Antiheroes have long captivated audiences with their witty personalities and morally ambiguous decisions. People are attracted to antiheroes more commonly than you can expect. This might be because of their complex personalities or the wit and undeniable charisma they possess. Antiheroes are flawed, rebellious and often make morally questionable choices. Perhaps this is why they always fascinate audiences.
We have compiled a list of top 9 most likeable antiheroes of all times based on a recent survey held at Ranker.
9. Lucifer Morningstar:
Lucifer Morningstar, from Lucifer, is a charismatic and mischievous antihero who has captivated fans with his vulnerability, redemption and struggle for redemption. Portrayed with devilish charm, the devil himself uses his cunning and supernatural powers to solve crimes.
Fans are particularly drawn to his internal conflict between his darker impulses and his innate desire to do good, which creates a nuanced character who blurs the line between sinner and savior.
8. Jaime Lannister:
A quintessential antihero whose journey started from an arrogant and morally questionable knight. As the series progresses, the complex character of Jaime Lannister unfolds that has captivated fans.
Starting with Jaimes’s role as “Kingslayer” and his taboo relationship with his sister Cersei and then his transformation of struggle for loyalty and honor highlights themes of redemption, identity, and a mix of heroism and villainy. He’s one of the most compelling characters and that is why landed a spot in the list.
7. Dexter Morgan:
The protagonist of Dexter, Dexter Morgan is a fascinating antihero who wins fans over with his unique blend of darkness and humanity. Following a strict moral code, Dexter channels his homicidal urges towards only killing those who evade justice.
Fans are drawn to his meticulous nature, dark humor and the internal conflict with his “Dark passenger” and his desire to be a good person.
6. Sherlock Holmes
Portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock Holmes is a genius detective with unparalleled deductive skills. His abrasive demeanor, lack of empathy, and manipulative tendencies add layers to the character.
The unapologetic arrogance and eccentricity of Sherlock Holmes and the way he operates outside conventional moral and legal boundaries to solve cases makes him fans favorite. Despite showcasing cold demeanor, his occasional moments of vulnerability and loyalty to those he cares about fascinates audiences.
5. Jax Teller
The central character of Sons of Anarchy, Jax Teller, is a captivating antihero whose moral struggles and emotional depth resonates deeply with fans. His struggles to balance loyalty to the club’s outlaw lifestyle and his desire to lead a peaceful life for his family makes him a complex antihero.
Fans are drawn to his intelligence, strategic thinking, and fierce dedication to protect those he loves, even though he makes increasingly questionable decisions adding layers to the character.
4. Dr. Gregory House
Dr. Gregory is an iconic antihero loved for his sharp intellect, biting sarcasm, and unapologetically unconventional approach to medicine. He is a brilliant diagnostician but extremely flawed as he often bends rules and ignores authority to uncover the truth. Fans are drawn to his abrasive personality, dark humor and his unconventional methods which challenge societal norms and expectations.
Beneath his abrasive exterior, Gregory House is deeply vulnerable who is struggling with chronic pain and a profound sense of loneliness, which makes him relatable despite his flaws.
3. Wolverine:
Third one on the list is Wolverine, one of the most iconic characters in the X-Men universe. His rugged and tough personality, and inner conflicts make him fans favorite. His razor-sharp claws and feral instincts make him a far cry from the traditional hero, who often relies on brutal and violent methods to protect others.
Beneath the beast lies Wolverine’s humanity, deep sense of loyalty and moments of vulnerability. Fans are drawn to lone-wolf persona and his ongoing battle between his animalistic rage and desire to do what is right.
2. Tyrion Lannister:
A fan favorite antihero, from Game of Thrones, whose wit and resilience shine amidst the ruthless power struggles of Westeros. Tyrion faces scorn and prejudice due to his dwarfism, yet he rises above these challenges with his sharp political maneuvering.
Tyrion has his own flaws like drinking and womanizing but fans admire his sharp tongue, moral complexity, and ability to navigate a world that constantly underestimates him.
1. Dean Winchester:
Super Natural’s Dean Winchester is on the top of the list, whose rugged charm and fierce loyalty captivate fans. As a hunter of supernatural creatures, Dean is willing to make tough, often questionable decisions to protect his loved ones and save the world.
Dean’s willingness to sacrifice himself for others and his imperfect yet deep human nature makes him a compelling antihero fans can’t help but root for.
