Let’s get real: there’s nothing that gets fans debating quicker than the question, “Who’s the strongest fictional character of all time?” Team anime, team comics, team games—everyone‘s got a go-to behemoth. So, let’s get cozy and count down the 15 most jaw-droppingly powerful characters ever made, based on the current rankings and feats. Ready to see if your favorite is included?
15. Wonder Woman (DC Comics)
The Princess of Amazonis is not only an icon of justice—she’s a human arsenal of divine ability. Wonder Woman’s power has ebbed and flowed throughout the years, but at her peak, she’s removed the moon from orbit, outmatched the Justice League (sans Superman), and even pulled islands along with her. Her magic-laden weapons and martial prowess put her on par with almost everyone, and she’s fought Superman and Doomsday to a standstill. As pointed out by WatchMojo, she’s “nearly as powerful as Superman” and has defeated him in over one fight.
14. Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Bury the legends—Marvel’s Hercules is the god of strength steroids. He’s pulled Manhattan, shattered the Silver Surfer’s board, and temporarily held up the heavens to let Atlas take a break. WatchMojo asserts that “the Greek myth version of Hercules arguably never came close to the feats of the Marvel version”. In the Marvel world, he’s in a friendly competition with Thor at all times, and his cosmic perception allows him to overhear prayers from all over the universe.
13. Kratos (God of War)
Sparta’s Ghost is the embodiment of “don’t mess with me.” Kratos began life as a human, but after killing off the entire Greek pantheon (and subsequently, the Norse gods), he’s essentially a force of nature. He’s endured death, negotiated with Titans, and carries around weapons that can slay gods. According to CBR, “Kratos is a human warrior who successfully hunted and killed the whole pantheon of Greek Gods and Titans, which is no small feat”.
12. Mewtwo (Pokémon)
Created in a lab, Mewtwo is the ultimate Pokémon experiment gone right (or wrong, depending on your perspective). It’s got psychic powers, telekinesis, regeneration, and enough existential angst to fill a Pokédex. Mewtwo’s awareness of its existence and ability to control other Pokémon make it a standout, and even after nine generations, it’s still one of the franchise’s most powerful creatures. CBR highlights that “Mewtwo remains one of the strongest Pokémon ever”.
11. Brainiac (DC Comics)
This isn’t merely a supervillain—Brainiac is a computer personified with 12th-level intelligence, capable of annihilating planets and jumping from body to body. He’s been held responsible for the destruction of Krypton and has usurped the Justice League more than once. His intellectual capacity and versatility make it virtually impossible to destroy him. CBR refers to him as “a literal living computer” who “has 12th-level intelligence and is brighter than most other characters in the DC Universe.”.
10. Omni-Man (Invincible)
Step aside, Superman—Omni-Man is here to teach you a lesson on just how scary a superpowered alien father can be. As a Viltrumite, he possesses super strength, speed, near-invulnerability, and a healing factor that makes him nearly unstoppable. His centuries of war experience and no-holds-barred tactics make him a bad man to cross. CBR points out that “Omni-Man’s military intelligence separates him from other people with superhuman powers.”
9. Supergirl (DC Comics)
Kara Zor-El is not only Superman’s cousin—she’s possibly even more powerful. She’s defeated Kal-El in the comics on several occasions and is more in control of her abilities. With all the Kryptonian powers (super strength, speed, heat vision, etc.), she’s a force to be reckoned with, and her nigh-invulnerability places her above nearly every other hero. CBR notes that “among Kryptonians, she ranks higher than Superman himself.”.
8. The Hulk (Marvel Comics)
The angrier Hulk becomes, the more powerful he becomes—with no cap. He’s destroyed planets, defeated gods, and triggered earthquakes with every step. “Worldbreaker Hulk” is a natural catastrophe, and he’s fought head-to-head with everyone from Thor to Galactus. According to WatchMojo, “At his best, ‘Worldbreaker Hulk’ creates earthquakes by walking and destroys planets with the raw power of his fists”.
7. Thanos (Marvel Comics)
With or without the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos is a cosmic bruiser. He’s battled the Hulk to a stalemate, outwitted the Avengers, and kept pace with the universe’s strongest. Even when he’s not snapping half the universe out of existence, his raw strength and strategic brain make him one of the most threatening characters in fiction. WatchMojo comments, “Even without the Gauntlet, Thanos gives Marvel’s mightiest heroes a run for their money”.
6. Thor (Marvel Comics)
The God of Thunder is more than lightning and hammers. Thor has suspended broken moons, tossed world-sized serpents around, and arm-wrestled Hercules so hard they shattered a mountain plateau. He’s always ranked just below the Hulk in sheer lifting power, but his magical powers and fighting skills place him in a category all by himself. WatchMojo states, “His official ranking in the Marvel Universe puts him just below the Hulk in pure lifting power.”
5. Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Anime fans, you had no idea this one was coming. Eren Yeager isn’t merely another titan—he’s the titan. Possessing the abilities of the Attack, War Hammer, and Founding Titans, Eren can command other titans, see the future and past, and even initiate the Rumbling, which almost destroyed the world. His unique skill set and his willingness to utilize them make him one of anime’s strongest characters. CBR delves into, “Eren’s special position and skill set render him nearly invincible and enable Eren to be able to observe the past and future as far as a point, providing him with some advantages.”
4. Saitama (One Punch Man)
The punchline is that Saitama can defeat anyone with one punch—and so far, that’s the case. He’s deflected meteors, destroyed monsters, and never even gets winded. The mystery is just how much stronger he might be if he were trying. WatchMojo explains, “It’s not Saitama’s feats of strength that get him this high on the list. It’s the way he does them. So casually. Like he’s not even trying that hard”.
3. Goku (Dragon Ball)
Goku is the measuring stick for anime power. He’s defeated gods, exploded planets, and just gets stronger with each new form. Super Saiyan, Ultra Instinct, and whatever is coming next, Goku’s power level is never not astronomical. CBR calls him “one of the greatest martial artists in all of anime” who “has employed to best literal gods at close combat”.
2. Unicron (Transformers)
Unicron is a planet-sized robot that eats other planets for breakfast—literally. Every time he moves, he’s shifting more mass than most characters on this list could dream of. Ripping apart worlds is just his way of snacking. WatchMojo says, “With Unicron, we’ve entered a part of the list full of characters who are so strong it’s hard for us mere mortals to even comprehend the amount of power they can put out”.
1. Superman (DC Comics)
The original big boy. Superman has relocated planets, imploded solar systems with a sneeze, and endured virtually everything that’s been hurled at him. Even after decades of “nerfing,” he remains the bar for fictional power. WatchMojo reminds us, “Here he is towing a dozen earth-sized planets on a chain as a teenager. That alone matches any character on this list, but there’s more.”. In Action Comics #273, he blew up an entire solar system in seconds by sneezing.
So, did your favourite make the list? Or are you ready to fuel a friendly argument about who is the greatest of all time?