Introducing the toughest and most fearless male characters to hit the small screen. These characters are not average heroes, but they're rough around the edges, street-smart, and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. They're not afraid to get their hands dirty, and they don't back down from a fight.
They live life on their own terms, and they're not afraid to break a few rules along the way. These badass male characters are the ones everybody on the show wanted on their side when things got tough. However, they can also be the ones they needed to watch out for.
9 Dexter Morgan - Dexter
Dexter Morgan is a serial killer with a twist – he only kills other killers and rapists. He is a highly skilled forensic blood spatter analyst. And his knowledge of crime scenes and his ability to stay one step ahead of the police make him a truly badass character.
He is a man of few words, but his actions do speak volumes. His quiet determination to do what he feels is right, no matter the consequences, is what makes him one of the most badass characters on TV.
8 Walter White - Breaking Bad
Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher who eventually becomes a ruthless drug kingpin. The character is a master strategist and even greater at manipulation. His intelligence and cunning demeanor make him one of the most dangerous characters in Breaking Bad.
Walter is never afraid to take risks or in making difficult decisions. He got into being the drug lord to provide for his family, and succeeding in it makes him a total badass.
7 Michael Scofield - Prison Break
Michael Scofield is an engineer and structural designer who becomes a master of escape after his brother is wrongfully convicted of a crime. He plans his entry and exit to the prison to find a way to get to his brother.
The character is resourceful, intelligent, and fearless, and he always has a plan. He is a true problem solver and a true badass; willingly getting in and out of trouble is his forte just to save his brother and the girl he loves.
6 Rick Grimes - The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes is a former sheriff’s deputy officer who finds himself in a zombie apocalypse. He becomes the leader of a group of survivors from the apocalypse. The character is tough, fearless, and a resourceful leader who knows what he is doing despite being new to the post-apocalyptic world of zombies.
Rick always has his friends’ back and proves to be a natural survivor as well as a true badass. He has, time and again, proven his skills are better than anyone else especially when it comes to survival.
5 Jack Bauer - 24
Jack Bauer is a former agent of the Counterterrorist Unit. He is a master of all things tactical and operational. The character is a super tough, resourceful, and fearless agent who will stop at nothing to protect his country and those he loves.
Jack is a true hero and a true badass, never hesitating to do what is right for his country and his family. Not only that, the character can handle himself and is proficient in thinking on his feet to get out of trouble.
4 Tony Soprano - The Sopranos
Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, is the head of the Soprano crime family. He’s a man who’s fiercely loyal to his family and will do anything to protect them. He’s also a man of principle and is not afraid to take matters into his own hands when someone crosses him.
Tony’s a formidable force in both the criminal underworld and in his personal life and is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. He’s a badass because he’s a man who commands respect and demands obedience.
3 Thomas Shelby - The Peaky Blinders
Thomas Shelby is a badass leading the Shelby family with unwavering confidence, intelligence, and more. He is not afraid to make difficult decisions as he is determined to protect his family from harm. The character was a First World War veteran, meaning he received training, making him a formidable opponent.
He is a successful businessman, using his intelligence to lead the Peaky Blinders gang into being a major criminal organization. Thomas commands respect and is capable of leading his followers and gaining their loyalty, making him a badass character.
2 Negan Smith - The Walking Dead
Another character from The Walking Dead who is the most badass is Negan Smith. He was also a survivor of the zombie apocalypse as well as the former leader of Saviors. Negan’s charisma and commanding presence make him a natural leader, and he is often seen as the face of the evil forces that the main characters must face.
He is known for his brutal and sadistic methods of punishment, which are often inflicted upon the other characters in the show. Negan’s unique personality and character development over the course of the show make him a truly unforgettable character. He is a bad-guy-turned-good-guy rather than a one-dimensional villain.
1 Tyrion Lannister - Game of Thrones
Tyrion Lannister is one of the most cunning and intelligent characters in Game of Thrones. He has faced discrimination and ridicule on another level for his small stature, despite being born into a wealthy family. The character has always been underestimated by people around him and ignored by his own family.
However, Tyrion used this to increase his knowledge, fueling his drive to prove himself as an equal to others. He has proved countless times that he is a capable leader as well as competent. Tyrion has also proved to be an excellent strategist along with a sharp wit, never stopping himself from speaking his mind no matter who he is talking to, making him a complete badass.