Most Unlikeable Characters In The Sopranos

The Sopranos remains incredibly popular even years after its 2007 finale, and rightfully so. It revolutionized television drama with its portrayal of a complex, flawed main character. The show’s immersive look into the world of crime – and the morally questionable actions of its characters – fundamentally changed how television dramas were made. By exploring the motivations behind these characters’ bad behavior, The Sopranos presented a nuanced view of evil, showcasing the complexities within each individual’s life.

The show The Sopranos featured a large and talented cast, creating many unforgettable characters. Online, people are still discussing the complex moral questions raised by these characters, often prompting viewers to rethink what they believe is right and wrong. Despite the depth of these characters, many are also incredibly unlikeable, making them some of the most hated figures in the series.

Mikey Palmice

Played by Al Sapienza

Mikey Palmice (played by Al Sapienza) quickly became a memorable villain in the first season of the show, serving as a ruthless enforcer for Junior Soprano. While some later bad guys were more complex or charming, Mikey was simply cruel from beginning to end. He enjoyed tormenting people and carried out violent acts with obvious pleasure, making him a purely vicious character driven by a love of violence.

Mikey’s constant conflict with Tony and Christopher, along with his cruel behavior, quickly led to his downfall – he was killed off after just 12 episodes. Most viewers weren’t sad to see him go, although some appreciated his over-the-top villainy. Despite his short time on the show, Mikey played an important role in establishing its dark atmosphere and introducing more nuanced enemies.

Tony Blundetto

Played by Steve Buscemi

The fifth season of the show featured Tony Soprano’s cousin, Tony Blundetto (played by Steve Buscemi), a former prisoner. Unlike many others, Tony genuinely wanted to change his life and stay out of trouble, which quickly made him a popular but controversial character. Sadly, his jealousy and bitterness toward others eventually led him down a violent path as he sought respect, creating one of the show’s most heartbreaking downfalls.

Though some villains seem purely chaotic, Tony displays a degree of intelligence and craftiness. However, he gets caught in a destructive cycle, ultimately destroying the delicate peace between New Jersey and New York. His unresolved past mistakes fuel poor choices. He’s a compelling but ultimately disappointing figure – a tragic waste of talent.

Corrado “Junior” Soprano

Played by Michael Rispoli

HBO

Corrado “Junior” Soprano (Dominic Chianese) first appeared in the show’s first season as the potential replacement for Jackie Aprile (Michael Rispoli) and eventually became the head of the DiMeo Crime Family. He was a significant uncle figure to Tony (James Gandolfini), often guiding and preparing him for a life of crime. However, after Jackie’s death, Junior and Tony clashed over who should take over leadership, leading to a bitter dispute.

Junior is portrayed as a resentful and insecure man, and the show reveals how his jealousy and sense of being wronged led to his troublesome reputation. His desire to control things with force stems from his feeling of being lower in status within the crime family. Unlike Tony and his father, Junior lacks originality and doesn’t command respect, making his leadership weak and frustrating for both those around him and the audience.

Paulie Gualtieri

Played by Tony Sirico

HBO

Paulie Gualtieri (Tony Sirico) was a memorable character known for both his witty lines and his poor judgment, especially under pressure. Initially a key member of Tony’s team, he could have been an asset in the conflict with Junior. But as Tony gained power, Paulie’s increasingly erratic behavior led to senseless and ultimately deadly situations.

As we’ve seen, Paulie’s physical strength, along with his increasing distrust of others, becomes a significant weakness throughout the story. He goes from intimidating his fellow crew members to violently reacting to minor issues – like shooting at a waiter over a bill he inflated himself – making him unpredictable and prone to outbursts.

It was clear to everyone why keeping Paulie around caused so many problems. Because of this, he’s become known as one of Tony’s biggest headaches and a particularly unpleasant character throughout the show.

Janice Soprano

Played by Aida Turturro

HBO

Janice Soprano (Aida Turturro), Tony’s sister, wasn’t the most ruthless person in her family, but she definitely had a knack for being underhanded. Throughout the show, Janice became known for her sneaky behavior and willingness to undermine others. She always looked out for herself, which made her fit in with the mobsters, but often annoyed those around her.

