There are very few things that bring TV enjoyers the same amount of joy as well-written, complex characters. It’s one thing to be captivated by the show’s storyline alone; it is a completely different one to actually root for the characters involved in the story, especially when there are many layers to them that make their personalities stand out among the rest.
Over time, several series have offered audiences tough, strong-willed characters that manage to outdo themselves time and time again. From Raylan Givens from Justified to Mike from Breaking Bad, they are among the most memorable and badass characters on the small screen.
Updated on September 23, 2023, by Daniela Gama:
With a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes so far, the highly anticipated The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon spin-off series hit the small screens at the beginning of the month. So far, there has been nothing but praise for Daryl Dixon; it centers around the titular character’s journey to escort a young boy to Paris. Dixon is often considered one of the most badass TV characters of all time, but who are other fierce television personalities that stand out from the bunch? Find out below.
15 Lucas Hood from ‘Banshee’ (2013 – 2016)
Although you probably know him from The Boys series, Antony Starr‘s role as an ex-convict in the thrilling action TV show is surely among his most memorable characters. In the series, the ex-con takes over the identity of a new sheriff in a small Pennsylvania community after his death.
According to mudd77, Hood on Banshee is a remarkably badass protagonist. “Funny thing about him is he would always get his ass kicked before turning things around,” the user wrote. “Dude could take some punishment.”
14 Arya Stark from ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)
It doesn’t come as news to anyone that Game of Thrones‘ Arya Stark, the fourth child and youngest daughter of Lord Ned Stark and his wife Lady Catelyn Stark, is one of Game of Thrones‘ most compelling characters. Her massive character development caught the attention of many and quickly established her as a beloved protagonist.
An excellent fighter with a strong-willed personality, Maisie Williams‘ master adventurer is a fan favorite on the site, and understandably so. “Arya – GOT” was takequake76‘s very valid answer to the question “best badass character?” on a Reddit discussion.
13 Jack Bauer from ’24’ (2001 – 2010)
Kiefer Sutherland‘s intense 24 character is guaranteed to leave a strong imprint on viewers, as many users on the platform would agree. The 2001 action crime show follows a counter-terrorism agent who races against time to reverse terrorist schemes and prevent massive threats from happening.
“Jack Bauer once couldn’t find his car keys. He tortured himself until he gave up the location of the keys,” lostonpolk commented after Mattyzooks linked a kickass video of the series’ protagonist. “We have a winner here,” eerok79 argued.
12 Brock F. Samson from ‘The Venture Bros.’ (2003 – 2018)
An O.S.I. agent and bodyguard of Dr. Thaddeus Venture (James Urbaniak), the beloved deuteragonist from The Venture Bros. is a parody of pro-wrestler Psycho Sid Vicious. Brock Samson (Patrick Warburton) is the strong and silent type, which is possibly what appeals to most people.
“So badass even a dude he already killed remembers him. BROCK BAD!” AndrewKM1984 said. The animated character counts on a huge fan base on the platform, and several users truly consider him one of the most badass personalities on the small screen.
11 Lorne Malvo from ‘Fargo’ (2014 – 2024)
Based on the well-received Coen Brothers‘ movie of the same name, the 2014 show Fargo, whose fifth season is hitting the screens on November 21, features a couple of familiar faces and follows Billy Bob Thornton‘s character as he incites the Minnesota community into malice and violence.
“Lorne Malvo,” as a now-deleted user suggested, is an instant answer to “most badass characters in television” on the platform. Thanks to his persuasive personality, Malvo is a master manipulator with high emotional intelligence. Because of this, users on the platform see the character as unstoppable.
10 Buffy Summers from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997 – 2003)
Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s memorable role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the most referenced in pop culture, and for good reason; throughout the years Buffy Summers has been a part of many people’s lives and endures an icon today, along with other characters from Buffy. With an upbeat and determined personality, this natural-born leader tends to be impulsive and loves to take risks.
“Buffy Summers could beat up everyone in this thread and then finish them off with a sick pun,” bething rightly remarks. Never underestimate Buffy’s unmatched ability to deliver great punchlines while being a total badass.
9 Root and Shaw from ‘Person of Interest’ (2011 – 2016)
Apparently, it’s too hard to pick just one — so why not both? Root (Amy Acker), a very intelligent computer hacker, and Shaw (Sarah Shahi), a cool and collected physician, are two three-dimensional and intriguing characters from Person of Interest. They also happen to share one of the most compelling bonds in television.
Many Reddit users claimed that the pair are easily the toughest female characters on television, and Mq94 is one of them: “Root and Shaw are some of my absolute fave badass women on TV.”
