Top 10 Greatest Digimon Heroes

For this list, we’ll be looking at the very best of the Digidestined across the entirety of the Digimon franchise. Did your favourite human character make the cut or were they sent to the trash folder? Let us know in the comments!

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

From the get-go, it was clear that Mimi was going to fill the role of the airhead of the group. The dainty, sweet belle who was all about fashion and fun. At least at first. Over time, her sincerity blossomed, steadily toughening up with each subsequent bout. While remaining a beacon of goodwill and compassion, by the time the Digimon were invading the human world, Mimi was on the verge of being sorta badass. Though deep down she’s still Digimon’s answer to the popular girl trope.

“Digimon Frontier” (2002-03)

We know what you’re thinking. Oh look, another bad boy, and this one’s a loner to boot. However, instead of retracing previous archetypes, Koji turned out to have a lot more layers to him than we expected. Most of these revolved around his missing twin Koichi as well some issues with his home life. Gradually breaking out of his shell, it was nice to see the whole edgelord persona vanish, leaving us with a troubled yet still personable Digidestined, one responsible for some of Frontier’s most emotional scenes.

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

Every squad needs a tech whiz, and Izzy fits that bill to a tee. In fact, you can chalk up Izzy’s know-how and adaptability being some of the reasons that the original Digidestined lasted as long as they did. Always putting things in perspective while occasionally spouting some much-needed exposition. Despite being far more at home with computers than people, that didn’t make him any less of a social butterfly, though he occasionally needed dragging away from his laptop. The brain to Tai’s brawn, the OG crew were lucky to have him on board.

“Digimon Tamers” (2001-02)

Bad girls come and go, but there will only be one Rika. Originally only interested in proving her strength with Renamon, the concepts of friendship and goodwill to other Digimon was lost on Rika, preferring to throw down instead. As the series went on, we learned that this animosity actually stemmed from being put on a pedestal her whole life, never being challenged, and never really feeling happy in her own skin. Thankfully, she mellowed out after growing closer to Renamon, even begrudgingly with Takato too.

“Digimon Adventure”/”Digimon Adventure 02” (1999-2001)

Ah yes, the Jesus of the Digimon franchise. Even among chosen children, Kari has always been special, practically dominating many of the arcs across both original series. Compassionate and caring, almost to a fault, Kari serves as the soul of the group. Whether as Tai’s beloved sister, or the object of Davis and TK’s affections, Kari more often than not is the one in need of protection. At least her heart is in the right place. Though seriously, what was up with her and the Dark Ocean?

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

Give it up for the original bad boy of Digimon. So much so that when we found out he was the holder of the Crest of Friendship, we were a little taken aback. He had made no effort to hide his dislike for Tai, even going as far as to lash out at him when their relationship reached its boiling point. Thankfully, after he got that out of his system, he returned to the group as a better person, governed by his affection for his little brother and willingness to do whatever it took to protect his team. You’re still a bastard for stealing Sora though.

“Digimon Adventure”/”Digimon Adventure 02” (1999-2001)

If we were judging him solely on the merits of his character in the first season, TK could be viewed as the weakest, bordering on annoying. The only thing going for him was that he had arguably the coolest Digimon partner in the form of Angemon. Age, however, has a funny way of changing things. In 02, he not only matured into a competent and thoughtful young man, but also came with something of a dark side. Seriously, that time he wailed on the Digimon Emperor was actually kind of scary.

”Digimon Adventure 02” (1999-2001)

The ultimate redemption story. Starting off as the Digimon Emperor, Ken’s narcissism and sense of superiority led him down the path of villainy, conquering most of the Digital World and turning the inhabitants into his slaves to use as saw fit. It wasn’t until he lost everything, including his long-suffering Digimon partner, that he finally saw the light. From there, he did everything in his power to make amends for his terrible actions. It was a long struggle, and the way it was handled made Ken a standout!

“Digimon Data Squad” (2006-07)

You’d think introducing another protagonist with a hot-headed mentality and an Agumon for a partner would be an unspeakable taboo, and yet in the case of Marcus, it turned out to be a winning formula. Not only was he an endearing rebel unafraid to get down and dirty with whatever threat came his way, but he championed one of the franchise’s darkest outings. His relationship with Agumon was wholesome, his spirit was unbreakable, and was just overall the most metal character the franchise produced! He punched the Digimon Devil in the face!

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

”Digimon Adventure 02” (1999-2001)

“Digimon Frontier” (2002-03)

“Digimon Data Squad” (2006-07)

“Digimon Xros Wars” (2010-12)

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

Whatever you love about the leader of each Digimon season, chances are it came from this guy – the original goggle-wearer. Plagued with immaturity, Tai was forced to grow up quickly in order to take the reins and lead the Digidestined in their battle against the numerous Dark Digimon dead-set on conquering both worlds. Charismatic and flowing with courage, he’s the first to stand up for what’s right, despite occasionally stumbling. There’s no one we’d rather place our trust in. Are you getting the message yet Sora?!