#10: Haku (Spirited Away)
Mysterious and ethereal, Haku from Spirited Away is the embodiment of Studio Ghibli’s unique magic. A dragon spirit and protector within the spirit world, Haku is both fierce and gentle—serving as a guide and friend to Chihiro as she navigates her surreal journey. His bond with her transcends words, revealing themes of identity, memory, and transformation. Haku’s elegant dragon form and human kindness make him one of the most compelling characters in animated fantasy, showing that power and compassion can exist in harmony.
#9: Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Aslan is more than just a lion—he’s a symbol of nobility, sacrifice, and spiritual strength in The Chronicles of Narnia. Voiced with regal authority and warmth, Aslan is the heart of Narnia’s resistance against evil. His resurrection in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe parallels themes of redemption and hope, echoing deeper allegorical meanings. Whether he’s walking silently through snowy woods or roaring courage into battle, Aslan’s presence alone commands awe and peace, making him a cornerstone of fantasy symbolism.
#8: Atreyu (The NeverEnding Story)
As the brave warrior chosen to save the land of Fantasia, Atreyu represents the courage of youth in The NeverEnding Story. His journey is filled with heartbreak, wonder, and self-discovery—from the loss of his horse Artax to facing The Nothing. Atreyu’s strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. He carries the weight of a crumbling world on his shoulders, and his story teaches viewers about perseverance in the face of despair. With his emerald medallion and fierce heart, Atreyu remains one of fantasy’s most underrated champions.
#7: Sarah Williams (Labyrinth)
In Labyrinth, Sarah isn’t just a teen navigating a maze—she’s navigating the emotional labyrinth of growing up. Played by Jennifer Connelly, Sarah starts off self-centered and idealistic but grows into a clever, compassionate heroine. Facing goblins, puzzles, and David Bowie’s iconic Jareth, Sarah’s wit and resilience set her apart. Her journey teaches her (and us) that dreams and responsibilities don’t have to be enemies. Her iconic line, “You have no power over me,” is a declaration of self-empowerment that cements her place in fantasy history.
#6: Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)
Frodo is the heart of The Lord of the Rings—an unassuming hobbit who carries the burden of the One Ring across Middle-earth. His journey isn’t about battle glory but the quiet pain of sacrifice. Frodo’s strength lies in his endurance, his humility, and his deep compassion. As darkness grows around him, his struggle becomes deeply personal, and his bond with Sam is one of the most moving friendships in cinema. Frodo taught audiences that heroism often comes in the smallest forms—and that carrying a heavy burden can change you forever.
#5: Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)
Though her story begins on the fringes of the world, Daenerys Targaryen rises from exile to become a dragon-riding force of liberation and power. Her arc—spanning freedom, conquest, and moral conflict—defines modern fantasy complexity. Daenerys commands dragons and armies, but her true strength is in her vision to “break the wheel.” She is both awe-inspiring and tragic, embodying the tension between justice and ambition. Whether liberating slaves or walking through fire, Daenerys reshaped what it means to be a fantasy queen.
#4: Princess Mononoke / San (Princess Mononoke)
San, or Princess Mononoke, is a feral warrior raised by wolves who stands as a fierce protector of the forest. Torn between humanity and nature, she fights for balance in a world being devoured by industry. With blood on her face and sorrow in her eyes, San is both wild and wise, embodying the conflict at the heart of Miyazaki’s storytelling. She rides wolves, confronts gods, and refuses to be simplified. Her strength, vulnerability, and deep-rooted love for the earth make her an icon of environmental fantasy.
#3: Harry Potter (Harry Potter Series)
The boy who lived became the wizard who changed everything. Harry Potter’s journey from an abused child in a cupboard to the chosen one who defies Voldemort is the most iconic coming-of-age arc in fantasy cinema. What makes Harry special isn’t just his powers—it’s his courage, loyalty, and unwavering belief in what’s right. Alongside friends, mentors, and magical beasts, Harry’s path is full of lessons on grief, love, and identity. With a lightning scar and a wand at the ready, Harry became the symbol of a generation.
#2: Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit)
Wise, powerful, and deeply compassionate, Gandalf is the archetypal wizard—but with layers of humor, wisdom, and ferocity that few characters can match. From his booming “You shall not pass!” to his quiet support of Frodo, Gandalf guides others while battling darkness himself. Whether as Gandalf the Grey or the White, he moves through Middle-earth as a mentor, warrior, and symbol of hope. His presence commands respect, his counsel brings clarity, and his light pierces even the blackest shadow. He’s not just a wizard—he’s the soul of the journey.
#1: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter Series)
While Harry may be the series’ namesake, Hermione Granger is its beating heart. Brilliant, brave, and unapologetically herself, Hermione redefined what it means to be a heroine in fantasy. She’s not just book-smart—she’s fiercely loyal, emotionally intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind. Whether facing trolls or Death Eaters, Hermione’s quick thinking and unshakable moral compass save the day time and again. She showed millions of young fans that cleverness, compassion, and courage are the most powerful forms of magic. More than any spell, it’s her mind and heart that make her number one.
