Top 10 Best How I Met Your Mother Characters

The characters in How I Met Your Mother are what made the show such a lasting hit, turning everyday life in New York into a wild ride of heartfelt friendships, ridiculous schemes, and more catchphrases than you can count. Each one of them brought their own unique spin to the series, from Ted's hopeless romanticism to Barney's legendary antics, making them memorable in completely different ways.
The Top Ten
Barney Stinson Barney Stinson is a charismatic and eccentric friend of Ted's, known for his womanizing ways and his catchphrases. He works at Goliath National Bank, often shrouded in mystery about his role.

I would describe Barney as a brave soldier. His childhood wasn't great, and his adulthood is an emotional rollercoaster for the guy, which he hides from the rest.

He says he is fine and puts on a brave face, but in reality, he is a broken man. He is just the greatest character, and Robin never deserved him. He should have stayed with Nora.

This is a no-brainer. Barney kept the show from being canceled. He was so funny and awesome. Sad that he didn't get the ending he deserved. He got robbed in the last episode, but he is one of the greatest characters on TV.

Marshall Eriksen Marshall Eriksen, a close friend of Ted's, is a kind-hearted lawyer from Minnesota with a passion for environmental law. He is married to Lily Aldrin, with whom he shares a long-lasting relationship.

Barney's definitely the breakout character, but Marshall's my favorite because he's the biggest goofball out there. And an extremely lovable goofball as well.

Marshall and Lily's relationship is the epitome of a PERFECT MATCH, which makes for some really heartwarming moments. Barney's hilarious, and so is Marshall, yet Barney's a pretty bad person, and a little hard to relate to.

Marshall is by far the most relatable character on the show, and he's the one that I've grown to love.

Marshall is the second funniest, the first being Barney (of course), and most relatable. He also has one of the best relationships on television. I love his little songs that he makes up about mundane events.

Ted Mosby Ted Mosby is an architect and the central narrator of the series, recounting to his children the journey of how he met their mother. His close friendships with Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney shape much of his story.

Barney is definitely the coolest and most fun character, but Ted is just great. There aren't enough words to describe him. He is absolutely romantic, and I love it!

He is cute, charming, a lot of fun, passionate, and he believes in love. Also, he is still the main character, and his love story is the reason why we watched the whole show! Appreciate Ted Mosby!

He is so sensitive and expresses his emotions. After all, he is the main character, and his love life is the main story.

There are not enough words to describe Ted Mosby: passionate, funny, sensitive, emotional, brave, outgoing, believer.

Robin Scherbatsky Robin Scherbatsky is a Canadian journalist who becomes one of Ted's closest friends and a long-time romantic interest. She has a complex relationship with her career and her personal life, often caught between both.

She's just straight-up cool! She can handle her scotch, she is strong, independent, ambitious without playing the stereotypical feminist. She is honest about what she wants and doesn't want and can be the voice of reason to some of the other characters.

Ted playing detective: "Robin, I appreciate your help, but there's a reason your name is Robin, not Batman." Haha!

Her crying under that table with a bottle in her hand. I can't think of anything funnier than that.

Lily Aldrin Lily Aldrin is an aspiring artist and kindergarten teacher who is married to Marshall Eriksen. She is known for her assertive personality and dedication to her friends.

Voting for Lily because I think she should be above Robin. Don't get me wrong, Robin from seasons 1 to 4/5 was fun to watch, but after that, she became annoying. Things like her truth voice or just the way she got offended when Marshall thought Lily was hotter than Robin made me dislike her.

Not to mention the time she threw the open house for Barney's apartment (without Barney's permission) and the Minnesota Tidal Wave thing. I get it's for the laughs, but it never worked for me.

Meanwhile, Lily is an interesting character that has developed quite a bit.

Tracy McConnell (The Mother) Tracy McConnell is Ted's eventual wife and the mother of his children, whose story is gradually revealed throughout the series. Known for her warm personality and musical talent, she deeply impacts the lives of those around her.

She is actually a really nice character, and it would have been great if she had a bigger role in the show.

Anyway, she shouldn't die, and Ted shouldn't be with Robin in the end. She is the coolest character in the show. I love her.

Just... Just... Just watch season 9. Especially How Your Mother Met Me. She's almost the best (behind Barney, of course).

Ranjit Singh Ranjit Singh is a friendly, often humorous cab and limo driver who frequently drives Ted and his friends around New York. He shares a unique bond with the group and appears throughout their adventures.

