Honorable Mentions:
Jules Winnfield ("Pulp Fiction"), V ("V for Vendetta"), Léon ("Léon: The Professional"), Leonidas ("300"), Ginger ("Chicken Run"), Atticus Finch ("To Kill a Mockingbird"), Professor McGonagall ("Harry Potter"), Princess Leia ("Star Wars"), Darth Maul ("Star Wars"), The Iron Giant ("The Iron Giant"), William Wallace ("Braveheart"), Terminator ("The Terminator"), Quint ("Jaws"), Billy Costigan ("The Departed"), R.P. McMurphy ("One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"), Luke ("Cool Hand Luke"), Jimmy Conway ("Goodfellas"), English Bob ("Unforgiven"), Bill the Butcher ("Gangs of New York"), Jim Stark ("Rebel Without a Cause"), and yes, James Bond.
10. Clarice Starling- "The Silence of the Lambs"
Being tasked with collaborating with Hannibal Lecter is a tall order for this FBI agent, and all the while she is still only a trainee. Clarice Starling is deeply devoted to her mission of sniffing out the deranged "Buffalo Bill", and her suspenseful showdown and eventual termination of the serial killer makes for one of the most courageous solo efforts from any film hero. She's a bold, independent heroine, and she's surely a badass.9.The Bride- "Kill Bill"
Of all the bruisers on this list, The Bride may have the highest on-screen body count, and she does her fighting with a damn samurai sword. Her over-the-top tactics are so overwhelmingly Tarantino, and they make for some of the most artfully violent scenes of modern film. I find that the pursuit of revenge makes for some top rate badasses, and The Bride certainly deserves mention on this list. 8. Sonny Corleone- "The Godfather"
"Bada bing!" Sonny is the fiery tough-guy of the Corleone family. He believes in the mob using their "muscle" whenever is necessary, especially when family is involved. Personally, I've always loved the fact that (forgiving the greatest movie ever made for containing one of the worst-filmed punches in film history) nothing sets Sonny off as much as someone taking advantage of his sister. His pummeling of the abusive Carlo is easily one of the best older brother moments in film.7. Boba Fett- "Star Wars: Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back"
When you really think about it, the iconic status of the character of Boba Fett actually doesn't make much sense. His screen time is limited and we hear him utter fewer than ten lines in the entire original "Star Wars" trilogy. However, the fact is, the galaxy's top bounty hunter is just undeniably cool. Everything from the deadpan, threatening gaze of his helmet, to the idea that he needs to be reminded not to disintegrate his enemies, contributes to his unspoken aura of danger. We do not know much about him, but its not hard to tell that Boba Fett is an experienced, ass-kicking badass.6. Django- "Django Unchained"
The freed slave turned bounty hunter, wants nothing more than to be reunited with his enslaved wife. But on the way to her rescue, he takes a few names with him. His reserved nature makes him the epitome of "quiet cool". He is quick on the trigger when he needs to be, and it is very effective, but when it comes to loyalty, they don't come much better than Django.5. Anton Chigurh- "No Country for Old Men"
I must admit, the first time I watched "No Country for Old Men", I had to take to Google to figure out what exactly that thing was that Anton was using to kill people. Let's just say he's rather creative. At first sight, his interesting looks may cause one to raise an eyebrow, but it's quickly clear that Anton is one of the most frightening, cold-blooded killers that film has ever given us. If you need more evidence of badassery, look no further than his casual limping away from a deadly car accident, with his shattered arm in a sling made from a button-down shirt. That is tough. 4. Maximus Decimus Meridius- "Gladiator"
Maximus' fall from his glorious position as a Roman general only makes his character far more awesome. "Are you not entertained?" remains one of the best victory lines ever from a film hero, and the character's willpower to work his way up from slave status and achieve vengeance for his murdered family makes him easy to root for. He approaches his battles with a no-holds-barred edge, and its rare that anyone crossing his path to retribution actually stands a chance. 3. Han Solo- "Star Wars"
The woman who has been reluctant to return Han Solo's affection professes her love seconds before he is about to be frozen in carbonite. Unsure whether or not he will survive, how does Han respond? "I know". He is the most suave, maverick scoundrel in the "Star Wars" universe, and deservedly, today he is one of the most recognizable characters in film history. For all the sarcasm and short tempered wisecracking, as viewers we are confident that when it matters most, Han is dependable and undaunted. 2. Aragorn- "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy
1. Jason Bourne- The "Bourne" Saga
Many movie fans would likely argue for a certain agent from across the pond to be placed over Bourne, but the protagonist of the "Bourne" saga is the best government-trained assassin, and best movie badass, of all time. And quite frankly, Jason Bourne would kick James Bond's ass. Bourne is haunted, wanted, and dragged into a cycle of crime and corruption that he is tied to by his blurry past. He is seemingly emotionless and maintains his stoic composure throughout run-ins with other "assets" and with the law. He is invisible when he wants to be and deadly when he needs to be. There is nothing flashy about his personality or methods, but I cannot think of a movie character who liquidates enemies with his bare hands as well as Bourne does. Never in sight, but always watching, he's an afflicted hero, and a lonesome absolute badass. 
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