30 Best Characters In Every Arrowverse TV Show Ranked

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The Arrowverse has formally come to an end, bringing many DC characters' stories to a close after more than a decade. The shared universe thrived for years, with the Arrowverse's crossover events uniting many characters from all over the franchise. Supernatural, street-level, cosmic, and other corners of the Arrowverse led to exciting characters.
Crisis On Infinite Earths was the last major crossover event to span different Arrowverse TV shows.
Throughout the Arrowverse's multiple series, the shared universe kept trying to innovate and diversify its roster of heroes and villains. That would include both classic DC Comics characters and original players created for the franchise. With The Flash formally ending the Arrowverse in 2023 and Superman & Lois tangentially keeping it alive until the end of the year, the Arrowverse built a beautiful legacy with beloved characters, though some rank above others.
30 Batwoman From Batwoman Close Batwoman ended up being a dual role in the Arrowverse. First, Ruby Rose gave life to Kate Kane, doing a serviceable job in the role but not making the iconic Batwoman soar like she does in the comics. Javicia Leslie's Ryan Wilder was Kate's opposite, becoming more fun and likable than the stiff original heroine and breathing new life into the series.
29 Black Lightning From Black Lightning Close Cress Williams' Black Lightning was a show relegated to minimally tying into the Arrowverse. The actor deserved more, as he delivered a strong and nuanced performance as Jefferson Pierce. The character was a compassionate hero who had to look out for others and raise his family, going through emotional struggles over four seasons.
28 Lex Luthor From Supergirl And Superman & Lois Close Lex Luthor is another dual role in the Arrowverse. Jon Cryer played a more classic narcissistic genius version of Lex, with his sociopathic tendencies in plain sight. Superman & Lois went for a different take on the villain, with Michael Cudlitz's Luthor being a frightening person on a warpath. Both worked perfectly for their worlds.
27 Jordan Kent From Superman & Lois Close One of Superman & Lois' best aspects is its expansion of the Kent family in live-action. Jordan is the son of the Clark Kent and Lois Lane couple who got his father's powers. Throughout the series, the teen has to learn that he cannot be reckless with the impressive powers he has, slowly growing into a hero.
26 Jonathan Kent From Superman & Lois Close Jonathan Kent is Jordan's brother and has to go on a tougher journey in a way. At the start of the show, he is forced to move away from his popular status and friends in Metropolis, restarting his life.
Jonathan Kent was first played by Jordan Elsass, who exited the show. Michael Bishop then took over the role.
All that while he watches his brother develop powers. Still, Jonathan is the hero of the duo in many situations without any powers, merely through his bravery and kind heart.
25 Black Siren From Arrow Close The death of Katie Cassidy's Black Canary was one of the Arrowverse's worst and most controversial decisions. Thankfully, the franchise managed to turn it around by introducing Black Siren, a multiverse version of Laurel Lance. Cassidy thrived in the character's initial villain role, selling her redemption arc well over multiple seasons of Arrow. The character became one of the show's best by the end.
24 Martian Manhunter From Supergirl Close The Arrowverse is the only live-action franchise to do right by Martian Manhunter so far. David Harewood did a phenomenal job of playing the veteran hero and a mentor to Melissa Benoist's Supergirl in the DC series. Be it as Martian Manhunter or DEO chief Hank Henshaw, the character was every ounce as wise as he is known to be, with some nicely added emotional moments.
23 Wally West/Kid Flash From The Flash And DC's Legends Of Tomorrow Close Wally West would have been higher on the list had he appeared more in the Arrowverse. Keiynan Lonsdale's Kid Flash served as a nice counterpoint to Grant Gustin's Flash, more erratic, impulsive, and stubborn. Wally matured over the years, becoming a more balanced and calm hero by the end of his run in the franchise. Kid Flash was also a fun member of the Legends of Tomorrow for a short time.
22 Leonard Snart/Captain Cold From The Flash And DC's Legends Of Tomorrow Close Leonard Snart should have stayed longer in the Arrowverse. Wentworth Miller's charismatic performance as the sarcastic character who started as a villain and later became a morally gray character was always entertaining. His interactions with the Flash made their relationship complex. Snart became one of the leaders of the Legends of Tomorrow, sacrificing himself to save his team.
