My Top 50 Favorite Characters of All Time

Just a simple list of my personal favorite characters.

However, a caveats before I begin.

- No fictionalized portrayals of historical figures. However, characters based on historical figures are fair game.

- This is purely based on how much I like a particular character; and it does not mean that I endorse any villains present in the list.

- Video game player characters whose personality depends on player choice are excluded (so no Commander Shephard from Mass Effect or Hawke from Dragon Age 2).

-SPOILERS AHEAD!

50. Eddie Munson

(Stranger Things)

Too early to be placed in such esteemed company? Perhaps. But, Eddie Munson was one of the first times that I actually felt represented on screen. That probably doesn't make sense coming from a White man; but that's not what I mean. Hollywood typically portrays metalheads as stupid, cowardly, or as bullies. Eddie was a complex character, and a caring individual. I'm also a sucker for a good heroic sacrifice, and Eddie's was fantastic.

49. Ardeth Bay

(The Mummy)

Ardeth Bae, more like. Oded Fehr gives an absolutely stunning performance as the enigmatic and noble leader of the Medjai. While only a supporting character, each appearance on screen is riveting with charm and overflowing with charisma.

48. Doughboy

(Boyz N the Hood)

A prime contender for best performance ever given by a musician. Ice Cube dominates the screen in the late John Singleton's hood classic. This is a case where the character is a favorite off of the strength of the performance alone; though the downer ending for the character also helps propel him as a tragic hero.

47. Davos Seaworth

(Game of Thrones)

I have no idea why I like Ser Davos so much. Of all of the characters in GoT, he feels the most like an "average joe" and that makes him likable. He's loyal to his lord, Stannis, despite that Stannis punished him by severing several of his fingers. While the final seasons of GoT were lacking a bit, I always found Davos to be a bright spot in the series.

46. Bastilla Shan

(Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

Somewhat cheating here. Since, what really propels Bastilla to a position on this list is that multiple things can happen to her character. She's initially a noble and valiant Jedi Knight, and depending on player alignment/choices, can actually fall completely to the Dark Side. Friends to enemies is an A+ tier trope and KOTOR does it do perfection.

45. Leia Organa

(Star Wars)

Leia, along with Alien's Ellen Ripley, became the archetype for sci-fi female heroes. She's determined, fierce, brave, and like other Original Trilogy Star Wars characters goes on quite the developmental journey in the series. Starting off initially as an almost token girl character, before morphing into a soldier and finally a general. Kudos to George Lucas for subverting the damsel in distress trope almost instantly after her rescue, "Into the garbage chute, flyboy!"

44. Ned Stark

(Game of Thrones)

As I've mentioned, I am an absolute animal for a tragic hero, and Ned Stark is a textbook example. Similarly, I'm also a huge fan of noble and chivalric heroes, almost to a sense of pseudo-Romanticism. Ned was only in one season of an eight season series, but boy, did Sean Bean make his brief stay in Westeros a memorable one.

43. Cole Phelps

(L.A. Noire)

Yet another case for a tragic hero (are you sensing a pattern yet?), Cole Phelps took a while for me to warm up to him, but upon the story of LA Noire reaching it's inflection point, I was quickly endeared to the detective. A traumatized war veteran who makes for a phenomenal protagonist in Rockstar's 2011 neo-noir epic.

42. Two-Face

(DC Comics)

I've always enjoyed characters with that sort of have a "Jekyll and Hyde" type of ordeal. Harvey Dent is a good man and a borderline heroic character, but Two-Face represents the true darkness within each of us. The character is an exemplary showcase of how even our most noble can fall into despair.

41. Andros

(Power Rangers: In Space)

In Space was the first Power Rangers season that I remember watching, and Andros was one of the many reasons that made that season so great. His complicated relationship with his sister, Karone/Astronema, is easily a high point in the PR franchise. Honestly, the series could've ended with In Space and it would've been perfect.

40. Jon Snow

(Game of Thrones)

Admittedly, it took me some time to warm up to Jon Snow. For much of the series run, he was sort of "just a guy". But, once he became head of the Nights Watch, I really began to enjoy his character arc. Again, I adore noble and chivalric characters, and Jon had that in spades. Had he been crowned King of Seven Kingdoms, he'd likely be much higher on the list.

39. Hector Barbossa

(Pirates of the Caribbean)

The Pirates franchise is underappreciated among 21st century blockbusters, and I think Barbossa is one reason why. He's a phenomenal example of a villain turned hero, and one of the best cases of such in film, in my opinion. Starting off as the central antagonist in Curse of the Black Pearl all the way to his heroic sacrifice in Dead Men Tell No Tales. Played to perfection by Geoffrey Rush, Barbossa is a stalwart of the franchise.

