TV enthusiasts are nothing if not ardent, and when it comes to calling out the best characters to ever appear on the small screen, everyone’s got a favorite—and likely a catchphrase or two to go along with it.

But thanks to a massive Ranker poll fueled by more than 1.6 million fan votes, we now have a definitive list, at least for the time being. These ten actors not only starred in their shows—they made a lasting impact on TV history. Here’s a closer examination of the most iconic TV characters in history and why each one stands out.

1. Walter White (Breaking Bad)

Bryan Cranston’s Walter White is the template for the contemporary TV anti-hero. He begins as a low-key, terminally ill chemistry teacher who wants only to provide for his family, and becomes the notorious drug kingpin Heisenberg. His fall is unputdownable, terrifying, and impossible to avoid. Cranston’s acting picks up every nuance of Walter’s moral compass, making him one of the most nuanced and interesting characters ever created for television.

2. Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)

Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman, aka Jimmy McGill, is a smooth-talking, slippery lawyer whose heart is always conflicted by his drive. What started as Breaking Bad’s comic relief evolved into a complex, sorrowful character development in Better Call Saul. With his wit, charm, and gradual development, Saul turned into a spin-off character who superseded the original and became arguably better.

3. Michael Scott (The Office)

Steve Carell’s Michael Scott ranks among TV’s greatest lovable train wrecks. As the bumbling but good-hearted Dunder Mifflin boss, Michael toes the line between comedy and tragedy. His cringeworthy antics are offset by moments of unexpected emotional nuance, which make him not only a joke, victoriously a character fully fleshed out in pursuit of connection and significance. Few characters are as apt to make you laugh and cry as Michael Scott.

4. Mike Ehrmantraut (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)

Jonathan Banks provides Mike Ehrmantraut with a reserved gravitas that commands every scene. A fixer, an enforcer, and a former cop with a personal ethic, Mike is a man of few words but quick instincts. Whether cleaning up cartel messes or coaching Jimmy McGill, Mike brings calm intensity to the screen. He’s the sort of fellow you trust on sight—even when you know you shouldn’t.

5. Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad)

Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman delivers one of television’s saddest performances. Originally a self-sabotaging, small-time meth lord, Jesse evolves into the emotional center of Breaking Bad. His fertile vulnerability, his bottomless capacity for atonement, and his complicated relationship with Walter White give the series some of its most devastating moments. Jesse’s metamorphosis is a masterclass in characterization.

6. Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano changed the game for TV drama. A mob boss struggling with panic attacks and the pressures of family life, Tony is equal parts ruthless and relatable. His therapy sessions reveal a man haunted by his choices—both personal and professional, making him one of the most layered characters ever put on screen. The Sopranos proved that complex, flawed protagonists could carry a show—and redefine a genre.

7. Dwight Schrute: The Eccentric Office Enforcer

Rainn Wilson’s Dwight Schrute is simply unforgettable. From his beet and bear adoration to his gun-toting office rigor and absolute devotion to Michael Scott, Dwight is the offbeat pulse of The Office. But aside from the quirks, he’s also intensely loyal, strangely charming, and oddly competent. Dwight’s combination of ridiculousness and earnestness is what makes him such a unique fan favorite.

8. Chandler Bing (Friends)

Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing was the acid-tongued wit of Friends, serving up one-liners that were instant classics. But Chandler was a more nuanced character than mere comic relief—he had insecurity, vulnerability, and a fiercely loyal heart. His transformation from commitment-phobic wisecracker to nurturing husband provided the show with emotional equilibrium, and Perry’s performance animated him with heart and humor.

9. Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)

Norman Reedus’s Daryl Dixon didn’t originate in The Walking Dead comics, but he soon became the show’s most recognizable figure. Tough, taciturn, and intensely loyal, Daryl won over audiences through grit, heart, and a crossbow strapped to his back. Throughout the zombie apocalypse, Daryl’s quiet heroism and emotional development provided the show with its most lasting presence—and a huge fan base. 

The Legacy of Great Characters

These nine characters didn’t just drive their storylines—they redefined what television characters could be. They’ve become cultural touchstones, reminding us why we fall in love with TV in the first place: great characters with great stories, told well.

