27 Movie And TV Characters We Loved--And Loved To Hate--In 2017

In a year cram-packed with big budget television series and movies filled with unique and complex characters, there was plenty to talk about in the realm of entertainment. From Star Wars to Stranger Things to Game of Thrones and more, we were reunited with some of our favorite people and introduced to a few we couldn't stop talking about.

But which characters stood out the most this past year? Let us know which characters made the top of your list in the comment section below. As for the GameSpot crew, who were our favorites? Here are 27 characters from television and movies in 2017 that we loved and loved to hate.

WARNING: THERE ARE MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD. BE WARNED.

Played by: Aubrey Plaza

While the majority of the first season of Legion had viewers guessing as to whether or not Lenny was real, she was without a doubt one of the most dynamic and interesting characters on the show. Plaza showed a whole new acting range during this season, and her character had an incredible turn towards the end.

Played by: Nick Kroll/Maya Rudolph

Few characters in 2017 were grosser--or truer to life. The Hormone Monster and Monstress, played by Kroll and Rudolph, respectively, embodied every terrible and wonderful urge each of us felt at that special time in our life.

Played by: Sean Astin

Whether or not the new hashtag ever catches on, Bob Newby remains the best new character added in Stranger Things Season 2. He's just so lovable!

Played by Cameron Britton

Edmund Kemper definitely falls into the "love to hate" category. His soft-spoken, eloquent mannerisms only made heinous things that came out of his mouth all the more difficult to stomach. Poor Cameron Britton will probably never land a wholesome role in Hollywood after this one.

Played by: Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage's rogueish portrayal of Trevor Belmont in Netflix's Castlevania series brought a surprising amount of heart to the traditionally blank role of the video game protagonist. We can't wait to see more of him in Season 2.

For a CG super pig, Okja had a lot of personality. Even if Joon-ho Bong's Netflix original didn't turn you into a full-on vegan, it was hard not to fall in love with Okja.

Played by: Jason Momoa

Normally the laughing stock of the DC Universe, Momoa's take on the amphibious superhero was quite the departure from his comic book counterpart but certainly one of the better parts of Justice League.

Played by: Cole Sprouse

Jughead Jones, as portrayed in classic Archie comics, is little more than the hamburger-obsessed weirdo best friend of Archie Andrews. As the narrator, it's never clear exactly how much you can trust the things Jughead is saying or his version of the events. While this character, born on the wrong side of the tracks, is seemingly often the hero, who's to say that's not just how he wants the story to be remembered?

Played by: Michael Keaton

In the comics, Vulture is a pretty lame villain, but Spider-Man: Homecoming made him work exceptionally well. He's a sympathetic villain who has his faults that Keaton nails out of the park. If you haven't seen the movie yet, then you're missing out, because his turn during the third act comes out of nowhere.

Played by: Alex Høgh

With the death of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), there was a need for a new powerful warrior to rise on Vikings. Enter Ivar, the crippled son of Ragnar who's more bloodthirsty than his father ever was. Høgh's portrayal of Ivar breathed new life into the series as a polarizing main character you couldn't stop talking about. It's hard not to feel sympathy for him right up until the moment he kills his own brother in a fit of rage.

Dante was much more than a lovable sidekick. He was Miguel's eyes, ears, and at times, sense of logic during their adventure in the Land of the Dead. Because the content in Coco was a bit heavy, dealing with death and the afterlife, Dante added a bit of much needed fun during Miguel's journey.

Played by: Pablo Schreiber

Mad Sweeney is the most entertaining leprechaun in all of television and movies--sorry, Warwick Davis's Leprechaun franchise. This antagonistic hot-head was one of the most entertaining parts of the first season of American Gods. The character may have some silly aspects about him, like his obsession with his coins, but Sweeney is unforgettable.

Played by: Benjamin Bratt

Ernesto de la Cruz is one of the most delightful villains you'll see in any film. Coco treats him as the true hero of the story, a larger-than-life deity figure that young Miguel is desperate to know and aspires to be like. When the truth comes out and he's revealed to be a fraud, his entire character unravels to reveal someone so sinister that you can't help but be terrified by him.

