Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (THE FRENCH CONNECTION, 1971)

By all accounts, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle is an acerbic, overzealous, bigoted cop who cares little for anyone. But his dedication to the job and doing whatever it takes to make sure it gets done landed him on our Heroes list. THE FRENCH CONNECTION was nominated for 8 Oscars and won 5, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Directing.