Marvel’s Phase 5 has been a rollercoaster in every sense of the word—full of aggressive swings, tearful moments, and some stumbles. With Thunderbolts wrapping up this stage of the MCU, it’s time to look back at the six movies that defined this phase. From multiverse chaos to character-centric goodbyes, here’s where they rank.

6. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Big Stakes, Uneven Results

Quantumania was supposed to be a game-changer, featuring Kang the Conqueror as the MCU’s next big bad. But with all the high stakes and bright colors, the movie couldn’t help but buckle under its weight. The tone shifted from cosmic epic to low-brow comedy, and Kang’s impending menace lost steam because of off-screen controversy. Despite some inspired moments (and a comic-accurate, if polarizing, M.O.D.O.K.), the movie never quite got its legs, so it’s Phase 5’s most inconsistent entry.

5. The Marvels – Fast, Fun, and Fleeting

There’s no denying the charm of The Marvels. The on-screen chemistry between Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan was a plus, and director Nia DaCosta breathed life and style into the film’s hyperkinetic action.

Unfortunately, it was tainted by a disappointing villain and an uninspired marketing campaign, which led to it underperforming despite some genuinely fun moments. That stunning post-credits scene hinted at great things, but the film itself didn’t quite ring as hard as it should have.

4. Captain America: Brave New World – A New Shield, Familiar Struggles

Sam Wilson’s first outing as the new Captain America was always going to be big, and while the movie addressed political issues and legacy with ambition, it sometimes struggled to land. The return of legacy figures such as Betty Ross and

The Leader was a welcome payoff, and Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross provided weight. But Sam’s take on Cap, as compelling as it was, still felt a little stuck in Steve Rogers’ shadow. Brave New World was good in places, but could not form a clear new direction for the mantle.

3. Deadpool & Wolverine – Absolute, Unadulterated Fan Service

This one gave exactly what the fans wished for—and then some. Deadpool & Wolverine was not merely a violent romp through the multiverse or a buddy comedy; it was a Marvel celebration of their cinematic heritage.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were charged with great energy when together on screen, and the movie’s rapid-fire cameos (long-awaited return and surprise inclusion alike) were a treasure for dedicated fans. It might not have moved the MCU forward in terms of story, but it showed us how much fun these films can be when they lean into character, craziness, and irreverence.

2. Thunderbolts – Marvel’s Most Grounded Surprise

Thunderbolts might have flown under the radar at first, but they turned out to be a beacon. With a core group of layered anti-heroes—Yelena, Bucky, Ghost, and others—the film balanced gritty realism and emotional narrative.

Florence Pugh stole the show, and the more realistic tone of the film provided a welcome respite. The emotional journey of Sentry, particularly, added a level of unexpected depth, making what would’ve been a typical team-up effort one of the most considered MCU entries in years.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – An Emotional, Perfect Farewell

James Gunn’s last installment of the Guardians trilogy was a masterclass in character writing. Rooted in Rocket’s tragic back story and rife with character development moments for each member of the team, Vol. 3 was both a goodbye and a party.

It balanced humor, action, and heartache equally well, never forgetting the emotional core of these dysfunctional heroes. It didn’t just dominate Phase 5—it reminded us what the MCU is truly capable of when it prioritizes story and character.

The Final Verdict on Phase 5

Phase 5 has its highs and lows, but it also gave us standout performances, surprise twists, and iconic goodbyes. Whether you were in or starting to feel some superhero fatigue, these movies kept people talking—and the MCU’s evolution far from over.

Horror simply wouldn’t exist without its monsters. They’re the faces—and often the masks—haunting our nightmares, fueling Halloween costumes for generations, and prompting us to hesitate before turning out the lights. A dedicated horror buff or someone who peers over their fingers during the scary bits, odds are you already know these legendary names. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most iconic horror film monsters who’ve become incredibly rooted in pop culture.

