Top 10 Best Warrior Cats Clan Leaders

Every leader in the world of Warrior Cats has a tale to tell. They've braved countless moons of adversity, clashed with formidable foes, and made difficult decisions for the welfare of their clan. Their bravery, wisdom, and even their shortcomings have played a crucial role in shaping the fate of their clans.

From the valiant leaders of ThunderClan to the crafty chiefs of ShadowClan, from the sagacious heads of RiverClan to the fleet-footed rulers of WindClan, and not to forget the tenacious commanders of SkyClan, each leader has etched an unforgettable legacy in the chronicles of Warrior Cats.

So, go ahead and pick your favorite. Bear in mind, there's no right or wrong pick here. Each leader, in their unique way, has demonstrated what it truly means to bear the burden of the clan, to make the tough calls, and to lead with honor and integrity.

So, who will it be? The decision is all yours. Relish the journey and may StarClan guide your path.

The Top Ten

Firestar (ThunderClan)

Firestar is a central character in the Warrior Cats series. He rises to become the leader of ThunderClan after Bluestar. Firestar is mates with Sandstorm and has two kits named Squirrelflight and Leafpool.
Originally, Firestar was a kittypet named Rusty before joining the clan. He dies from fatal... read more

Awesome! I don't know why people don't like him! He's fair, kind, and loves his Clan. Good mate and father and leader. Very noble. But the worship thing IS a little over the top.

Firestar was very noble, and he never fought unless it was necessary. I forgot he was a kittypet until now actually!! Firestar was definitely a great leader!

Firestar is awesome! He did a great job saving the forest from Scourge, and he saved Ravenpaw, at least from Tigerstar. He proved that Tigerstar was wrong and saved Bluestar from being killed by him.
He proved his loyalty even though he joined as a kittypet. It was right of Bluestar to name him Fire because of the prophecy that fire will save the clan.
I think Sandstorm was the right mate for him. First, Spottedleaf was a medicine cat, and honestly, I do not think they would have been a good couple. When I started reading, I was sort of confused about whether he had a crush on Spottedleaf or not. Anyway, Firestar was awesome. He did so much for his clan, and he died bravely.
That is all I can say.
Bluestar (ThunderClan)

Bluestar is a character in the Warrior Cats book series and served as a leader of ThunderClan. She broke the warrior code by becoming mates with Oakheart of RiverClan and giving birth to three kits: Stonefur, Mistyfoot, and Mosskit. Stonefur and Mistyfoot remained in RiverClan, while Mosskit tragically... read more

Bluestar was a really good and fair leader until she went insane. And her kits thing was really sad, but she saved her Clan and reconnected with her kits eventually.

Bluestar isn't my favorite cat ever, considering the fact that she basically caused Swiftpaw to die and Brightheart to get her injuries, but I can admit that she was an okay leader. She gave up her kits and her true love (no, I don't ship Blue X Oak, but it's better than Blue X Thistle or any of the other Bluestar ships) just to save her Clan from Thistleclaw. That's a really hard thing to do!
She also gave up her life to save Fireheart from the dog pack. Even though she knew what could happen to herself and to them, she told her kits the truth about being their mother because she knew it was time for them to know the truth. Bluestar is a pretty good mother too! She's a great leader all the same, so Bluestar gets my vote!
Crookedstar (RiverClan)

Crookedstar is a huge, light brown tabby tom with green eyes and a twisted jaw.
He served as the RiverClan leader in the forest territories. Born Stormkit to Rainflower and Shellheart, he had a brother named Oakheart. After suffering a broken jaw in an accident, he was renamed Crookedkit at Rainflower's... read more

By the way, his super edition, Crookedstar's Promise, is the best by a landslide. As Stormkit, he was loved, but then Rainflower completely changed her attitude. After his jaw broke, she renamed him CROOKEDkit. Just think about it: you're a baby, and your mom changes your name to emphasize your physical deformity.
Rainflower even went on to say heartless things about him, telling Oakheart something along the lines of why do you care about him? He'll never be as good as you when Oakheart became an apprentice. Crookedstar loved Willowbreeze deeply. Their relationship was incredibly sweet. The deaths of his kits and Willowbreeze were the saddest I've ever read.
Despite the hardship, he remains one of the strongest and most loyal warriors throughout the book. He doesn't become all muscle and no brain like Lionblaze. He made a promise to Mapleshade to be the strongest warrior he could be. Even after enduring so much sadness, he leads his clan exceptionally well. It's explicitly stated in Crookedstar's Promise that the warriors count their battles with reeds because they haven't lost a single one in moons.
Overall, even after the death of Silverstream (his daughter), I've come to understand his perspective. I used to think he was horrible for demanding the kits, but now I understand why he did it. Despite the tragedies, he was a great, sensible leader. He used his deformed jaw for humor but never let it take over his life.
Tallstar (WindClan)

