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'A Man Called Otto' (2022) -

One of Hollywood's most beloved nice guys, Mr. Tom Hanks, plays grumpy widower Otto Anderson in this 2022 dramedy. Anderson strikes up an unlikely friendship with a pregnant mother of two living next door in this heartwarming tale. 

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Carl Fredricksen, ‘Up’ (2009) -

Carl Fredricksen becomes isolated and pessimistic after the death of his beloved wife, but his adventures with a boy scout named Russell return purpose and human connection to his life.

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Professor Snape, 'Harry Potter' film series -

Professor Severus Snape is the most terrifying teacher at Hogwarts, and he has a particular dislike for the heroes of the 'Harry Potter' books and film series. But as the story goes on, we learn more about how Snape came to be such a grouch, and that he's not as evil as he seems.

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Eeyore, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ franchise -

Despite his glum demeanor, Eeyore has always been one of the most beloved of Winnie the Pooh's companions. While he is generally downcast and pessimistic, he still does his best to help out and take part in the adventures.

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Stanley Hudson, ‘The Office’ - Stanley Hudson can express a monumental amount of disdain by simply lifting an eyebrow. In an office run by the unbearable Michael Scott, Stanley is one of the few employees who refuses to engage with the boss' antics. The camera always cuts to his weary glower at exactly the right moment!

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Grumpy, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (1937) -

In this Disney classic, the appropriately named Grumpy is the last of the dwarfs to be won over by Snow White's charms, but in the end, he is just as eager to help her as the rest of his companions.

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Squidward, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ -

Squidward is the grumpy neighbor of the almost unbearably cheerful SpongeBob. He simply wants to be left alone to play his clarinet in peace, but SpongeBob and Patrick always rope him into their hijinks! 

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Walt Kowalski, ‘Gran Torino’ (2008) - Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a retired veteran of the Korean War, in 'Gran Torino.' He's the typical grouchy old man you could imagine shaking his stick at young children who dare put a foot in his yard. However, he becomes the hero of the story when he tries to help his young neighbor evade a local gang.

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Ebenezer Scrooge, ‘A Christmas Carol’ -

Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist of Charles Dickens' classic novel 'A Christmas Carol,' has been the archetypal curmudgeon since the book was first published in 1843. The story has been adapted for screen on many occasions, but Jim Carrey's portrayal of Scrooge in Disney's 2009 animated movie is perhaps the most lovable.

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The Grinch, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000) -

The Grinch is like a modern version of Ebenezer Scrooge, as Christmas cheer seems to be the bane of his existence. However, Jim Carrey once again makes the character's exaggerated ill-temper too funny to be taken seriously.

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Shrek, 'Shrek' franchise -

Another green grouch, Shrek the ogre wants nothing more than to be left alone in his swamp, but when he gets roped into an adventure with the insufferable Donkey, we see a soft loving heart beneath his many onion-like layers.

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Frank Costanza, ‘Seinfeld’ -

Frank Costanza, played by the late Jerry Stiller, is George's crotchety father in 'Seinfeld.' Just like many of the other famous grumps, Frank hates Christmas. So much so, in fact, that he popularized an alternative, non-commercial holiday called "Festivus."

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Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ -

'Seinfeld' creator Larry David has starred as a semi-fictionalized version of himself in his long-running sitcom ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ for many years. His disregard for established social conventions causes him to rub people the wrong way in every episode, but it's hard to hate him because he so rarely comes out as the victor.

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Jay Pritchett, ‘Modern Family’ -

Ed O'Neil has played a number of grouchy characters throughout his career, but Jay Pritchett has to be the most endearing. He might be grumpy at times, but he's got a big heart and often shows that he'd do anything for his family.

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Agent K, ‘Men in Black’ (1997) -

The partnered protagonists in the 'Men in Black' movies are played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Agent K (Jones) recruits Agent J (Smith) into the MIB, taking him under his wing and introducing him to the world of alien crime fighting. Agent K is the typical g-man, straight-laced and serious at all times, in stark contrast to Agent J's young, playful attitude.

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Sadness, ‘Inside Out’ (2015) -

This 2015 Disney movie features a range of characters that represent the various emotions that exist inside a young girl's mind. Sadness, voiced by Phyllis Smith, is constantly paired up with Amy Poehler's Joy, making her glum negativity even more pronounced. However, she's still lovable, and the movie reminds us that it's necessary to feel sad sometimes.