Dracula

Dracula is the very first vampire—cape, fangs, accent, and all. Created on the page by Bram Stoker in 1897 and later brought to film in productions such as Nosferatu (1922), Dracula became a screen legend in part thanks to performances by Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. He is more than an evil character—he’s the template for nearly every vampire tale told afterward.

Terrifying, tragic, and misunderstood, Frankenstein’s monster made his big-screen debut in 1931, played by Boris Karloff. Based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel, this creature represents more than just horror—he’s a symbol of isolation and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Even if you’ve never seen the original film, you probably recognize his face instantly.

Jason Voorhees

Jason Voorhees did not begin Friday the 13th in his modern guise as the masked murderer we know and love, but by the third film, he had established his trademark appearance—and his place in horror history. The hockey mask, the machete, and that menacing, wordless stare established Jason as the very portrait of unstoppable horror. He’s been an institution in slasher lore ever since.

Michael Myers

Michael Myers initially crept into the darkness in 1978’s Halloween, and he’s been scaring fans ever since. With his white blank mask and slow, mechanical gait, Michael became the image of untainted, emotionless evil. He never runs, never talks—and never really dies. That silent tenacity is what makes him so frightening.

Ghostface

Ghostface revolutionized the game when Scream opened in theaters. With that haunting, stretched-out mask and those threatening phone calls, the murderer introduced a new, meta twist to the slasher film. But what’s so terrifying about Ghostface? It’s not one individual—it’s a mask that anyone can don. That uncertainty makes you wonder and glance over your shoulder.

Chucky

Chucky is tiny, but he’s a force to be reckoned with. Housed in the soul of a serial killer, this toy from Child’s Play is foul-mouthed, clever, and astonishingly violent. He made the child’s toy into an icon of terror, and his warped sense of humor made him unforgettable. He may be pint-sized, but he’s pure nightmare fuel.

Pennywise

Clowns were unheimlich before, but Pennywise simply upped the ante. Whether it’s Tim Curry’s creepy charisma in the 1990 miniseries or Bill Skarsgård’s creepy stare in the modern IT films, Pennywise takes advantage of our deepest fears, most often with a balloon and a smile of “run.”

Hannibal Lecter

Not every horror bad guy wears a mask. Hannibal Lecter is a cannibal, intelligent, and refined. Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar-winning role in The Silence of the Lambs made him a singularly terrifying character. He’s scary not because he’s physically unattractive, but because he conceals it with impeccable manners and good manners.

Coffin Joe

While lesser-known outside Brazil, Coffin Joe (Zé do Caixão) is a cultural icon there. First appearing in 1964’s At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, he’s a nihilistic undertaker who defies religion and morality in pursuit of the perfect woman to bear his child. Creator José Mojica Marins shocked audiences with the character’s philosophical rants and taboo-breaking behavior, turning him into a symbol of underground horror rebellion.

Norman Bates

One of horror’s most iconic characters, Psycho’s Norman Bates is the reserved motel manager with a sinister secret. Anthony Perkins’ performance rendered him both pitied and terrifying. The infamous shower scene was a film landmark, and Norman’s creepy smile is one of the genre’s most disturbing images.

These monsters are not just characters—these are part of the cultural zeitgeist. They’ve come to define the horror genre, inspired by movies to clothes, and make sure we never sleep too deeply. Supernatural or all too human, their tales still haunt us. And truthfully? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Welcome to the era of the franchise, where the biggest blockbusters don’t end with a single film. If your local theater lineup feels like a steady stream of sequels, reboots, and cinematic universes, you’re not imagining things. The numbers tell the story: franchises are the heartbeat of Hollywood’s box office, and their grip on the industry keeps tightening.

Here’s a glance at 10 of the most lucrative film franchises that keep pushing the sequel economy forward.

1. Star Trek — From Cult TV to Big-Screen Legend

Box office: $2.26 billion (14 films)

What began as a cult sci-fi show back in the ’60s turned into an out-and-out cinematic franchise. Although the original films weren’t huge hits, they acquired a devoted following. Next came the J.J. Abrams reboot of 2009, reviving the franchise with a new cast of young actors and contemporary effects. Star Trek continues to be an example that good heritage and new storytelling can coexist.

