The Greatest Fictional Princes of All Time

On this list you’ll find all of the best fictional princes, from animated animals (Simba, The Lion King) to soap opera favorites (Richard Winslow, “Guiding Light”). They’re sometimes kind, sometimes cruel, but they never cease to intrigue and entertain fans - and for that, they’ve each earned a spot on this list of the greatest fictional princes of all time.

What makes a fictional prince great? Fictional princes, after all, are fairly common in both written and visual mediums. Perhaps one characteristic of an amazing fictional prince is complexity, such as that found in Hamlet and his inner struggles. Although Hamlet’s story does not end well, it would be hard to debate that he isn’t memorable and enjoyable as a character, and his depth is a large part of what makes him interesting.

Another attribute of the best fictional princes might be kindness, such as that evidenced by Legolas from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. Or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, cruelty and arrogance - just think of Prince Joffrey Baratheon from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and the hit TV show, "Game of Thrones."

The princes on this list have both good qualities and bad, but they’re all fan favorites, the best fictional princes from every fictional medium. Whether they’re loved for their selfless acts or their brutish ones, fans can’t get enough of these literary princes. Because of this, they’re all proudly included on this list of the greatest fictional princes. Cast your votes for the best fictional princes below.