For the past few years, there has been a ton of hype and praise surrounding Hamilton. The musical shined on Broadway thanks in large part to the efforts of Lin-Manuel Miranda who wrote and starred in it. Based on the 2004 biography of Alexander Hamilton, the musical became a huge hit and was next to impossible to score tickets to.
It finally came to screens on Disney+ in the summer of 2020. Fans everywhere fell in love with these outstanding complex characters. Some are more beloved than others whether due to the performances of the incredible cast, the songs they get to sing, or the actions of the characters themselves.
George Washington
Like everyone else in the main cast, Christopher Jackson puts on a powerhouse performance. As a character, George Washington doesn't get to deliver the laughs the way many others do. In fact, he might be the most serious character of them all as even Eliza gets to have some fun.
That being said, he's likable for other reasons. There's both nobility and honor that comes with the character. Whenever he's seen on screen, you can't help but feel like you'd follow him into battle the same way Alexander and everyone else does. He'd rank higher but he's a bit dull compared to others.
Hercules Mulligan
The phenomenal Okieriete Onaodowan delivers two great performances as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. Hercules gets the slight edge to appear on the list because he does a bit more. Madison is more just around to be someone for Thomas Jefferson to play off of.
Meanwhile, Hercules gets some lovable rap lines during "Aaron Burr, Sir" and his popup appearance as the spy on the inside in "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" is a high point of the show. Throw in his hilarious appearance as the flower boy during Eliza and Alexander's wedding and he's a winner.
King George
As a character, King George is absolutely wicked and not someone the audience should like. He wants to keep the country under his rule and, as he so eloquently puts it during "You'll Be Back," he'll kill your friends and family to do so. So, what makes him likable? It's the work of Jonathan Groff.
King George only appears for three songs and he's in the background for two other performances. Despite that, Groff gives his all and manages to steal the show. He has some of the funniest moments, from his dance in "The Reynolds Pamphlet" to his reaction to John Adams becoming President. He may not be a nice person in the show but he's a joy to watch.
Aaron Burr
It probably comes as something of a surprise to see Aaron Burr ranked this high. After all, this is the man who works as the central antagonist to Hamilton and is the guy who ends up killing him in the end. That being said, you can sympathize with him throughout the story.
Everything is laid out in "Wait For It," as you get a sense of things from Burr's perspective. His love for his baby daughter is evident in "Dear Theodosia" and his work as the narrator also helps make him likable. Plus, Leslie Odom Jr. is too good to hate in this role.
Marquis de Lafayette
During "Aaron Burr, Sir," Alexander Hamilton is introduced to the guys who would become his friends going forward. It could be argued that the one who immediately stands out the most is Marquis de Lafayette. His French accent and rap skills automatically catch your attention.
Daveed Diggs is remarkable in the role and makes everything involving Lafayette into something special. His rap performances are stellar, especially in "Guns and Ships," but there's more to Lafayette. It's great to see him take over on the battlefield and the fact that he does it all as an immigrant is admirable.
John Laurens
Similar to Hercules and Lafayette, John Laurens is introduced in "Aaron Burr, Sir." What sets him apart from those two is his closeness to Hamilton. While it's not shown a ton, you can tell that he and the protagonist mean a lot to each other. When Laurens dies, it's one of the saddest parts of the show.
That's because Laurens is infectious whenever he's around. You buy into his bond with the guys, he gets to deliver the funny line at the intro of "Satisfied," and you can't help but appreciate his stance against slavery. Plus, he steps up to duel Charles Lee for Hamilton as a friend who has his back.
Alexander Hamilton
If one is purely looking at the first act, then Alexander Hamilton might top the list. He's the main character, makes decisions that can mostly be agreed with, and is sympathetic. Knowing how much Lin-Manuel Miranda put into this project adds to it.
However, things change when the second act hits. He makes the mistake of staying behind while Eliza and Angelica visit their father and he has an affair with Maria Reynolds. It changes the way the audience views him, even if he is forgiven for his actions by Eliza.
Thomas Jefferson
After Daveed Diggs shines brightly in Act I, he kicks off Act II as Thomas Jefferson. Somehow, he's even better this go around. Jefferson has much more to do in the story than Lafayette but maintains the charisma that Diggs brought to his first role. That's just the beginning for Jefferson, though.
Aaron Burr battles Hamilton throughout and often loses. On the flip side, Jefferson is his first true match, besting Hamilton at several turns. The fact that he comes around just before Hamilton hits his most unlikable moment makes the crowd root for him. It also seems like he does his actions for the people and less for political power.
Angelica Schuyler
As soon as she hits the stage for "The Schuyler Sisters," Angelica feels like a star. Although her sister Eliza is a more prominent character, it's Angelica who is at the forefront of that song, which is one of the best in the entire show. She brings incredible energy to the performance.
Of course, once "Satisfied" hits, she's seen in a new light. She's sympathetic for how she feels about Hamilton but also likable for how she steps aside due to her love for her sister. She's also right by Eliza's side when Hamilton reveals he cheated. Lastly, you simply can't beat the award-winning work by Renée Elise Goldsberry in the role.
Eliza Schuyler
Many argue that while Alexander Hamilton is the protagonist, Eliza might actually be the real hero of the story. Like Angelica, she is a burst of joy as soon as she hits the stage and "Helpless" is one of the most delightful tracks thanks to the wonderful work of Phillipa Soo.
The wedding between her and Hamilton is a highlight because she's simply too adorable and lovable. The aforementioned misdeeds of her husband make her sympathetic and your heartbreaks when she belts out "Burn" and when she watches her son die. Eliza is put over the top with the way she ultimately forgives Hamilton and everything she does in his name after he dies.