Note: Commander James Norrington would've been in this list, but I felt that his role was too minor.

38. Faramir

(Lord of the Rings)

As I've proven, I'm an absolute sucker for the noble warrior type, and Faramir exemplifies that in spades. From his resistance to the One Ring, to his desire to win his father, Denethor's, approval. Faramir is a relatively minor character who feels like a major character.

37. Frank West

(Dead Rising)

Frank West is a very 2006 video game protagonist, in that he's really not an outstanding character in his debut. I do like his sarcasm, but it's the way that he develops over the course of the Dead Rising series that makes him my favorite in the DR series.

36. Ozymandias

(Watchmen)

"I did it thirty-five minutes ago."

That single line cemented Ozymandias is one of the all-time greatest antagonists in the history of fiction; enough said.

35. Jorah Mormont

(Game of Thrones)

Yet again, you see that I love the steadfast protector trope. While I wasn't the biggest fan of Ser Jorah actually being in love with Daenerys, his stalwart loyalty to her, even when she was wrong, endeared me to his character. He died as any true bodyguard should; defending his lord to the end.

34. Doctor Doom

(Marvel Comics)

I've always liked the bad guy, who isn't actually a bad guy trope. Doom puts Latveria first and foremost. In a way, he's a polar opposite to Black Panther and a more insidious extreme of Namor. The head of state who puts their people first, cannot truly be a considered a villain.

33. Luke Skywalker

(Star Wars)

Mark Hamill's genre-defining performance as Luke Skywalker helped make an, admittedly, slightly bland hero into an icon. Luke is very much an archetypical "hero's journey" on full display. But I think that's what makes him interesting, he's good through and through.

32. Steve Harrington

(Stranger Things)

Everyone loves a good "villain becomes hero" story, and Steve, in addition to being a breakout character, certainly switched sides. Introduced as a very 80s movie villain style baddie, Steve grew into a nurturing and extraordinarily brave man. His reaction to Robin's coming out solidified him as a favorite character of mine. Now if only the Duffer Brothers could stop beating the hell out of him each season.

31. Geralt of Rivia

(The Witcher)

As a huge sucker for the father figure/adopted child dynamic, Geralt really grabbed me. His devotion to Ciri is phenomenal. But I also love his wry wit and battle-hardened prowess. His English voice actor, Doug Cockle, delivered an absolute scene-stealer of a performance.

30. The Undertaker

(WWE)

Arguably the most unique entry on this list, and also one of the most unique characters period. The Undertaker is the ring-name/gimmick for Mark Callaway, a professional wrestler. The character is something of an undead mortician/biker. The way Taker would cut promos and move about the squared circle at high levels, despite his advanced age, only added to his near demonic mystique.

29. The Illusive Man

(Mass Effect)

Simply put, one of my all-time favorite villains. The mystery behind who The Illusive Man is part of what makes him interesting. That, coupled with the fact that you actually work with him in Mass Effect 2, amplifies his allure. In a sense, he's a true anti-villain. The fact that you never find out his true identity is only an accoutrement.

28. Eddie Riggs

(Brütal Legend)

As a metalhead, Brütal Legend was near gospel to me growing up. Jack Black feels right at home as Eddie Riggs. He falls into another favorite archetype of mine, the unlikely hero. Initially, he's just a meathead in a band, but over the course of the game, evolves into a warrior and a leader.

27. Theon Greyjoy

(Game of Thrones)

I have no idea why I was drawn to Theon, perhaps it was sympathy for his feelings of being an outcast (of which I can relate). His torture at the hands of Ramsay Bolton only furthered my adoration for the character. Furthermore, he goes from a right-hand man, to a detestable villain, to a shell, and finally to a redeemed warrior/leader. His heroic death during the Battle of Winterfell only cemented his place as an all-time favorite of mine.

26. Furiosa

(Mad Max: Fury Road)

Furiosa, admittedly, get's moved up several points because she's not just a great female character, but she's also a disabled character. Even with this disability, lacking an arm, and being female in a genre that is so hyper-masculine, Furiosa is portrayed as an equal to Max Rockatansky. That fact alone propels her up my list. More movies should have male and female heroes that are presented as equal.

25. Kaim Argonar

(Lost Odyssey)

Bit of an obscure pick here, Kaim is the protagonist of the criminally underrated JRPG Lost Odyssey. He's also a 1000 year old immortal warrior with amnesia. Throughout the game, his backstory is presented to the player via flashback and text-based "dreams". Including one where he stays at an inn and befriends a young girl, promising to return, when he finally does, the girl is now elderly and near death. Kaim's story is a tragedy at heart, and he makes for an extraordinary hero in a game that I can only describe as "spell-bounding".

