Clueless: Every Main Character, Ranked By Likability

There are so many things to love about Clueless, from Cher’s outfits to the love story to the themes of being a good person. Alicia Silverstone is perfect as the stylish teen who thinks that new girl Tai (Brittany Murphy) needs a whole new look but ultimately figures out that the old saying is true: What’s on the inside really is what counts.

With funny memes and lots of famous quotes, this is a rom-com that will never go out of style. There are many well-drawn characters but only some of them are good people who fans remember fondly. The others are a bit too superficial and caught up in their wealthy world.

12 Elton

Elton (Jeremy Sisto) tries to assault Cher and it’s one of the most serious moments in the film. There’s really nothing to like about this character.

He thinks that he’s too good for everyone around him, and he figures that because he’s handsome and popular, Cher will want to date him. While she desperately tries to set him up with Tai, she soon realizes that he’s a jerk.

11 Mel Horowitz

Cher’s father Mel (Dan Hedaya) is a terrifying lawyer, and while Cher thinks that he’s adorable and charming, he’s not the sweetest person in the movie.

Whether yelling at everyone from his employees to his family members and trying to eat unhealthy foods, Mel is a strong presence in the movie, but he’s definitely an unnerving one.

10 Amber

Elisa Donovan’s Clueless character, Amber, isn’t a very nice person, and she’s one of the least likable people in the film.

Amber constantly competes with Cher, throwing out random insults and even wearing the same dress as her to a party. It’s clear that she’s jealous and insecure, but she’s mean and always in a bad mood, so it’s impossible to think that she’s a good person.

9 Mr. Hall

Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn) is pretty adorable as far as teachers go, but he’s not one of the best movie educators.

Mr. Hall does his best, but he has to deal with a lot of students who are less than enthused about actually learning. He often drones on about topics while the teenagers use their cell phones or paint their nails in class. He’s not quite sure how to get the students on board, but he’s a nice enough guy.

8 Miss Geist

Miss Geist (Twink Caplan) is one quirky Clueless character and she’s definitely “clueless” about fashion and makeup. She often puts lipstick on her teeth accidentally, and she’s super single.

Cher sets her up with Mr. Hall and it’s very sweet and moving to see this character fall in love. She’s not quite as interesting as the other characters, but she’s a solid presence in the story.

7 Murray

Dionne’s boyfriend Murray (Donald Faison) is one of the movie’s sources of comedic relief. Whether he’s wearing super baggy clothing or calling Dionne “woman,” he’s impossible to hate.

Sure, Murray can be a bit sexist at times, and that is problematic. But Dionne stands up for herself and helps him see that he should treat her better, and they’re able to become closer and they have a really nice relationship by the end of the movie.

6 Christian

Justin Walker’s Clueless character, Christian, is Cher’s main love interest in the film— before she realizes that Josh is her one true love, that is.

Cher has no idea that Christian is gay and thinks that his love of fashion is one reason why they’re meant to be together. When Murray tells her the truth, she decides that they can all be good friends. Christian is a kind, wise, old soul who brings a lot to the movie.

5 Travis

Travis (Breckin Meyer) might seem like a slacker and stoner who would rather skateboard than apply himself in school or life.

But given a bit more consideration, Travis is one of the best characters in Clueless and definitely one of the most likable. He falls for Tai right away and he’s got a really kind soul and good heart. He’s much more down-to-earth than the others as he doesn’t care about designer clothing or going to the mall.

4 Dionne

Dionne (Stacey Dash) and Cher are best friends, and Dionne offers her support no matter what Cher is going through, even if she has moments of seeming a bit vapid and superficial.

Dionne is very easy to love as she schools Murray on being more feminist and expanding his vocabulary, and it’s hard not to root for them as a couple.

3 Cher

Whether talking about her period or negotiating a bad grade, Cher is one of the most determined and passionate characters in the rom-com genre.

She does have her moments of being too concerned with material objects and superficial things, and she gets jealous when Tai becomes more popular than she is. But because she becomes a better person by the end of the movie, she’s got a great character arc and it’s inspiring and powerful.

2 Tai

Tai may get a makeover, but she’s definitely cool the way that she is. Tai is one of the sweetest people in Cher’s world as she’s the new girl at school and doesn’t worry about being cool or popular.

Even though Tai goes along with the makeover, she really just wants to fit in and make friends, and she still expresses her opinions and stays fairly true to herself. That’s very admirable.

1 Josh

Of all the characters Paul Rudd has played, Josh is one of his most beloved. He’s a genuinely nice person who thinks that Cher should care about more than just shoes and clothes, and he’s definitely right.

By the time that Cher and Josh realize that they love each other, it’s clear that he’s the best love interest for her, as he’s got a good heart and cares about the things that matter in life.

About The Author

Aya Tsintziras
(1730 Articles Published)

Aya Tsintziras is a freelance writer who writes about pop culture and TV. She has a Political Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Journalism from Ryerson University. She loves coffee, reading, working out, and watching TV. She lives in Toronto with her husband.

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