8 Captain James Flint from ‘Black Sails’ (2014 – 2017)
Also known as James McGraw, Toby Stephens‘ on-screen counterpart is one of the most beloved in the historical adventure series Black Sails, which is set in the 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, and for good reason. Like a real pirate, the protagonist has stolen the hearts of many.
“Captain Flint” is a very much mentioned name in the platform; i-dunno–, for one, provided a list where the character is brought up not once but five times. There is no denying that Stephens’ incredible part goes down as one of the most ferocious and powerful.
7 Omar Little from ‘The Wire’ (2002 – 2008)
Honest and determined to stick with his moral code, Michael K. Williams‘ The Wire anti-hero is a very popular pick on the platform when it comes to badass fictional personalities. Although he has done bad things, the character stands out from the rest because he sticks with his principles even in the face of evil — it is seemingly impossible to dislike Omar, at least according to Redditor.
In addition to all of his memorable lines (which users can not help but quote), Omar has his own fair share of unforgettable scenes in the series. “So badass that drug dealers throw him their stashes when he’s out for breakfast,” BlindWillieJohnson said.
6 Elizabeth Jennings from ‘The Americans’ (2013 – 2018)
The Americans‘ Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) has seemingly captured many’s attention. In addition to her intelligence and versatility, this skilled Soviet spy and KGB agent is morally righteous and has her heart in the right place. What’s so great about her is she fights for what she feels is right but isn’t afraid to break some rules in the meantime.
“She was ruthless and determined, a really strong character,” McDeath remarked on the platform. There is no doubt that the anti-hero from the binge-worthy show deserves her own spot on the list.
5 Michael Ehrmantraut from ‘Breaking Bad’ (2008 – 2013)
Breaking Bad assuredly has some of the best character writing in the history of television, and Better Call Saul just showcased that once more. On Reddit, many users can not hide their obsession with Jonathan Banks‘ Michael Ehrmantraut in particular. Although he is a pragmatic character who, just like many others, has done awful things, Ehrmantraut is one of the few Breaking Bad villains who take little pleasure in getting his hands dirty.
“‘You know how they say it’s been a pleasure? It hasn’t.'” fuhqueue looks back at one of the character’s most memorable lines, just like many other users on the same thread.
4 Raylan Givens from ‘Justified’ (2010 – 2015)
Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant, is the main character from Justified. The quirky Deputy U.S. Marshal is a pretty beloved character, and that might be due to his quiet confidence. Although his moral compass is slightly different from his co-workers’, Givens is a relatively fair character that fights the good fight.
The reason why many Redditors think that Olyphant’s on-screen counterpart is so badass has less to do with the way he carries himself but rather his mindset. “Raylan doesn’t go around moping about shooting people he needed to. It’s just what it is, part of the job and part of protecting himself and his loved ones,” fabrar wrote.
3 Daryl Dixon from ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010 – 2022)
There are many The Walking Dead characters that could potentially take a place on this list, but Norman Reedus‘ Daryl Dixon is surely the most badass of the bunch. A fan-favorite pretty much since the series premiered, this tough cookie is both emotionally and physically strong as well as extremely caring and protective (even if he doesn’t show it much).
Fluffykitty12 had a lot to say about the character, especially regarding his wild, traumatic journey through the series. “The guy has scars from his father beating the sh*t out of him, went looking for a kid the group had lost in the woods, got thrown off his horse, fell into a ravine and was IMPALED on one if his arrows,” the user commented.
2 Tommy Shelby from ‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013 – 2022)
You can always count on Cillian Murphy‘s Tommy Shelby to sweep viewers off their feet with his smooth talk and bewitching demeanor. While cold, calculating, and perhaps too ambitious for his own good, the leader of the titular Peaky Blinders is also extremely charismatic and undeniably confident. All of these traits make him a highly compelling personality to observe.
It’s not hard to be drawn to Thomas even after the dirty work he has done in the period crime drama show, and users on the website agree. According to u/SirCarlo, “Cillian Murphy deserves more recognition for playing that character so damn well.” And when asked who are the most badass TV characters, HoolyGoat did not hesitate to write, “Tommy Shelby. Slowly becoming God.” After all, how is it that the line goes? “No, I’m not God, not yet.”
1 Uncle Iroh from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005 – 2008)
Uncle Iroh (Mako and Greb Baldwin) is one of the best characters to come out of the Nickelodeon animated series, and that is for sure. Although a very caring and compassionate personality, this wise and spiritual senior knows how to stand up for himself and handle a fight (let’s not forget how powerful he is).
It may come as a surprise to some that the Avatar: The Last Airbender character is held in the same regard as other TV badasses on Reddit, but given his background as a general and fighter, it’s not difficult to see how. As Uzrukai explained, “Iroh was just one of those silent guys who knew that they could destroy you in a moment, but just didn’t want to.”
Source link