24. Ezio Auditore da Firenze

(Assassin's Creed)

The only Assassin's Creed hero to be given a series for them to flourish, rather than just a single game. Perhaps this is why Ezio is so well regarded by fans of the series. Regardless, his journey from skirt-chasing rogue to Assassin grand master is one of the best journey's in game. Furthermore, you literally play as Ezio from his birth nearly until his death; something that is a rarity in any medium.

23. Boromir

(Lord of the Rings)

Good ole honorable warrior falls into darkness trope! However, Boromir, notably, doesn't completely fall into to despair. The One Ring claims him, but only briefly, before immediately repenting with one of the greatest last stand's in film and literature. While, he's initially the weak link of the Fellowship, excluding the Hobbits, I believe that Boromir's resistance to the Ring makes him one of its strongest members.

22. Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

(Star Wars)

Simply put, one of the greatest character arcs in the history of cinema. Anakin embodies the tragic hero archetype, very much being the "poster-boy" of the entire trope. While the prequels have their missteps, I think that the handling of Anakin's fall was one of the aspects that they did to near-perfection.

21. Davy Jones

(Pirates of the Caribbean)

Still the single best CGI character in cinematic history, bar none. For this one, it's mostly Bill Nighy's exemplary performance that carries it. While I also think Lord Cutler Beckett was a dastardly villain, Davy Jones takes the cake simply because of how mysterious he was.

20. Optimus Prime

(Transformers)

Optimus Prime is like if Superman was a Transformer, that's all there is to it. He's one of the non-Marvel characters that I think would be worthy to wield Mjolnir. His leadership, and willingness to put himself in harms way instead of his comrades, propel him to crack my top 20.

19. Batman

(DC Comics)

You might've expected The Caped Crusader to be a bit higher, but coming in at 19 is not a slight on how much I love Batman. Bruce is a tortured soul, using his trauma as his motivation to make Gotham a better place. Scenes where he's fatherly to his Robin's or being nice to children are an added bonus. At his core, Batman is one of the greatest fictional heroes ever created; regardless of medium.

18. Obi-Wan Kenobi

(Star Wars)

In terms of wholly good characters in Star Wars, Obi-Wan is far and away my favorite (and the most compelling). While he wasn't a perfect Master for Anakin, he was still a fantastic Jedi Master. His development from Phantom Menace through to his heroic death in A New Hope, ranks among the best of any film series ever. Similarly, Obi-Wan is very much the most "samurai" of all of the Jedi, and that just makes him that much cooler.

17. Arya Stark

(Game of Thrones)

I'm biased because I, admittedly, have a bit of a crush on Maisie Williams, but despite that, Arya was my favorite character throughout all of Game of Thrones. Her journey from, effectively a helpless tomboy to a truly warrior/assassin ranks among the best arc in the entire series. Given her prevalence throughout the series, I wouldn't have been opposed if she'd been named Queen (or at least got to kill Cersei!).

16. John Marston

(Red Dead Redemption)

Simply one of the most fully-realized and endearing protagonists in gaming history. Even without his additional backstory in Red Dead Redemption 2, John would've still found his way high on my list. From his gruff demeanor and drive to rescue his wife and son, to his horrifically scarring death, John Marston remains one of the finest heroes in video gaming, and maybe even fiction entirely. Note: It was very tough to leave Arthur Morgan off of this list.

15. Moritsugu Katsumoto

(The Last Samurai)

Many won't be familiar with this one, but Ken Watanabe's performance as the steadfast samurai warlord in The Last Samurai is divine (well worthy of the Academy Award nomination). Katsumoto very much acts like the foil to Tom Cruise's character, at first antagonistic, but eventually the two become dear friends. His valiant demise at the film's climax was the embodiment of bushido.

14. Captain America

(Marvel Comics)

Marvel's Superman. They may not share an origin story or powers, or even views, but they both represent the same things in their respective universes; hope. Most look at Cap and still see the Golden Age propagandist, but Cap is much more than just an American icon. He's Marvel's greatest leader, and one of the most respected characters within their pantheon.

13. Elizabeth Swann

(Pirates of the Caribbean)

Firstly, Keira Knightly was only 18 years old in Curse of the Black Pearl, talk about making an impact. While she's very much just a damsel in the first film, and largely absent from the 4th and 5th films, her arc through Dead Man's Chest and At World's End is enough to propel to the top 15 of my list. Going from a mere aristocrat to the Queen of all Pirate's is quite the strong arc.