Played by: Ruby Rose

The John Wick series is simply the best: better than all the rest. While the majority of the focus was on the titular character, Ruby Rose's Ares, a mute bodyguard, completely stole the show when she was on screen. It's proof that actions speak louder than words, as her character was cool but ultimately intimidating.

Played by: Justin Roilan

There are a whole lot of Ricks and Mortys from infinite universes, but one of the best--and worst--has to be Evil Morty. The guy is incredibly twisted and evil--hence his name. He's killed off a multitude of other people and climbed his way to the top to be the President of the Citadel. You don't cross Evil Morty.

Played by: Ana de Armas

Joi is a hologram who exists in a world of replicants, yet it's easy for us humans to completely empathize with her, perhaps because of her total helplessness. She's not corporeal and must rely on Ryan Gosling's K to defend her--or rather, the device that projects her into the real world. It's this fleeting nature that makes her ultimate fate so sad, and the sexed-up Joi duplicate that much more upsetting later on.

Played by: Tom Holland

For the first time in cinematic history--aside from Civil War--Peter Parker finally looked and sounded like a high school student. Holland embodied what it's like to balance school and friendships all while being a superhero. Peter Parker was fun, silly, and reminded us all of our awkward times as a teenager. Finally, Spider-Man is fun again.

Played by: Joe Keery

Steve Harrington was pretty unlikable in the first season of Stranger Things; however, he played a pivotal role in this year's season as a glorified babysitter and a father figure to Dustin. We got to see a new side to Steve, especially when faced with the new antagonist Billy Hargrove.

Played by: LilRel Howery

Get Out, one of the best overall films of 2017, isn't a comedy, but LilRel Howery added some humor to break up the tension of the film. On top of that, he's probably one of the most loyal and best friends in the history of cinema. He'll take care of your dog and save you from your kidnappers.

Played by: Taika Waititi

While the Thor: Ragnarok version of Korg was a huge departure from his comic book counterpart, Taika Waititi's portrayal of the warbound rockman was delightful and added yet another layer of comedy to the already hilarious film.

Played by: Dafne Keen

X-23 didn't say much during Logan, but she didn't have to. This little mutant did all her talking with her fists--and adamantium claws. Audiences across the world cheered when she walked out and dropped a decapitated head onto the ground. When is the last time a little kid kicked so much butt?

Played by: Saoirse Ronan

Greta Gerwig is receiving much deserved praise for her directorial debut film Lady Bird. But the heart and soul of the film comes from Saoirse Ronan as the film's lead. The coming-of-age story focuses on Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson, who longs to leave her Sacramento home for a new beginning in college on the east coast. Ronan delivers a complex and heartbreaking performance that will leave you wanting to immediately call a family member and tell them you love them.

Played by: Bill Skarsgard

Many people worried that the new incarnation of Pennywise would simply attempt to recreate Tim Curry's performance from the TV movie. However, that was not the case as Bill Skarsgard made the role his own, which led to a much scarier and intimidating version of Stephen King's classic monster.

Played by: Adam Driver

The Last Jedi showed that Kylo Ren is a much more complex and dynamic character than previously thought. His physical and emotional battles throughout the film were some of the highlights of the movie, and it was refreshing to see such a well-developed villain in this new Star Wars film.

Played by: Carrie Coon

Durst has always been a big part of The Leftovers, but the entire finale of the series centers around her story, in a "tell not show" monologue where the audience is left to wonder whether or not the narrator is reliable and trustworthy. She's a gripping and enthralling character that's emotionally complex and the best part of the HBO series.

Played by: Elizabeth Moss

The Handmaid's Tale is a bleak, dystopian story, but there is one glimmer of hope during the first season, and that's June, played by Elizabeth Moss. She gives an award-winning performance as a handmaid who finds quiet ways to rebel against the system.

Played by: Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman was the saving grace of 2017 for the DC cinematic universe. Gadot masterfully played the princess of Themyscira and gave the audience a few laughs with this fish-out-of-water story. In addition, she was one of the best parts of Justice League, which failed to hit its mark.