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Ron Swanson, ‘Parks and Recreation’ -

As a libertarian working in local government, Ron Swanson is living his worst nightmare every day. Amy Poehler plays upbeat overachiever Leslie Knope who refuses to accept his stern, unsociable exterior and constantly brings out his soft side. When he giggles, it's just magical!

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April Ludgate, 'Parks and Recreation' -

April Ludgate, payed by Aubrey Plaza (right), is a teen who begins working at the Parks and Recreation department as an intern. Her refusal to smile, rejection of authority, and love for chaos soon endear her to Ron Swanson, making her his ideal protégée.

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Moe, ‘The Simpsons’ -

Moe is the rough-edged bar owner in 'The Simpsons' who never seems to catch a break. From love to money, things never work out for Moe! His constant bad luck and self-deprecation endear him to viewers, despite his questionable behavior.

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Sherlock Holmes, 'Sherlock Holmes' -

In his many representations on the big and small screen, Sherlock Holmes is a rather alienating character. His fierce intelligence allows him to analyze those around him, finding every flaw and insecurity within a matter of seconds. His trusty sidekick, Dr. Watson, is one of the few people who suffer through Holmes' condescensions, and helps us see his human side.

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Martin Crane, ‘Frasier’ -

Martin Crane is the father of the eponymous Frasier Crane in this hit sitcom. Martin is an ex-cop who begrudgingly moves in with his son due to a hip injury, bringing his dog Eddie with him. His close relationship with his dog softens his gruffness.

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Sheldon Cooper, ‘The Big Bang Theory’ -

Genius oddball Sheldon Cooper is incredibly particular and has no time for those he deems less intelligent than him (which is almost everyone). Nonetheless, he's still the most loved character in one of the most popular TV shows of all time.

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Hades, 'Hercules' (1997) -

James Woods voices Hades in the 1997 Disney classic 'Hercules.' Hades is the evil uncle of the heroic Hercules and plots his downfall throughout the movie. While he might be the villain of the story, the wise-cracking Hades also provides comic relief throughout the film.

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Statler and Waldorf, ‘The Muppet Show’ -

Statler and Waldorf are a pair of cantankerous old gentlemen who consistently heckle the other Muppets from their luxurious balcony seats. They have nothing good to say about the rest of the cast, but find themselves hilarious.

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Oscar the Grouch, 'Sesame Street' -

This list wouldn't be complete without Oscar the Grouch, who lives in a trash can on 'Sesame Street.' Creator Jim Henson reportedly based him on the “magnificently rude” owner of a restaurant he frequented in New York.

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Dr. Cox, ‘Scrubs’ -

Dr. Cox is the drill sergeant of the ER in 'Scrubs,' and the grudging mentor to young trainee doctor John Dorian, played by Zach Braff. Although he routinely criticizes and torments his interns, he sometimes shows his admiration and pride, and his dedication to his patients is unquestionable.

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Dr. House, ‘House’ -

Dr. Gregory House is a misanthropic genius who seems to care more about solving medical puzzles than actually curing his patients, but his frosty wit clearly covers a great deal of pain. What's more, the positive impact he has on his patients' lives is undeniable.

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Manny, ‘Ice Age’ film series -

Manny the grumpy mammoth is a loner who wants to migrate in peace, but he's joined by a number of other characters who irritate him constantly. Nonetheless, he becomes the unwilling hero on multiple occasions.

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Red Forman, ‘That ‘70s Show' and 'That '90s Show' - Red Forman is a tough veteran who has no patience for his teenage son Eric, or Eric's friends who constantly hang out in his basement. While he threatens to put his foot up Eric's behind in almost every episode of 'That '70s Show,' his grouchy demeanor is balanced out by that of his perky wife, Kitty. As a grandpa in the spin-off 'That '90s Show,' he's a bit more mellow, but he's still Red!

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Sophia, 'The Golden Girls' -

'The Golden Girls' crew consists of Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy, but they're joined by Dorothy's mother Sophia when she's forced to leave her nursing home. Sophia is a generation older than the rest and is known for being a straight-talker, to say the least, but she's still beloved by all!

Sources: (Screen Rant) (The Pop Insider)

See also: Heroes or villains? The characters we love to hate

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