The doers of good and heroic deeds, whose exploits positively affect those around them. Icons may not always make the right decisions, but they always fight for the good side.
01
Warner Bros.
This Amazonian warrior was the first DC heroine to anchor her own film, earning many male and female fans. Wonder Woman is strong, compassionate, kind, and pure of heart.
Learn More: Why 'Wonder Woman' Deserves Oscar Recognition
02
Lucasfilm/Disney
Luke is an expert pilot and a master Jedi Knight. He is the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. He is Rey’s only hope in unlocking her destiny and destroying Supreme Leader Snoke. However, he must face his own dark side as well.
04
HBO
Jon took his place as King of the North, yet bent the knee to Daenerys Targaryen. He led a mission to capture a white walker to prove they existed. The truth was learned: he is Aegon Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne.
05
HBO
Dany valiantly rode her dragons into Westeros this year. She plowed through Cersei’s army during the Loot Train Battle and rescued Jon Snow’s men beyond the Wall, but at great cost. She lost her dragon Viserion to the Night King.
08
Nintendo
This mustachioed plumber has traveled to the Mushroom Kingdom and galaxies beyond in the last 30+ years. Mario’s most recent challenge may be the most daunting yet: crashing Bowser’s wedding and rescuing Princess Peach.
09
Lucasfilm/Disney
Rey is the personification of hope. Her power is desired by both the dark side and the light. She could finally bring balance to the Force. The only way to prove that is training with Luke Skywalker.
11
Netflix
Eleven is a fierce, intelligent and powerful young woman. She sacrificed her life to defeat the Demogorgon in Stranger Things Season 1. Now the Hawkins Boys need her more than ever to defeat a new monster in town.
12
Marvel Studios
Peter Quill finally found his dad: a powerful celestial being named Ego. When Ego tried to kill Peter, Yondu and the Guardians of the Galaxy rescued him. Yondu perished in the process and Quill mourned him as his true father.
13
Warner Bros.
The Caped Crusader is responsible for bringing together DC’s superhero team, The Justice League. No longer the guardian of just Gotham City, Batman and his allies must defend the entire world from the threat known as Steppenwolf.
15
20th Century Fox
Wolverine is the oldest, most recognizable mutant in X-Men lore. His passing in Logan -- he died saving young mutants -- likely marked Hugh Jackman’s final turn as the adamantium-clawed warrior.
16
Lucasfilm/Disney
Leia is the most powerful female figurehead in the Star Wars franchise. This year she will take her final bow in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as fans celebrate actress Carrie Fisher’s legacy one last time.
17
Sony Pictures
Peter Parker found his way back to the MCU this year in Spiderman: Homecoming. His heroics inside and outside of his suit proved that he is worthy to be an Avenger. Not bad for a plucky teen!
21
Walt Disney Studios
Belle has great discernment and can see beyond the rough exterior of any person. She loves to read, innovate and inspire the world around her. Her love for the Beast broke his spell and restored his kingdom.
32
Paramount Pictures
The noble Optimus was brainwashed by Quintessa in Transformers: The Last Knight. He became Nemesis Prime and fought against his own Autobots. Thankfully he was deprogrammed in time and saved the Earth from Cybertron’s invasion.
37
Viz Media
The son of Naruto didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. Boruto eventually came to understand and respect his father’s role as Hokage, but chose to follow mentor Sasuke Uchiha. Now he embarks on his own adventures.
41
BBC Worldwide
A Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, The Doctor has lived a thousand years and has traveled to a thousand galaxies. He is intelligent, powerful, kind and will for the first time ever, regenerate into a woman this Christmas.
42
Warner Bros.
Kara Danvers is National City’s resident hero. She protects it from threats both foreign, domestic, and extra-terrestrial. Despite struggling with anxiety over losing Mon-El, she pushes through valiantly.
