HBO's Lanterns has kept viewers guessing since we first met Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). With the season finale approaching, we've ranked every Green Lantern who actually appears on the show, weighing their heroics, their flaws, and—most importantly—their sheer coolness. Spoilers ahead for Episode 7.
Before we dive in, a quick note: we're only counting Lanterns we see wielding a ring (or who once did). That means Mogo, the living planet, and Ch'p, the squirrel Lantern Hal mentions, don't make the cut—they're just fun references. So here are the four Green Lanterns who matter in Lanterns, ranked from least to most impressive.
4. Thaal Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen)
Sinestro is the only Lantern on this list who never actually uses a power ring on screen. By the time we meet him, he's already been stripped of his ring and imprisoned for killing a Guardian of Oa. Once a legendary mentor to Hal Jordan, Sinestro's fall from grace is a major part of the show's backstory. He trained Hal as a rookie and became a surrogate father figure, making his betrayal all the more painful.
Ulrich Thomsen plays Sinestro with a quiet menace, more like a Hannibal Lecter figure than a full-blown supervillain. He's a thorn in the Corps' side from his cell, but we never see the raw power that made him feared. Compared to Mark Strong's portrayal in the 2011 Green Lantern film, this Sinestro feels underutilized. Still, his presence looms large, and we know he was once one of the greatest—so he earns a spot, just at the bottom.
3. Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)
Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner is a familiar face to DC fans, having appeared in Superman and Peacemaker as part of the Justice Gang. In Lanterns, we learn he became Earth's Green Lantern after John Stewart rejected the ring in 2016. A former gym teacher with an iron will, Guy is cocky, brash, and loves being chosen—even if he was the second pick.
His constructs are flashier and more vibrant than Hal's or John's, almost like he's showing off. While he doesn't get much screen time in Lanterns (most of his development happens in Superman), Guy proves he's a hero through and through. He may not be the most disciplined Lantern, but his confidence and experience make him a solid third.
2. John Stewart (Aaron Pierre)
John Stewart is the rookie of the group, but he's already showing immense potential. A battle-tested Marine, John can form constructs without even using his ring—a rare ability that hints at his comic book counterpart's eventual mastery. He's fearless, disciplined, and quick to prove himself, even if he does fall for a Manhunter's seduction (not his best moment).
His constructs are complex and impressive, like that drill he conjures, but for most of Lanterns, he's still in training. He beats Hal in hand-to-hand combat, but we never see him go full Green Lantern. Fortunately, John is set to return in Man of Tomorrow, so we'll likely see him in full glory soon. For now, he's a promising second.
1. Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler)
Topping our list is the veteran himself, Hal Jordan. Kyle Chandler brings a weary, grizzled energy to the role, showing us a Hal who's been through the wringer. He's not the flashiest Lantern, but his experience and instincts are unmatched. He's the one who trained John, and his bond with Sinestro—complicated as it is—shows his depth.
Hal's constructs may be simpler, but they're effective. He's a detective first, a fighter second, and that's what makes him the best. He's also the emotional core of the show, as seen in his quietly powerful reunion in Episode 7. Hal Jordan is the Green Lantern we've been waiting for, and he earns the top spot.
So there you have it—our definitive ranking. Whether you prefer the rookie fire of John Stewart or the seasoned grit of Hal Jordan, Lanterns has given us a fascinating look at the Green Lantern Corps. And with Hal's hologram making waves, there's plenty more to explore.
