The Final Fantasy series is one of the longest-running franchises in video game history and is one of the formative games of the JRPG genre. Eschewing the traditional sequel structure of most franchises, each game takes place on a different world with different characters, although the 2000s have seen sequels to individual games released. One of the ways the series has kept players hooked are its characters.

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FF characters are some of the most beloved in games. A big part of this is because of how charming they are, especially the men. The developers, writers, and directors of the FF series have created some of the most charming video game men of all time, spanning the franchise's history.

8 Ignis Is The Cool Voice Of Reason In Final Fantasy XV

Ignis Scientia as he appears in Final Fantasy XV game

Final Fantasy XV has its flaws, but the four-party members aren't one of them. Each character brings something different to the mix, but the king of charm and cool is Ignis. The group's main driver and cook, Ignis is the level-headed voice of reason, contrasting Prompto's youthful bombast and Gladiolus's overprotective older brother vibe, while giving Noctis the counsel he needs. His British accent and dry sense of humor are the icing on the charming cake.

Ignis is effortlessly charming throughout the game, even after a major event changes his life forever. He's the calm center of the party, the one who makes it all work and brings everyone together. Everyone has a friend like Ignis, and he's always a joy to be around.

7 Ardyn Steals Every Scene He's In

Ardyn Izunia lounging on his throne in Final Fantasy XV game

The FF series has presented fans with some complex villains over the years. One of the best of the lot is Final Fantasy XV's Ardyn Izunia. From the moment he saunters into the game, players know two things about him: he is wonderfully charming, and he is definitely the bad guy. Every time he appears in the game, he steals the spotlight from the characters, and as his connection to Noctis becomes more clear, a tragic side of him is revealed.

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Ardyn is the definition of a silver-tongued devil. On top of that, as his tragic past becomes more apparent, it only adds to his draw on the player. He has a droll manner about him, constantly seeming to be in on a joke that no one else knows.

6 Squall Has His Charms In A Bizarre Way

Squall Leonheart from Dissidia and Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII divides the series' fanbase like few other games. To many gamers, Squall Lionheart is a bit insufferable, but this is a misunderstanding of the character and the game itself. Squall is the ultimate disaffected teen, and that has its charms. He has a chip on his shoulder, endeavoring to be the best in all things, and there's a bad boy vibe that is very charming to other teens.

For a certain type of emo or goth, Squall is extremely charming. He's the type of person who holds the world at arm's length, but it's easy to see that his gruff demeanor is just a defense mechanism. The good person underneath shines through, and it all adds up to make him quite charming.

5 Zidane Is The Charming Heart Of Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX Zidane In Dissidia

Final Fantasy IX tops lists when it comes to which FF game is the best. There is a certain nostalgia for the game, as it's series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's final game in the series. A throwback to an earlier era during the more sci-fi anime-influenced PS1 era, and setting the game in a more medieval/steampunk setting, it was full of charming characters. The most charming was the game's primary protagonist, Zidane.

Zidane's whole role in the game was as the hero with a heart of gold and a secret origin. He's a famous fantasy archetype, the charming rogue, and he plays it to the tee. He's funny, has a huge heart, and the twist of his origin is one of the game's most interesting secrets, changing what players thought they knew about the game.

4 Tidus Stole The Heart Of An Entire Generation Of Gamers

tidus from final fantasy x

The heroes of Final Fantasy are known for being powerful, but that isn't all they are. A great example of this is Tidus, the main character of Final Fantasy X. Tidus's life as a star blitzball player ends when Sin attacks Zanarkand. Awakening in the new world of Spira, players experience it through Tidus's eyes, getting to better know him and the other characters.

Tidus is funny and caring, fiercely protective of those he loves, and damaged because of his father. He's as much a lover as a fighter and throws himself into the quest to save Spira from the monster that stole his world from him. Everyone who played FFX loved him.

3 Edgar Is The Ultimate Ladies' Man King

Edgar Final Fantasy VI

The SNES era of Final Fantasy redefined the franchise, and the most beloved entry from this era is Final Fantasy VI. As is usual for an FF game, the characters are a big reason for this, and one of the most charming is Edgar. The king of Figaro Castle, Edgar comes off as a callow ladies' man, but as the game progresses, gamers see him for whom he really is.

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Edgar is a responsible man and a leader who cares about everyone in his kingdom. His shallow outer shell hides a person who will do anything to help those around him and is always ready to sacrifice everything for the greater good. Edgar manages to be both the perfect ladies' man and quintessential monarch with a style and panache that can't help but be charming.

2 Locke Stole The Hearts Of Fans

locke cole final fantasy vi

Final Fantasy VI is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to charm. Edgar is fine, but he is overshadowed by Locke, the thief that saves Terra from the Empire in the opening section of the game. One of the series' most likable protagonists, Locke insists he's a treasure hunter, but that's just a nice way of saying thief, and his story is central to the game, helping to redeem Imperial general Celes and trying to reconcile his tragic past with what could be a hopeful future.

Locke ticks off all the boxes on the charming checklist. He's funny, caring, and has a tragic backstory that tells the player just what kind of person he is underneath it all. Even with the graphic limitations of the SNES, his character sprite is expressive enough to get it all across and looks great in a simple, 16-bit way.

1 Balthier Is Final Fantasy XII's Best Character

Balthier from Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII is beloved among many FF fans. The game does have its problems, though, and its two main characters, Ashe and Vaan, aren't exactly the best. Luckily, they don't have to be because Balthier is there. If FF XII is Star Wars filtered through a JRPG lens, then Balthier is the game's Han Solo, the charming pirate that steals every scene he's in. However, unlike Han, he's the one with tragic ties to the game's central conflict.

Balthier is the best character in the game, hands down. His droll sense of humor and erudite wit steal every scene he's in. Even for players who hate the mechanics of FFXII, a strange hybrid of MMO and single-player RPG gameplay, Balthier is the reason they stick with the game. That's how charming he is: he can keep people who hate the game playing it just to experience him.