67
Nintendo
As one of the oldest and most iconic video game heroes, Link has saved the princess, his kingdom, and even several hundred Koroks. Our silent hero of Hyrule embarked on his greatest adventure yet earlier this year, with the impressive and expansive The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
82
Activision
Voiced by the sassy Nathan Fillion, Destiny’s Cayde-6 likes to hide out in the Tower selling armor to his fellow Hunters. He is one of the more iconic and well-loved characters from the game franchise, appearing in this year’s Destiny 2.
92
Walt Disney Studios
Jack Sparrow is the most famous pirate in the world. In his most recent voyage in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, he broke all sea curses with Triton’s famed Trident, including Davy Jones’ eternal hold on Will Turner.
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. These pairs bring twice the brains, brawn, and oftentimes, humor.
07
Marvel Studios
The Avengers teammates face off as opponents in the Grandmaster’s Contest of Champions in Thor: Ragnarok, but eventually join forces against Hela, terrifying invader of Asgard.
Learn More: 'Thor: Ragnarok' Is Guaranteed to Put a Goofy Grin on Your Face
10
Warner Bros.
Rick Sanchez is a mad scientist who enlists the help of his grandson Morty Smith in adventures on numerous planets and dimensions. One of Rick’s more unusual quests: finding McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce.
38
Columbia Pictures
Rick Deckard’s legacy plays a central role in Blade Runner 2049, as does his relationship with Replicant Rachel. Agent K is the film’s key investigator, sent to find the child that Deckard and Rachel possibly created.
53
Warner Bros.
Betty and Veronica’s relationship on Riverdale is #friendshipgoals. They are strong women who come from strong families. Together, they solve crimes and navigate the rough waters of dating their boyfriends, Archie and Jughead.
58
CBS Studios
First Officer Michael Burnham served under Captain Philippa Georgiou on the USS Shenzhou for seven years. Burnham was being groomed for command, until her mutiny and Georgiou’s death at the hands of the Klingons.
68
Marvel Studios
Baby Groot’s dance moves kicked-off Guardians Vol. 2 in the best way possible. Baby Groot was able to break Rocket and Yondu out of the Ravager prison. Together, with the Guardians, they defeated Ego and saved the Universe.
73
Square Enix
These two tweens share a special bond. Both are struggling to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world. After meeting by chance at a concert (with Rachel saving Chloe's life), it's clear where that is: with each other.
80
Nintendo
Callie and Marie are Inkling pop stars turned Splatfest hosts. They’re actually cousins and play a greater role in Splatoon 2, with Callie getting kidnapped and Marie helping guide players to her rescue.
83
Cloudy Productions
If James Bond could train his successors, that pair would be Harry Hart and Gary "Eggsy" Unwin. After the villainous Poppy Adams nearly wiped out the secret spy service known as Kingsman, these are the only two agents left.
97
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Talion and Celebrimbor are literal soulmates: The elf lord fused his soul with Talion in 2014's Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. The two returned to slay another couple thousand orcs in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War.
These antagonists are driven by greed, revenge, or just a hatred for the living. Some are antiheroes who take the law into their own hands, while other are pure evil.
03
AMC Studios
Make no mistake. Beneath Negan’s charismatic exterior beats a cruel, vicious heart. He proved this by smashing both Abraham’s and Glenn’s heads in with his bat, Lucille.
Learn More: Negan Is Why You Should Keep Watching 'The Walking Dead'
06
HBO
The Night King slew Daenerys’ dragon Viserion and then brought him back to life as a thrall. The Night King then used Viserion to completely destroy the Wall at East-Watch. Now nothing stands between him and the world of men.
18
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Ben Solo was a Force-sensitive child mentored by his uncle, Luke Skywalker. His obsession with his grandfather Darth Vader led him to re-establish the Empire under the guise of The First Order. He later murdered his father, Han Solo.
20
New Line Cinema
This shape-shifting monster is possibly Stephen King’s most recognizable villain, especially after IT conquered the box office in 2017. Though he usually appears as a clown, he’ll turn into your worst nightmare and devour you.
