Final Fantasy has spawned a huge media franchise that expands to different mediums, from films to novels to manga. With 16 games that are part of the main numbered series, sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and other related titles, each has different characters that many have loved and hated. With their epic journey and unique narratives, these characters have become iconic in their own way.
Whether you like the mercenary for hire Cloud Strife or his nemesis, Sephiroth, Final Fantasy has several characters that tell relatable stories.
So, without further ado, here are the eight most iconic Final Fantasy characters of all time.
Zidane Tribal – Final Fantasy IX
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+ 8Zidane Tribal is the main character of Final Fantasy IX. Despite being a thief who works for the Tantalus Theater Troup and kidnaps the princess of Alexandria, he has broken the series’ sombre protagonist trope.
But don’t get Zidane wrong; he goes on a quest to protect the planet of Gaia.
He’s one of the coolest characters in the game, with his laid-back, casual, outgoing, and generally friendly attitude.
However, he’s also flirtatious with women, though he only has feelings for Garnet. Despite being cool, Zidane knows how to be serious when the situation calls for it, especially if danger looms.
Zidane wants nothing but the best for everyone around him. He’s selfless and fights his secret battles alone while giving everyone a reason to live.
Squall Leonhart – Final Fantasy VIII
click to enlarge + 8Like other main characters in Final Fantasy, Squall Leonhart is known for being a stoic and focused loner.
He lives for his job, but his life starts to change as he begins questioning things as the game’s events unfold.
Thanks to his excellent leadership skills, he became the party's leader and was appointed Commander of Balamb Garden, one of SeeD’s main strongholds.
Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy VII
click to enlarge + 8Tifa Lockhart is one of the most important characters in the Final Fantasy VII series. A friend of Cloud Strife and a member of the resistance group Avalanche, she surprises everyone with her excellent combat skills.
Though shy, she fights at a close range using her fists alone. Thanks to Rashard Zangan’s training, she possesses strong martial arts abilities and only uses knuckles as her weapons.
But despite being a fierce fighter, Tifa is kind and loving and gives motherly care to her allies.
Tidus – Final Fantasy X
click to enlarge + 8Tidus has one of the most relatable and realistic stories among the Final Fantasy protagonists.
At first, he starts to be whiny and childish, which is quite expected from a young man whose life has drastically changed after he is transported to another world without knowing what to do.
Despite that, he matures and becomes more level-headed and grounded after joining a pilgrimage.
He’s selfless and does what he believes is right, making him one of the series' most iconic characters.
Yuna – Final Fantasy X
click to enlarge + 8If Tidus makes it on the list, Yuna does, too. Though Tidus is the main playable character, Final Fantasy X’s story is about Yuna.
She goes on a journey to save the world and joins a pilgrimage to expel the monstrous creature, Sin, who terrorises the world of Spira.
Yuna is a summoner like her father before her and is the only character in the game who can summon aeons into battle.
Despite the heavy weight she carries because of her duty, Yuna doesn’t mind it at all, especially if it means the safety of the people she loves.
Lightning (Claire Farron) – Final Fantasy XIII
click to enlarge + 8Lightning's main goal in Final Fantasy XIII is to save her younger sister, Serah, but her homeworld of Cocoon gets entangled in a huge danger.
This pink-haired Gunblade user becomes one of the most iconic characters in the series by carrying an entire anthology alone, earning her spot through blood, sweat, and tears.
But though her games are dubbed as not always the best, it can’t be denied that her fashion sense is one of the best in the series.
Sephiroth – Final Fantasy VII
click to enlarge + 8Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without Sephiroth. He’s in tight competition with his archnemesis, Cloud, for the top spot.
He’s the symbol of Cloud’s troubled past and a former renowned SOLDIER who ended up being twisted.
Sephiroth has a great backstory. Before he became the villain, he was one of the most lauded SOLDIER in Shinra Electric Power Company’s program.
During Shinra's move to dominate the world, he had outstanding accomplishments on the battlefield, making him a celebrity war hero.
However, when he finally learned his true origins, he went insane and set on a path to destroy the world to reach godhood.
Cloud Strife – Final Fantasy VII
click to enlarge + 8Final Fantasy VII is one of the most acclaimed titles in this game series. Hence, it’s easy to see why Cloud Strife tops this list.
He is considered the best character in the franchise and one of the most famous.
Cloud was an arrogant and proud swordsman who only had his eyes on his task at hand at first. But beneath his hardened outer persona, he’s a softy who cares about the people around him.
He’s a caring individual who strives to be the best hero. Thanks to his friends, he eventually learns that being a hero is more than being physically strong and famous.
From there, he begins to have compassion for the people he wants to protect and the whole planet.
His character evolution is one of the best in the whole series, and he has become the most iconic character in the Final Fantasy franchise.
With so many iconic characters in Final Fantasy, it’s hard to choose who’s the best. So, do you have anyone in mind that you want to add to the list?
READ MORE: Final Fantasy Villains Who Stole The Show
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