Ranking the Top 9 Most Dangerous Buffy The Vampire Slayer Heroes

Article Overview

Xander Harris may not have impressive combat skills, but his military knowledge and sarcastic wit make him a formidable hero.

Dawn Summers, previously deemed ineffective on the battlefield, transformed into a formidable threat upon harnessing her key powers and undergoing rigorous training.

As for Willow Rosenberg, her formidable magical abilities establish her as the mightiest and most perilous champion on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, given her willingness to surpass her own boundaries in aid of others.

The heroes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer often go unnoticed amidst the dangerous characters, particularly the villains. However, they play a crucial role in the success of the late '90s and early 2000s hit TV series. Despite the powerful presence of the show's villains, the heroes' repeated victories over them throughout the seven seasons prove their strength. From Buffy herself to her companions like Willow, the series boasts a diverse array of heroic characters who are just as formidable as their adversaries.

Creating a ranking of the most formidable heroes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is no easy task due to the ever-changing cast and the characters' fluctuating allegiance between good and evil. Additionally, there are instances where characters are temporarily rendered powerless. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that when these heroes are at the peak of their powers, they possess the potential to surpass both their heroic and villainous counterparts.

9. Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris

Greatest Strength: Military Knowledge

In the show, Xander stands out as one of the most humorous characters, possessing a sharp wit that would surely prevail in any sarcastic battle. Regrettably, his combat abilities did not undergo substantial growth throughout the seasons. There was a slight improvement, initially being limited to conversing with a vampire from the safety of Buffy's shadow. While he can now throw a punch and assist in taking down a vampire, his proficiency largely remains non-existent in combat. Given the current dialogue surrounding language and the rejection of willful ignorance, it is unlikely that his character would be well-received in today's world.

8. Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers

Greatest Strength: Key Powers

Throughout the show, Dawn was largely ineffective on the battlefield, lacking the necessary skills to protect herself and therefore frequently falling victim to capture or curses. This continued to be the case for a significant portion of season 7. However, what sets season 7 apart is the revelation that Dawn is a potential slayer. While Buffy had provided her with some training, it is during this season that Dawn receives instruction alongside a group of fellow potential slayers. This training certainly improved her combat abilities, but it still did not elevate her above some of her more formidable peers.

7. Emma Caulfield as Anya Jenkins

Greatest Strength: Grant Wishes

6. Anthony Head as Rupert Giles

Starting as a vengeance demon aiding Cordelia in seeking revenge against Xander, Anya evolves into someone longing for a better realm and eventually becomes a consistent member of the group. However, her complex heroic standing is influenced by her past as an evil demon, granting revenge to those who desire it. Despite Anya's occasional display of heroism throughout the show, her inclination towards wrongdoing hinders her from frequently utilizing her powers for good. Consequently, her actions do not warrant a higher rank, even though her raw power may be noteworthy.

Greatest Strength: Knowledge

Giles, although older, possesses unique strengths that are not limited to physical abilities. While he can hold his ground in a confrontation, he does tend to face some challenges. It is his intelligence and magical prowess that truly establish him as a formidable character. In the past, his magical endeavors have caused the Scooby Gang trouble, particularly during episodes revolving around his rivalry with Ethan Rayne. Almost single-handedly, he has resolved the majority of conflicts with their adversaries. Although his minimal physical risk may place him lower on the list, his intellect prevents him from being ranked any lower.

5. Bianca Lawson as Kendra Young

Greatest Strength: Slayer Powers

Another significant character in the Buffy The Vampire Slayer series is Kendra, who made her debut in the second season. She was summoned into action following Buffy's demise at the end of season 1, and together they confronted the main antagonist of season 2 before Kendra met her own demise. In comparison to Buffy, Kendra possessed superior training and discipline, although her lack of creative tactics made her a less formidable opponent. Adhering strictly to the rulebook, her inflexibility potentially contributed to her downfall after an encounter with Spike and Druscilla. As soon as another slayer emerged, Kendra was swiftly overshadowed and forgotten as Buffy's replacement.

4. David Boreanaz as Angel

Greatest Strength: Vampire Powers

Angel's portrayal in Buffy the Vampire Slayer showcases his high level of danger in multiple aspects. Through the utilization of his killer instinct, he effortlessly eliminates numerous demons and even his fellow vampire species, all in the name of aiding Buffy and ensuring her safety. While it can be argued that he reaches an even greater level of peril when he loses his soul and transforms into Angelus during season 2, his ranking in terms of danger is intrinsically linked to his profound love for Buffy. His devotion to her drives him to perform any conceivable action and inflict harm upon nearly anyone. This desperation elevates him above his counterparts on the list, bolstered by his formidable strength and power.

3. James Marsters as Spike

Greatest Strength: Vampire Powers

Spike's character in Buffy The Vampire Slayer treads the murky waters of moral ambiguity. His true acts of heroism shine through when a chip in his brain prevents him from harming humans or when he regains his soul after inflicting terrible acts upon Buffy. However, it is his impulsive nature that renders him a formidable threat. In the later seasons, Spike becomes an integral part of the Scooby Gang, exhibiting occasional attempts to make righteous choices. While he may not fit the conventional mold of a virtuous protagonist, his transformation throughout the show is significant enough to earn him a place on this list.

2. Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers

Greatest Strength: Slayer Powers

As

1. Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg

, Buffy holds a prominent position in the show. She embodies immense physical and emotional strength, cultivated through enduring countless traumas. Despite this, she remains unwavering in her determination to protect her loved ones. Buffy possesses supernatural power, a necessity as the chosen slayer, enabling her to confront adversaries with equal strength. Whether vanquishing powerful vampires, gods, or the very first embodiment of evil, Buffy confronts each challenge head-on, undeterred until resolution is found.

1. Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg

Greatest Strength: Magical Powers

Willow, despite the show's vampire slayer focus in its title, consistently demonstrates her status as the most powerful hero. Her seemingly limitless power is both awe-inspiring and terrifying when she gains control over it. Resurrecting Buffy is just one example of her capabilities, as she constantly aids her friends and fearlessly pushes her abilities to their limits for the sake of helping others. These qualities unequivocally establish her as the strongest hero on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but they also make her the most formidable and dangerous among the group.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the ranking of the top 9 most dangerous Buffy The Vampire Slayer heroes. While I agree with some of the choices, others seem questionable to me. For instance, I believe that Xander Harris is ranked too high on the list. While his military knowledge and sarcastic wit can be useful in certain situations, I don't think they make him a more dangerous hero than some of the others on the list. I would have ranked him lower, around 7th or 8th place.

On the other hand, I think that Dawn Summers is ranked too low on the list. While she may have been ineffective on the battlefield in the early seasons, she underwent rigorous training and became a formidable threat later on. I would have ranked her higher, around 5th or 6th place. Overall, I think that the list is a good representation of the most dangerous Buffy The Vampire Slayer heroes, but I would have made a few changes to the rankings.