Power Rangers: 10 Worst Red Rangers, Ranked

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Power Rangers is a long-running and incredibly popular superhero show known for its unique style. While the series has evolved over time, the Red Ranger has always been a central figure. However, the show demonstrates that not all Rangers are the same, and the Red Ranger often stands out from the rest.

Traditionally, the Red Ranger is the leader of the Power Rangers team. However, not all Red Rangers are strong leaders, and some have even made poor choices or let the team down. While it’s rare, there have been a few instances of Red Rangers being replaced or even turning against the others, giving fans something to discuss and compare.

10. Lauren Shiba Is Hated Even More Than Her Unpopular Brother

Power Rangers: Samurai

Lauren Shiba was always meant to be the leader of the Shiba clan and the Samurai Rangers. Though a key character, she doesn’t appear until the second season of Samurai. She steps in to replace Jayden, hoping to finally defeat Master Xandred. The Rangers are frustrated by this change, but it ultimately doesn’t work, as Xandred becomes immune to the sealing symbol.

As a film fan, one thing that really bugs me is when a character is only there to conveniently solve a problem – like locking away the villain – and then, suddenly, that solution doesn’t work anymore. It just feels like a shortcut in the writing. Honestly, I think Lauren gets a bit of a bad rap, and she might be even more disliked if she’d been in more scenes. She doesn’t succeed in what she’s supposed to do, but she’s clearly capable in a fight, and I genuinely think she could have been a great leader for the Samurai Rangers if she’d joined the team earlier on.

9. Rocky DeSantos Is one of the Few Red Rangers Who Doesn’t Lead the Team

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Image via Hasbro

Rocky DeSantos became the second person to wield the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger powers. However, unlike most Red Rangers who typically lead their teams, Rocky didn’t take on that role; Tommy Oliver’s White Ranger held that position. While Rocky had the potential for a wider range of abilities than the first Red Ranger, Jason Lee Scott, he often felt overshadowed by his predecessor.

DeSantos really shines as the Blue Zeo Ranger and grows into the part, but he wasn’t always popular with fans. Objectively, he’s not as strong a fighter as Scott was. When you compare Rocky and Jason, it’s clear why Zordon picked Tommy to lead the team.

8. T.J. Johnson Plays Second Fiddle to the Much More Powerful Andros

Power Rangers: In Space

T.J. Johnson is a dedicated character, but he’s not as memorable as the other Red Rangers who came before or after him. He became the second Red Turbo Ranger after Tommy Oliver, and later appeared in Power Rangers Wild Force with a team of experienced Red Rangers. However, some fans question why he was chosen for that mission.

Johnson is a naturally talented fighter, but unlike other Red Rangers, he lacks access to advanced weapons and powers. As the last Red Ranger before the introduction of Battlizers – powerful upgrades – he’s less equipped than those who came after. While he always dreamed of being a Power Ranger, he struggles a bit in the role. Fortunately, Andros stepped up to lead in Johnson’s second season, Power Rangers In Space.

7. Brody Romero Is One of the Least Memorable Rangers in Power Rangers’ History

Power Rangers: Ninja Steel

Image via Toei Animation

Ultimately, the Red Ranger from Ninja Steel isn’t particularly memorable. Brody Romero ranks among the weaker modern Power Rangers, largely due to the often-poor writing that affects many recent seasons. He’s somewhat redeemed by his various transformations and a compelling personal history.

In Power Rangers Operation Overdrive, Brody is kidnapped from Earth by the villain Galvanax. He later steals the Ninja Nexus Prism, setting the stage for the Ninja Steel series. These are the most compelling parts of his story; everything else about his character is fairly unremarkable. While he may have a background in martial arts, he seems to be one of the least proficient Red Rangers in recent years.

6. Mackenzie “Mack” Hartfort Suffers an Understandable But Detrimental Breakdown

Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive

Mackenzie Hartfort, known as Mack, often seems cynical, likely because he spent most of his existence as an android. He didn’t realize he was originally one of his father’s robotic creations until after the Sentinel Knight transformed him into a human, which understandably caused him a great deal of distress when he found out.

