10 Best Final Destination Characters, Ranked

While The Final Destination franchise is not known for its complex characters, certain ones stand out for vividly portraying the experience of evading Death itself. Over the course of five films, viewers follow groups of people who manage to narrowly escape tragedy, only to find that Death eventually catches up to claim them. As each character grapples with impending doom, their will to survive leads them to make choices that reveal core aspects of human nature when confronted by mortality. Though the plots rely more on creative death scenes than on character development, several of the doomed protagonists convey a relatable sense of anguish in racing against time and fate.

Select characters showcase denial, bargaining, defiant determination, or regretful acceptance at various turns. Their thought processes and ensuing actions encapsulate reactions that mirror how an average person might respond if somehow forewarned about facing imminent death. With Final Destination 6 confirmed, the franchise will continue to rely on gory demises for shock value, but also will interweave a tragic narrative arc for characters resigned to cruel twists of fate. Exploring the memorable Final Destination characters, whose encounters with Death left lasting impressions, provides insights into what lies ahead.

10 Chad Donella As Tod Waggner

Final Destination

Tod Waggner emerges as the most sympathetic and morally grounded of the ill-fated characters. Though the first to die after the Plane 180 explosion, Tod exudes reason and empathy when Alex panics about his vision. Tod witnesses the disturbing premonition coming true, yet responds with compassion as the survivors grapple with losses after defying Death’s plan. Even when Tod’s friendship with Alex frays due to his parents unfairly assigning blame, Tod’s capacity to project calm and relay moral support before his demise makes him exceptionally relatable. Unlike other characters beset by terror or vengeance, Tod’s integrity and humanity shine through until Death claims him.

9 Nicholas D’Agosto As Sam Lawton

Final Destination 5

The protagonist of Final Destination 5, Sam Lawton displays quick-thinking leadership and tenacity that make him a standout character. Though initially dismissed as paranoid when he foresees the bridge collapse, Sam springs into action to save his colleagues after his unheeded warning comes agonizingly true. As the survivors try beating Death’s ruthless plan, Sam’s determination to uncover the mysterious survival pattern bolsters the group’s spirits. Even when haunted by a co-worker’s demise, Sam perseveres in combating the inevitable. While many Final Destination characters succumb to fate’s cruelty, Sam’s resourcefulness and loyalty in fighting for everyone’s future survival renders him exceptionally compelling.

8 Alexz Johnson As Erin Ulmer

Final Destination 3

Erin Ulmer stands out as a memorable character due to her intelligence and sharp sarcasm. Erin’s portrayal reflects a nuanced skepticism about the concept of death. Unlike her boyfriend Ian, she doesn’t overtly admit to this skepticism, but expresses it through her sarcastic demeanor. Erin’s character contributes to the film’s dynamics with her intelligence and witty outlook, making her one of the notable and compelling figures in the Final Destination franchise.

7 Ryan Merriman As Kevin Fischer

Final Destination 3

Proving to be emotionally authentic and loyal, Kevin Fischer is a steadfast friend who helps Wendy get through the dangers that take place in Final Destination 3. As Wendy struggles to accept her grim premonition, Kevin firmly believes the vision and allies with her to outmaneuver Death. While some characters succumb to paralysis over their predicament, Kevin projects level-headed compassion. Whether consoling Wendy after a horrific demise or researching clues to prolong the group’s survival, Kevin lends practical aid and moral reinforcement. Even though he eventually contributes to the Final Destination kill count, he continues to search for clues, convincing Wendy that they can survive.

6 Seann William Scott As Billy Hitchcock

Final Destination

In the first Final Destination, Billy Hitchcock emerges as a bumbling ,yet endearing character, providing comic relief while evoking empathy. Despite becoming a target for Carter’s cruel bullying, Billy’s gentleness and optimism offer a reprieve from the mounting dread of Death’s pursuit. Amidst the panic and vengeance gripping other characters, Billy’s innocent buoyancy suggests an untouched purity of spirit. Despite comic mishaps befalling him, Billy’s sympathetic nature encourages viewers to root for his survival. His resilience and kindness in confronting cruelty and catastrophe render Billy Hitchcock an affecting, tragic character.

5 Johnathan Cherry As Rory Peters

Final Destination 2

In Final Destination 2, Rory Peters, the likable stoner, injects a delightful relatability into the imperiled group with his quips and candor. Despite underestimating the lethal gravity haunting the crash survivors due to his heavy recreational drug use, Rory’s lackadaisical personality proves to be a tension-reliever among characters paralyzed by dread. In addition to dodging gruesome demises, Rory selflessly aids Kimberly in her quest to understand Death’s ruthless design, despite his ambivalence about endangering himself. As the story grows darker, Rory’s zany humor and casual charisma provide comic relief while showcasing his laudable loyalty to his friends.

4 Ali Larter As Clear Rivers

Final Destination and Final Destination 2

As the only recurring character besides mortician William Bludworth, Clear Rivers makes a huge impression in the first two Final Destination installments. Introduced as a defiant skeptic turned true believer after Alex Browning’s disturbing premonition of Flight 180’s explosion comes horrifically true, Clear then dedicates herself to decoding Death’s ruthless design to prolong the survivors’ lives. Even as fellow evaders meet grisly fates, Clear persists in outwitting her fate. When Clear’s path crosses a new group of crash survivors in Final Destination 2, her experience and grit make her a determined crusader against Death’s design. Though ultimately no match, Clear Rivers earns distinction as the franchise’s bravest character.

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3 Mary Elizabeth Winstead As Wendy Christensen

Final Destination 3

The lead visionary haunted by Death’s ruthless agenda in Final Destination 3, Wendy Christensen displays tenacious leadership even as terror mounts. Though initially met with ridicule over her disturbing premonition of the rollercoaster crash, the chaotic aftermath confirms Wendy’s worst fears. Her urgent efforts to decode the precise order of deaths to intervene and save imperiled lives, is done with significant bravery. Wendy perseveres in outmaneuvering her merciless fate despite debilitating doubt plaguing a lonely crusade. Resourceful and persuasive, Wendy’s compulsiveness to control the uncontrollable makes her one of the better protagonists of the Final Destination franchise.

2 Devon Sawa As Alex Browning

Final Destination

Devon Sawa delivers a stellar performance as Alex Browning in Final Destination, earning recognition as the best visionary in the series. His portrayal stands out for its superlative competence and a nuanced portrayal that captures the character’s gradual unraveling. Sawa’s ability to convey Alex Browning’s mental and emotional journey adds depth to the film. Even though Devon Sawa didn’t return to the Final Destination series, his portrayal resonates with authenticity, showcasing a remarkable transformation that makes Alex Browning an all-time favorite “final boy.” Sawa’s portrayal contributes significantly to the character’s memorable status within the Final Destination franchise.

1 Tony Todd As William Bludworth

Final Destination, Final Destination 2, and Final Destination 5

William Bludworth, the enigmatic mortician and owner of Bludworth Funeral Homes in the Final Destination series, stands out as the best character in the entire franchise. His mysterious aura, combined with profound knowledge of Death and its forces, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Bludworth’s first appearance in Final Destination marks the beginning of his iconic status, and he remains a pivotal figure throughout the series. The character’s agitated demeanor and imminent presence when survivors evade Death contribute to his mysterious appeal. With unrevealed connections to Death, Bludworth’s portrayal by far surpasses others in the Final Destination franchise, making him an indispensable and compelling figure.