21 Quentin Lance From Arrow Close Few characters managed to leave such an emotional mark on the Arrowverse the way Quentin Lance did. Paul Blackthorne's character had a complicated relationship with Stephen Amell's Oliver Queen that evolved into a friendship over Arrow's run. The character had to deal with multiple heartbreaking events, still keeping himself a man with a strong moral code and compassion. Quentin's death was utterly tragic, but heroic, as he always was.
20 Iris West-Allen From The Flash Close Candice Patton's Iris West-Allen was much more than her excellent role as Barry Allen's main source of support. Iris had a lot to do on her own, founding The Central City Citizen, the newspaper she used to pursue the truth and justice. Iris' growth throughout The Flash made her one of the Arrowverse's strongest characters.
19 Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost From The Flash Close Team Flash is a huge part of what made the show so successful. The Flash started out really strong, and Danielle Panabaker's continued role in the series from its first season to the last kept that aspect of the evolving series going. The actress made Caitlin Snow and Killer Frost feel believable as two different characters who were equally charming in their own way, making both strong players in the franchise.
18 Cisco Ramon From The Flash Close Cisco Ramon might not have stayed with The Flash until the end of its run, but the character is one of the Arrowverse's most beloved. Cisco played a major role in naming many Arrowverse characters, being a source of excitement for the shared universe as it was just starting. A genius scientist and a superhero, he eventually chose to move on and left Team Flash, which sorely missed the flair he brought to the show.
17 Thea Queen From Arrow Close Thea is one of Arrow's most important characters. As the sister of Amell's Oliver Queen, Thea was right in the middle of many major villain fights and plans. Eventually, she became a heroine herself, donning the Speedy identity. After suffering much heartbreak throughout the series, Thea managed to beat her demons and had a happy ending, which was deserved.
16 Roy Harper From Arrow Close Colton Haynes' Roy Harper was not in the Arrowverse nearly enough for how great of a character he was. There are a few reasons why most Arrow fans think the show's earliest seasons are the best. The dynamic Roy brought to the series through his partnership as a near-equal to Oliver, his romance with Thea, and more kept the show exciting. His departure hurt the series.
15 Joe West From The Flash Close Joe West is the Arrowverse's ultimate father figure. The voice of reason in The Flash, Jesse L. Martin turned in emotional work week in and week out in the role. Joe would always continue fighting the tide of crime, no matter the odds, if it meant saving someone. His talks with Barry and Iris are among the Arrowverse's most thoughtful.
14 Prometheus From Arrow Close Josh Segarra is one of the most impactful actors to have appeared on Arrow. As Adrian Chase, aka Prometheus, he gave Green Arrow perhaps his most frightening foe. The villain was always a few steps ahead of Oliver, even going on to successfully explode the Lian Yu island. Prometheus injected a needed dose of adrenaline into Arrow.
13 Zoom The Flash Close Zoom brought a wave of darkness to The Flash. From the villain's design to his deep voice to the character's plans, Zoom was an incredibly scary foe for Barry Allen and Team Flash to fight. The character's switch-up with a fake Jay Garrick kept fans guessing and affected the heroes on a personal level.
12 White Canary From Arrow And DC's Legends Of Tomorrow Close Caity Lotz started on Arrow, making Sara Lance a complex character who gets a second chance at life. The heroine would grow into one of the Arrowverse's best in DC's Legends of Tomorrow. As the leader of the dysfunctional time-traveling team, Sara impacted the franchise by helping save the world countless times over, falling in love, and finding a new family.
11 John Diggle From Arrow Close Arrow clearly had a main trio that consisted of Oliver Queen, Felicity Smoak, and John Diggle. The latter helped Oliver right from the start, growing from a bodyguard to the hero's best friend and trusted confidant. Diggle showed his skills as a hero on multiple teams and Arrowverse shows, ending his time with Green Lantern teases.
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