2. Madagascar — A Willy Nilly Lucrative Animated Adventure

Box office: $2.27 billion (4 movies + spin-offs)

A large collection of zoo animals that stumbled into Madagascar proved to be box office gold. With endearing characters and lots of humor for both children and adults, the franchise thrived. Even its spin-off (Penguins of Madagascar) kept the brand going. The masses returned again and again for the guffaws, and the dance sequences didn’t hurt either.

3. Indiana Jones — The Original Adventure Hero

Box office: $2.34 billion (5 movies)

Harrison Ford’s world-traveling archaeologist revolutionized the action genre. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Dial of Destiny, the franchise has seen its ups and downs, but the magic of whips, ancient artifacts, and that certain theme song keeps audiences in the seats. Even years later, Indy still attracts a crowd.

4. Kung Fu Panda — Heart, Humor, and High Kicks

Box office: $2.36 billion (4 films)

Jack Black’s Po was an unlikely kung fu hero, but that was precisely what made him so lovable. With bright animation, robust voice work, and cross-cultural themes of self-discovery, Kung Fu Panda demonstrated that it could take a long hiatus and still swing back into action, literally.

5. The Conjuring Universe — Horror With Staying Power

Box office: $2.38 billion (9 films)

The horror category doesn’t usually rule the box office, but The Conjuring was the exception. One haunted house tale mushroomed into a full-blown universe of haunted objects, demonic nuns, and creepy dolls. Fans went to theaters with each new installment for a chill fest—and the box office numbers are proof.

6. Iron Man — The MCU’s Ground Zero

Box office: $2.42 billion (3 films)

Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man wasn’t only a success—it was the catalyst that lit the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe ablaze. As each film increased in scope and magnitude, the trilogy established the benchmark for what superhero narratives could achieve. Decades later, Tony Stark’s impact can be seen in virtually every Marvel release.

7. The Dark Knight Trilogy — Grit, Gotham, and Greatness

Box office: $2.44 billion (3 films)

Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of Batman provided us with one of the most realistic and well-respected superhero trilogies in the history of cinema. Christian Bale’s tortured Bruce Wayne and Heath Ledger’s unforgettable Joker brought comic book movies to prestige cinema. It is not surprising that even now, all Batman reboots are compared to this one.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy — Marvel’s Cosmic Underdogs

Box office: $2.48 billion (4 films)

No one predicted that a tree, a raccoon, and a group of mixtape-crazed misfits would be among Marvel’s greatest hits. But the work of James Gunn as director, humorous scriptwriting, and sensitive storytelling made the Guardians unlikely heroes, and space operas hip once more.

9. MonsterVerse — When Giants Dominate the Screen

Box office: $2.49 billion (5 movies)

Giant monsters, giant ruin, and giant dividends. The MonsterVerse revived legends such as Godzilla and King Kong with new effects and crossover events. Whether they’re battling one another or battling fresh kaiju villains, fans enjoy watching these giants go toe-to-toe.

10. Planet of the Apes — Sci-Fi That Stands the Test of Time

Box office: $2.51 billion (10 films)

Few franchises have the staying power or thematic richness of Planet of the Apes. With a run of more than half a century, the franchise has addressed everything from war to ethics to evolution. The contemporary trilogy specifically set the bar for narrative and performance capture, and its success is proof that intelligent sci-fi still works.

Why Franchises Keep Winning

And so, why is Hollywood continuing to place its chips on sequels and crossover universes? The reason is the figures. As entertainment analyst Walt Hickey noted, citing data, 66% of sequels make their money back at the domestic box office, against just 46% of standalone films. In a business fueled by risk assessment, franchises represent a more certain, riskier way to profit.

That pattern remained intact in 2024. Inside Out 2 broke records to be Pixar’s top-grossing film, and Twister’s blew into theaters with an $80.5 million debut. Even if individual sequels like Furiosa disappoint, the demand for familiar characters and movie worlds hasn’t dissipated.

In the end, it’s a combination of nostalgia, spectacle, and emotional attachment that makes people return. And as long as the numbers continue to add up, Hollywood’s affair with franchises won’t be breaking anytime soon.

