For many Gilmore Girls fans, watching the series is beyond a comfort show. Watching the show can make you feel cozy or what feels like wearing a comfy sweater on a September afternoon. The world of Stars Hollow is a world you can escape to when you need warmth and comfort. The first time I watched the series was when I was 15 and have since re-watched random episodes. I have also just recently watched the series from start to finish, which took about 5 months.
Now that I have re-watched the series 6 years later, I have made a decision on the ranking of the Gilmore Girls characters. Based on humour and what they bring to the series, here is a ranking of the credited characters from best to worst. Warning, spoilers ahead!
1. Lorelai Gilmore
There is no doubt Lorelai Gilmore is the best character in the series. She carried the show on for seven seasons, with her endearing, funny and sweet personality. She is also the most relatable character in the show, as she struggles with her love life and money issues. Lorelai is a role model for most Gilmore Girls fans because she works hard to create a great life for herself. Without help from her parents, she raises Rory as a young teenager and works her way up to building her own inn. While this might not be the conventional path that most people take, her journey is quite inspirational.
2. Luke Danes
Luke may have some trouble communicating, but he is always there for Lorelai and Rory. After just watching Gilmore Girls recently, I was much more invested in Lorelai’s relationships. Especially her relationship with Luke. Anyone who has watched the series can relate to the much-awaited anticipation of Luke and Lorelai’s first kiss, which took 5 seasons of waiting! Luke was one of the most caring and loving characters on the show. He was more of a father to Rory than Christopher was, he took in a troubled kid like Jess and was always at Lorelai’s side. Bonus points for making the girls food and building that chuppah for Lorelai’s wedding to another guy!
3. Paris Geller
Paris is one of the most sharp, ambitious and witty characters on the show. Her one-liners offer so much comedic relief, it will have you laughing hysterically. I personally feel that I can relate to her the most. While most people think she can be uptight and tense, I think Paris is a misunderstood character and I admire her strength and power. She continues to work on herself and her relationships. By the end, Paris develops so much as a character from the second episode of the series. She may not be the nicest person, but she grew to support Rory and become a great friend.
4. Emily Gilmore
Most people think of Rory and Lorelai Gilmore when they think of Gilmore Girls, but they are forgetting a very important Gilmore Girl – Emily Gilmore. Although many people may criticize Emily for her manipulative behaviour and lack of understanding and patience, her number one priority is making sure her family is always cared for. The best running joke in the show is that she hires a new maid in almost every episode because they are always “incompetent”. Although Emily’s relationship with her daughter Lorelai might be strained, she loves Lorelai and they actually have more in common than they realize. Almost every scene with Emily and Lorelai fighting will make you so emotional. It’s also important to note that about 99% of the time she is united with her husband, Richard.
5. Richard Gilmore
His character is such a comforting presence on the show, as Richard was the glue that held the family together. He always supports his family and protects his Gilmore Girls. Anyone who has watched the series knows that Richard has a different relationship with each of the girls. He has a deep love and loyalty for his wife Emily, a sweet bond with his granddaughter Rory and unspoken respect for his daughter Lorelai. It was truly sad to hear of his death in the revival episodes.
6. Jess Mariano
In my opinion, Jess was the best out of all of Rory’s boyfriends. He had the most interesting story arc, as he struggled growing up. He was spontaneous and exciting. Although Lorelai was not his biggest fan, Jess entered the series at a time when Rory needed a push out of her comfort zone. Unfortunately, his complicated family life caused him to react poorly in his relationship with Rory. However, he did return later in the series to give Rory a harsh dose of reality, getting her back on track at Yale. In the end, I thought Jess was too good for Rory. His character growth and slanted lip definitely earned him a higher ranking on my list!
7. Kirk Gleason
Kirk is absolutely one of the funniest characters on the show. He helps to keep the show balanced and light. Kirk is always there for his friends and we get the sense that he genuinely loves Stars Hollow. His relationship with LuLu is odd but sweet, which gives us hope in our own relationships. The best part about Kirk is his desire to participate in almost every single job in Stars Hollow.
8. Lane Kim
I always thought that Lane was a good friend and a great person. Admittedly, I wasn’t exactly happy that she ended up with Zack in the end. I was hoping that Lane would have had a happy ending with Dave, but I understand that the actor landed a role in another series. Lane was known for having a relationship with her mother that was the exact opposite of Rory and Lorelai’s relationship, but Lane still loved and respected her mother. She also had to work hard at her dream of being a drummer in a band, getting through school and supporting her family.