Janice, like many in her circle, consistently takes advantage of people she cares about to get what she wants. She’s allied herself with enemies like Richie and Ralph, and even tried to exploit the children of a grieving woman in her search for a relationship. Though not as ruthless as some of the show’s biggest villains, her manipulative behavior has earned her a poor reputation with viewers.

Jackie Aprile, Jr.

Played by Jason Cerbone

HBO

I always found Jackie Aprile Jr. fascinating, though frustrating to watch. He started off seeming like someone with real potential, the son of a powerful man, but he just couldn’t seem to get things together. Honestly, his attempts to gain respect and power were more pathetic than impressive – they felt born out of desperation, not strength. It was almost painful to watch him repeatedly make bad choices, and it sadly felt like he was always heading towards a really bad end.

Jackie often acted selfishly, from cheating at games to faking a robbery, and seemed to think he deserved to be in charge. However, his actions showed he wasn’t genuinely seeking respect or control. Ultimately, Jackie left a lasting impression on viewers – but mostly as a frustrating and annoying character.

Anthony John “A.J.” Soprano Jr.

Played by Robert Iler

HBO

We first see A.J. (Robert Iler) as Tony’s son, who doesn’t seem to measure up to his sister Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler). At first, we feel sorry for him, especially because he’s constantly compared to his more successful family. But as the show goes on, it becomes frustrating to watch A.J. avoid taking responsibility and waste his opportunities, as he lacks drive and common sense.

A.J. is going through a significant and interesting change, offering both fresh experiences for him and a new perspective on a character we thought we knew. However, some viewers find his passivity frustrating. Many are disappointed by his inability to recognize his own unhappiness, leaving a negative impression.

Christopher Moltisanti

Played by Michael Imperioli

HBO

Christopher Moltisanti (played by Michael Imperioli) is one of the most memorable characters from the show, and many viewers see him as a representation of a path not taken – a look at how things could have been different.

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Seen as Tony’s likely successor, Christopher surprisingly became a successful and important part of the criminal organization while also pursuing interests in the entertainment world. Like many of his friends, he struggled with addiction, which hindered his chances at a fulfilling life.

Christopher is fiercely loyal, sometimes to his own detriment. His ambition and commitment to the Mafia drove him to extreme lengths to succeed and prove himself within the crime family. Despite consistently causing problems, battling personal issues with his girlfriend Adriana, and making rash choices, Christopher Moltisanti has become a popular, albeit flawed, character known for his memorable lines.

Livia Soprano

Played by Nancy Marchand

HBO

Livia Soprano (Nancy Marchand) appears in the first episode of the series as the mother of Tony and Janice. She’s famous for her sharp and often hurtful comments towards her children. To say she had a difficult relationship with them would be an understatement. After her daughters grew up and moved away, she relied on Tony, who then became the main focus of her criticism.

Once Livia moved into a retirement home, she began getting revenge on her son, Tony, by interfering with his dangerous mafia business, repeatedly putting his life at risk. Throughout his life, Tony knew his mother seemed to enjoy the misfortune of others. But the root of her bitterness stemmed from a difficult upbringing – she was raised in poverty by Italian immigrant parents – a background many people can relate to.

Phil Leotardo

Played by Frank Vincent

HBO

Phil Leotardo (played by Frank Vincent) is a powerful and respected captain within the Lupertazzi crime family. First appearing in the fifth season, Phil quickly becomes a problem for Tony after he doesn’t resolve a disagreement. Though that initial issue is quickly settled, it marks the beginning of a series of conflicts between them. As their rivalry develops, Phil’s selfish and ruthless nature becomes clear, and he uses his influence to try and ruin Tony and those close to him.

I have to say, Phil is just terrifying. Watching the show, it’s clear he’s capable of unbelievable cruelty. The way he treated Vito was awful, and he didn’t even seem to care about people like Angelo, who were supposedly on his side. He really sees himself as above everyone else and will punish anyone who displeases him without a second thought. It’s strange, because he is often darkly funny, which fits the show’s tone perfectly. But honestly, all that humor doesn’t hide the fact that he’s a truly ruthless villain. He’s one of the most chilling characters on the show, and I can’t help but be horrified by his actions.

2026-02-19 20:06