15 Superheroes Always On Everyone's Favorites List & 15 That Never Make The Cut
Everyone Loves The Same Heroes
Regardless of how much comic book content you consume, everyone is familiar with at least a few names. Common household heroes like Superman and Spider-Man are beloved favorites that always rank highly on everyone's favorites list, but there are some that don't get the same treatment. To prove to you that not all superheroes have the same positive reputation, here are 15 that always get noted down as favorites, and 15 that hardly ever make the cut.
1. Batman
What guy doesn't have this caped crusader at the top of his list? Batman has managed to stay popular all these years because he’s intensely driven and consistently well-written across decades. You can pick almost any era and still find a great story that leans into detective work, strategy, and grit. Even if people disagree on the “best” version, they'll always want him on the roster.
2. Spider-Man
He's not your favorite friendly neighborhood hero for no reason! No matter who you ask, Spider-Man remains a go-to favorite because he feels approachable while still being undeniably heroic. Peter Parker always gives you the best balance of humor, responsibility, and real consequences, all in the same storyline. To top it off, his villains are memorable, and his personal life complications keep things feeling realistic.
3. Superman
This iconic superhero needs no introduction. Superman repeatedly makes the favorites list not just because he represents hope in a beautiful way, but because he's also the cookie cutter model that all heroes after him follow. All of his best stories give him meaningful moral choices rather than just bigger things to punch, building him into a complex character. When he’s written well, you can’t help respecting him.
4. Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman always stays near the top of everyone's list because she balances compassion with authority and power in a way few heroes match. Her mythology-driven stories add variety beyond standard city crime-fighting, making you interested in learning more about her past, too. You also get a character who’s confident without being smug, which keeps her likable. So if you want a hero who can lead and still listen, she'll check off all your boxes.
5. Iron Man
A staple in the Marvel universe, Iron Man keeps his spot because people love how he’s flawed in ways that are easy to understand, even when you don’t excuse them. His stories often revolve around consequences that come with innovation, money, and ego, which makes him feel grounded. Watching him grow from self-centered decisions into responsibility is part of the appeal because hey, who doesn't love a good character arc?
6. Captain America
Captain America remains a permanent favorite (not just because he's played by Chris Evans in the live-action films) because his values are always strong and clear, but his situations are rarely simple. He’s often written as someone who argues with systems rather than serving them blindly, and that tension makes his leadership feel earned instead of automatic. If you like principled heroes who still adapt, he delivers.
7. The Flash (Barry Allen)
There may be plenty of speedsters in the comic book universe, but all pale in comparison next to The Flash. Barry Allen is frequently beloved because his optimism, fun personality, and determination keep the tone energetic. Speed powers are also so darn cool, creating creative action scenes that are intensely engaging. His best stories, however, always focus on choices and sacrifice.
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8. Wolverine
Wolverine's always been straightforward about what he is and what he’s done, making him a simple yet beloved character that never misses. His gruff personality can be funny, and his loyalty often surprises people who expect only rage. He's the perfect kind of hero who can fit into street-level stories or bigger team conflicts, which excites fans about all the possibilities.
9. Black Panther
Wakanda forever! Combining the best of intelligence, leadership, and skill without leaning on one gimmick, Black Panther does it all. His stories are so entertaining as they can switch between politics, action, and personal duty in a compelling way. You’re often watching someone who has to think about a whole nation, not just a neighborhood; that scale makes him feel extra important and it raises the stakes tenfold.
10. Thor
Even without factoring in Chris Hemsworth, Thor's a favorite because his stories are so grand and adventurous, but they still center around his personal growth. He’s often at his best when he’s learning humility, responsibility, or how to lead. The mythology angle also keeps his world visually and narratively distinct.
11. Hulk
Sure, he's an angry green monster, but that doesn't mean he's not loved by all! Hulk makes favorites lists because his core conflict is simple, but the emotional weight can run deep. Different interpretations let you pick what you like: tragedy, horror-leaning tension, or chaotic action. People also connect with the idea of losing control and trying to manage it. When the writing is strong, he’s more than “big and angry.”
12. Deadpool
Deadpool might not be the strongest superhero around, but he is a crowd favorite because his humor is loud and his better stories sneak in genuine heart. He’s unpredictable, but that's what keeps scenes lively even when the plot is familiar. You also get a character who can mock superhero tropes without needing the whole story to be cynical. Deadpool just hits the spot if you like comedy that still commits to action.
13. Daredevil
A hero on the streets, Daredevil earns his spot because his best runs are consistently high-quality and character-focused. There's so much depth to him! His moral struggle, faith, and stubbornness create tension that feels personal rather than abstract, and the street-level setting gives the stories a tight, intense feel. We didn't even mention his awesome superhero fit!