23
Marvel Studios
The Goddess of Death is hell bent on destroying Asgard. Her secret past as Odin’s Executioner came to light after she destroyed Mjolnir. Thor enlists the help of Loki, Valkyrie and The Hulk -- aka The Revengers -- to defeat her.
29
Netflix
Frank Castle is a ruthless marksman and a well-trained killer. His family's murder put him on a path of vengeance. Typically working alone, this anti-hero has been known to support Daredevil, when their purposes are aligned.
39
HBO
For seven years, Lord Petyr Baelish schemed and pitted the great houses against each other in the Game of Thrones. He was finally accused, sentenced, and executed in the great hall at Winterfell by Arya herself, on Sansa’s orders.
44
Twisted Pictures
If you’ve taken your life for granted, this serial killer will put you in an elaborate trap and make you play for your life. Although he’s been dead, you can’t keep the cult of Jigsaw down. His legacy will live on.
49
Warner Bros.
The tragic origin of the demon-possessed toy was explored in Annabelle: Creation. What’s worse than a creepy doll? A creepier house to put her in.
59
Warner Bros.
One of many infinite versions of Morty, this diabolical dictator rules over the Citadel of Ricks. He has no problem murdering other Mortys and Ricks who defy him.
64
Activision
Ghaul is a power-hungry jerk, but he provides Destiny 2 players with a reason to fight, something sorely missed in Destiny. After he steals your powers, the next step is clear: get them back so you can kick his Cabal butt.
66
Nintendo
As King of the Koopas, Bowser dreams of conquering the Mushroom Kingdom. He has tried to wed Princess Peach multiple times, only to be thwarted by Mario. In Odyssey, he captures Tiara in order to force Peach’s hand in marriage.
69
Nintendo
For a millennia, this evil has been terrorizing the land of Hyrule and all who reside in it. Despite being beat down by Link and Princess Zelda over and over again, Ganon just won’t quit -- his malice transcends time and space.
74
Marvel TV
Hydra is Marvel’s number one villain. No matter which enemy is plaguing one of our Marvel heroes, you can be sure that the evil organization is there lurking in the shadows, especially during Secret Empire.
79
Blumhouse Productions
The The Armitages were seemingly the perfect family: friendly and welcoming. A little too welcoming, if you’re a fit black male. Rose seduced her victims, Missy hypnotized them, while Dean operated on them in the family basement.
84
Lionsgate Films
A malevolent and maniacal queen from another planet, Rita is hell-bent on conquering Earth. Her big-screen version is even more ruthless than her TV version, and she still loves pitting her monsters against the Power Rangers.
87
Marvel Studios
Ego is a celestial being and Peter Quill’s father. After trying to kill his son, the Guardians of the Galaxy retaliated. Ego, the worst father ever, was vanquished by Yondu, the best “daddy” ever, who gave his life in the process.
89
Capcom
What’s scarier than one sadistic villain? How about a whole family of them? The Bakers are the evils in residence in Resident Evil: Biohazard. Torture is their favorite family pastime. Luckily, the Baker girl, Zoe, doesn’t share in their sadistic ways.
93
Warner Bros.
An evil, future version of Barry Allen, Savitar was a god-like speedster, fueled by rage and hate. He taunted Team Flash over the impending death of Iris West, prompting Barry to enter the Speed Force and erase him.
99
Freemantle/Starz
A grouchy god determined to take on the new age of deities, Mr. Wednesday is a smooth-talking, ruthless, old supernatural being who enlists the aid of Shadow Moon to help him go to war with the gods of today.
Far from being damsels in distress, these warrior women are often the ones doing the rescuing, and kicking butt in the process.
14
MGM/Hulu
One of the few fertile women forced by a totalitarian government to breed against her will, Offred is a beacon of strength in a struggling world.
Learn More: How 'American Gods' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' Adapt Beloved Text
22
HBO
Cersei Lannister has outlived her husband, father, three children, and now rules the Iron Throne. Now pregnant with her brother Jamie’s child, this ruthless queen is determined to survive more than ever before.