9. Rory Gilmore
Why is one of the main characters so far down on the ranking, you might ask? I think anyone who has watched the series can agree that Rory has the personality of a dry piece of toast. She is one of the most frustrating characters in the show, even though I think Amy Sherman Palladino (creator of Gilmore Girls) wanted us to like her. After watching the series, I have become more aware of Rory’s self-centred behaviour and entitlement. I don’t get the sense that she was genuinely interested in the lives or success of her closest friends, and she gets almost everything she wants based on her privilege. Also please go back and watch how she hugs different characters. I think that explains it all!
10. Sookie St. James
Sookie is always true to herself and offers so much support for Lorelai and Rory. Bonus points for being able to cook and bake. I also think her marital relationship with Jackson is something to hope for.
11. Michel Gerard
Honestly, I have no idea how a character like Michel Gerard became a resident in a little town like Stars Hollow. Michel is one of those people in your life that are there, and even though they might be annoying, you can’t imagine your life without them. I honestly felt that Michel was a big mood with his sarcastic remarks.
12. Logan Huntzberger
As charming as he may be, I have never been Team Logan. I cringe every time he called Rory “Ace”, and I believe he was a negative influence on Rory. Logan was always condescending and I’m not sure if he was ever fully aware of his privilege. It took Jess to actually snap Rory out of this funk she was in while being influenced by Logan. On the other hand, I do think he was actually the perfect fit for Rory because they were two privileged kids, not ready to grow up yet.
13. Dean Forester
While I am not Team Dean, I will acknowledge that Dean was a good first boyfriend for Rory. I think his intentions were in the right place, but he really just came across as manipulative and toxic as the seasons progressed. Maybe if he and Rory met when they were much older, the two could have lasted. Of course, anyone who has watched Gilmore Girls knows how he treated Rory and Lindsay in season 5, which is why he has earned a lower ranking.
14. Christopher Hayden
I don’t even know where to start with Christopher. He was a completely stagnant character that was not the right match for Lorelai. It felt as if every time Christopher showed up it was going to end the same way. He was the equivalent of Logan to Rory. He could never stick around and always did the bare minimum as a father for most of Rory’s life. In the end, he did help pay for Rory’s tuition. But I think the worst part of the series is when Lorelai cheated on Luke with Christopher and then they got married. That one hurt.
15. Jason Stiles
I think Jason was a good love interest for Lorelai and his character offered a different dynamic between Lorelai and her family with his; plus, I also love his dog Cyrus. Unfortunately, I could not stand any scene with Jason in it. I really didn’t like that he thought he could sue Richard and continue to date Lorelai. His character just bothers me, maybe it’s the facial hair. I’m sorry.
A few honourable mentions are listed below:
1. Paul Anka
Paul Anka was essential to the series. He was a fitting pet for Lorelai. I mean who didn’t shed a tear when Paul Anka got sick and Lorelai cried because it was a metaphor for missing Rory?
2. Max Medina
Okay, if Lorelai hadn’t ended up with Luke, Max would have been my second choice. I believe he would have grown as a character. C’mon, Max really went all out with his proposal with a thousand daisies. He was attractive and it was unfortunate that their relationship didn’t last long. I feel sorry for you Max.
3. Taylor Doose
I feel like a lot of people don’t like Taylor, but I think he doesn’t get enough appreciation. This man puts so much effort into making Stars Hallow what it is, from the town meetings to our favourite festivals such as the winter carnival, bid-a-basket and the 24-hour dance-a-thon.
4. Tristan DuGrey
Chad Michael Murry, every girl’s heartthrob of the early 2000s. I liked him better than Dean but if you are Team Tristan, please just go watch One Tree Hill. I’m almost certain you didn’t watch the rest of Gilmore Girls, and now you’re just fantasizing about Chad Michael Murry.
5. Sherry Tinsdale
I honestly thought Sherry was the best fit for Christopher. I just don’t understand why they had to send her to Paris and leave her kid with Christopher. Also speaking of GiGi, I could not stand that little girl. The best episode with Sherry is definitely the episode “Take the Deviled Eggs” (season 3, episode 6).
6. April Nardini
All I can say is no thanks. She ruined what was going on for Luke and Lorelai, and her introduction to the show did not make sense. April didn’t do anything wrong, but I was glad when she moved away with her mom to New Mexico.
That is my final ranking of the Gilmore Girls characters and hopefully after reading, this you’ll want to get cozy with a cup of coffee and re-watch the series all over again! If you haven’t seen the series yet, I’m sorry because I definitely gave away some spoilers. “Oy with the poodles already!”