12 Greatest Lone Wolf Characters In Movies
11. J.J. McQuade (Lone Wolf McQuade)
It would be impossible not to include a character on this list who stars in a film that is literally titled, Lone Wolf McQuade. This bombastic and action-packed adventure stars the ever entertaining Chuck Norris, and is one of the purest - and least subtle - examples of a lone wolf character.
The story follows the titular McQuade, a former US marine now turned Texas Ranger - with Norris go figure - who prefers to work alone. He is drawn into a dangerous showdown with a malicious drug lord as the two have fallen for the same woman. Throughout his journey, his colleagues try to convince him to shed his lone wolf habits, and he struggles to conform.
Norris' performance here is one of his stronger turns, as the leading character of this film plays to traditional Spaghetti Western clichés, but with a modern twist and a complex bravado. You appreciate the character for his cool factor and martial arts skills, but also come to learn about his desire to help others and dedication to those he cares for.
The film is invented to be an exploration of the lone wolf archetype, and does a great job of bringing the trope to life.