As Stranger Things enters its final season, viewers aren’t simply seeking an epic finale—they’re seeking closure, character reward, and a return to the elements that made Hawkins home in the first place. The series has come a long way from its early days as a quaint sci-fi mystery, expanding into a sprawling epic with a massive cast. But no matter how big it gets, at its core, it’s always been about friendship, fear, and the battle to safeguard what counts.

Here are 10 things the last season must bring to stick the landing. 

1. Justice for Barb: The Resolution That Still Matters

Barb Holland might’ve had minimal screen time in Season 1, but her tragic demise left a lasting impression. Her abrupt disappearance by the Demogorgon made her a symbol of all the forgotten characters out there—and ignited the viral “Justice for Barb” movement. Though subsequent seasons nodded to her passing, her tale remains unfinished. The last season can honor her legacy appropriately—and bring much-deserved closure to one of Hawkins’ earliest traumas. 

2. Reuniting the Core Cast—and the Heart of the Series

Early on, Stranger Things rode on the friendship of its core group of characters—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas. That realness rooted the supernatural mayhem in something tangible. When the show grew, sometimes that intimacy got lost in the transition. The last season needs to get back to their relationships, allowing the original gang to reunite and remind us why their dynamic was always the heart of the narrative.

3. A Return to the Show’s Signature Humor

While the series has provided some action-packed, emotional, and horror-based moments, some of what made Season 1 so great was its humor. The nerdy jokes, Dungeons & Dragons arguments, and awkward crushes brought relief in the middle of peril. As the darkness has deepened, the lighter moments have disappeared. It’s high time to restore that balance, particularly through actors like Dustin, Lucas, and Steve, whose comedic timing has never been off.

4. The Cryptic Egg: A Solution Overdue

Long-time fans still recall the weird yellow egg that appeared in the Upside Down in season one—a visual cliffhanger never addressed again. Was it a Demogorgon baby? A portent of something worse? Season five is the ideal setting to finally explain that enigma and conclude one of the series’ most nagging loose ends.

5. Finding Love and Loyalty Again

Fundamentally, Stranger Things is a tale of love—familial, friendly, and romantic—and the extent to which individuals will go to keep each other safe. Joyce’s unshakeable belief in Will, the group’s quest to rescue Eleven, and Hopper’s begrudging but committed protection all rendered the supernatural risks personal. The last season should capitalize on that emotional center, a reminder that love and friendship have ever been as strong as any beast.

6. Will Byers Deserves His Moment

Will Byers ignited it all, yet his character has since been relegated to the background. His emotional wounds, toughened resilience, and relationship with the Upside Down make him one of the show’s most nuanced characters. As the series builds towards its end, Will must be given the time in the limelight that he so truly deserves, allowing his story to be rounded out in full.

7. Breaking the Love Triangle—Forever

The love triangle of Nancy-Steve-Jonathan injected drama initially, but four seasons down, it’s time to close shop. The three have grown up now, and having them wallow in pent-up tension is taking a step backward. Rather than rehash old dynamics, the show should allow the characters to grow up and make choices based on who they are now, rather than what they were.

8. Respecting Steve Harrington’s Growth

Few characters have undergone as shocking a transformation as Steve. From self-absorbed teen to beloved guardian, his trajectory has been one of the show’s strongest arcs. The last season must appreciate how far Steve has traveled—yes, in terms of what other people perceive of him, but more importantly, in what he perceives of himself. He’s paid his dues as one of Hawkins’ heroes, and his conclusion needs to conclude with dignity and purpose.

9. Allowing the Kids to Grow Up

The Hawkins children aren’t children anymore. They’ve experienced unimaginable atrocities, battled countless times, and matured into skilled young adults. Season four should be indicative of that growth, not only in the way they face adversity, but in how adults around them behave towards them. Players like Hopper and Joyce must recognize them not only as children to defend, but as allies upon whom they can rely.

