Power Rangers: 10 Best Red Rangers Ranked (And The Top 5 Will Surprise You)

The *Power Rangers* series has many popular characters, and a lot of fans especially love the Red Rangers. Since Red Rangers are usually the team leaders, they often get the most attention. However, they also face a lot of criticism, so it’s really something special when a Red Ranger becomes a fan favorite. We decided to highlight the top 10 Red Rangers from the TV show, movies, and comics, and you might be surprised by who made our top 5!

10. Tommy – Power Rangers Zeo

At number 10, we have a truly iconic Power Ranger – Tommy Oliver. It’s a bit surprising he isn’t ranked higher, considering his overall impact on the franchise. If we were considering his complete legacy, he’d easily be a top contender.

As a huge Power Rangers fan, I always thought Tommy’s time as the Red Ranger was amazing, but looking back, his Zeo season really stood out. He wasn’t just a leader for a couple of seasons, but during Zeo, he faced *so* much. The season literally kicked off with the Command Center blowing up! Then, on top of that, he was dealing with his breakup with Kimberly, found out he had a brother, and even got brainwashed at one point, almost turning against his friends. It was a really intense and pivotal time for his character, and honestly, made that season so memorable for me.

Tommy had some great moments throughout the series, and his time as the Zeo Ranger was recently highlighted in a special 25th anniversary episode with a full action sequence. While it might not have reached the heights of his Green or White Ranger days, Tommy’s Zeo era was still exciting and deserves recognition.

9. Carter – Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue

Okay, next up is *Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue*, and that’s where we all first met Carter Grayson! What I always loved about Carter is that he was *already* a hero before becoming the Red Ranger – he was a firefighter dedicated to protecting the city. Honestly, he’s pretty much the ideal leader, though sometimes his strictness did cause a little friction with the rest of the team throughout the show.

Even with his flaws, Carter consistently proves himself to be both highly skilled and remarkably tough, whether he’s fighting fires or working as a Ranger. He even extends this helpfulness beyond his own team, returning to assist other Rangers in special team-up episodes. While he improves somewhat as a leader, Carter doesn’t experience much personal growth, which holds him back a little in overall ranking. Nevertheless, he remains a fantastic character and definitely earns his place among the best.

8. Lauren – Power Rangers Super Samurai

Now, let’s talk about Lauren Shiba from *Super Samurai*. She became the Red Ranger later in the season than some others, so there’s less footage of her in the role. However, her performance as the Red Ranger was excellent – even though there isn’t a ton of it, the scenes we *do* have are fantastic.

Lauren stepped into the Red Ranger position after her brother Jayden and quickly proved she was up to the task. She not only had improved skills, but she also led the team just as well, and perhaps even better, during her time as Ranger.

Lauren quickly became a popular character, and it’s easy to see why if you consider her work in both the TV show and the comics. She was fantastic in *Power Rangers Shattered Grid*, excelling both on her own and as a team leader, and even had a memorable partnership with the original Red Ranger during that storyline. Beyond *Shattered Grid*, she’s continued to impress as the main Ranger in *Power Rangers Prime*, consistently demonstrating strong leadership even when facing difficult challenges.

7. TJ – Power Rangers Turbo

Okay, let’s talk Power Rangers Turbo! We already mentioned one of their Red Rangers before, but I really want to focus on the *real* leader: TJ, the Red Ranger. Just like with Lauren from Super Megaforce, even though TJ didn’t stay the Red Ranger for a super long time, it doesn’t take away from how awesome they were!

TJ is a fan favorite Ranger, and it felt natural for him to become the new Red Ranger when Tommy Oliver chose him for the role. He took that responsibility to heart, consistently prioritizing the safety of others and risking his own well-being. While the final fight didn’t go as planned, and he later became the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers In Space, his time as the Red Ranger left a lasting impact.

6. Trini – Omega Rangers

A common thread among these Rangers is that you don’t need a long history as the Red Ranger to be memorable, and that applies to Trini Kwan as well. While most fans know Trini as the Yellow Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, those who read the Power Rangers comics from BOOM! Studios will recall she later became the Red Ranger and led the Omega Rangers.

Trini briefly served as the Red Ranger when she and Jason swapped colors, but that didn’t last. Later, after Trini, Jason, and Zack became Omega Rangers, Jason lost his connection to the Morphin Grid, allowing Trini to permanently take on the role of Red Ranger. This was a well-earned moment, as Trini had been a deeply developed character throughout the Power Rangers comics, with her story building towards this final chapter.

Trini faced a uniquely massive threat compared to other Rangers. Almost immediately after becoming the Red Ranger, she led the Omega Rangers against a powerful Dark Specter and his army during what was arguably the Rangers’ most dangerous crisis. Despite the odds, she succeeded, achieving significant victories in a short period and establishing herself as one of the most accomplished Red Rangers.

5. Wes – Power Rangers Time Force

Let’s talk about Wes Collins, our number 9 pick from Power Rangers Time Force. Wes has a really strong character arc – he grows a lot, both as a person and as a leader. What makes his introduction especially unique is that he’s genetically identical to the current Red Ranger, Alex, when the series starts.

