The Addams Family: Ranking the Most Enigmatic Main Characters

Summary

Characters like Grandmama Addams and Cousin Itt don't stand out against the

Addams Family

characters that appear in more adaptations.

Gomez Addams had been a favorite

Addams Family

character for generations, but he has begun to take a backseat to his morose wife and daughter.

Thing and Wednesday Addams' prevalent presence on Netflix's

Wednesday

has thrust these characters into the top spots for

Addams Family

favorites.

The Addams Family has seen numerous live-action interpretations, and in today's day and age, certain characters have begun to shine brighter than the rest. For decades, each member of the family has captivated fans with their unique blend of macabre charm, becoming ingrained in American pop culture like a parasite feasting on a cadaver. However, as times change and adaptations like Netflix's Wednesday bring the eccentric family into the modern era, the characters that resonate the most with audiences also evolve.

Originally introduced through Charles Addams' comic strips in 1938, The Addams Family has been immortalized through a television series, various cartoons, a handful of live-action films, and now, Netflix's Wednesday. Despite the distinctness of each character within the Addams Family universe, with an exceptional blend of humor and horror, certain individuals from both The Addams Family and Wednesday's storylines manage to make a bigger impact, boasting compelling character arcs and ultimately resonating more strongly with contemporary viewers.

9 Grandmama Addams

Grandmama Addams, the mother and mother-in-law of Gomez and Morticia, respectively (although sometimes reversed depending on the version), has always been an enigmatic presence in the Addams household. Known for her outspokenness, she never hesitates to share her often cruel opinions, regardless of whether they are warranted or not. Created by Charles Addams, she has been portrayed by talented actresses such as Blossom Rock in the television series, Carol Channing in the animated series, and Bette Midler in the 2019 animated film.

Despite being an interesting character, Grandmama Addams doesn't quite shine as brightly as her eccentric family members. She did not appear in season 1 of the Wednesday series, but it's possible that she will play a more prominent role as the modern retelling of the family's story continues. However, for now, Grandmama Addams is ranked at the bottom of the list.

8 Cousin Itt

Cousin Itt, despite being short in stature, possesses a charismatic personality that makes him a highly memorable character in the Addams Family. His distinctive feature is being entirely composed of human hair, with no discernible body. He communicates through unintelligible gibberish that only the Addamses can understand, often sporting a bowler hat and sunglasses. Originally introduced in the '60s TV series, Cousin Itt humorously attempts various careers despite his unconventional appearance. He has also made appearances in the '90s live-action films and the 2019 animated movie, where he appears as the smallest he has ever been.

As an extended member of the Addams family, Cousin Itt does not reside in the same household as Morticia and Gomez. Consequently, he is not as prominent a character in the different adaptations of the Addams Family. This is particularly evident in Wednesday, which is set at Nevermore Academy instead of the Addams Mansion. Due to this difference, Cousin Itt has fewer opportunities to showcase his personality on screen. However, it remains challenging, especially for younger viewers, not to develop an affection for Cousin Itt.

7 Lurch

Lurch, the lugubrious manservant to the famed Addams Family, is almost as renowned as the family itself. With his towering height of 6'9" and immense strength, he tackles the often challenging tasks of butlering, albeit with a grimace and a moan. Although the original television series provided little insight into Lurch's origins, it did introduce his normal-sized mother in one episode. However, the 2019 animated film portrays him as an escapee from an insane asylum, while the Addamses accidentally hit him with their car.

It is truly intriguing how Lurch, despite lacking any means of communication, manages to leave such a lasting impression. His unlikely gentleness and endearing nature have endeared him as a beloved member of the Addams family. In Netflix's Wednesday, he briefly reprises his role, serving as the family's driver and assumedly their butler at home. Any incarnation of the Addams Family would be incomplete without Lurch, even though he may not quite measure up to the central characters.

6 Pugsley Addams

Pugsley may not have the striking appearance or impressive skills of the other Addams, but he is unquestionably a true member of the family. In the '60s TV series, he showcased his talent for engineering by constructing elaborate devices to torment his sister Wednesday. However, in the '90s film, he played more of a foolish sidekick role, diminishing his creativity compared to the eldest Addams. In Wednesday, Pugsley continues to embody a dim-witted persona, but with a lovable and gentle demeanor that highlights his need for his sister's protection.

In recent adaptations of The Addams Family, Pugsley's character has primarily served as a support to emphasize Wednesday's development. While this diminishes his individual appeal, his role within the family remains significant. In the '90s films, Pugsley willingly becomes Wednesday's victim of torture, contributing to the overall peculiar nature of the Addams Family. In Netflix's Wednesday, Pugsley assists in revealing the softer side of Wednesday's personality. This endears him to audiences and emphasizes the love his family holds for him, yet keeps him from becoming a standout favorite among the Addams Family characters.

