When it comes to the greatest TV shows of all time, Vince Gilligan's 'Breaking Bad' inevitably enters the conversation. This gripping series, spanning five seasons, masterfully avoids overstaying its welcome, leaving audiences craving more. Even the legendary Stephen King hailed it as the best TV show of its era, and it's hard to disagree. But what truly sets 'Breaking Bad' apart? Its characters. They're not your typical heroes or villains; they're complex, flawed, and utterly human. They make choices—good, bad, and downright infuriating—that keep you glued to the screen. But here's the kicker: ranking these characters is no easy feat. While the top spots might seem obvious, the rest? That's where it gets messy. Character growth, impact on the storyline, and moral ambiguity all come into play. So, let's dive into the definitive ranking of every main 'Breaking Bad' character, and trust me, this is where it gets controversial.
11. Todd Alquist: Todd (Jesse Plemons) is the wildcard of season 5. Initially, he's just a mild-mannered assistant to Walt (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse (Aaron Paul), but his true nature emerges when he cold-bloodedly murders a child after a train heist. This act reveals him as a ruthless sociopath, willing to eliminate any loose ends. Todd's influence is profound; he replaces Jesse as Walt's partner and introduces his uncle Jack Welker (Michael Bowen) and his neo-Nazi crew, setting off a chain of events that alters the fate of many. Todd is essentially Jesse without a conscience, a chilling glimpse into what Jesse could have become. His arrival marks the point of no return for Walt, making him a pivotal yet disturbing character.
10. Steve Gomez: Often overshadowed by his partner Hank Schrader (Dean Norris), Steve Gomez (Steven Michael Quezada) is the unsung hero of 'Breaking Bad.' He's the loyal friend and colleague everyone wishes they had. When Hank faces a crisis of confidence after nearly being killed by the Cousins, Gomez steps up, not only supporting Hank but also pursuing justice relentlessly. His empathy shines when he worries about Jesse's safety during a risky operation, contrasting Hank's willingness to treat Jesse as collateral damage. Sadly, it's Gomez's unwavering loyalty that leads to his demise, as he stands by Hank until the bitter end. Find yourself a friend like Gomez, but maybe not in the drug trade.
9. Walter White Jr.: Walter White Jr. (RJ Mitte) is often reduced to a running gag—the kid who's only on screen to eat breakfast. But here's the thing: he's the embodiment of normalcy in the chaotic lives of Walt and Skyler. Every breakfast scene is a reminder of the family life they're losing as Walt spirals into his criminal empire. Walt Jr.'s character arc is heartbreaking; he's a regular teenager blindsided by his father's secret life and devastated when he believes Walt killed his uncle. No breakfast can fix the White family now, and that's the tragedy of his character.
8. Marie Schrader: Marie (Betsy Brandt) starts off as the self-absorbed, snooty sister-in-law, but she evolves into one of the series' strongest characters. Beneath her facade lies a woman dealing with her own demons, like compulsive shoplifting, while being Hank's rock after he's shot and genuinely caring for Skyler and the White family. She's not perfect, but her heart is in the right place, and she shows up when it matters most. By the end, Marie is left picking up the pieces of a life shattered by Walt's actions. She never deserved this mess, and her story is a poignant reminder of the collateral damage caused by Walt's choices.
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 spin-off, 'Better Call Saul.' While Saul provides much-needed comic relief in 'Breaking Bad,' it's in his spin-off that he truly shines, with deeper character development. In 'Breaking Bad,' he's the cunning fixer who helps Walt and Jesse navigate their criminal activities, always ready with a quip to defuse tension. Love him or hate him, Saul is unforgettable, even if his ranking here is lower than some might expect.
6. Gustavo Fring: Gus (Giancarlo Esposito) is the quiet, unassuming villain who runs the largest drug cartel in the U.S. Beneath his polite, professional exterior lies a ruthless killer who's always one step ahead. His partnership with Walt and Jesse is doomed from the start, culminating in a tense, explosive showdown. Gus's death is one of the series' most iconic moments—standing with half his face burnt off, fixing his tie before collapsing. He's the villain you can't look away from, a master manipulator who meets his match in Walt.
5. Mike Ehrmantraut: Mike (Jonathan Banks) is the Jack of all trades—cleaner, hitman, enforcer, and even babysitter. He's calm, precise, and unflappable, making him an invaluable asset in the criminal underworld. Mike's loyalty shifts from Gus to Walt, even after Walt causes Gus's death. His death at Walt's hands is heartbreaking, not just for fans but for Bryan Cranston, who admitted it changed how he viewed Walter White. Mike's no-nonsense attitude and unwavering principles make him one of the most compelling characters.
4. Hank Schrader: Hank starts off as the loud, obnoxious DEA agent you love to hate. But as the series progresses, he undergoes a remarkable transformation. From hitting rock bottom after nearly dying to becoming obsessed with catching Heisenberg, Hank's journey is one of redemption and tragedy. Discovering that his brother-in-law is the criminal he's been chasing is a gut-punch, and his defiant death is a fitting end for a character who never backed down. By the end, you're rooting for Hank, not Walt.
3. Skyler White: Skyler (Anna Gunn) is often vilified online for her reactions to Walt's actions, but let's cut her some slack. Imagine thinking your partner is dying of cancer, only for them to start a drug empire that endangers your family. Skyler's journey is one of survival and moral compromise. She makes mistakes, but so does Walt, and her role in the money laundering scheme is a testament to her resilience. The writers almost killed her off in season 5, but thankfully, they didn't. Skyler is a catalyst, and her character arc is essential to the story's impact.
2. Walter White: Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a power-hungry drug lord is the heart of 'Breaking Bad.' His journey is a study in morality and corruption, as he justifies his actions for his family but ultimately admits he did it for himself. Walt's rise and fall are Shakespearean in scale, and his final moments are a bittersweet acknowledgment of his true motivations. He flew too close to the sun, and it cost him everything.
1. Jesse Pinkman: While 'Breaking Bad' is Walter White's story, Jesse Pinkman is its heart. Jesse (Aaron Paul) starts as Walt's former student, dragged into the drug trade, but he becomes the series' moral compass. He wants out, but Walt's manipulation keeps pulling him back in. Jesse's tragedies—losing Jane and Tomás—are gut-wrenching, and his desire to be a better person is what sets him apart. Power and money mean nothing to Jesse; it's his humanity that matters. He's the character you root for, the one who reminds us that being a good person is what truly counts.
But here's the controversial part: Is Jesse really the best character, or does Walt's complexity deserve the top spot? And what about Gus—is he underrated? Let's debate in the comments. Who's your number one?
