What elements contribute to a film’s lasting impression? It’s predominantly the stories that reflect the lives of those we see as our peers. These narratives move away from the idealized hero, instead presenting characters who resonate with our own lived realities. The depiction of ordinary individuals navigating unforeseen challenges generates a profound resonance, reflecting the universal human condition: our struggles, our resilience, and our inherent imperfections.
A new addition to the ranks of Everyman heroes is Novocaine, an action-comedy film directed by Dan Berk & Robert Olsen (Significant Other, Villains), set to hit theaters on March 14, 2025. The film stars Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream) as Nate, a mild-mannered bank executive with an unusual superpower—he can’t feel pain. When his dream girl (Amber Midthunder, Prey, The Ice Road) is kidnapped, Nate embarks on an unlikely mission to rescue her. Amid car chases, shootouts, and chaos, Nate’s numbness to the world proves to be a surprisingly useful asset, turning him into an accidental hero.
To celebrate the upcoming release of Novocaine, we’ve curated a list of ten of our favorite everyman hero films. These films highlight the power of ordinary individuals in extraordinary situations, each offering a unique take on the archetype.
DUEL (1971)
What It’s About:
David Mann, a businessman traveling through the desert, becomes the target of a psychotic truck driver after a minor road dispute. The driver relentlessly chases Mann, creating a tense, high-stakes battle for survival.
Why It’s on This List:
Duel captures the raw, unfiltered terror of being thrust into a life-threatening situation without any warning or special abilities. It’s a gripping exploration of human survival, where an ordinary man’s intelligence and unwavering spirit become his only tools in a terrifying game of cat and mouse.
THE TERMINATOR (1984)
What It’s About:
Sent from a post-apocalyptic future, the Terminator, a cold and relentless cyborg assassin, is tasked with killing Sarah Connor, an unsuspecting young woman in 1984 Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Kyle Reese, a soldier from the future, arrives to protect her. However, Sarah soon learns she is the target of an unstoppable killer, and she must evolve from an ordinary woman into a fierce survivor to ensure her survival and the future of humankind.
Why It’s on This List:
Sarah Connor begins as your standard-issue human before chaos descends and she unleashes her inner Everyman hero like nobody’s business. Her evolution from ‘oh dear’ to ‘bring it on’ is a shining example of how normal people can become extraordinary when the universe throws them a curveball. The film is a glorious showcase of her sheer willpower, her ability to take a beating and keep going, and her refusal to say ‘uncle’ even when facing down a robotic apocalypse.
DIE HARD (1988)
What It’s About:
NYPD cop John McClane’s Christmas vacation turns into a fight for survival when terrorists take over a Los Angeles skyscraper. McClane must save his wife and the hostages while trying to thwart the terrorists’ plans.
Why It’s on This List:
John McClane: the definition of an Everyman hero. He’s not some elite operative; he’s just a cop caught in a chaotic, impossible fight. But man, can he think on his (bare) feet! His resourcefulness is off the charts, and his sheer determination? That’s what makes him a protagonist you just can’t forget.
UNBREAKABLE (2000)
What It’s About:
David Dunn survives a horrific train crash, only to discover that he has extraordinary, unbreakable strength. As he grapples with this revelation, he meets a mysterious figure, Elijah Price, who believes David may be the key to a greater destiny.
Why It’s on This List:
And Bruce Willis is back again, this time as David Dunn, a man thrust into a mind-bending mystery of his own identity. It’s a journey where he must unravel his hidden abilities and confront the daunting question: what does it truly mean to be extraordinary? Dunn’s story is a deeply human exploration of the Everyman experience, where doubt, fear, and the search for purpose are just as potent as any superpower.
COLLATERAL (2004)
What It’s About:
Max, a Los Angeles cab driver, is unknowingly recruited by a hitman named Vincent to drive him around to various assassination sites. As Max becomes entangled in Vincent’s deadly mission, he must find a way to survive and stop the carnage.
Why It’s on This List:
Max, just a regular taxi driver scraping by, gets blindsided by a savage, life-threatening ordeal. His metamorphosis from passive onlooker in his cab to a determined survivor? It’s a testament to the Everyman’s innate ability to tap into their inner strength when pushed to the absolute limit.
THE DESCENT (2005)
What It’s About:
After a traumatic experience, Sarah and her friends venture into the Appalachian caves for an adventure. However, they soon discover that they are not alone—and the underground creatures lurking there will stop at nothing to hunt them down.
Why It’s on This List:
Sarah’s descent into the unknown isn’t a vacation; it’s a brutal fight for survival. She’s an Everywoman, unprepared for the horrors lurking in the depths. But as the terror mounts, her resourcefulness and sheer will to live emerge, making her a compelling example of human resilience in the face of absolute dread.
GREEN ROOM (2015)
What It’s About:
A punk band becomes trapped in a remote venue after witnessing a violent act by a group of white supremacists. With their lives in danger, they must figure out a way to escape before they are eliminated.
Why It’s on This List:
In ‘Green Room,’ a simple gig turns into a harrowing fight for survival. These aren’t soldiers; they’re just a band caught in a terrifying trap. Their desperate struggle, fueled by raw determination and quick thinking, showcases the Everyman’s ability to rise to the challenge when facing absolute terror.
THEY CALL ME JEEG (2015)
What It’s About:
Enzo, a petty criminal, gains superhuman strength after being exposed to radioactive waste in Rome. As he grapples with his new powers, he forms an unlikely connection with a woman who believes he is the hero from her favorite childhood cartoon.
Why It’s on This List:
Enzo carries baggage, a flawed soul thrust into extraordinary circumstances. But his journey is a testament to the Everyman’s capacity for redemption. He’s a reminder that even those with a checkered past can rise to the challenge when faced with a cause larger than themselves.
UPGRADE (2018)
What It’s About:
After a brutal attack leaves Grey Trace paralyzed and his wife dead, he receives an experimental AI implant that enhances his abilities. Seeking revenge against those responsible, he becomes a formidable force in the search for justice.
Why It’s on This List:
Grey Trace’s life is shattered, forcing him into a chilling metamorphosis he never asked for. He’s an Everyman caught in a vortex of vengeance and newfound power. His desperate attempt to master his abilities while navigating the dark path of revenge is a compelling portrayal of the inner battle that often defines the human condition.
GUNS AKIMBO (2019)
What It’s About:
Miles, a video game developer, finds himself involuntarily participating in a deadly online game where he must fight for his life against the ruthless Nix, a professional killer.
Why It’s on This List:
Miles is the epitome of ‘wrong place, wrong time.’ He’s scared, he’s clueless, and he’s definitely not ready for the insane situation he’s thrown into. But he’s got to adapt—fast. Using his wits and a whole lot of determination, he flips the script and becomes an unlikely hero in a digital bloodbath.
Novocaine is slated to hit theaters on March 14, 2025. Just be prepared for a hero who might be too tough for his own good—he’s not just fighting for a girl, he’s fighting the very concept of pain itself!