Tallstar is a large black-and-white tom with powerful shoulders, strong paws, and a very long, thin black tail tipped with white. He has short, thick fur, amber eyes, and a white muzzle and paws. Tallstar is a character in the Warriors book series by Erin Hunter and served as the leader of WindClan,... read more

Tallstar was calm, and even his last words were honestly pretty noble. I was sad when he died, though. I am glad Mudclaw didn't become leader.

He was amazing! Tallstar has been my favorite cat from all the warrior books. His death was tragic, but he was the wisest leader I knew. His choice of Onestar becoming WindClan's new leader wasn't a wise choice. Battles raged across the new moors of WindClan. Mudclaw was full of depressing ambition with Hawkfrost by his side.
Strong and wise, Tallstar was determined to do the best he could before his ninth life slipped away. Jake had inspired him to find kindness even in the midst of battles when it came to generosity. If Jake was a clan cat, he would be one of my favorites. He knew there was kindness in everyone, even the most ambitious leader. He helped Tallstar through the bumpiest roads to find his true destiny. Tallstar was wise and thoughtful just because one cat made a difference to him.
Mistystar (RiverClan)

Mistystar is a lithe, pale blue-gray she-cat with thick, sleek fur, a pink nose, a plump tail, and wide, ice-blue eyes. Her mother was Bluestar and her father was Oakheart. Her adopted parents were Graypool and Thrushpelt.... read more

She was a good leader, loved and stood up for RiverClan. She was peaceful, compassionate, and respected the other Clans while always loyal to her own Clan. I did not like that she closed the border after Onestar did so soon before, and she sided with the impostor, but she always came back to good and was awesome. RIP Mistystar.

She was a good leader and a friend of Silverstream. She and Graypool helped Fireheart and Graystripe figure out if Tigerclaw killed Oakheart.
She also did well in mentoring Feathertail. Also, she stepped in when Crookedstar was blaming Fireheart and Graystripe, even though they had just saved her kits.
Leafstar (SkyClan)

Yes! Very peaceful and welcoming. Her only mistakes? Banishing Sol to hurt the other Clans, but to be fair she didn't mean to, and crashing out over Tigerstar's takeover and leaving. But who wouldn't want to leave after that butthead tries to take your land! I hate you, Tigerstar! He was fine as deputy, though. Anyways, Leafstar always does good for her Clan and does her best for them, and is adaptable, like with daylight warriors and the mediator for Tree.

Leafstar is one of my favorite leaders. She was a rogue in her past, and rogues are usually mean (besides Ravenpaw and Barley), but she is a good leader.
Firestar went from kittypet to leader, Raggedstar went from half kittypet to leader, Nightstar went from elder to leader, and Leafstar went from rogue to leader. She is the right leader for SkyClan.
Sunstar (ThunderClan)

I was upset when Sunstar died. He was a good leader.
When Pinestar became a kittypet, my quarrel was with him. It always has been. Sunstar was a good mentor to Bluestar, and I'm happy he chose Bluestar for deputy, not Thistleclaw.

He's not a very major character, but he's definitely worth the vote. Why? Because he helped Bluestar a lot whenever she was upset, even though at first Bluestar didn't like that. He also had the good sense to choose Bluestar for deputy and NOT Thistleclaw.
Imagine if he'd chosen Thistleclaw, who was much more experienced than Bluestar. ThunderClan would have turned into a living disaster.
Bramblestar (ThunderClan)

Bramblestar is the leader of ThunderClan in the Warriors book series. His mate is Squirrelflight, and their kits are Dandelionkit, Juniperkit, Sparkpelt, and Alderheart. He is the son of Goldenflower and Tigerstar, and his sister is Tawnypelt.... read more

I feel like he's a good leader since he's pretty peaceful, as seen with the whole Tigerstar Two wanting SkyClan land. He was kind of mean to Squirrel sometimes and thought he knew best, and he was kind of obsessive about being deputy, but he's a good leader overall.

