The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon – understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.
The Hero's Journey:
There are various types of hero: a) the good, willing hero ( Star Wars, 1977 ), b) the good, unwilling hero ( Shawshank Redemption, 1994 ), c) the anti-hero ( Raging Bull, 1980 ), d) the villain ( Goodfellas, 1990 ) etc.
Nevertheless, their stories all mirror the hero's journey template.
The difference between hero, anti-hero and other variations simply lies in situation, motivation and result.
Where the hero's Ordinary World is idyllic (Lord of the Rings, 2003), the anti-hero's world is uncomfortable and riddled with conflict (Raging Bull, 1980).
Where the hero embarks on adventure for altruistic reasons (Willow, 1988), the anti-hero embarks for selfish reasons.
Where the hero has good mentors (Lord of the Rings, 2003), the anti-hero has dark mentors (Raging Bull, 1980).
Where the hero resists dark temptations, the anti-hero gives in to them (Scarface, 1983).
Where the hero may sacrifice himself to prevent harm to others (Superman, 1978), the anti-hero will consciously set out to do harm (Goodfellas, 1990).
Where the hero will evolve, the anti-hero will regress.
Where the hero will achieve synergy (at the stage of the Ultimate Boon), the anti-hero will achieve alienation.
Where the hero's allies will come to his aid, the anti-hero's allies will betray.