The Office isn’t merely another workplace sitcom—it’s a pop culture phenomenon, a guilty pleasure rewatch for millions, and a goldmine of quotable lines. But what made the show work? The characters. From quirky office coworkers to underappreciated mastermind background players, Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch presented us with a roster of personalities so iconic, it’s difficult to narrow down even just a few favorites. But we’re going to attempt to do just that. Here’s a top 10 countdown of the best of the best—the ones that made us laugh, cringe, and care the most.
10. Creed Bratton – The Mystery Man
Creed Bratton (played by Creed Bratton) is likely the strangest worker in any made-up office in history. He may not be center stage all the time, but when he has something to say, it’s complete madness. From the occasional reference to cult activity in his past to his frequently inexplicable appearances, Creed is the definition of “Wait. What” comedy. He never overstays his presence, and that’s precisely why his appearances are so unforgettable. Creepy? Absolutely. Funny? Always.
9. Erin Hannon – The Quirky Ray of Sunshine
Added to the later seasons, Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper) infused a different brand of weirdness at the receptionist station. Sweet, awkward, and perpetually cheerful, Erin is like a lovable puppy who was accidentally hired and nobody did anything about it. Her childlike candor and innocent perspective on adult life provide the show with a welcome kick just when it needed one.
8. Oscar Martinez – The Voice of Reason (Mostly)
Oscar (Oscar Nuñez) may be one of the only guys in the office who is qualified for his position—and at least the one most cognizant of how absurd everyone else is. As the “actually…” man, he’s intelligent, snarky, and frequently dragged into nonsense he has no use for. But that dance between sense and madness? That’s gold. Whether he’s fixing Michael or dealing with bizarre friendships, Oscar brings the show back down to earth in the best possible way.
7. Kevin Malone – Sweet and Dumb
Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) is, hands down, the office’s biggest sweetie. He might not be a numbers whiz (even working in accounting), but he compensates by being a charmer and a chili aficionado. His legendary spill has become urban legend, and his one-liners are surprisingly witty. Kevin’s entire schtick? Innocent bewilderment. And it works.
6. Andy Bernard – The Singing Wild Card
Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) starts as that annoying guy from Stamford who’s a little too into a cappella and Cornell—but over time, he becomes strangely endearing. He’s sensitive, desperate for approval, and prone to public meltdowns, but his heart (and banjo) is in the right place. He’s one of those characters who shines brightest in short bursts—and leaves a lasting impression.
5. Pam Beesly – The Heart of the Office
Pam (Jenna Fischer) starts the series as the quiet, reserved receptionist with untapped potential. As the years go by, she subtly develops into one of the show’s strongest, most well-developed characters. She’s warm, gentle, and the emotional foundation of the entire series. And let’s get real: without her, the Jim love story simply wouldn’t have been possible.
4. Jim Halpert – The Cool Guy with the Camera Stare
Jim (John Krasinski) is The Office’s everyman. He’s sarcastic, charming, and always mystified by his co-workers. His trademark look at the camera tells us more than most of the show’s lines ever could, and his constant pranks on Dwight are nothing less than genius. He’s also the man you cheered for in that slow-burn romance with Pam. Charming, funny, and a little bit smug—he’s the man most fans secretly wish they could be.
3. Dwight Schrute – The Order and the Chaos
Nobody commits like Dwight (Rainn Wilson). Whether he’s writing tickets for phony fire drills or spouting beet trivia, Dwight is a walking contradiction of blind devotion and raw absurdity. Belying the stiff exterior is a surprisingly warm person, particularly when it comes to his devotion to the office, to Michael, and even Jim (though he’d never confess it). Dwight’s strangeness isn’t only humorous—it’s strangely likable.
2. Michael Scott – The Cringe King with a Heart of Gold
Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is a disaster in the making. He’s hysterically inappropriate, constantly insecure, and often clueless—but somehow, he’s also one of the most lovable TV bosses ever. His need to be best friends with everyone tends to create sheer chaos, but it’s always born of a real need to relate. He provides us with some of the greatest lines and memories in the show’s history (“That’s what she said,” anyone?). Without Michael, The Office would not be The Office.
1. Honorable Mentions – Because Everyone Else Deserves a Nod Too
Yes, only ten can fit onto the list, but let’s not overlook the rest of this amazing supporting cast. Stanley Hudson’s cranky one-liners, Kelly Kapoor’s drama queen behavior, Angela’s rigid moralizing, and even Meredith’s crazy energy all contribute to fleshing out this crazy little world. The genius of The Office is that even the supporting players seem fully realized, like folks you might know (or shun) in real life.
Whether you’re rewatching for the fifth time or just starting, The Office continues to shine because of its rich ensemble and their endlessly entertaining quirks. These characters might work in paper sales, but they’ve left a permanent mark on pop culture—and our hearts.