5 Gomez Addams

Gomez Addams, the charismatic patriarch of the Addams Family, embodies the essence of this spooky family. He possesses unwavering loyalty, eccentricity, and a romantic nature. He takes great pride in being a loving husband and dedicated father, willing to go to great lengths to protect his family. John Astin portrayed him in the 60s TV series, while Raul Julia took on the role in the 90s films. Gomez's love for theatricality, swordplay, and admiration for his wife, along with his boundless energy and zest for life, have made him a beloved character.

In recent years, Gomez has willingly taken a step back, allowing his wife and daughter to take the spotlight with their intellect and resourcefulness. This has become his most notable characteristic - a devoted husband and father who considers himself fortunate to be in the presence of Morticia and Wednesday. As a result, he willingly accepts a lower rank compared to the women he adores, which aligns perfectly with the character's desires.

4 Morticia Addams

Morticia, the captivating and refined matriarch of the Addams Family, floats through their ancestral home with ethereal grace and a deathly pallor. She takes pleasure in decapitating roses, conducting séances to connect with deceased relatives, and igniting passionate desire in her husband, Gomez. Over time, Morticia has become an iconic figure, inspiring the likes of Vampira and Elvira with her alluring black attire, ebony locks, and supernatural allure. Despite her involvement in summoning dark forces, Morticia remains a loving mother and devoted wife.

In Netflix's "Wednesday," Morticia's character and relationship with her daughter undergo slight alterations, sparking mixed reactions. Although she retains her essence, her unwavering understanding of Wednesday is slightly diminished to explore new dimensions of her persona. When juxtaposed with her previous incarnation, this transformation only further heightens her intriguing nature.

3 Uncle Fester

Uncle Fester, known for his hilarious nature, brings a literal bright light to the dark Addams' home. With the ability to generate 110 watts of electricity at random, he amuses everyone by illuminating a lightbulb just by sticking it in his mouth. Originally portrayed as Morticia's uncle in the 1960s series, Uncle Fester became Gomez's brother in the 1990s live-action films. One of his endearing qualities is his refusal to take anything seriously. He even purposely induces migraines so he can put his head in a giant vice grip and twist it. Despite his peculiar behavior and appearance, he holds a deep affection for his niece and nephew and idolizes their parents.

Uncle Fester stands out as the most comedic character in The Addams Family, garnering a special place in the hearts of fans. This was evident when he made a surprise appearance in an episode of Wednesday season 1. Although his presence was brief, the sight of Wednesday's rare smile (her only one in the entire Netflix series) and the subsequent online excitement from The Addams Family enthusiasts served as undeniable proof of his status as one of the franchise's best characters.

2 Thing

Thing is a recurring character in every version of the Addams Family, although the reasons for his existence are not always explained. In the 1960s TV series, he is a horrifying entity known as "Thing," only revealing his human hand emerging from a box. In the more recent '90s movies, thanks to advancements in special effects, he becomes a disembodied hand that freely roams the mansion. This concept has carried over into the Netflix spinoff, where Wednesday, the central character, implies that Thing is a mysterious figure within the Addams family.

Despite being just a hand, Thing possesses a strong personality. Although initially a minor character in the original series, he has since become an integral part of the Addams Family franchise. This is why, even though most of the Addams Family members play minor roles in the show "Wednesday," Thing remains a constant and essential presence. He assists Wednesday and serves as a moral compass, using gestures in American Sign Language and a distinctive non-verbal attitude for communication.

1 Wednesday Addams

Since her introduction in Charles Addams' cartoons, the gloomy daughter of Morticia and Gomez Addams has become an iconic figure in popular culture. Her dark sense of humor, expressed through her deadpan delivery, has provided countless laughs throughout her various iterations. Initially portrayed as a six-year-old with a fascination for sharp objects and spiders, the '90s live-action films portrayed her as slightly older, with Christina Ricci delivering a defining performance that resonates with newer audiences. In the spinoff series Wednesday, Jenna Ortega takes the character to new heights.

The fact that Wednesday Addams has received her own spinoff series is a testament to her relevance in contemporary times. Despite her peculiar family and melancholic disposition, Wednesday remains a relatable teenager, capturing the essence of those formative years. With her unwavering intellect, iconic dance skills, and piercing stare, Wednesday Addams has left the greatest impact on multiple generations among all the characters in The Addams Family.