Top 10 Final Fantasy Summons

The first summon on our list is, literally and figuratively, a rare bird; a summoned creature which heals the party while also taking on their foes. Indeed, Phoenix's "Flames of Rebirth" possesses the power to revive fallen allies, while at the same time dealing some scorching fire damage to enemy hordes. The "Phoenix Down" feathers are also known throughout the Final Fantasy franchise as inventory items which resurrect the dead, making the impact of this summoned creature one which is felt throughout the Final Fantasy franchise.

All hail the god of thunder! This badass summon takes the appearance of a wizened, yet regal old man with a long beard and staff. Appearances can be deceiving, however, for Ramuh possesses the power of thunder and lightning at his fingertips, assisting the party via his powerful attack known as "Judgment Bolt," which strikes down all foes in its path with a mighty lightning bolt from the heavens. Ramuh has kept pretty much the same appearance throughout his time in the Final Fantasy universe, making him one of the mainstay elemental summons which assist the player during the series.

This lord of the seas exists as one of the most venerable Final Fantasy summons, with a history which dates all the way back to "Final Fantasy II." Leviathan takes the appearance of a giant sea serpent, whose Tsunami wave attack proves most effective against enemies of fiery or mechanical origin. This ocean guardian hasn't always been on the player's side, however, as his first appearance in the Final Fantasy franchise included swallowing the party whole, before eventually becoming an ally to summoner characters in later game entries.

Talk about impressive! Depending upon which "Final Fantasy" game one plays, the casting animation for this summoned creature can take quite some time before its full fury can be unleashed. The immense, mobile fortress known as Alexander is worth it, however, as this gigantic summon casts "Divine Judgment," which deals heavy holy damage to all foes in its way. This makes Alexander a particularly worthy ally to have when facing down undead or otherwise unholy enemies, while the summon's supreme stature makes him one of the most visually impressive creatures of the entire Final Fantasy universe.

A classic never goes out of style. Ifrit just might be the closest thing to a reliable old friend in the summoning world; a fearsome god of fire which has been an integral part of the Final Fantasy bestiary for many years. Ifrit possesses an appearance similar to that of an Arabian Djinn, or Genie, albeit with large, demonic horns and a penchant for tossing down massive fireballs from the sky upon the party's enemies. The presence of Ifrit is always a welcomed one whenever players are pitted against creatures of ice and snow, while this summon's legacy as one of the first cast-able allies acquired by party makes him one whose reliable reputation is safe and secure.

The next summon on our list reminds us more like something out of the "Hellraiser" franchise than anything remotely related to the worlds of fantasy or magic. Anima's summon animation is almost as horrific as her appearance, as this shackled and howling mistress of pain is raised up via chains from the underworld in what can only be described as one of the most badass summoning sequences in Final Fantasy history. Anima's attack is even more devastating, as her "Overdrive" attack envelops enemies into her netherworld, where she snaps free of her chains and assaults enemies with unlimited power. That's what we call "sharing the pain!"

Don't let this summon's delicate looks and grace deceive you, for Shiva the Ice Queen is not a creature with which to be trifled. Shiva's elemental attacks of "Diamond Dust" and "Heavenly Strike" are tailor made to be utilized against any fiery horde, making her the Yin to Ifrit's Yang. She is also one of the most commonly encountered summons throughout the Final Fantasy franchise, having appeared in nearly every "Final Fantasy" outing since the third game.

This immensely powerful summon attack calls up not one, two or even three allies to assist the party, but THIRTEEN Arthurian Knights, who come together to deal massive to any enemy unfortunate enough to be caught standing in the general vicinity. Each Knight attacks with its own unique weapons and spells, with the final attack arriving in the form of King Arthur himself, armed with the mythical sword Excalibur. This story gets a little twist in the fourteenth installment of the Final Fantasy franchise, however, where the player is actually pitted against the Knights during the game's final, climactic battle, as they take the form of King Thordan VII and his Knights of Heaven's Ward.

Many summons within the Final Fantasy universe take their names or origins from world mythology. Odin is no exception to this idea, existing as one of the series' most popular and enduring characters. Odin usually appears as a giant, imposing figure, similar to his stature as the All-Father of Norse mythology. He is clad in armor, a horned helmet and rides a multi-legged steed by the name of Sleipnir, upon which both his sword and lance Gungnir are mounted. Odin's summon attack "Zantetsuken" has the power to inflict instant death upon the party's opponents, making him one of the most impressive and effective summons to ever grace a "Final Fantasy" screen.

Before we unveil our top summon, here are a few honorable mentions!

Titan
Carbuncle
Ixion
Tonberry
Fat Chocobo

We saved the best for last, of course, that being the fearsome King of Dragons, the mighty Bahamut! This summon has existed as a fan favorite throughout many games in the Final Fantasy franchise, even receiving his own game for the Japanese Famicom, "Bahamut Lagoon," in 1996. Acquiring Bahamut is never an easy task, however, often requiring the party to best the beast in battle before the Dragon King will agree to be summoned. Once achieved, however, Bahamut's "Megaflare" attack more than prove its worth by inflicting defense penetrating, non-elemental damage against which very few enemies can survive.

Did you agree with our list? Which Final Fantasy summons do you think deserve top honors? For more boss top 10 lists, published every day, please subscribe to WatchMojo.com!