27
Blizzard
Overwatch’s first hero and unofficial mascot is a spunky sureshot with the ability to teleport. She’s also one of the few lesbian characters in gaming. Tracer lives with her girlfriend, Emily.
30
Marvel Studios
Gamora is a fierce warrior and formidable member of the Guardians. This year, she helped defeated Ego, Peter’s deranged father. She also learned how to forgive her sister, Nebula, another victim of Thanos’ torture.
34
AMC Studios
Having witnessed the death of her husband Glenn at the hands of Negan, Maggie has not only survived for the sake of their unborn child, but also the other survivors. She’s channeled her grief to become a leader of Hilltop.
35
Crystal Dynamics
This powerhouse of strength, smarts, and beauty is not to be trifled with. After the recent reboot of her 20-year-old video game franchise Tomb Raider, Lara is headed to the big screen next year for even greater adventures.
40
Warner Bros.
Antiope is a princess of the Amazons, sister to Hippolyta, and a General of Themyscira. Antiope loved Diana as her own daughter. She was mortally wounded the day Steve Trevor arrived at Themyscira and passed her crown to Diana.
45
Netflix
Jessica Jones is fierce, loyal, and empowered with super strength. Her detective and sleuthing skills are unmatched. Recently, Jessica joined the Defenders to help bring down The Hand.
50
20th Century Fox
Laura Howlett was created by Transigen from Wolverine’s DNA. Like her father, she has bone claws that extend from her hands, and also a talon from her feet. Logan helped her and other young mutants escape just before his death.
55
Paramount Pictures
This manga heroine got a big-screen adaptation in 2017. Ghost in the Shell made headlines for its casting choices and recently inspired a Taylor Swift music video. Regardless, Major is a complicated, compelling character.
60
Viz Media
Sailor Moon Crystal introduced Sailor Moon and her Sailor Senshi to a new generation of fans. Despite being around for 15 years, her story and messages about courage and never giving up on those you love is still fresh.
70
Constantin Film
The gun-toting heroine returned in the sixth and final Resident Evil film, taking her long war against Umbrella back to Raccoon City. There, Alice faced her past and the greatest evil yet. Oh, and one more laser defense system.
75
Lakeshore Entertainment
The vampire death-dealer faced her greatest challenge yet in the fifth installment of the Underworld franchise. She underwent a dramatic transformation to save her her people -- and her lover David -- from the Lycans.
78
Denver and Delilah Productions
The Cold War got hot in Atomic Blonde and secret agent Lorraine Broughton was the one fanning the flames. She’s brutal, seductive, and terrifyingly good at what she does. If you’re in her way, get ready to meet your maker.
85
EuropaCorp
Intergalactic space agents Valerian and Laureline are the best in the game, and though Valerian gets his name in the film’s title, he’d be nothing without the sly and superb detective work of Laureline.
88
Electronic Arts
Iden Versio is the latest in a fantastically long line of amazing Star Wars female characters. The soldier-turned-commander anchors Star Wars Battlefront II with such gritty resolve that you'll almost start rooting for the Empire.
90
Freemantle/Starz
This goddess of love craves adoration and will literally consume her subjects as they succumb to their maddening passion. She stole the show in the first season of American Gods and will be crucial to the future of the show.
94
Activision
Hawthorne is a new character in Destiny 2, a tough-as-nails human who isn't reliant on the Guardians to save her people. That personality quickly won fans over. That, and the fact she hands out free loot for being in a clan.
96
Nintendo
Fans watched this bounty hunter shoot aliens into oblivion and take on monsters in the depths of space, eventually discovering she’s a girl.
98
BBC America
The protagonist of the Orphan Black series and one of several Project Leda clones, Sarah is a con woman who learns that her family is more valuable than wealth -- especially her daughter, Kira.
These non-humans may be monstrous or cute, evil or noble, but all contribute significantly to their titles.
24
20th Century Fox
The leader of the super-evolved apes wars against a mad colonel in War for the Planet of the Apes. Wise but emotional, Caesar is a strong leader who learns the value of mercy.