Bramblestar, it was unkind of you to get angry with Squirrelflight for lying to you about Leafpool's kits and for saying Hawkfrost was suspicious. Squirrelflight did both for your own good! Other than that, you have been a good leader, and ThunderClan is lucky to have you.
You were very kind to all the cats and took great care of your Clan, especially during the flood in Bramblestar's Storm. When the imposter took over your body, it was quite frightening, but I'm glad you were injured in that battle so Squirrelflight could become the temporary leader because she is the best! I want you to die so Squirrelflight can become the leader, but that means Squirrelflight will probably still want to save you because she isn't ready for you to die.
So, if you return to ThunderClan alive and Shadowsight doesn't listen to any strange visions about killing you, everything will go back to normal.
Thunderstar (ThunderClan)

Thunderstar did well in protecting ThunderClan.
Not only was he the first leader of ThunderClan, he was a good leader who made the right decision in picking Lightningtail to be deputy.

Very strong and noble leader. He had a very mentally hard life with his mother dead and a father who rejected him. He was strong and noble, a good leader.
Son of Storm and Skystar, he was amazing and suffered much with the death of his best friend, Lightning Tail. His mate was Violet Dawn and he had four kits with her. He was a very good leader, may he reside in StarClan for moons to come. May he find good hunting, swift running, and shelter where he sleeps - Sapphirefrost, newly appointed medicine cat of TwilightClan.
Leopardstar (RiverClan)

Leopardstar is a golden tabby she-cat with amber eyes.
Leopardstar was a leader of RiverClan in both the forest and lake territories. Leopardkit was born to Mudfur and Brightsky alongside three unnamed kits. However, Brightsky and the littermates died during the kitting. Mudfur named her after... read more

I think Leopardstar was great. She didn't drive her Clan into war a whole bunch, but only when it was bad enough. I don't really like how she was so crazy on her last two lives. It is like, we get it. You are dying. Why make such a big deal out of it? But Mistystar was an amazing leader of RiverClan.
- Echopaw

She is the best leader because she was not instantly great at her job. She had to work for what she had and did not always make the right choices, which made her real and relatable. Everyone makes bad decisions sometimes, but she came back and kept trying anyway.
People say she was grouchy, but Jayfeather and Yellowfang were also grouchy. Because they were part of the main clan, ThunderClan, and usually agreed with the main characters or were the main character, people do not hate them as much. I love Jayfeather and Yellowfang, but the hate toward Leopardstar ignores the effort she put into being the best leader she could be.

The Newcomers

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Harestar (WindClan)

Harestar is a good leader of WindClan. He was Tornear's apprentice, and he chose Crowfeather as deputy.
I'm on Power of Three, but I learned a lot about him. Also, Heathertail is a jerk.

He's so underrated. Not many people probably know about him since he's in the newer books, but I think he is a really smart and fair leader of WindClan.
He's one of my favorites.

I don't know why I like him. He's just nice.
At this point, I'll settle for a leader that isn't a mass murderer, a terrible mate, or lacking common sense - you get the idea.
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Buzzardstar (SkyClan)

The Contenders

Windstar (WindClan)

She was fast, lithe, stubborn, and wily. I like her a lot because she had unique leadership qualities and she cared for the cats that she'd known.
However, she was distrusting and hostile toward the cats that she never met and believed could possibly be a threat to her Clan. Overall, she's a good leader who cares for her Clan and family above all else.

She's awesome. She saved one of my favorite characters, Jagged Peak, and she was a good leader. She and Gorse took new names to prove that they really wanted to be in Tall Shadow/Grey Wing's group. She is just plain awesome.
- Lindenheart, proud deputy of ForestClan
Blackstar (ShadowClan)

Bro, he worked very hard to make his clan proud. Sure, he was powerful and a bit stubborn, but he made his clan very strong.
He may have been tricked a lot, like by Sol, but he shouldn't even be down here for any reason. He lost his faith in StarClan but redeemed it. He killed some cats, but later on, he realized what a big mistake he was making when Scourge came along.
He's made mistakes, but any leader can - Firestar included! What I'm saying is that Blackstar doesn't deserve to be ranked this low. He was one of the best ShadowClan leaders.