I always loved Wes in Power Rangers Time Force! He had a lot of tough relationships – especially with his dad, Jen, and even Alex at first. But even when they were arguing, he was still such a good guy, you couldn’t help but like him. It was awesome seeing how he eventually built real friendships with everyone, and especially with Jen. That’s why it made sense when he became the Red Ranger! He wasn’t the official leader, Jen was, but he was totally essential to the team and felt like a true part of their family.

Wes remains an important character throughout the Power Rangers franchise, consistently appearing to help other Ranger teams – including Wild Force, Megaforce, Ninja Steel, and HyperForce. He always provides a steady, calm, and dependable influence whenever he appears.

4. Zayto – Power Rangers Dino Fury

Let’s talk about Power Rangers Dino Fury! This season introduced Zayto, a Ranger who was originally from 65 million years ago and kept hidden underground. When he wakes up after the Sporix are released, we get a really fun story about a hero adjusting to a completely new world, and it’s a joy to watch.

Zayto stands out as particularly likable among the Rangers. This is partly because it’s fun watching him experience Earth and its culture for the first time, but also because he genuinely cares about others and feels a strong responsibility to protect his new home. He’s also a character with a deep backstory; the series explores the secrets of his home planet, Rafkon, his family, and the true origins of the Sporix throughout the season.

Zayto is a really compelling Red Ranger. His complex backstory gives the writers a lot to work with, and it’s hilarious watching him try to use modern slang. He’s quickly become one of my favorites!

3. Andros – Power Rangers In Space

I absolutely love Power Rangers In Space! If you’re a fan of intense storylines and unexpected turns, you *have* to check it out. It introduces Andros, the Red Ranger, in what I think is one of the most exciting season openers ever. You quickly find out he’s on a desperate mission to find Zordon, who’s been captured by the villainous Dark Specter. It’s a really compelling story!

That’s just the beginning of a much bigger story. We soon find out Andros has been relentlessly searching for his missing sister, who shockingly turns out to be Astronema’s brainwashed stepdaughter. Plus, Andros is also desperately trying to revive his best friend, Zhane, who’s currently in a coma and frozen in a cryogenic tube.

It would be tough for any Power Ranger to handle everything Andros went through. Despite his own struggles with trust and personal weaknesses, he learned to rely on a new team and led them in a fight against a major Power Rangers villain. He also faced off against the Psycho Rangers and even became a Solar Ranger in the comics. All of this proves Andros more than deserves his place on this list, considering the obstacles he’s overcome.

2. Amelia – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury

No list of top Red Rangers would be complete without including Amelia Jones from *Power Rangers Cosmic Fury*, so she comes in at number two. Amelia first won fans over as the Pink Ranger in *Power Rangers Dino Fury*, and her compassion, humor, and interest in the paranormal only made her more popular throughout the season. The fact that she shared a connection with Zayto as a Rafkonian added to her appeal and made her a truly beloved character.

That’s why it was so exciting to see her become the Red Ranger and team leader in *Cosmic Fury*, and she really excelled in the role. The series began with Amelia immediately facing challenges – an ex-boyfriend turned villain and injuries to her teammates – and she handled everything with impressive skill.

Watching Amelia step up was a real highlight for me. She wasn’t just filling Zayto’s shoes, she was forging her own path as a leader, and she handled it beautifully. Seriously, she guided the team through some massive challenges – everything from personal struggles to a full-blown return of Lord Zedd! In just one season, she quickly became a favorite of mine, and I’d put her right up there with the best Red Rangers ever. I’m really hoping to see this character again in future seasons – she’s that good.

1. Jason – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Let’s be real, you likely expected this. While the Power Rangers franchise has been around for over three decades and has had many different versions, there’s one series that began it all: *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers*. And when you think of Red Rangers, one character truly stands out as the most memorable.

When thinking about the best Red Ranger, it’s Jason Lee Scott – the original. Although I personally like Amelia or Andros more, Jason is so strongly connected to the role. That’s because he consistently showed great leadership and a heroic spirit throughout the first Power Rangers series, always putting the team first.

Jason wasn’t perfect, like any other hero, but he always stepped up when it counted. He consistently prioritized his team and the needs of others, even if it meant sacrificing his own desires. His evolving friendship with Tommy perfectly illustrates this selfless quality, a trait that defined him throughout his story. Even after long absences, Jason’s return always felt momentous – a true legend arriving on the scene.

The character becomes even more compelling when you explore the comics, which add layers of complexity to his personality. The series shows Jason grappling with the challenges of leadership, similar to the show, but it also delves into his complicated relationship with his father – a relationship that evolves further as his health declines.

Jason also experiences a romantic relationship with Trini, and he later takes a leadership role in the major storyline *Shattered Grid* as one of the Omega Rangers, facing even bigger challenges than before. Considering everything, Jason truly captures the essence of what it means to be a Red Ranger, making him the best one yet.

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2025-09-18 03:13