Netflix has brought us all joy and has literally revolutionized the way we see movies and shows. We no longer have to wait to see our favorite show or sit through all the annoying ads and commercials, no we watch whatever we want, wherever we want. Now that Netflix has come out with new original shows they’ve changed our viewing experience forever.
Netflix has introduced some of the most-watched shows and given us some new characters to cheer for and strive to be like. Here are 10 of the best Netflix characters of the decade.
Clay Jensen (13 Reasons Why)
Ah, Helmet! Clay Jensen was introduced to us byways of the show 13 Reasons Why and gave us a lovable, relatable, and sarcastic. Although the show deals with a lot of dramatic and tough subjects, Clay (played by Dylan Minette) is an unlikely hero and often times the breath of fresh air we need in an otherwise tough to watch the show. 13 Reasons Why was one of the first attempts by Netflix to create their own show and thanks to the cast and the performance of Minette, were successful and are currently on their fourth and final season. Clay teaches us it’s okay not to be okay and to always stand up for what’s right, to always be a friend to others.
Pablo Escobar (Narcos)
Known as one of the worst crime bosses in the history of the world, Pablo Escobar is a complex, towering figure. Played beautifully by Wagner Moura, Narcos is a retelling of the drug lords time as one of the world's most wanted, going over some of his worst exploits and terrorizing of his country.
Moura captures every bit of evil of Escobar in his performance, sending chills down your spine every time he mysteriously appears behind his victims or every time he orders his men to cause destruction to the innocent of Colombia. Although it’s a little odd having a drug lord in a list of the best Netflix characters, it’s fitting due to the way Moura player him and just how much he gets the audience to further their hate in Pablo Escobar.
Matt Murdock (Daredevil)
One of the hot Marvel Netflix shows that started it all, Matt Murdock became an instant hit and very quickly overshadowed Ben Affleck's performance in the 2003 move by the same name. Charlie Cox brings Matt Murdock to life wonderfully, literally portraying him out of the comics. Not to mention the quality suit and the supporting cast, as well as characters from the Daredevil mythos that made for great scenes. Similar to Iron Man in the MCU, Daredevil paved the road for Marvel on Netflix and proved that superhero shows can do well.
Klaus Hargreeves (Umbrella Academy)
Competing with his seven super-powered siblings, Klaus Hargreeves became a quick fan favorite due to his humor, eccentricity, and his wallflower mentality. We start off feeling bad for the character because he is always getting left behind by his siblings, and in flashbacks, we see he didn’t have the best childhood. He is the family's drug-abusing, binge drinking sad boy, in constant agony due to his hatred for his powers and neglect. Fortunately, Klaus becomes accustomed to his powers and becomes a powerful hero, unleashing powers he didn’t have before. He gets a bit of a happy ending in the first season and is finally recognized by his brothers and sisters.
Luke Cage (Luke Cage)
Another memorable Marvel show, Luke Cage represents one of the first diverse superheroes in the comics. We see the Marvel universe as we’ve never seen before, in the small tucked away corner of New York. Luke Cage, for being a giant represents the little people, saving those less fortunate and sticking up for those who can’t.
With his impenetrable skin, enhanced strength, and combat experience, Luke Cage became a quick hit show and must watch for comic fans. Add in the amazing casting of the show, Luke Cage is now a household name in the superhero world.
Dion (Raising Dion)
Dion is a little boy with extraordinary powers. For that reason, his mother must protect him and keep from danger all while investigating the death of her husband. Dion is charming, smart, and a joy to watch as he comforts his mother and unleashes his great powers. He might be a little overshadowed by his onscreen dad Michael B Jordan, but he nonetheless is a likable young character that can bro g a smile to the faces of anyone watching Raising Dion.
The Robot (Lost in Space)
In a classic retelling of the 80s show by the same name, Netflix brings us one of the most memorable characters of the decade. Simply known as “The Robot”, this futuristic and mysterious machine is a lovable and funny character.
The childlike innocence and curiosity, the Robot looks to serve the young Will Robinson and his family in their adventures in space. Armed with artificial intelligence and high tech weaponry, the Robot is not only loyal but a big help in the family's space excursions. With season two just around the corner, many are longing for a chance to see the Robot again.
Jim Hopper (Stranger Things)
We fell in love with Jim Hopper the moment he made the first appearance as the grumpy, past his prime sheriff in Stranger Things. As the character with the most intriguing character development, one could easily relate to him as he started off as a carefree sheriff and made his way to the heroic and lovable father figure for the main character. He had some laughable moments as well as action-packed sequences where he made it out despite the lack of luck. Although it might’ve looked like the end for him at the end of season 3, expect him to make a comeback due solely to his popularity.
Frank Castle (The Punisher)
Making his debut in Daredevil, Frank Castle is the perfect combination of vigilante and mercenary, playing by his own rules and violently beating up anyone he sees fit. Starring in one of the most popular Netflix Marvel shows, The Punisher brings a new meaning to vigilante, showing off his expertise in fighting and weaponry while taking down some of the worst New York crime. We love Castle because of his complexity and his shoot first ask questions mentality, more importantly, we love the action scenes that ensue in 80% of each episode. Add in his simple yet comic original costume, The Punisher has become a sure fan favorite.
Eleven (Stranger Things)
As the star of Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown truly brought Eleven to life, showing off acting skills greater than actors twice her age. As the role that brought her to fame, Brown makes El a true hero and a memorable character in not only Netflix but pop culture in general. She became a household name and didn’t fall under the pressure, putting on a better performance with every passing season. Eleven is kind yet powerful, struggling to find the balance between the two and relying on her friends to help her. With the fourth season confirmed, we could only speculate as to what’s next for our favorite girl and the gang in the upside-down world.