Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft has been voted the most iconic video game character of all time in a BAFTA poll.
More than 4,000 gamers took part in the vote, whittling an unfeasibly huge choice down to a top 20 – but we want to know which character is YOUR favourite!
Could it be the Italian plumber Mario? He’s been the face of Nintendo and a highly recognisable character in the wider world of video games since 1985. With his signature red cap, blue overalls, and bushy moustache, he’s ventured through more than 200 video games, spanning various genres and platforms. Beyond gaming, Mario has transcended into pop culture, appearing in movies, cartoons, merchandise, and even inspiring theme parks. His enduring charm and timeless gameplay continue to captivate audiences of all ages. But is he really the most iconic character, do you think?
In the opposing corner, of course, is his fierce rival Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega’s blue blur burst onto the gaming scene in 1991, captivating players with his lightning-fast speed and charismatic personality. He became an instant icon, representing the epitome of ’90s cool. With his vibrant attitude and ability to break the sound barrier, Sonic starred in more than 100 games, including platformers, racing titles, and assorted spin-offs. Beyond gaming, the Blue Wonder expanded into cartoons, comics, and merchandise, solidifying his status as a pop culture phenomenon. Despite the inevitable ups and downs, Sonic’s legacy endures, with each new release reigniting nostalgia and introducing the beloved hedgehog to a fresh generation of fans. Does Sonic get your vote?
Perhaps you’re more fond of Agent 47 from the Hitman series? Conceived by Danish video game developer IO Interactive in 1998 and debuting in 2000 with the release of Hitman: Codename 47, Agent 47 has become a legendary figure in the games industry, captivating gamers worldwide. The genetically engineered assassin has since appeared in eight mainline games, two spin-offs, two books, one comic series and even a film! Is he your number one?
And how can we forget the generation-spanning heroine Lara Croft? Star of the Tomb Raider franchise, Lara first appeared in 1996 and since then she has been remastered and evolved several times for television, film, video games and even her own live immersive experience in London. This year alone, Tomb Raider I–III Remastered was released across multiple platforms and the highly anticipated Netflix TV show Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is scheduled for release later in the year. Is Lara your most iconic video game character of all time?
If you can’t see the poll, click here
From Agent 47 to Steve from Minecraft
There are so many video game characters to choose from, we took our cue from BAFTA to round up some of the bigger names to help jog your memory:
Agent 47, Hitman
A genetically-enhanced clone with a penchant for murder, Agent 47 made his video game debut in 2000’s Hitman: Codename 47. Since then, he’s killed his way across screens both big and small, appearing in more than ten games, two novelisations, and two live-action film adaptations.
Arthur Morgan, Red Dead Redemption 2
The protagonist of 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan is one of the few characters on this list to only appear in a single game.
Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
Much like his fellow party member Shadowheart, Astarion’s rogueish charms have made him a fan favourite since his appearance in 2023’s Baldur’s Gate 3
Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII
A mercenary and man of few words, Cloud Strife has made 30+ appearances in both video games and wider media properties since his video game debut as the protagonist of 1997’s Final Fantasy VII.
Crash Bandicoot
Introduced to the world in 1996’s Crash Bandicoot, this genetically enhanced marsupial has appeared in 20+ video games throughout his lifespan.
Ellie Williams, The Last of Us
Best-known as the star of 2013’s The Last of Us, Ellie Williams actually did not make her first appearance in the game. The world’s first introduction to the bad-mouthed teenager was in The Last of Us: American Dreams, a four-issue comic book series that served as a prequel to the game. She’s since starred in sequels and DLC for the The Last of Us franchise, as well as the 2023 TV adaptation of the game.
Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza
A gruff former Yakuza mobster, Kazuma Kiryu has appeared in ten games in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, as well as starring in multiple film adaptations and a stage play of the franchise.
Kratos, God of War
From murder-hungry Spartan warrior to protective parent, Kratos has appeared in eight games in the God of War franchise. He’s also made appearances in two comic series, three novels, and in several games outside the God of War franchise.
Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
First introduced to the world in 1996 in Tomb Raider for the Sega Saturn, Lara Croft has appeared in more than 15 games, three films, multiple novelisations and comic book adaptations, and an upcoming Netflix animated series.
Link, Legend of Zelda
The silent protagonist of the Legend of Zelda franchise, Link has appeared in 20 games in the series, as well as starring in his own animated series and multiple comic book and manga adaptations.
Mario
One of the most senior characters on this list, Mario was created in 1981 – not as the star of his own series, but as a player character in the first instalment in the Donkey Kong series. From humble beginnings, he has appeared in more than 200 video games, two films, and numerous other multimedia adaptations.
Master Chief, Halo
Full name Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, this Spartan super-soldier appears in six games in the Halo franchise. He appears as the main character in three of the 19 Halo novels, as well as in the 2012 film Halo 4: Forward Until Dawn and the 2022 Halo television series.
Nathan Drake, Uncharted
The gentleman explorer with a penchant for violence, Nathan Drake stars in five games in the Uncharted franchise, as well as multiple comic book series and a live-action film adaptation.
Pac-Man
This little yellow hockey puck has appeared in more than 50 games and has made appearances in innumerable other trans-media properties.
Pikachu, Pokémon
The only Pokémon to appear on this list, Pikachu has appeared in more than 100 properties across screens both big and small, as well as making appearances in multiple comic books and manga.
Sackboy, LittleBigPlanet
One of the most customisable characters on this list, Sackboy made his video game debut in 2008 as the star of Sony’s LittleBigPlanet to instant critical acclaim. He’s since starred in all six LittleBigPlanet mainline games, as well as making an appearance in numerous other game franchises as everything from a playable character to an adorable easter egg.
Shadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the youngest characters on this list in terms of release date, Shadowheart charmed her way into the hearts of players worldwide with the release of 2023’s Baldur’s Gate 3.
Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid
Debuting in 1987’s Metal Gear, Solid Snake (real name David) is a stealthy super-spy who’s starred in five games in the Metal Gear franchise, as well as in multiple novelisations of the game series.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog sprinted his way into the hearts and minds of fans worldwide in 1991 as the star of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis. He has appeared in more than 100 video games as both a main character and supporting cast, as well as starring in several TV shows and two films, with a third slated for release in late 2024.
Steve, Minecraft
The iconic player character from 2011’s Minecraft (the best-selling video game of all time as of 2024), Steve has also made appearances in four other games including the Nintendo Switch fighter Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
