When it comes to the greatest TV shows of all time, one name consistently rises to the top: Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad. This critically acclaimed series, spanning five seasons, masterfully avoids the pitfalls of overstaying its welcome, delivering a tightly woven narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Even the legendary Stephen King hailed it as the best TV show of its era—a testament to its unparalleled storytelling. But what truly sets Breaking Bad apart is its complex, morally ambiguous characters, who blur the lines between hero and villain, making them feel eerily real. They make choices that are sometimes right, often wrong, and always thought-provoking, leaving audiences to grapple with their own judgments. But here's where it gets controversial: ranking these characters isn't just about their impact on the plot—it's about their growth, their flaws, and the questions they force us to ask ourselves. So, let's dive into the definitive ranking of every main Breaking Bad character, starting with the most polarizing and ending with the undeniable heart of the show.
11. Todd Alquist
Todd (Jesse Plemons) is the embodiment of cold, calculated evil. Introduced in Season 5, his mild-mannered demeanor masks a ruthless sociopath who doesn't hesitate to eliminate loose ends—even if it means murdering a child. His influence on Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is undeniable, as he ushers in the final, darkest chapter of the series. Todd represents what Jesse could have become without a conscience, a chilling 'what-if' scenario that adds depth to both characters. And this is the part most people miss: Todd's presence symbolizes the point of no return for Walt, a stark reminder of the moral decay that comes with power.
10. Steve Gomez
Steve Gomez (Steven Michael Quezada) is often overshadowed by his partner, Hank Schrader (Dean Norris), but his role in the series is far more pivotal than fans give him credit for. Gomez is the epitome of loyalty, empathy, and professionalism. When Hank falters after a near-death experience, Gomez steps up, not only supporting his partner but also pursuing justice with unwavering dedication. His concern for Jesse's safety, even when using him as bait, highlights his humanity in a world devoid of it. Sadly, it's this very loyalty that leads to his demise, leaving viewers to mourn the loss of one of the show's most genuinely good characters.
9. Walter White Jr.
Walter White Jr. (RJ Mitte) may be the subject of breakfast-related jokes among fans, but his role goes beyond comedic relief. He represents the fragile normalcy in the White family's chaotic life, a reminder of what Walt and Skyler (Anna Gunn) should be prioritizing. As the series progresses, the family's disconnect grows, and breakfast—once a comforting routine—becomes a symbol of their unraveling bonds. Walt Jr.'s journey from a supportive son to someone shattered by his father's secrets is heartbreaking, underscoring the irreversible damage caused by Walt's choices.
8. Marie Schrader
Marie (Betsy Brandt) initially comes off as self-absorbed and shallow, but her character undergoes a remarkable transformation. Beneath her facade lies a woman of strength, resilience, and deep loyalty. She stands by Hank after his shooting, supports Skyler, and grapples with her own challenges, like compulsive shoplifting. Marie's heart is always in the right place, even when her actions miss the mark. By the series' end, it's impossible not to feel for her, as she loses Hank and watches her relationship with Skyler crumble under the weight of Walt's actions.
7. Saul Goodman
Saul (Bob Odenkirk) is the slippery lawyer who became an instant fan favorite. Originally slated for just four episodes, his weaselly charm and hilarious one-liners earned him a central role—and eventually, his own spin-off, Better Call Saul. While Saul provides much-needed comic relief in Breaking Bad, it's in Better Call Saul that his character truly shines, exploring his past as Jimmy McGill. Though he ranks lower here due to his limited development in the original series, Saul remains a standout, effortlessly diffusing tension with his wit.
6. Gustavo Fring
Gustavo 'Gus' Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) is the epitome of a television villain. Unassuming and polite on the surface, he's a ruthless, calculating mastermind beneath. Gus runs the largest drug cartel in the U.S. with precision, eliminating anyone who outlives their usefulness. His rivalry with Walt is one of the series' highlights, culminating in a death scene so iconic it's etched into TV history. Gus's calm demeanor and strategic mind make him one of the most terrifying villains ever written.
5. Mike Ehrmantraut
Mike (Jonathan Banks) is the ultimate professional—a cleaner, hitman, and enforcer who handles every task with calm precision. His loyalty to Gus Fring is unwavering, but he's pragmatic enough to switch sides when necessary, even allying with Walt after Gus's death. Mike's death at Walt's hands is one of the series' most gut-wrenching moments, marking a turning point for Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walt. Even in his final moments, Mike remains unapologetically himself, refusing to accept Walt's apology and demanding to die in peace.
4. Hank Schrader
Hank starts off as a loud, obnoxious DEA agent, but his character arc is one of the most compelling in the series. From his near-death experience to his obsessive pursuit of Heisenberg, Hank's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions. Discovering that his brother-in-law is the criminal he's been hunting is a game-changer, and his eventual death is both tragic and defiant. By the end, viewers can't help but root for Hank, recognizing that Walt's actions have gone too far.
3. Skyler White
Skyler has been unfairly vilified online for her reactions to Walt's actions, but her behavior is understandable given the circumstances. Watching her partner transform from a dying chemistry teacher to a drug kingpin would test anyone's limits. Skyler's relationship with Walt is complex, marked by mutual mistakes and sacrifices. While she becomes an active participant in Walt's schemes, her actions are driven by a desire to protect her family. Love her or hate her, Skyler is a catalyst for the story's trajectory, and her character demands empathy.
2. Walter White
Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered family man to a power-hungry drug lord is the core of Breaking Bad. His journey is a cautionary tale about morality, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Walt justifies his actions as providing for his family, but his true motivation is the thrill of power. By the end, he admits as much, revealing that his choices were always about himself. His downfall is tragic yet inevitable, leaving him with nothing but regret.
1. Jesse Pinkman
While Breaking Bad is Walter White's story, Jesse Pinkman is its heart and soul. Jesse's journey is marked by tragedy, from the deaths of Jane and Tomás to his constant struggle to escape the drug world. He serves as the show's moral compass, repeatedly urging Walt to walk away from their criminal enterprise. Jesse's mistakes are many, but he owns them, striving to become a better person. His resilience and humanity make him the most relatable and redeemable character in the series.
Controversial Question: Who do you think deserves the top spot more—Walter White, the protagonist whose story drives the narrative, or Jesse Pinkman, the character who embodies the show's moral core? Let the debate begin in the comments!
