When most viewers tune in to a television series, they are usually rooting for the main character. Every once in a while, however, another character unintentionally snatches the focus. Audiences become enamored with side characters who sometimes have the opportunity to take more risks than the typical white knight persona associated with main characters.
That's not to say every protagonist is a complete drag, but in some shows, they just can't measure up to someone in the background. Whether it's due to a more likable personality, a better storyline, or a more interesting character arc, sometimes a secondary character can push the main character directly out of the spotlight.
10 Perry The Platypus Is An Undercover Hero (Phineas And Ferb)
Most of the characters in Phineas and Ferb may think Perry is just an average platypus, but fans who watch the series know better. He might be a cute and fluffy log, but when the situation calls for it, Perry has the ability to save the world.
Perry's storyline is usually the most entertaining one, as he goes toe-to-toe with his arch nemesis, the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Although he almost never utters an audible line, Perry's cool demeanor and bizarre battles can sometimes outshine his owners' storylines. With his own jingle played every time he dons his secret agent hat, even the show knows he's the top mammal in town.
9 Tamaki Suoh Steals The Spotlight (Ouran High School Host Club)
There are a plethora of zany characters in the anime Ouran High School Host Club, but when viewers think of the series, Tamaki Suoh is always at the top of their minds. Haruhi Fujioka is by no means a bad protagonist, but her naturally agreeable nature happens to be outshone by many of the eccentric behaviors of her peers.
Tamaki is a big contributor to this element of the show, as his over-the-top and sometimes even egotistical mannerisms create the perfect concoction for comedy. The genuine care he has for his friends also makes him a redeemable character. Although there are multiple dynamic characters for him to compete with, at the end of the day, viewers will likely choose Tamaki to shower in roses.
8 Jay Has the Dirtiest Mouth (Big Mouth)
In a comedy known for its hilariously crass humor and surprisingly poignant lessons about puberty, it's no wonder Netflix's Big Mouth has a solid array of memorable characters. Despite the series centering around the adolescence of main character Nick Birch, it's actually Nick's out-of-the-box friend, Jay Bilzerian, who leaves viewers scratching their heads and falling out of their seats laughing.
Whether it's his strong comedic delivery by voice actor, Jason Mantzoukas, or the character's mildly concerning romantic relationship with his pillow and couch cushion, Jay carries a performance fans aren't likely to forget any time soon. Whenever he is on-screen, viewers can always expect the unexpected...especially if there is household furniture involved.
7 Marceline Has The Best Adventures (Adventure Time)
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Adventure Time comes equipped with lively characters, so it's worth noting the one who steals the show is actually undead. Marceline the vampire, despite being the daughter of a literal Lord of Evil, is someone viewers can easily see themselves being friends with...especially if they love to rock out.
While protagonists Finn and Jake are enjoyable enough, whenever Marceline enters the scene, fans know they will be delighted with her foot-tapping music. Whether she's dropping her latest beat or delighting audiences with her wonderfully dark personality, Marceline is guaranteed to suck the misery out of any situation.
6 Cassandra Never Waits In The Wings (Tangled: The Series)
While Cassandra often feels like she is outshone in Tangled: The Series, that's not how most audiences see it. Her no-nonsense attitude coupled with her impressive combat skills and unbelievable singing voice makes her the uncontested star of this fairytale.
The characters from Disney's original Tangled movie are by no means weak links in the series, but it's Cassandra's relatable struggle for recognition that viewers can rally behind the most. Her heart-wrenching solo, "Waiting in the Wings," creates a combination of complex emotions, ranging from hopeful, to frustrated, to sorrowful. Despite her journey being hit with the occasional snag, audiences are fully invested to see how Cassandra untangles herself from the toughest of challenges.
5 Patrick Star Is The Most Quotable Character (Spongebob Squarepants)
While Spongebob definitely absorbs enough goofiness to be ridiculously entertaining, audiences can simply look to Patrick to see one of the brightest stars of the show. When fans continue to quote Spongebob Squarepants, most lines that notably stand out belong to the pink starfish.
Patrick's goofiness is one of the biggest catches of the show. From his inquiry about mayonnaise being an instrument to the famous "not my wallet" scene with Man Ray, Patrick's foolish antics are sure to keep watchers of all ages cackling. Fans will never hesitate to raise a pinky to the silly starfish under the sea.
4 Zuko Ignites The Biggest Flame (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
It's difficult to find a truly unlikable character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, and that includes the characters audiences are supposed to despise. With so many wildly different and enjoyable characters, it might be challenging to pick a favorite, but Prince Zuko is by far the one who creates the biggest bright spot.
While Aang is undoubtedly a strong protagonist, fans flock to Zuko for his relatable character arc. Part of the reason the entire series is so memorable is because of Zuko's man vs. self struggle, as he searches to carve out his own identity. When it comes to Avatar: The Last Airbender's rewatchability, it's no secret that Zuko's episodes are sparking the most fan interest.
3 Bender Is The Shiniest Of Them All (Futurama)
When it comes to deep conversations and impeccable etiquette, Bender from Futurama is far from the best candidate...but that's exactly what fans love about him. Bender's loud-mouth opinions and crass wise-cracking continuously delight fans in a show that already has a strong slate of characters.
Protagonist Philip J. Fry is hilariously foolish in his adventures, but it's his best robot friend that clinches the most quotable lines. Bender is delightfully awful in his schemes, some of which involve throwing his own close friends under the bus. His unpredictability with how far he will go to get what he wants keeps viewers eager to see his latest material, bolts and all.
2 Levi Cuts Down The Competition (Attack On Titan)
There is no shortage of human power in the anime Attack on Titan, but Levi Ackerman is one character who fans are always eagerly awaiting to see in action...whether that's cutting down Titans or even just doing some light dusting. Levi is so likable it's almost impossible to venture online without seeing countless memes and fan art of him.
Levi's popularity may also be more prevalent considering the show's main character, Eren Yaeger, is highly controversial. While fans are torn on how to read Eren's unpredictable behavior and debatable damsel in distress complex, they are more than ready to rally behind Levi in his journey to save humanity. It doesn't matter if he's slicing through enemies or figuring out the feng shui of a room; in the eyes of fans, his record is absolutely spotless.
1 Bakugo Explodes Onto The Scene (My Hero Academia)
One of the most popular characters to explode in shonen anime is undoubtedly Katsuki Bakugo. The hot-tempered teen is one of the most well-liked characters in anime, not just My Hero Academia. Protagonist Izuki Midoriya is a strong and pure-hearted lead for audiences to root for, but with a character like Bakugo, there is more room for risk, experiment, and, of course, explosions.
Bakugou has arguably the most significant growth in the series, starting out as a seemingly unredeemable bully before gradually shifting into a hero with humility and respect for others. Whether he's tearing it up in the field or just being his usual hot-headed self, fans can always expect this character's impact to make a bang.