Learn More: Andy Serkis's Tips for Playing an Ape
28
Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Wookie warrior helped destroy Starkiller Base after the death of his partner, mentor, and best friend, Han Solo. Now, he’s co-piloting the Falcon with Rey, who is on a quest to find Luke Skywalker and the fate of the Jedi.
31
HBO
Viserion fell while protecting Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow beyond the Wall, taking an ice spear to the chest. He was resurrected by the Night King and will be used against his dragon mother in the battles to come.
36
AMC Studios
An ever-present threat in the world of The Walking Dead, the undead are a danger to anything living. Both Rick and Negan have weaponized these mindless zombies (a term never uttered on the show) against each other.
46
Netflix
The tale of an alcoholic, washed-up TV star who’s a horse sounds like it should be funny. And it is. But, BoJack is as tragic as he is hilarious. His bitter attitude has driven everyone away.
47
Walt Disney Studios
On the outside, the Beast is a towering, furry creature with sharp teeth and claws. On the inside, he is an orphan prince with a love for books. When Belle learns to love him, his spell his broken and his kingdom is restored.
51
Netflix
The destructive force that some call The Mind Flayer, this telepathic creature has its sights set on devouring the entire town of Hawkins, Indiana.
54
Warner Bros.
This crazy creation is the result of Rick Sanchez transforming himself into a pickle “because he could.” With no limbs, Pickle Rick first splices cockroaches and later rats to gain locomotion.
56
Legendary Pictures
Kong is the protector of Skull Island, a land before time filled with many other fantastic and fearsome creatures. This awe-inspiring ape is a fearsome fighter and the last of his kind.
57
HBO
Drogon decimated Cersei Lannister’s army and caravan at the Battle of the Loot Train. Daenerys Targaryen also rode him beyond the Wall to rescue Jon Snow’s men. Drogon fearlessly stood his ground as the dead closed in on him.
61
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
The newest Middle-earth video games (Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War) let players dig into orcish culture and life in a way J.R.R. Tolkien never did -- with more than a few laughs at their expense along the way.
62
HBO
The White Walkers are enchanted by the Night King. If he dies, they die. This vulnerability will come in handy, now that the White Walkers have breached The Wall and invaded Westeros.
65
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Porgs are native to the planet Ahch-To. These bird-like creatures make their way onto the Millennium Falcon and give Chewie some trouble in The Last Jedi. Prone to curiosity, Porgs are the new Ewoks of the Star Wars universe.
71
20th Century Fox
These aliens are the perfect killers. Vicious and cunning, they are bred for one purpose: death. We saw their evolution in Alien: Covenant but we’re certain we haven’t seen the last of these iconic movie monsters.
76
MGM Pictures
These cyborgs are some of the deadliest killers in cinema. Creator James Cameron revealed they will return for a sixth Terminator film in 2019, the year he regains the rights to the franchise. They’ll be back.
81
Universal/Illumination
These adorable yellow creatures are the breakout stars of the Despicable Me franchise (the latest in 2017), had their own spin-off, and become the mascots for Illumination Entertainment, much like Mickey is for Disney.
86
AMC Studios
A fearsome beast and loyal pet to King Ezekiel, Shiva the tiger stopped Carl Grimes from getting his head bashed in by Negan, setting off the “all out war” between the survivors and Saviors on The Walking Dead.
91
Monomi Park
These adorable aliens inhabit the Far, Far Range and are happiest when fed. They are the key resource in Slime Rancher, responsible for the game’s economy and gadgets.
95
CBS Studios
Captain Gabriel Lorca keeps one of these furry aliens on his desk in Discovery’s ready room. Lt. Worf once called them the enemy of the Klingon Empire because of their powers of reproduction.
100
Warner Bros.
The particle accelerator turned Grodd into a super gorilla, doubling his strength and granting him telepathy. He has faced The Flash many times. Grodd is now under the protection and custody of A.R.G.U.S.