The 12 Best Arrogant Blonde Characters in '80s Films

      Cocky blond characters are a hallmark of ’80s films. Here are 12 of the most memorable ones.

      Roy Stalin (portrayed by Aaron Dozier in Better Off Dead)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The cocky blond character in an ’80s film typically embodies the impossibly handsome, impeccably polished preppy, jock, bully, or fighter pilot who emerges as an apparently insurmountable rival for the main character.

      A prime example of this archetype is Roy Stalin, the ski-team captain from the 1985 classic Better Off Dead, who is first seen skiing the treacherous K12 before effortlessly swooping in to steal Beth (Amanda Wyss), the girlfriend of Lane Meyer (John Cusack).

      Stalin’s name alone suggests he will be a superb villain, and Aaron Dozier delivers every line flawlessly, particularly his introduction to Beth: “You’ll make a fine little helper — what’s your name?”

      He excels at throwing insults as much as he does at skiing, which might make you almost cheer for him. He is merely the first in our collection of cocky blond guys who are featured in a film created by the talented “Savage” Steve Holland.

      Johnny (played by William Zabka in The Karate Kid)

      Columbia Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Johnny Lawrence is a bully so brutal that he remains unfazed when one of his Cobra Kai followers shouts for him to “get him a body bag!” during his All-Valley karate showdown with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) at the conclusion of 1984’s Karate Kid.

      However, as shown in the Karate Kid TV sequel Cobra Kai, even the cocky blond characters of the ’80s are more nuanced than they seem. Cobra Kai reveals Johnny's softer side as he takes on fatherhood and uses body bags far less frequently.

      Iceman (portrayed by Val Kilmer in Top Gun)

      Paramount Pictures – Credit: C/O

      A well-known observation made on subsequent viewings of Top Gun is that Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s arch-rival, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, is actually a good guy. This realization extends beyond the film's conclusion, when he and Maverick share their iconic moment of camaraderie — Iceman is portrayed positively throughout.

      He’s a meticulous, outstanding pilot who rightly worries about Maverick's reckless behavior towards fellow pilots and truly deserves his achievements. While he may be cocky, it pales in comparison to Maverick's arrogance.

      The sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, acknowledges this character development by promoting Iceman to admiral and giving him command over the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

      Scotty (played by Grant Kramer in Hardbodies)

      Columbia Pictures – Credit: C/O

      In a twist of fate, laid-back surfer Scotty (Grant Kramer) decides to teach three unfortunate guys the art of “dialoguing” (or basically just talking) to attract women on the beach. His signature method involves promising the BBD — “the bigger and better deal” — giving hope for a brighter future elsewhere.

      In reality, the BBD tends to work better if you’re suggesting moving toward an enchanting beach town rather than away from one. But that’s how it goes.

      Teddy Beckersted (portrayed by Matt Mulhern in One Crazy Summer)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      One Crazy Summer, released a year after Better Off Dead in 1986, feels like a continuation of John Cusack’s character Lane Meyer. Writer-director “Savage” Steve Holland returns, as do cast members Cusack, Curtis Armstrong, and Laura Waterbury.

      For reasons unknown, the characters have new names, and a new cocky blond guy emerges — one who is even less likable than the previous. Matt Mulhern skillfully portrays the spoiled wealthy brat Teddy Beckersted, who cannot even tolerate the term work.

      He would never conquer the K12.

      Ivan Drago (portrayed by Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV)

      MGM – Credit: C/O

      Ivan Drago, the fiercely determined Soviet boxer in Rocky IV, certainly has a reason to display his cockiness. After brutally defeating Apollo Creed with his chilling phrase, “if he dies, he dies,” he sets his sights on crushing Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and achieving world domination.

      He almost succeeds, but Rocky's heart ultimately triumphs over Drago's unwavering discipline (and the steroids provided by the USSR). In the end, a mutual respect forms between Rocky and Drago, hinting at potential diplomatic healing between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

      By Creed II, where Drago makes a comeback, audiences begin to feel sympathy for him.

      Biff Tannen (portrayed by Thomas Wilson in the Back to the Future trilogy)

      Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O