12. Spider-Man

(Marvel Comics)

I mean, it's Spider-Man, do I even need to say more? I always related to Peter Parker in the sense that we're both socially awkward nerds. Unlike Peter however, I have never been able to attract people who are basically supermodels. Regardless,

11. Hiccup

(How to Train Your Dragon)

Hiccup is another case of the weakling growing into a leader, and I think that the How to Train Your Dragon series did a phenomenal job with showcasing his journey (especially if you also watch the television series!). Played to perfection by Jay Baruchel, Hiccup is simply put my favorite character from any DreamWorks property.

10. Nightwing

(DC Comics)

In poetic fashion, comic's first sidekick became one of its greatest heroes. Even within the DC Universe, this former Robin is held in high regard (including being good-aligned all throughout the multiverse!) Furthermore, his Romani ancestry gives some much needed representation to an oft forgotten ethnicity. Can't not talk about his habit of attracting many of the DCU's finest ladies either. Now if only DC would tone down the, frankly gross, sexualization of him.

9. Superman

(DC Comics)

He's Superman. He's the greatest superhero that there ever was, and ever will be. Maybe that's the bias because he was one of the first, and laid the template for all who followed him. Everyone and their mother knows Clark Kent, Krypton, and that glorious "S" shield on his chest.

8. Magneto

(Marvel Comics)

If Superman is the greatest hero ever; what does that make Magneto? While many still view him as a villain, in actuality, he would fall as a bit of an anti-villain. His goals, though often misguided, are noble in nature. He doesn't want what happened to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust to happen to his mutant brothers and sisters; and that's admirable. Arguably, the most prominent Jewish character in all of comics, Maxwell Eisenhardt is also one of the greatest characters to ever grace the page.

7. Tali'Zorah vas Normandy

(Mass Effect)

In anime fandom, there's a term called "best girl", which means the cutest or best female character in a series (commonly the love interest); Tali is the best girl of the Mass Effect series, bar none. From her bumbling, socially awkward nature, to her mechanical aptitude, Tali is an indispensable part of the Normandy crew. Once more, her journey from lowly pilgrim all the way up to the one who can (determinately) save her race from extinction/genocide, is powerful stuff.

6. Jim Malone

(The Untouchables)

Probably one of the biggest wildcards on this entire list, Sean Connery's Academy Award winning performance as Jim Malone in Brian De Palma's masterpiece The Untouchables, stands out to be simply for one scene alone. He, and other officers of the law, need to interrogate a crook, and to do so, Malone picks up the corpse of a fellow crook and threatens to "kill him" (the interrogated doesn't know they are dead). My description doesn't do this outstanding scene or performance justice, watch this movie.

5. T-800

(The Terminator)

For a character who barely speaks, Arnold Schwarzenegger sure made every word pack a wallop. His stoic, and all around badass, demeanor is what endears him to most, but I've always been a fan of the machine-to-man trope in fiction (where robots gain sentience over time). The T-800 is a landmark character in cinema, being the hero in the film that set the bar for blockbusters. A bar that, arguably, has not been reached by any film since.

4. Indiana Jones

(Indiana Jones)

Indy was voted the 2nd best cinematic hero of all time by the American Film Institute in 2003, second only to Gregory Peck's Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird). From his noble scoundrel nature, to his iconic look and array of gadgets. Indiana Jones is Harrison Ford at his hottest, and his fullest; a character and performance that is so seminal that even Disney has said that the role will not be recast.

3. Edward Kenway

(Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag)

In a shocking turn of events, it's yet another "rogue with a heart of gold". Edward Kenway was such a breath of fresh air for the Assassin's Creed series after the, rather drab, Connor in AC3. The pirate setting definitely helps his characterization as a greedy rogue, but through his rapscallion outer shell lies a man who truly did try to do what was best for himself and his lover. His journey from a ne'er-do-well to an Assassin, and finally to a father (after having seen all of his friends precede him in death) is arguably Ubisoft's strongest for a single-game protagonist.

2. Garrus Vakarian

(Mass Effect)

"Can it wait for a bit? I'm in the middle of some calibrations."

With that single, immortal line, Garrus cemented himself as the greatest character in Mass Effect.

Seriously though, Garrus is everything I'd want in a character. Morally ambiguous, but still defiantly noble, steadfastly loyal, an expert fighter, and an all-around badass. As one of the only characters to journey alongside Commander Shepherd through all three Mass Effect games, along with Tali, Garrus comes as close to anything a video game has ever come to a character who truly feels like a friend.

1. Han Solo

(Star Wars)

Number 1 was really a no contest. Han Solo is easily the coolest character in Star Wars, and the textbook sci-fi rogue. From his uproarious comeback (Yahoo!) in A New Hope, to his development over the Original Trilogy from a morally grey smuggler to a leader of the Rebellion and war hero. Harrison Ford just oozes charisma in his performance, and easily steals the screen in every scene that he's in.