Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars franchise is one of the most iconic film heroes of all time. Widening the scope of what had previously been a story about a wanderlust-filled farmboy into a tale of good, evil, history, and philosophy, he became one of the most popular elements about the Original Trilogy.
Although few characters have the exact trait combination that made Obi-Wan such a compelling character, he is not unique in the world of cinema. There are other characters, primarily heroes, who fill very similar roles to the legendary Jedi Knight and do so with a very familiar collection of personality traits.
10 Charles Xavier Is Also An Older, Wiser Mentor
One of Obi-Wan Kenobi's most notable roles is as the Jedi Master of two Skywalker generations. He is first Anakin Skywalker's spiritual and educational mentor, and then to his son, Luke. By the time he is training Luke, Obi-Wan is patient and tolerant, more amused by the recklessness of his young charge than exasperated.
This exactly matches the profile of the older Charles Xaver seen in the X-Men film series, as the wise teacher of not just the students at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, but also the young adults who make up his X-Men team. Furthering the parallels, Charles's younger self was still wise and compassionate, but also more prone to frustration, mirroring Obi-Wan's relationship with Anakin.
9 Optimus Prime Believes In Diplomacy Over Violence
It may seem odd to compare Obi-Wan to a giant alien robot that can transform into a semi-truck, but while physically they couldn't be more different, their personalities and dispositions are very similar. Despite the immense physical power at their disposal, they are both best-known for their diplomatic preferences.
Both Obi-Wan and Optimus Prime from the Transformers franchise are inherently gentle, and would rather talk an issue out than turn to violence. Obi-Wan's ship is even called Negotiator to reflect this. Similarly, when both do decide to fight, they are lethal and fiercely skilled.
8 Nicholas Angel Is Also A Principled Warrior For Law
Despite the number of ways in which the two Jedi were good for one another, Obi-Wan and Anakin's vastly different views on the Jedi Code drove a permanent wedge into their brotherly relationship. Where Anakin struggled with nearly every Code's tenet, Obi-Wan had internalized it from a young age, and easily lives his entire life in accordance with it.
This firm grasp on a set of rules is also what drives one of the primary conflicts of British police comedy Hot Fuzz. In that film, Sergeant Nicholas Angel is a rigid and inflexible police officer who always follows guidelines to the letter, causing friction with his colleagues. Where Angel learns to relax, however, Obi-Wan remains devoted to the Code his entire life.
7 Galadriel Is Reserved & Firmly Able To Resist Temptation
As one of the most powerful Elves in The Lord of the Rings' Middle-earth, Galadriel is second only to beings like Sauron and Gandalf. She is immensely capable, but she too prefers to avoid direct conflict where she can, much as Obi-Wan does.
Further tying them together, however, is their steadfast denial of corruption. At several points, particularly in The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan is able to resist the dark side's lure, most notably when facing Maul. When presented with the One Ring, Galadriel briefly expounds upon just what she could do with it, but her ambition terrifies her, and she turns the potential aside.
6 Clark Kent Fights Selflessly For A Greater Cause
A recurring plot point in Superman media is that the character could, if he chose, take over the world. He has not only the immense physical power, but the popularity needed for such a thing, and he would barely break a sweat. In mainstream continuity, however, he never fights to further himself, only for truth and justice.
Obi-Wan is similarly selfless. Although he has occasional temptations, he fights for the safety of others and the preservation of the Republic. Furthermore, when either of them does end up fighting, they're not above snarking at their opponent's expense—particularly Superman's DCEU version.
5 Zoe Washburne Is Law-Abiding, & Comfortable Leading Or Following
For much of his time on-screen, Obi-Wan is clearly a leader. He is Anakin's Master for much of the Prequel Trilogy, a General in the Clone Wars, and the de facto guide for the crew of the Millennium Falcon in A New Hope. Nonetheless, there are times, particularly in The Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith, when he is under the command of another Jedi and thrives in that role.
In Firefly movie Serenity, Zoe Alleyne Washburne is the second-in-command of the titular ship. Much of her time is spent following Malcolm Reynolds' orders, but she is from time to time given a command she excels in. In addition, when leading, both Zoe and Obi-Wan are practical and considerate leaders, emphasizing safety and certainty over flashy heroics.
4 Harry Hart Also Struggles With Mentoring Disaffected Youth
One of the plotlines of the film Kingsman: The Secret Service follows the attempt to find a successor for the Kingsman agent Lancelot, with each of the senior Kingsmen putting forward a candidate of their own. After having done the same with Eggsy's father, Harry "Galahad" Hart puts forward a working-class youth by the name of Eggsy.
Although he clearly holds Eggsy in high regard, Harry struggles with mentoring the young man. The two learn a lot from one another but frequently grow frustrated. This is a good mirror to Obi-Wan's relationship with Anakin—including the sense of duty to an entire family.
3 Mary Poppins Is Stern But Fair
Although he becomes a less strict teacher by the time he becomes Luke Skywalker's mentor, the Obi-Wan Kenobi seen in the Prequel Trilogy and The Clone Wars isn't afraid of rebuking Anakin for his mistakes, despite the affectionate relationship between the two.
Anakin often feels harassed by Obi-Wan's teachings, particularly when Obi-Wan dresses him down in front of others. Although he is strict, he is always fair and tries to be kind to Anakin. As strange as it is, this is very similar to the style of nannying shown in Mary Poppins. Although the character is far from a pushover, she is an ultimately gentle and kind-hearted nanny.
2 Mufasa Is A Kind Leader Broken By Betrayal
Although he is only alive for the first act of The Lion King, the character of Mufasa, Simba's father, leaves a deep impression on the viewer. From a few interactions, the audience gets to see that he is stern and rule-abiding, but also kind, fair, and indulgent. All of these traits can be seen in Obi-Wan.
Similarly, both face a betrayal from somebody they see as a brother—and suffer greatly for it. Mufasa dies instantly from Scar's betrayal, and while it takes nineteen years, ultimately Anakin's betrayal is what kills Obi-Wan as well.
1 Steve Rogers Is A Stoic With A Heart Of Gold
In the public eye, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America is a larger-than-life symbol of his country and government. Through his appearances, he gives off the image of being stoic and stern. His friends know better, having seen Steve Rogers' soft side first-hand, and knowing that he is prone to snark, jokes, and playing off of his teammates.
This, in many ways, reflects Obi-Wan, who follows the Jedi tenets of emotional control to the hilt and can seem reserved or withdrawn to many as a result. Nonetheless, those close to him know that he has a well of warmth within him, and is usually up for making jokes, even in the tensest of situations.