It’s unfortunate that when Mack transforms into a human, he loses one of his most impressive skills. He can briefly combine with the Sentinel Knight to become the Red Sentinel Ranger – a truly powerful form considered one of the best Battlizers ever. However, he doesn’t get to use this ability for long, and eventually has to give it up. Despite gaining this extra power, he still isn’t the strongest Red Ranger.

5. Jaden Shiba’s Dialogue is Laughably Bad

Power Rangers: Samurai

Okay, so Jaden Shiba… honestly, his writing was often a real weak spot, maybe more than any other Ranger from that original Saban era. It’s kinda sad because he wasn’t even supposed to be the Red Ranger to begin with! The whole first couple of seasons, he’s basically pretending, and then his sister just shows up and takes over for a bit. He does come back to help beat Master Xandred, which is good, but the way they wrote him off at the end… it left a lot of fans, me included, feeling pretty disappointed.

Jaden, the leader of the Shiba clan, has spent his life preparing for battle. He’s a naturally talented swordsman, but struggles when fighting from a distance or against stronger opponents. When he can’t win with his fighting skills, he often doesn’t know what to do next.

4. Aurico Suffers From a Lack of Screen Time and Memorable Sequences

Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers

Image via Toei Animation

Aurico is the Red Ranger from an alien team who temporarily filled in for the Mighty Morphin Rangers. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much time on screen to develop as a character, and his abilities weren’t as strong as many other Red Rangers before or after him.

I’ve learned that Aurico, being an Aquitan, absolutely needs water to survive. He can control it, which is amazing, but it’s also a real weakness for him. Without water, he gets seriously weak and won’t last long. I know humans – the Rangers, for example – need water too, but not nearly as much as Aurico does. It’s a huge difference!

3. Troy Burrows’ Intense Powers Don’t Make Up for His Lack of Personality

Power Rangers: Megaforce

Troy Burrows is incredibly powerful, potentially one of the strongest Power Rangers ever, because he can transform into any Red Ranger from across the entire franchise. However, he doesn’t quite live up to his potential, often lacking personality and failing to use his powers effectively. Despite having a martial arts background, he’s surprisingly easy to beat in a fight.

Troy Burrows isn’t a fan favorite, and many wish he’d been any other Ranger. While he does a good job leading the final battle, that’s really his only standout achievement. Honestly, almost any Ranger could have led the charge – it just happened to be him.

2. Alex Drake Almost Killed the Time Force Rangers After Returning to the Role

Power Rangers: Time Force

Alex Drake was the first Red Ranger in Time Force, but he’s not the one most fans recall. Though he seemingly dies during a battle with the main villain, he unexpectedly returns. Once he regains his position, his actions nearly destroy the Time Force Rangers. He eventually allows Wes to lead, but his earlier behavior left a negative impression on viewers.

Several Rangers have been in charge, and while some weren’t the best fit, none of them have ever nearly destroyed their team. Drake’s abilities are comparable to Wes’s, but he doesn’t use them as effectively. Overall, Drake is simply inferior to Wes Collins in every aspect. Fortunately, he manages to avoid killing the Time Force Rangers.

1. Charlie Actively Betrays the B-Squad Rangers and the Rest of the S.P.D.

Power Rangers: S.P.D.

Image via Toei Animation

Charlie, the Red Ranger from S.P.D. A Squad, is often considered one of the least effective Rangers. She shockingly betrays her team and tries to harm the B-Squad Rangers. Even after her disloyalty is revealed, she continues to support Lord Gruumm alongside the rest of A Squad.

Charlie is incredibly powerful, exceeding even the abilities of the B-Squad Rangers. Despite this, she and her team are ultimately beaten by B-Squad. This loss is especially significant because she abandons her ranger principles and is defeated by a less experienced member of their group.

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2026-02-21 06:09