Why is Blackstar down here? He was ambitious but had pride in his clan. He made the wrong decisions sometimes, but it was for the good of his clan. It's wonderful how he tried so very hard to redeem ShadowClan and to make them powerful again. I believe he succeeded!
Blackstar makes mistakes, but every leader does. Don't tell me I'm wrong! He killed Stonefur only to prove loyalty. All cats would follow their leader. And that's what Blackstar did. All in all, he's a great leader.
Cloudstar (SkyClan)

Poor, poor Cloudstar. I'm so glad that he finally believes again in StarClan. He was a good cat, to say the least. But he reminds me of a hapless, middle-aged version of Firestar. Birdflight is like Sandstorm, totally. Cloudstorm is an amazing name, too. But that's not the thing. He's an overall great cat. Very sad, though, near the ending. I don't like how he denied believing in StarClan, though. I pity the fool!

I cried so much when I read how Cloudstar was kicked out of his territory. I blame it all on Redstar and ThunderClan! If they had stopped attacking SkyClan when they knew it was weak, maybe SkyClan would have recovered.
Cloudstar was forced to leave his home and his kits. Why give them to ThunderClan?
Skystar (SkyClan)

Okay, sure, Clear Sky was a jerk in the first two books, but he lost Bright Stream and Storm. He also lost his brother, Gray Wing, and his sister, Fluttering Bird.

Hang on, haters. This is the cat who lost two mates, almost all his kits, the trust of everyone, his medicine cat, and his brother and mom. Just because he did terrible things doesn't mean he's terrible. In fact, he's probably the best leader because of how many mistakes he's had to learn from. Skystar is the best leader. Firestar is bossier than 10 Tsunamis from Wings of Fire. He should be, like, 8.
Riverstar (RiverClan)

Riverstar should definitely be higher on the list. Honestly, the Erins didn't really focus on him that much, so we didn't get to see a lot of his character.
I wish they made a super edition or novella just focusing on him. Also, everything is about ThunderClan. Why not change it up and focus on RiverClan for a change? I know they have before. I just wish it had been more.

River was such a calm cat! He led RiverClan well and was the best founder of the clans. He was kind-hearted, intelligent, and more! He should be in the top 5 instead of number 17.
Firestar was boring after The Prophecy Begins, so I don't really like him anymore. Just my opinion, River was an awesome leader!
Nightstar (ShadowClan)

I think he was going to go back to moonstone to get his nine lives after Brokenstar died. I really think the lives he would get, would turn him into such a great leader. Understanding, loyal, ambitious to the clan's strength and health.
I could see him fighting a horde of badgers, by himself, for the protection of ShadowClan.

Even though Nightstar didn't live too long, and he wasn't actually accepted properly, I feel like he would have been one of the greatest ShadowClan leaders. He was really caring and protective, willing to put himself before his clan. He was also reasonable and fair and avoided causing trouble so the clans could be at peace. Nightstar really proved his loyalty in Exile From ShadowClan.
Ripplestream
Onestar (WindClan)

Onestar is a fictional character from the book series "Warriors" by Erin Hunter. He was a leader of WindClan and was previously known as Onewhisker before becoming leader. Onestar is described as a small, mottled brown tom cat with a strong sense of loyalty to his clan.

He was a brave and capable leader, helping WindClan live up to its name. He accepted Tallstar's judgment in making him leader and kept his Clan strong against Mudclaw's rebellion. I think he deserves credit for that. He even earned the respect of his Clan, so he definitely deserves recognition.

I hate Onestar because he is rude, but he is still a great leader.
He is bold and gets into fights more often than Tallstar did, which can be good. He always protects his clan and sometimes does things right.
Shadowstar (ShadowClan)

My absolute favorite cat! She suffered so much, seeing the loss of her brother, Moon Shadow, and then Sun Shadow. She stepped down from her leadership position to care for her brother, and when she couldn't save him, she was absolutely devastated.
I felt so bad for her when her brother died, and then her deputy, Sun Shadow. But she was an amazing cat, clever, and she advised Gray Wing while he was leader. She felt comfortable in the darkness and night, as well as in the marshy land of the pines, and had sharp senses. Sometimes, she wasn't very sensitive to the other cats' feelings.

