It’s time to duel! The Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise has been developing and growing for over 20 years, and even to this day, fans of the show and the all-too-popular card game are as invested as ever — even actor Timothée Chalamet, per Comicbook.com, is a fan. The show in particular, along with some accompanying films, has introduced many characters and monsters throughout its history that have grown its brand in unprecedented ways. However, with its long history, there is no way to go about discussing Yu-Gi-Oh!’s popularity without highlighting the original animated series.
The first episode of the series premiered in April 2000, becoming a staple animated show of the 2000s, and they have not looked back since. In the original series, we are first introduced to a young Yugi Moto and his friends Joey, Tea, and Hondo. When Yugi puts the pieces of the Millennium Puzzle together, it begins a new adventure for not just Yugi, but for his friends and newfound enemies. Earlier this month, Yu-Gi-Oh! creator, Kazuki Takahashi, was found dead at the age of 60. So in honor of the iconic franchise he made, we have developed a refresher on some of the best characters in the original animated Yu-Gi-Oh! series.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
12 Maximillion Pegasus
TXN
An audience’s relationship with a good villain is definitely a love-hate one. We just love to hate them. Maximillion Pegasus is a recurring villain in Yu-Gi-Oh! and is one of the more intimidating ones. He wields the Millennium Eye and just seeing his long, majestic, silvery white hair and sinister red suit is enough to make your skin crawl.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
11 Solomon Muto
Soloman Muto is Yugi’s grandfather and the main parental figure in his life. Therefore, we will always have a soft spot reserved in our hearts for him. His wise input, undeniable charm, and goofy charisma balance perfectly, and his presence really grounds Yugi in reality and keeps him connected to his normal life.
10 Tristan Taylor
Oh, we think we found ourselves a cheerleader! Tristan Taylor is that one character that is kind of just there, but you cannot imagine it any other way. Of course, you occasionally see his skills in duels or when he has to face the group’s enemies. However, although his impact on the show is not as large as others, he fits right in.
9 Mokuba Kaiba
Mokuba Kaiba is Seto Kaiba’s younger brother, and he provides a much-needed sense of innocence in the show. His character also complements and supplements Seto’s in a way that just adds complexity and depth that has audiences getting more and more attached when these characters are in trouble.
8 Yami Bakura
Yami Bakura is probably one of the scarier villains in Yu-Gi-Oh!. Yami Bakura is the possessed alter ego of Ryo Bakura, Yugi’s classmate, and one of his best friends. So, he is only a villain half the time and that means his time as a villain should be just that much more threatening. His evil half stems from the mysteries that lie in the Millenium Ring. Also, that terrifying shift from the soft and comforting look of Ryo to the Yami version that is pretty psychotic, keeps us all on edge.
7
6 Mai Valentine
Mai Valentine undergoes a stunning character arc throughout her time in Yu-Gi-Oh!. From her losing her self-confidence to learning about the value of friendship in her relationship with Joey, Mai has always been a character that fans cling to. When it comes to the core friend group in this show, Mai’s journey and the payoff of her growth are worth a watch.
5 Téa Gardner
Téa Gardner is definitely someone you want on your side. She is like the glue that holds the group together, and her value for friendship and loyalty is evident throughout the show. That, in contrast to her ability to keep members of their group in check in certain situations, makes her the big sister that all the characters need in trying times and in the more light-hearted moments. Also, Téa’s undeniable chemistry with Yugi (and sometimes the Pharaoh) adds a fun layer to the main plot points of the show.
4 Joey Wheeler
Every friend group, and we mean EVERY friend group, needs a Joey. Joey Wheeler is one of Yugi’s best friends, and his character is just the right amount of charismatic and funny as it is comforting and caring. To put it simply, he is reliable. Joey is the character representation of golden retriever energy, and he is one of the biggest stand-out characters in Yu-Gi-Oh!.
3 Seto Kaiba
Now, the debate on Kaiba being an actual villain/antagonist in this show can be never-ending, as outlined by Screen Rant. However, there is no denying that Seto Kaiba is and remains to be one of the most memorable and badass characters in the entire series and in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise as a whole. Kaiba’s character, beyond the growing rivalry between him and Yugi, really shines in his tenacity, the love and care he shows to his brother, and his dedication to being the best.
2 Yami Yugi
Yami Yugi is half of the face of the franchise at this point. Especially early on in the show, Yami Yugi takes the reins from Yugi to fight the big fight until we see Yugi come into his own. Yami Yugi is the perfect comfort character. You can just count on him to get things right whether it be his confidence or the way that his image mirrors a tier up from the Yugi we get to know and love. The Millennium Puzzle adds an extra layer to this show in the inclusion of Yami Yugi that only makes the show better.
1 Yugi Muto
Main character alert! Yugi Muto is almost the perfect main protagonist for a show like this. Yu-Gi-Oh! as a franchise is tailored generally towards kids and those kids grow up with it and take it into adulthood. Yugi holds the same innocence that other kids can see themselves in. On the other hand, his growth as a character shows certain bravery and strength that inspire younger viewers. You just want to root for Yugi in every way shape in form, and he is easily one of the most recognizable characters in animated show history.