Funniest character. Should've appeared more.

Marvin Eriksen Sr. Marvin Eriksen Sr. is Marshall's father, who is known for his wisdom, warmth, and deep love for his family. His passing deeply impacts Marshall and becomes a significant part of his character's journey.
James Stinson James Stinson is Barney's openly gay brother, who has a strong relationship with Barney despite their differences. He eventually settles down with his partner and starts a family.

Islands in the stream, that is what we are.

He's black and gay. What's not to love?

Victoria Victoria is a baker whom Ted meets at a wedding, and she becomes one of his early serious relationships. Known for her kind nature, she plays an important role in Ted's love life.

The Newcomers

? George Van Smoot (The Captain) George Van Smoot, known as "The Captain," is an eccentric and wealthy art collector and Zoey's husband. His distinctive mannerisms and passion for boating make him memorable among Ted's acquaintances.

The Captain should honestly be top 3, hands down.

? Mitch "The Naked Man" Thompson Mitch "The Naked Man" Thompson is a character known for his "Naked Man" dating strategy, which humorously involves surprising dates by being undressed. His method inspires the group to explore its effectiveness.
The Contenders
Sandy Rivers Sandy Rivers is a pompous news anchor who works alongside Robin and often showcases his shallow personality. He is known for his humorous overconfidence on and off the screen.
Wendy the Waitress Wendy the Waitress works at MacLaren's Pub and frequently serves Ted and his friends, developing a friendship with them over time. She occasionally appears in their personal storylines, contributing to the group's shared space at the bar.
Steve "The Blitz" Henry Steve "The Blitz" Henry is a friend of Ted's group who is humorously cursed with bad luck by frequently missing exciting events. His absence often coincides with the group's memorable moments, giving him his nickname.

Gotta love the Blitz episode. One of the funniest of the series.

William Zabka William Zabka appears as himself, known for his roles in the "Karate Kid" series, often befriending Barney, who idolizes him. His self-aware humor and guest appearances add a fun dynamic to the series.
Klaus Klaus is a German man who is briefly engaged to Victoria, Ted's former girlfriend. He ultimately realizes he isn't fully in love with her, inspiring her to reconsider her own relationship with Ted.
Nora Nora is one of Barney's romantic interests, notable for her grace and traditional values. She becomes serious with Barney for a time, challenging his usual approach to relationships.

She's basically the perfect girl!

Mickey Aldrin Mickey Aldrin is Lily's father, known for his eccentric inventions and turbulent relationship with Lily. He eventually becomes more involved in her life, especially as a grandfather to her child.
Zoey Pierson Zoey Pierson is an activist who initially opposes Ted's architectural project but later becomes romantically involved with him. Her passionate nature and complex motivations add depth to her character.
Carl MacLaren Carl MacLaren is the bartender at MacLaren's Pub, where Ted and his friends often gather. He is friendly with the group and has a quiet but consistent presence throughout their time at the bar.
Quinn Garvey Quinn Garvey is a clever and strong-willed stripper who becomes one of Barney's serious romantic partners. Her intelligence and independence make her a unique addition to Barney's relationships.
Arthur Hobbs Arthur Hobbs, nicknamed "Artillery Arthur," is Marshall's tough boss at Goliath National Bank. He is known for his aggressive demeanor but has a humorous soft side when it comes to his small dog, Tugboat.

How is he so low? He is my favorite (besides Barney, of course). His dog is awesome too.

Patrice Patrice is a co-worker of Robin's at World Wide News, known for her overly cheerful and friendly personality. Her kindness often irritates Robin, creating a humorous running gag in the series.
Jerome Whittaker Jerome Whittaker is Barney's father, who reconnects with him after years of estrangement. Their reunion challenges Barney's views on fatherhood and his perception of himself.
Kevin Venkataraghavan Kevin Venkataraghavan is Robin's therapist-turned-boyfriend, whose calm demeanor and insight into others bring a unique dynamic to their relationship. He navigates the complexities of dating within his profession and Robin's group of friends.

When he offers to go to Weird Al with Ted, who was an ass to him, it shows how much of a nice person he was. He was even willing to forgive Robin and try to help her, and got screwed over by her.

Wish he could have been on the show longer.

Stella Zinman Stella Zinman is a dermatologist who briefly becomes engaged to Ted, marking a significant romantic chapter in his life. Their relationship faces challenges, particularly when Stella reunites with her ex.
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