The most emo ‘Riverdale’ characters, ranked

Any television series that opens with a murder isn’t exactly cheery. But just how emo can the cast of Riverdale characters be? Check below for our ranking—as well as our selections’ (probably) favorite tunes.

14. Archie Andrews

Happy-go-lucky even when he’s being blackmailed to do his girlfriend’s dad’s bidding, Archie comes in dead last to our most emo rankings.

Favorite song: “Secrets” by State Champs

13. Hiram Lodge

Nefarious, yes; emo, no. Hiram might have all of Riverdale wrapped around his finger (or so he thinks), but for now, we’ll count him as evil, not emo.

Favorite song: “Drowned In Gold” by Boston Manor

12. Fred Andrews

Much like his son, Fred always seems to find a way to look on the bright side. And now, freed from the weight of his medical bills (thanks, the Lodges!) he’s able to rage in mayor’s race without shedding a tear.

Favorite song: “Everything Is Alright” by Motion City Soundtrack

11. Josie McCoy

Josie has a lot to be emo about (see: lying mother, trying to break into the music industry, etc.) but overcomes it with a smile and cat ears.

Favorite song: “(Fuck A) Silver Lining” by Panic! At The Disco

10. Hermione Lodge

Hermione ranks low for all the same reasons as Hiram—except for the fact that she’s married to Hiram, which moves her up several notches. (We’d be sad too, girl.)

Favorite song: “Gives You Hell” by the All-American Rejects

9. Kevin Keller

Ever since Kevin put his woods-gallavating self to rest, he hasn’t had much to be emo about—mostly, it’s just keeping his merry band of misfit friends out of trouble. His most emo had to have been the heartfelt goodbye to Joaquin, but unless we see some pining, Kevin is keeping things on the bright side.

Favorite song: “Lacquer” by Museum Mouth

8. Chic Smith

Chic is more hardcore than emo (c’mon, what’s more hardcore than murdering some dude and letting your mom clean it up?), but he still knows how to get “dark” like the rest of Riverdale. Catch him in the pit—just don’t get on his bad side.

Favorite song: “Deadringer” by Knocked Loose

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7. Veronica Lodge

Being her parents’ puppet isn’t necessarily emo, but it is anxiety producing. “Ronnie” knows how to put on a happy face, even when it’s at her detriment, and for that, we’ll pop her in the middle.

Favorite song: “Fake Happy” by Paramore

6. Toni Topaz

As the newly minted bicon (bi icon) of the series, Toni Topaz has now been romantically involved with two of Riverdale’s most emo. However, she currently stands as more emotional support than emo—and we all know that’s what Cheryl needs right now.

Favorite song: “Clever Girl” by Sharptooth

5. Alice Cooper

Complete with a dubious past and willingness to commit murder, Alice Cooper was around causing trouble long before Dark Betty came out of the shadows. We can’t wait to see her get even more emo—and maybe finally dish who Chic’s father is.

Favorite song: “Serpents” by Neck Deep

4. FP Jones

Jug had to learn it from somewhere! FP might put on the grand face while leading around the Serpents, but when he’s shut away in the trailer he can get downright brooding.

Favorite song: “The Downfall Of Us All” by A Day To Remember

3. Betty Cooper

While the ponytail princess might appear to not have a drop of emo in her, you’re forgetting her long-standing battle with the Black Hood, as well as her travails with Chic into their shared “darkness.” Holding a lighter to her (so-called) brother’s face while he sleeps? Emo as hell, right there.

Favorite song: “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy

2. Jughead Jones

He’s weird. He’s a weirdo. He doesn’t fit in. And he doesn’t want to fit in. Jughead basically encapsulates all that emo is in Riverdale—he has the grimy style, the everything-sucks attitude, the constantly morose expression. Plus, he always gets to give weird, cringey speeches and spends loads of time in the rain! If your signature look is a never-ending supply of flannel and the same ratty beanie, it’s hard to be anything but emo.

Favorite song: “Weirdo” by Rozwell Kid

1. Cheryl Blossom

You were all expecting Jughead to take the top spot, weren’t you? Hate to break it to y’all, but Cheryl has him beat tenfold. While the ginger cheerleader from the right side of town might not look the part, her wild antics earn her the top spot. Attempting to turn yourself in for your brother’s murder? Setting your parents’ house on fire as an act of revenge? Sending someone a pig’s heart as an act of affection? “Emo” is actually an understatement. We bow to our queen—and can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.

Favorite song: “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” by My Chemical Romance