Shadowstar is an amazing leader! She was kind to her cats, and in a way, she sort of reminds me of Bluestar, just by the way she acts. She lost all her family and her sibling, but she still stayed strong and kept going throughout her entire life.
Shadowstar was great in Dawn of the Clans, and I still like her to this day. So, Shadowstar gets my vote!
Raggedstar (ShadowClan)

Wow, Raggedstar was killed by Brokenstar nine times, just like Scourge did with Tigerstar. Raggedstar didn't deserve to be treated badly as a kit, and Hal deserved to die. He led ShadowClan well after Cedarstar died.

To be honest, Brokenstar deserves to die twice, and Raggedstar should have lived. He and Yellowfang had something special. Yellowfang, as a kit, was the only one in her litter who didn't call Raggedstar a kittypet. She actually took him to find his father. Raggedstar did kill him - Hal deserved to die. Raggedstar led his clan well for the short time he lived and was the reason Sol left ShadowClan. He was one of the best leaders ShadowClan ever had.
Pinestar (ThunderClan)

Pinestar may have left to be a kittypet, but not all cats are suited for Clan life, like Sasha, Ravenpaw, and now Pinestar.
However, he is the reason Tigerstar is evil.

He was a brave and loyal leader, until he decided to turn into a poor, dependent kittypet! But come on, folks, that cat was wise and courageous, and made a lot of good decisions.

Pinestar is one of my favorite characters. He was a wise and peaceful leader, but he could not turn the tide against the endless cycle of bloodshed.
Hailstar (RiverClan)

I love Hailstar's way of leading. He doesn't judge Crookedkit once he returns from the barn and allows him to begin training soon after.
Unlike some other leaders I've seen, he has personality and is willing to battle other clans, but is not reckless and quick to attack. For example, when he reclaims the sunning rocks. A strong and smart leader, I say.

Hailstar wasn't in too many books, but I loved his unbiased way with Crookedstar. He was a good leader, and it was sad when he died from the rat attack.

I really like Hailstar because he's kind of unpredictable, and I feel like he rushes things for his Clan, which makes him pretty relatable.
Cedarstar (ShadowClan)

How is he number 22? His single flaw is making Raggedstar/Raggedpelt deputy, and every leader has flaws. Crookedstar named Heavypaw Heavystep and treated Leopardstar like trash. Mistystar was quiet and let her Clan get mauled. Leopardstar was the biggest jerk. Firestar was naive.

Cedarstar is so unknown. If you're wondering which book he was in, it was Yellowfang's Secret. He was a good, fair, yet strong leader and very underrated.
Not only that, but like Bluestar, he actually let rogues join the clan (Boulder, who didn't change his warrior name, and Russetfur, who did). Great leader, reminds me of Bluestar a lot!
Ivystar (RiverClan)

She should become a leader because she was very loyal to her clan and was only spying in the Dark Forest, not joining.
Squirrelstar (ThunderClan)

Squirrelflight is a dark ginger she-cat with forest-green eyes. She has one white paw, short legs, a torn ear tip, glossy fur, and a long, squirrel-like bushy tail. She also has a scar running from her chest to the top of her hind leg along her right flank.... read more

I think Squirrelstar is a good leader. She puts her Clan first, was a good deputy, and is not traumatized like Brambleclaw. She's a little bossy and hot-headed, but she does what's right. I'm glad she became leader after, what, 2 and a half arcs?

If you've read the Starless Clan: Thunder, then you know that Squirrelflight is now Squirrelstar, and she is a better leader than Brambleclaw, who was ruined by his experiences in the Dark Forest and wasn't fit to rule anymore. But Squirrelstar was.
I don't know how she'll rule, but I do know that she'll live by her code. Doing the right thing, no matter what. And Squirrelstar has a nice ring to it. Anyways, daughter of Firestar and Sandstorm and sister to Leafpool, she was great as deputy and I hope she'll be an amazing leader. Long live Squirrelstar! - Sapphirefrost, newly appointed medicine cat of TwilightClan
Morningstar (ThunderClan)

Morningstar led his Clan through a harsh time. He tried to keep peace and unite the Clans, but they were not ready for his wisdom.

I just like him. He gave Rabbitstar what he deserved. By the way, he is from Battles of the Clans.