The Most Underrated Characters, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the characters you think is the most underrated!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:16

In the world of stories, whether they be told through books, films, or television series, certain characters catch our attention not because they are the loudest or the most visible, but because of their subtle complexity and crucial contributions to the narrative. These characters often go unnoticed and underappreciated amidst the more flamboyant ones, despite their pivotal roles and intriguing qualities. By focusing on these underrated characters, this ranking gives them the spotlight they seldom receive, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tales. Voting for your favorite underrated character not only acknowledges their importance but also reshapes the way others may perceive the story. Each vote can highlight unique traits and moments that these characters bring to life, making their narratives richer and more nuanced.

What Are the Most Underrated Characters?

1

75
votes
Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

Neville's character arc is one of the most compelling in the entire Harry Potter series. He starts off as a bumbling, forgetful sidekick to Harry, but grows into a brave, confident hero who stands up to Voldemort himself. Despite his importance to the story, Neville often gets overlooked in discussions of the series' best characters.
Neville Longbottom is a character from the Harry Potter book and film series. He starts off as a shy and clumsy boy, often overlooked by others, but eventually grows into a brave and integral member of Dumbledore's Army. Neville plays a crucial role in the defeat of Lord Voldemort, standing up against adversity and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to his friends.

House: Gryffindor

Birthdate: July 30, 1980

Wand: Cherry wood with a unicorn hair core, 13 inches

Patronus: A non-corporeal form of a baby Boggart

Skills: Herbology, defensive magic
2

30
votes
Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien

Sam is often seen as a sidekick to Frodo, but he is actually one of the most important characters in the story. His unwavering loyalty, courage, and determination are key to the success of the Fellowship's quest. Without Sam, Frodo would never have made it to Mount Doom.
Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings is a fictional character and one of the main protagonists in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel. He is portrayed as a loyal and steadfast companion to Frodo Baggins throughout their quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth.

Gender: Male

Race: Hobbit

Role: Protagonist

Occupation: Gardener

Relationships: Best friend and loyal companion of Frodo Baggins
3

20
votes
Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

Luna is a quirky and eccentric character who brings a unique perspective to the Harry Potter series. She is often dismissed as a weirdo by her classmates, but her wisdom and intuition prove invaluable to Harry and his friends. Luna's strength and resilience in the face of adversity make her a truly underrated character.
Luna Lovegood is a character from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She is a Ravenclaw student with a unique perspective on the world around her. Luna can be described as eccentric, kind-hearted, and often misunderstood. She is known for her dreamy and otherworldly nature, often being teased and disregarded by her classmates. However, Luna's unwavering belief in the magical and her loyalty to her friends make her an invaluable ally in the fight against Lord Voldemort.

House: Ravenclaw

Personality: Eccentric, kind-hearted

Trait: Dreamy and otherworldly

Beliefs: Unwavering belief in the magical

Loyalty: Loyal to friends
4

5
votes
Ron Weasley from Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

Ron is often overshadowed by his best friend Harry and his brilliant sister Hermione, but he is a vital part of the trio. Ron provides comic relief, loyalty, and a down-to-earth perspective that keeps the group grounded. He may not be the most powerful wizard, but he is a true hero in his own right.
Ron Weasley is a character from the Harry Potter series, created by J.K. Rowling. He is one of Harry Potter's closest friends and plays a significant role throughout the series. Despite being a critical character, Ron is often underrated in terms of his contributions and development within the story.

Friendship: Ron Weasley is a loyal and supportive friend to Harry Potter.

Bravery: Ron displays various acts of bravery throughout the series.

Humor: Ron's sense of humor adds an element of lightness to the story.

Weasley Family: Ron comes from the well-known and beloved Weasley family.

Chess Skills: Ron's talent in chess helps Harry and his friends in their adventures.
5

15
votes
Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender

Katara is a skilled waterbender and a fierce fighter, but she is also a compassionate and empathetic person who cares deeply about others. She is often overlooked in favor of her male counterparts, Aang and Zuko, but her strength and determination are just as important to the story.
Katara is a main character in the animated series 'Avatar: The Last Airbender.' She is a determined and compassionate waterbender who embarks on a journey to help Aang in his quest to save the world.

Gender: Female

Nationality: Southern Water Tribe

Bending Ability: Waterbending

Role: Protagonist

Age: Teenager
6

8
votes
Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation

Greg Daniels and Michael Schur

Leslie is a passionate and dedicated public servant who would do anything for her community. She is often seen as a bit of a joke, but her enthusiasm and optimism are infectious. Leslie is a true force of nature who deserves more recognition for her hard work and dedication.
Leslie Knope is a fictional character from the television show Parks and Recreation. She is a highly ambitious and dedicated public servant who works as the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie is known for her boundless enthusiasm, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to improving her community.

