete - 'Spy Kids' (2001)

In Robert Rodriguez’s 'Spy Kids,' Danny Trejo plays Isador Cortez, AKA Machete, the uncle of Carmen and Juni Cortez.

Aldous Snow - 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (2008)

Considered to be one of the best comedies of the 2000s, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' introduced us to Russell Brand's Aldous Snow, the new boyfriend of Sarah Marshall. 

Puss in Boots - 'Shrek 2' (2004)

The 'Shrek' movies are filled with hilarious supporting characters, and Puss in Boots is no exception. Voiced by Antonio Banderas, we first meet the sword-fighting feline in 'Shrek 2.'

Adonis Creed - The 'Rocky' franchise

Although Adonis himself doesn't actually appear in any of the original Rocky films, his infamous father Apollo Creed does.