10. Eleven’s Full Circle Moment

Since the first moment we saw her, Eleven has been trying to figure out herself—her abilities, her role in society, and what love and family mean. Throughout the seasons, we’ve seen her deal with being vulnerable and strong. The last season needs to allow her to step into her full self, not just as a weapon or a signifier, but as an individual in command of her life, her identity, and her power.

The Challenge—and Opportunity—of The Final Season

Stranger Things has fed on nostalgia from the very beginning, but nostalgia won’t be enough to produce a good conclusion. To become a true classic, the show needs to tie up its loose ends, pay respect to its characters’ development, and remind us why Hawkins left such an impression on us in the first place. And if Barb finally receives the justice she deserves? That’s the kind of closure fans will not soon forget.

The name is Bond. James Bond. For more than 60 years, this legendary spy has been shaken, not stirred, rebooted, and reimagined by a succession of actors, each putting his spin on the world’s most recognized tux. With whispers swirling about who will be the next to grab the Walther PPK—perhaps Aaron Taylor-Johnson? —It’s time to respond to a question as old as the films themselves: Who truly owned the role of 007?

Pick up your martini (shaken, not stirred, naturally), and let’s list all the James Bond actors.

Honorable Mention: Barry Nelson

Before Sean Connery turned Bond into an international icon, Barry Nelson first portrayed him on screen. In 1954, he played a live television rendition of Casino Royale on the show Climax!. He was the sole American to ever play him, and though his Bond isn’t much recalled, die-hard fans always proudly mention—he did it first.

David Niven

David Niven starred as Bond in the 1967 spoof take Casino Royale, and it’s easy to forget. The movie was more slapstick comedy than espionage thriller, with some bizarre scenes and a muddled plot. Niven added vintage Hollywood flair and a touch of Ian Fleming’s original Bond, but the film itself didn’t leave him much to do. It was an isolated performance that is more of a footnote than a legitimate entry.

George Lazenby

George Lazenby appeared in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, his sole Bond picture. He wasn’t a professional actor, and it was obvious—his performance was a little stiff here and there. But the film provided one of the series’ most heartbreaking conclusions, when Bond’s new bride, Tracy, is murdered. Fans have developed a greater appreciation for the film and Lazenby himself over the years, but he remains the underdog of the Bond cast.

Roger Moore

Roger Moore led Bond in a completely different direction. Over seven films, he embraced humor, gadgets, and camp. His Bond battled in outer space, sprinted across crocodiles, and was always prepared with a one-liner. Moore’s style wasn’t for all people—some fans believe the films lost their bite during his tenure—but they’re fun to watch nevertheless. He made Bond enjoyable and light, though the stories didn’t always stand up.

Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton provided Bond with a serious, more realistic tone. He lost the camp and introduced a darker, moodier tone to the character. His Bond was closer to the book one, tough, cold, and jaded by the work. His two films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, were not blockbusters when they came out, but they paved the way for versions that would come after. In retrospect, Dalton was a man before his time.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan was the epitome of Bond—suave, fashionable, and agile with a smile. He provided the franchise with a new kick with GoldenEye, which brought Bond back in the ’90s. However, the rest of his movies did not do as well. Die Another Day, for example, relied too much on glitzy tech such as invisible cars and had a poor script. Nevertheless, Brosnan injected definite charm into the character, and a lot of fans still think of him fondly as Bond.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery set the standard for all the Bonds to follow. Cool, self-assured, and lethal, his Bond gave spy movies a smooth, modern style. He starred in such classics as Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger. Elements have not aged well, but his impact is undeniable. Connery did not just play Bond—he created Bond for an age.

Daniel Craig

When they cast Daniel Craig, nobody was sure if he was the right guy. But in his first scene in Casino Royale, it was clear—this Bond wasn’t like the others. Craig brought raw emotion, physicality, and real pain to the part. His movies, especially Skyfall, raised the franchise to new heights. His Bond was a human being, not a suave spy.

Craig worked the role full circle, ending with No Time to Die, and redirected what 007 might be. The Bond film franchise is evolving continuously, and a new actor will be stepping into the role soon. But whoever steps up next, these are the actors who have defined the legacy of James Bond—and returned fans for more.