Work Ethic: Relentless and dedicated

Occupation: Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation

Personality: Ambitious, enthusiastic, and hardworking

Community: Passionate about improving her town

Relationships: Strong bonds with her colleagues and friends
7

11
votes
Chirrut Îmwe from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Chirrut is a blind warrior who uses his other senses to fight alongside the Rebel Alliance. He is a wise and spiritual character who brings a unique perspective to the Star Wars universe. Despite his importance to the story, Chirrut is often overlooked in favor of more prominent characters like Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor.
Chirrut Îmwe is a fictional character from the Star Wars film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He is a blind warrior monk who is skilled in the ways of the Force. Chirrut is known for his unwavering faith and belief in the Force, which he relies on to guide him in battle. Despite his lack of sight, he possesses incredible fighting abilities and is an essential member of the Rogue One team.

Film: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Portrayed by: Donnie Yen

Affiliation: Rogue One

Species: Human

Gender: Male
8

9
votes
Luna Loud from The Loud House

Chris Savino

Luna is the third oldest of the Loud siblings and a talented musician with a love for rock and roll. She is often overshadowed by her more outgoing siblings, but her quiet confidence and musical ability make her a standout character. Luna's passion for music and her supportive relationships with her family members make her a truly underrated character.
Luna Loud is a character from the animated television series The Loud House. She is one of the main characters and the third-oldest child in the Loud family.

Age: 15

Gender: Female

Personality: Free-spirited, rebellious, musical

Appearance: Long purple hair, black shirt, green flannel, purple shorts, white knee-high socks, black boots

Musical Talent: Guitarist, singer-songwriter
9

3
votes
Korg from Thor: Ragnarok

Korg is a rock creature who becomes Thor's ally in the fight against Hela. He is a hilarious and endearing character who provides much-needed comic relief in the midst of the film's darker moments. Despite his memorable performance, Korg is often overlooked in discussions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's best characters.
Korg is a character from the Marvel film 'Thor: Ragnarok'. He is a Kronan, a rock-like alien species, and a member of the 'Revolutionary Anarchist Kronan Society' (RAKS) on the planet Sakaar. Korg is known for his laid-back personality, dry sense of humor, and his friendly demeanor.

Species: Kronan

Film: Thor: Ragnarok

Actor: Taika Waititi

Personality: Laid-back, humorous

Affiliation: Revolutionary Anarchist Kronan Society (RAKS)
10

10
votes
Molly Weasley from Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

Molly is the matriarch of the Weasley family and a fierce protector of her loved ones. She may not be a main character, but her role in the series is vital. Molly's love and support for her family and friends are a shining example of the power of maternal instinct.
Molly Weasley is a fictional character from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She is the loving and nurturing mother of the Weasley family, known for her warm personality and fierce protectiveness over her children. Molly is a strong-willed and capable witch, who constantly balances the challenges of raising seven children with her involvement in the Order of the Phoenix. She is portrayed as an important maternal figure in the series, providing support and guidance to both her immediate family and their friends.

Gender: Female

House: Gryffindor

Family: Weasley

Occupation: Homemaker

Affiliation: Order of the Phoenix

Missing your favorite characters?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for underrated characters

Character Complexity

Assess the depth of the character, including their backstory, motivations, and personal growth throughout the story. Underrated characters may have rich personalities and development that are not recognized or appreciated by the majority.
Impact on the Story

Consider the character's influence on the overall plot, including their involvement in pivotal moments and their relationships with other characters. Underrated characters may have a more significant impact on the story than they are given credit for.
Screen Time or Page Time

Evaluate the amount of attention and focus the character receives within the story. Underrated characters might have limited time in the spotlight but still make a strong impression or contribute meaningfully to the story.
Relatability

Think about how relatable the character is to their audience. Often, underrated characters possess qualities that resonate with readers or viewers, but these aspects might be overlooked or underappreciated.
Unique Traits and Skills

Consider the character's distinctive abilities, characteristics, and talents. Underrated characters may possess defining features that make them memorable and exciting, but these are not always recognized.
Representation

Underrated characters from underrepresented groups may contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the story. These characters can provide unique perspectives and challenge stereotypes, making them valuable additions to the narrative.
Emotional Depth

Underrated characters may evoke strong emotions or provoke deep thoughts from the audience, even if they may not be immediately apparent or appreciated.
Likability

While likeability isn't the only factor in determining an underrated character, it's worth considering whether the character is charming, endearing, or intriguing in some way. A character that is well-liked but underappreciated could be considered underrated.
Cultural Significance

Consider whether the character has an impact on popular culture or serves as an icon or symbol for a particular group or idea. Underrated characters may have hidden cultural importance that is not fully recognized.
Legacy

Evaluate the character's influence on the fictional world they inhabit or their impact on future stories in the same universe. Underrated characters may leave a lasting impression or inspire other characters in meaningful ways.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated characters. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Character is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2258 views
179 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter
Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings
Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation
Molly Weasley from Harry Potter

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Character once every 24 hours. The rank of each Character is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Pop Culture

Rankings

The Most Famous Croatian: Identifying Croatia's Cultural Icons

More information on most underrated characters

Underrated characters are often the unsung heroes of movies, TV shows, and books. These are the characters that, while not necessarily the main focus of the story, still manage to capture our hearts and imagination. They may not get the recognition they deserve from the audience, but they play an important role in the narrative and often have the most interesting stories to tell. Whether it's a sidekick, a minor villain, or a supporting character, underrated characters have a way of making us root for them and care about their journey. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the most underrated characters across different media and why they deserve more attention.