15 Of My Favorite “Adventure Time” Characters Ranked

In its ten-season run, we were introduced to a wide array of characters, some charming and funny while others were creepy and awkward. I figured we could take a little trip down memory lane and recap some of my favorite Adventure Time characters. 

His voice would shatter windows, and anytime I see an image of him I can automatically hear “UNACCEPTABLE!!” screeching in my head. He was a unique character who could easily annoy as much as make you laugh. His overbearing and controlling demeanor made it more satisfying when he was taken down a peg but overall I think it’s Rick and Morty’s Justin Roiland whose performance makes you love to hate this character. 

This terminator-esque character was tied pretty heavily to Finn’s past and where he came from. Although her personality wasn’t as fun as maybe some of the others on this list, her overall story arc, though familiar, fleshed out an even bigger story for Finn. 

This Korean-speaking majestic creature was a great support character in the show. Although there were only a couple of episodes where we truly got to understand Lady, anytime she was onscreen with the gang it was a joy to watch. Her romance with Jake was one to remember as couples in this show became the thing to watch for and this ship definitely made the heart smile. 

Nothing like embodying the show’s most evil character into a penguin. It’s almost ridiculous, even for Adventure Time, what Gunter’s backstory is, but it makes sense nonetheless. His interactions with the Ice King and his one-note reply, tagged with his cosmic history, make him one of the show’s simplest yet outrageous and fun characters.   

The Dr. Strange of the land of Ooo comes in a refreshing minty candy form whose loyalty to the princess makes him one of the fiercest magic wielders in the show. Peps has had some great moments throughout the series and although he uses the Dark Arts to battle he is always on the side of good and Princess Bubblegum. 

This pickle-making, shadow-like figure has had some pretty great episodes. His banter with Finn and Jake always makes me laugh, and as a wish master, his abilities also make for great adventures for the two. Kumail Nanjiani’s voice acting gives this character the down-to-earth feel you would want from an entity that can control timelines. 

The Ice King was one of the many core characters who had a rich story arc throughout this series. The evolution from princess kidnapper back to his original self, Simon Petrikov, was not straightforward and, thankfully, was fleshed out in a way that made sense, giving this tragic character the happy ending he deserved.  

Though she has a kind demeanor, she has had her fair share of drama with some of the main characters, specifically Finn and Marceline. There is no length to her plotting that she won’t commit to in order for her kingdom to be safe. This has had her burn bridges in the past, but it also has made for some of the best stories. It’s those predicaments that turn a kind-hearted Princess Bubblegum into a stone-cold killer when making tough decisions or decisions based on what she believes is right. She, like many others on this show, was integral to Finn’s maturity as well as her own, discovering more about herself throughout and finding her true love in Marceline. 

Though at times hot-tempered due to her being the embodiment of an eternal flame, Flame Princess is one of the many heroines in this show that is not just a love interest to Finn but a character who usurps her father and battles against evil to become the ruler of the Fire Kingdom. She shows mercy to her father after his escape and develops an even greater friendship with Finn after some time apart following their breakup. Her maturity throughout this series and her ability to help others mature, especially Finn, make her a standout character. 

The best “bro” anyone could ask for; Jake is the ultimate companion for a land where almost anything is possible. His adventures with Finn made this show so epic in the beginning, whether it was ridiculous ideas to solve a problem or his inability to read a room and crack a joke, which is why he will always be a favorite. His brotherhood with Finn and their evolution together make for some of the best episodes, and who didn’t love Jake and Lady Rainicorn having a family together? He’s one of the best. 

As a former Gameboy owner, it was hard not to love BMO, seeing how adorable and silly it was immediately. Its childlike approach to Finn and Jake always made me smile. Whether it was its unfiltered honesty or sometimes simple misunderstanding, BMO’s reactions to whatever situation it’s in are always entertaining. BMO has also been one of the most dependable characters for Finn and Jake, which is why this heart-of-gold character is so high on my list. 

I know people might be losing their mind that Marceline isn’t number one, but she’s not off by much. Her story arc was rich with adventure and growth that followed the overall maturity of the show. The main characters all grew during those ten seasons and Marceline had one of the best arcs, not only because of her relationship with Princess Bubblegum, but because of Finn and the Ice King as well. She overcomes so much and is able to build some of her strongest bonds over the seasons while also delivering some of the best tunes, which is why I know a lot of fans have her as a number one favorite. 

Settle down and put those pitchforks on the ground; Yes, Finn is my favorite. Like many of the main characters, we get to see them mature and learn so much about their history, and for me, Finn is the most compelling. His emotional maturity over the years seems to dictate the show’s tone, and his eventual lessons in life, not only solving the land of Ooo’s problems, but his own as well, show his growth in a changing world. There’s nothing like seeing a character grow from a kid to a grown adult and having that arc feel complete.