Saban's Power Rangers franchise remains one of the most popular fandoms in existence. The American version derived from the original Japanese series has been a massive success. Since the premiere of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993, there have been over 800 episodes, 27 different teams, and a 2017 film remake. If there's about five rangers per squad with exceptions (looking at you, Dino Charge) that would make approximately 135 rangers!
With so many teams and crossovers, it's difficult to keep track of every single ranger. And not everyone can be Tommy Oliver and star in five different series. Yet there are certain rangers who get left out who should really be in the spotlight. In chronological order by series (earliest to most recent), here are the 10 most underrated members in the Power Rangers franchise.
10 Zack (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
As the first and most beloved Power Rangers series, we have to include one of the originals on this list. In between the legacy of Tommy Oliver, the impressive strength of Jason, and the brainy reliability of Billy, one seems to get left behind. Zack doesn't make it onto many lists, but he deserves as much recognition as his teammates. He was a skilled fighter as Jason's second in command and sparring partner, and even invented his own type of martial arts influenced by hip hop. He was laidback and charismatic as well, and despite the obvious racial coding as the black ranger, he gave positive representation for black nerds in the 90s. His friendliness and charm made him the perfect candidate for a peace conference in Switzerland. He later joined the army of Legendary Rangers in Mega Force.
9 Trey of Triforia (Power Rangers Zeo)
This entry might count as three rangers, considering Trey had three personalities: courage, wisdom, and heart. After Varox attacked, he needed his gold zeo ranger to unify himself. The other Zeo rangers agreed he was a good fit for their gold ranger. Trey showed his remarkable fighting abilities immediately, battling King Mondo and his Cogs when they attacked the rangers. At the Command Center, Billy could not receive the gold powers, and only the Treys could explain how the power had to be transferred. At first he accepted these powers, but he passed them onto Jason. When this backfired, Trey reunited his three selves and morphed into the gold ranger. He led the other rangers into their final victory against King Mondo. Trey was the first gold ranger in Power Rangers history, and would set the model of "special" gold rangers for future seasons.
8 TJ (Power Rangers Turbo)
TJ wanted join the Powers Ranger since childhood (don't we all?) and his wish comes true. TJ shows what it takes to be a ranger by fighting off the Piranhatrons and rescuing Tommy Oliver. Because of his bravery and willingness to help others, Tommy selects TJ to be the next red ranger. TJ is a competent leader, but he isn't perfect; his decisions against Goldgoyle results in the destruction of two mega zords. But TJ doesn't give up -- he commands the other Turbo rangers to go after Divatox. He becomes the blue Space Ranger, second in command to the new red Space Ranger, Andros, yet he continues to demonstrate leadership and teamwork.
7 Zhane (Power Rangers In Space)
With like a name like Zhane, how can he not be cool? Like his best friend, Andros, he has the power of telekinesis. During battle, Zhane jumped in front of Andros and sacrificed himself. Andros put Zhane into a cryogenic tube to preserve him. When he awakened, he singlehandedly defeated Ecliptor, which would usually take an entire team of rangers to accomplish. This feat allowed him to join the force as the Silver Space Ranger. Even when his ranger energy diminished, he was a valuable addition. He helped the rangers in battle and almost risked his own life by disguising himself as the Psycho Silver Ranger.
6 Jen (Power Rangers Time Force)
We love the pink rangers, although they often get written as a "girly girl." Jen Scotts destroys this stereotype as the pink ranger in Power Rangers: Time Force. She knows how to fight and she isn't afraid to take charge of a situation. Whereas the red ranger usually leads, Jen makes history as the first pink ranger to lead her team. She's intelligent, since she figures out how to go back in time to help the Time Force win their final battle. Jen reappears in Wild Force and unites the Wild Force Rangers with the other Time Force Rangers from the future to destroy the Mut-Orgs. In fact, we ranked Jen #1 on our list of Pink Rangers.
5 Alyssa (Power Rangers Wild Force)
We can see how tensions rise between rangers, so it's helpful to have a mediator like Alyssa. She keeps the peace among the Wild Force. She is a nurturer as well, for when any of her fellow rangers get hurt, she immediately tends to their wounds. However, she isn't just a healer -- she was trained by her father, a martial arts instructor. She fights alongside Jen in a teamup with the Time Force. Alyssa is resourceful as well, with a perfect GPA in school. At the end of the series, she attends college and becomes a kindergarten teacher. Alyssa is the first female to be a white ranger, and is owner to an impressive three zords (white tiger, deer, elephant).
4 Kira (Power Rangers Dino Thunder)
Like other rangers throughout the series, Kira is a musician. Although her singing abilities translate through her power of the Ptera Scream, which works much like the Canary Cry, paralyzing all enemies who hear it. She initially puts on a tough facade, but as a ranger, she is bold and determined. She accepts Dr. Oliver's recruitment and Kira is the only yellow ranger to team up with other rangers outside her own group. She assists both the Operation Overdrive and SPD teams. This is incredible, since the only other rangers who team up with more than one squad are Tommy and Adam from Mighty Morphin. We might argue she's one of the best yellow rangers of all time.
3 Bridge (Power Rangers SPD)
Bridge was the underdog of the SPD series. While Sky and Jack often butted heads, Bridge proved to be incredibly analytical and observant. When Jack retires, Sky becomes the red ranger, and Bridge becomes the blue ranger. When Sky becomes the commander of Earth Base, Bridge becomes red ranger. It's pretty impressive for a green ranger to ascend the ranks to red ranger. This allots him new powers, like psychometry (ability to read auras of other people), extra sensory perception, and precognition. He returns several times to help out the rangers: Once A Ranger to defeat Thrax, Super Megaforce to defeat Armada, and Soul of the Dragon to help Tommy. We love Bridge as much as he loves buttery toast.
2 Xander (Power Rangers Mystic Force)
We considered putting Chip, the yellow Mystic Ranger, in this spot, but ultimately we went with Xander. In the beginning of the series, he would try to charm his way out of trouble. As the series progresses, he learns not to rely on vanity, and is more open to admitting when he's wrong. After defeating the Master, his take-charge mentality gets him promoted to manager at Rock Porium. This growth (mild tree pun intended) exhibits he might've been a better leader than Nick -- who pretty much peaces out with his parents. Like Bridge, Xander returns in Once A Ranger to help defeat Thrax, and he was the only one of the three Green Rangers to appear in green.
1 RJ (Power Rangers Jungle Fury)
RJ is one of the coolest rangers ever, no question. He knows many different fighting styles, and is always prepared to fight side by side with his students. His faith in his teachings make him a commendable and suitable teacher. He shares a strong bond with his wolf spirit -- not even Dai Shi can break the bond between them. RJ is the first purple ranger in the show's history, and the accents on his helmet perfectly capture features of wolves. His wisdom pairs well with his easygoing nature, making him a mentor, protector, and confidant for other rangers. And he owns a pizza place -- which would've made a cool crossover with the pizza loving Ninja Turtles.