14. Doctor Strange
For those who crave a different flavor to hero stories through magic and the weirdness that comes with it, Doctor Strange is your best pick. He’s often written as competent but still challenged by rules, costs, and consequences. Having this constant inner battle is what makes his victories feel earned rather than convenient.
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15. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
Last but not least, of course we couldn't leave out this iconic DC hero. Green Lantern, aka Hal Jordan, makes the cut because the concept of willpower-based power is inherently appealing and easy to rally behind. Fans absolutely love how his comic runs mix space adventure with personal shortcomings that keep him from feeling perfect. The most interesting characters are always the flawed ones, and Hal Jordan is just that.
1. Booster Gold
Who? We wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard this hero's name before. Booster Gold often gets overlooked because his fame-seeking attitude can read as shallow if you haven’t seen his better stories. As a result, some readers dismiss him before the character growth shows up!
Chris Favero from USA on Wikimedia
2. Squirrel Girl
No, we're not making this one up! Easy to skip because the tone often feels too playful for people who want traditional stakes, Squirrel Girl's reputation as someone who can beat almost anyone turns some readers off, even when it’s meant to be fun.
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3. Aquaman
Aquaman might be a major Justice League character, but he still struggles with outdated perceptions, even though many modern stories treat him seriously. Some readers can’t get over past jokes and assume the character is far less exciting than he is. But in reality, his world-building is strong, though it can require a little buy-in to appreciate.
4. Hawkeye
Hawkeye often gets sidelined because “guy with arrows” doesn’t sound flashy next to gods and aliens. Sure, he's just human, but that doesn't mean he's not awesome in his own way! Unfortunately, though he shines in character-driven stories, not everyone seeks that style.
5. Ant-Man (Hank Pym)
Barely ever included thanks to his complicated history which define his worst moments, Hank Pym isn't considered one of the cool guys. Even when stories try to rehabilitate him, the baggage can dominate how readers talk about him. His powers are cool, but his public perception is stubborn. Many people prefer other mantle-holders rather than ranking Hank highly.
6. The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne)
At least Hank and Janet can be together on this list! The Wasp is frequently underrated because team narratives rarely highlight what she contributes. When writers focus on louder personalities, she becomes “the one who’s there” rather than the star of the show. That’s especially frustrating because she can be sharp, brave, and a strong leader, comic fans just don't know it.
7. Cyborg
A hero that's constantly shifting between identities, written as a powerhouse, a tech specialist, or a symbol of something larger, Cyborg is a character that suffers from inconsistency that blurs his identity. Some readers also feel he’s under-served in his solo titles, making him easily forgotten.
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8. The Punisher
The Punisher is one of those comic book characters that's a hit or miss with fans. For those who aren't a fan, he often gets left off their favorites lists because his approach is polarizing and can feel one-note. If you want heroes who inspire or rehabilitate, he’s a tough sell. Some runs lean too hard into grimness without offering enough character depth.
9. Elektra
It's hard to put Elektra as one of your favorites when she’s often framed through other characters’ stories instead of her own. And when she does lead, the tone can be intense and not as broadly accessible. Her best material is strong, but it’s not always the first thing new readers look for.
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10. The Atom (Ray Palmer)
Not really a mainstream hero, the Atom gets overlooked because his power set is conceptually interesting but harder to showcase in blockbuster ways. He’s often used as “the smart shrinking guy,” which doesn’t scream headline hero either.
11. Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)
As far as superheroes go, Ted Kord is lovable, but he’s frequently treated as a supporting character or a nostalgic pick rather than the main star. Though that makes him easy to appreciate, it means people don't rank him high. Some people also confuse different Blue Beetles and don’t connect to Ted specifically.
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12. Martian Manhunter
An incredibly powerful being that can rival even Superman, it's strange that this hero doesn't top more lists. Turns out, Martian Manhunter is often skipped because he can feel too powerful, too calm, or too “quiet” for casual readers. His emotional depth is there, but it’s not always presented in a flashy way. If you want a big personality front and center, he may not be your first choice.
13. She-Hulk
If Hulk is a favorite, why isn't She-Hulk? For most fans, She-Hulk gets left off lists because her tone changes drastically between runs, which can confuse readers. Some versions lean legal comedy, others lean action, and not everyone enjoys the mix.
14. Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)
The supernatural vibe isn’t everyone’s preferred corner of superhero fiction, meaning Ghost Rider doesn't always come to mind. His stories can swing between thrilling and repetitive depending on how the mythology is handled, and some readers find the relentless darkness tiring. If you want a heavier mood, he can be excellent, but broad popularity lists often ignore him.
15. Moon Knight
Backed by interesting mythology and fitted head to toe in one of Marvel's coolest suits, it's a travesty that Moon Knight isn't more beloved. Some people only know the character through surface-level descriptions and assume there’s not much depth. And even though his best stories are strong, they often demand more attention than a casual reader wants to give.
