Top Ten 'Chosen Ones' in Film and TV

10. Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)

Emma’s role as the Savior is deeply tied to her destiny to protect and unify the fairy tale realms. Her journey reflects the Chosen One’s struggle to reconcile personal desires with a greater calling. Her story is intertwined with themes of belief, redemption, and the power of family.

9. Roland Deschain (The Gunslinger)

The Gunslinger epitomizes the lone Chosen One, driven by an unyielding code of honor and duty to reach the Dark Tower, a metaphysical nexus that holds the multiverse together. His connection to ancient laws and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good make him a compelling addition to this list.

8. Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Sisko’s dual role as a Starfleet captain and Emissary of the Prophets places him at the intersection of secular leadership and spiritual destiny. His journey is defined by a connection to the Prophets, who operate outside linear time, and his eventual embrace of his role as a savior figure.

7. Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, Iroh, and Toph (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Aang’s literal role as the Avatar, the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, embodies the Chosen One archetype. The inclusion of his team reinforces that fulfilling destiny often requires collective effort. Aang’s adherence to his airbender code of nonviolence, even against Fire Lord Ozai, demonstrates his unwavering connection to universal truths.

6. Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace (Battlestar Galactica)

Kara’s role as the "harbinger of death" who leads humanity to Earth blurs the line between savior and destroyer. Her journey is steeped in mysticism and prophecy, embodying the Chosen One's existential struggle between personal identity and cosmic destiny.

5. The Prince That Was Promised (Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire)

This enigmatic prophecy defines much of the series’ mythos, with multiple characters (Jon Snow, Daenerys, Arya) embodying aspects of the Chosen One. The prophecy’s ambiguity emphasizes the idea that fulfilling destiny often depends on interpretation and collaboration.

4. Sydney Bristow (Alias)

Sydney’s journey as a spy thrust into a prophecy-laden legacy ties her personal story to the larger battle between good and evil. Her resilience, intelligence, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good highlight the Chosen One’s classic traits.

3. Vanessa Ives (Penny Dreadful)

Vanessa is a deeply spiritual Chosen One whose journey connects her to scripture, demonic forces, and divine will. Her arc embodies the constant battle between darkness and light, with her ultimate sacrifice serving as a testament to the power of faith and redemption.

2. Neo (The Matrix)

Neo is a quintessential Chosen One, fulfilling a prophecy to liberate humanity from the artificial constructs of the Matrix. His connection to the Source (the machine mainframe) and his ultimate sacrifice to bring peace between humans and machines make him a profound symbol of destiny, choice, and unity.

1. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Buffy redefines the Chosen One trope by balancing the supernatural weight of being the Slayer with the everyday struggles of being a young woman. Her connection to ancient prophecy and her ultimate willingness to defy those expectations—by sharing her power with others—embodies the idea of selflessness and challenging oppressive systems. Buffy’s journey reflects the struggle between individual agency and collective responsibility, making her the most resonant and modern depiction of the Chosen One.

Honorable Mentions

• Sam and Dean Winchester (Supernatural): Their intertwined destinies highlight the balance between personal desires and cosmic duties.
• John Sheridan and Delenn (Babylon 5): Together, they fulfill prophecy and embody the union of disparate species, emphasizing unity and sacrifice.
• Rose Tyler (Doctor Who): As the Bad Wolf, Rose briefly becomes a cosmic savior, embodying the Chosen One’s transformative potential.
• Korra (The Legend of Korra): Korra expands the Avatar legacy by challenging old traditions and ushering in a new era of balance.

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