A lot of fans would argue that Katrina Bennett is the most underrated character in Suits.
She doesn’t get as much spotlight as Harvey Specter or Mike Ross, but she’s incredibly sharp, loyal, and quietly one of the most competent lawyers in the firm. Her growth—from a somewhat awkward, approval-seeking associate to a confident senior lawyer—is one of the more realistic arcs in the show. Plus, her emotional storyline later on adds depth that people sometimes overlook.
A close second would be Rachel Zane—she’s often remembered mainly for her relationship with Mike, but she’s driven, intelligent, and works hard to earn her place.
The answer actually depends on which world we’re talking about, but if we look across pop culture, a few names consistently get ignored despite doing all the heavy lifting.
Here are four of the most underrated characters across different genres:
1. Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)
While Frodo carried the physical weight of the Ring, Sam carried Frodo—literally and emotionally.
The Case: He is the only person to give up the One Ring voluntarily (besides Tom Bombadil and Bilbo). Without Sam’s optimism and loyalty, Middle-earth would have been doomed by book one.
Status: Often dismissed as “the sidekick,” but he is arguably the true hero of the story.
2. Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter)
Neville starts as the punchline of every joke, but his character arc is arguably the most profound in the series.
The Case: He stood up to his friends in year one (harder than standing up to enemies) and eventually became the leader of the resistance at Hogwarts. He could have been “The Chosen One,” yet he stayed humble and brave.
Status: Shadowed by the “Golden Trio,” but his bravery was the final piece of the puzzle.
3. Megara (Disney’s Hercules)
In the world of Disney Princesses and heroines, Meg is frequently left out of the conversation.
The Case: She is one of the most complex female characters Disney ever wrote. She has a tragic backstory involving a literal “deal with the devil” for a man who didn’t stay, making her cynical, witty, and incredibly human.
Status: Often overlooked because she isn’t a “traditional” princess, but her depth is unmatched.
4. Mike Ehrmantraut (Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul)
In a world of loud, chaotic personalities like Walter White and Saul Goodman, Mike is the silent professional.
The Case: He operates on a strict moral code in a world that has none. He’s a grandfather doing terrible things for a “noble” reason (providing for his family), and his competence is almost legendary.
Status: He is the glue that holds the criminal underworld together, yet he never seeks the spotlight.
Underrated characters usually share one trait: Consistency. They don’t need the glory or the prophecy; they just show up and do the work because it’s the right thing to do.
The question “Who’s the most underrated character?” is super subjective—it depends on whether we’re talking movies, TV, anime, books, games, comics, or something else entirely. There’s no single universal answer, but certain names keep popping up across discussions, lists, and fan conversations as characters who deserve way more love and attention than they get.
Here are some of the strongest recurring contenders for “most underrated” that stand out:
Ron Weasley (Harry Potter series) — Often overshadowed by Harry and Hermione, but he’s the loyal heart of the trio, provides crucial comic relief, and has some of the best growth and bravery moments. Fans frequently call him criminally slept-on.
Jet Black (Cowboy Bebop) — In a show full of flashy protagonists like Spike and Faye, Jet’s the grounded, reliable ex-cop dad figure with deep backstory episodes that hit hard. Many argue he’s the most underrated in the main cast.
Finn (Star Wars sequel trilogy) — Started with massive potential as a defecting stormtrooper, but got sidelined in later films. His arc, friendship with Poe, and overall heroism feel underappreciated.
Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings) — The ultimate loyal friend who literally carries the story (and Frodo) at times. Some call him the true hero, yet he’s often in the shadow of the more “epic” characters.
Other strong mentions that come up a lot:
Hagrid (Harry Potter) for his unwavering loyalty and heart.
Characters like Android 16 (Dragon Ball Z), Polnareff (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), or even niche picks like Jim Lake Jr. from Trollhunters in animated series discussions.
If I had to pick one that feels consistently slept-on across mediums, I’d go with Ron Weasley—he’s right there in one of the biggest franchises ever, yet people still downplay his importance.
Who do you think is the most underrated? Or are you thinking of a specific show/movie/book/game? Context would help narrow it down! 😄