5 Reasons Dean Winchester Is the Real Protagonist of Supernatural & 5 Reasons It's Sam Winchester

Which Winchester is the true main character? Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re discussing who between Sam and Dean Winchester counts as “Supernatural”’s main protagonist. Our countdown includes he's killed the most villains, he's so relatable, he's the chosen one, and more! Which Winchester brother is your hero? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great "Supernatural" videos here:
Top 20 Funniest Dean Winchester Moments on Supernatural - • Top 20 Funniest Dean W...
Top 10 Times Dean Was the Best Character on Supernatural - • Top 10 Times Dean Was ...
Top 10 Dean Winchester Moments That Made Us Want to Give Him a Hug - • Top 10 Dean Winchester...
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#Supernatural #DeanWinchester #SamWinchester #Winchesters #Protagonist

[@TheMarine316]

Early on it felt more like Sam’s story & later on it felt more like deans story but overall it’s both of their story

[@circuscityaccountability6414]

I agree 100% if you read the description it states that it is about the 2 brothers

[@romulofigueroadiaz480]

It’s obvious it started out being Sam and it ended up being Dean

[@fantuckstic]

Dean was ALWAYS the protagonist. Sam was always a Debbie downer and whining about his bad chdhood. Dean was always putting Sam first and looking out for him. Sam wasn't like that.

[@jamesduncan2984]

@@fantucksticno he wasn’t Sam was the protagonist the show started off with Sam everything revolved around Sam then is shifted to Dean and depending of the season is trade off between the brothers how would be the main protagonist that season. And what show did you watch because Sam did put Dean first. There are literally videos on KZbin that I can link that would contradict your statement.

[@voltrongirl28]

My sister actually had conversation like this with my mom last night. My sister said that Sam started out as the protagonist with Dean tagging along. The roles were reversed as the show went on. I also find it funny that the show supposed to just focus on Sam (who at the time was originally going to be played by Jensen Ackles).

[@louisejohnson6057]

​@@jamesduncan2984It's just a show. It's not that important.

[@romulofigueroadiaz480]

@@fantuckstic no

[@WithFearGaming]

The early seasons of the show definitely had Sam as the protagonist. It seemed destined to be a, "Dean gives himself up so that Sam can reach his potential" type situation. (They looped back around to this idea at the end once Dean died, and Sam lived out his life on Earth.) However, the middle to late seasons definitely gave the protagonist role to both brothers, depending on the story. I'd argue Dean was the protagonist for the last couple seasons.

[@mariap.1706]

Supernatural was always about Sam told from Dean's pov. It was the story of two brothers.

[@jakubgodyn7413]

In the OG 5 seasons Sam was the protagonist but after that focus was put more and more on Dean.

[@marialenai.5111]

it was meant to be Sam but Jensen was just amazing as Dean so the spotlight moved to Dean

[@Davidscomix]

The story belongs to them both

[@hollygolden9673]

It's the love between the brothers.

[@ZainabRashid-wy4xz]

The main foundation of the show is their relationship but yeah in the first 2 seasons they focus more on Sam. I feel like in season 3 they started showing us Dean's perspective too. I think by season 4 they were equally important in the show. I love and adore both of them but I definitely have a crush on Dean.

[@cynsabonorris1924]

The brother relationship is the driving force of the show, but because Dean starts from the beginning saving his brother, he really feels like the main character. Throughout the run of the show, it always felt like he was the one with the most agency, screen time, important plot lines, hero moments, etc. Which isn't to say Sam didn't have a share as well.

[@Davidscomix]

Well the first 5 were more about Sam as he was destined to stop the devil with Deans help of course

[@isetitonfire6319]

I don't care how it started or ended, but I know Jensen snatched that spotlight from the jump.

[@caseymacmacl7463]

Dean embraces silly. Sam does not. Dean is, and has always been, my favourite. PUDDING!!!🧡

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

FIGHT THE FAIRIES!!!!

[@lucindamorningstar9108]

For me it's Dean, he is the most caring person, like Castiel says

[@adelheidbreidvik]

This video basicly shows that it depends on the arc, the first arc is Sam's but later the focus shifts to Dean. And then there are some later arcs where they switch back and forth

[@WolfofBende]

Grew up loving Sam, became an adult and realized I'm a Dean.

[@fredrickstrassburg4132]

Why debate which Winchester was the real protagonist when they both were? I mean it was THEIR story

[@crimsonvoid1595]

I like how Sam named his son Dean after his older brother. Dean also has the self title of poison for a nickname.

[@tinaweaver9821]

100% Dean.

[@Whisper_292]

Baby is definitely supernatural. What other car can drive 500 miles in 20 minutes?

[@hkesel05]

I'm pretty sure it is both of them. I mean, if you have 5 reasons they both are, that kind of tells you something. I love them both for different reasons.

[@simonjack9699]

In the earlier seasons from season one up to season 6 The main character was Sam because of the story it was focused on Sam and then from season 6 to the final season Dean was the main focus. So I guess you could say that both brothers are equally important in the series.

[@LJMurray]

Sam and Dean are two inseparable sides of the same coin. They’re both the protagonist.

[@weaktea4252]

Dean is THE MAN!!

[@SirsasthNigam.]

Aren't both protagonists?

[@margaretemmareilly8289]

Yes

[@user-uz8wu5gm1u]

This is definitely true, but people with limited "tunnel" vision are only able to see one of the brothers

[@margaretemmareilly8289]

I love supernatural

[@patrickmcguire7896]

Number 3 & 2 for Dean. Hell yeah that's what I've been saying, this was my biggest complaint with writing Sam. These two are technically the same one. Unless they were love interest the show always struggled with Sam relationships with the supporting cast, Dean always had the strongest bound with them. This includes the villains, most of the villains dean killed they shared a hatred and rivalry with each other and for most they didn't share that with Sam. After Lucifer the writers stopped giving Sam personal villains which is a shame we never got another feud like with Gordon Walker. It's the writers didn't know how to write Sam with anyone else, the biggest complaint about bringing Mary back was she only spent time with Dena. The three exceptions are Jodi, Rowena and Jack but that last one changed. Sure Sam was friendly with him at the start but they separated halfway through the season so their relationship didn't evolve and in the next two Jack spends most of his quality time with Dean & Cas instead of him.

[@Davidscomix]

I hated how they did Sam later because he’s such an intricate character, he definitely should’ve at least spent more time with Mary as they didn’t have much of a relationship. They both should’ve gotten equal treatment

[@andreaelenanmansur98]

Dean ❤

[@skyler1962]

Favorite - Dean, and Castiel a close second

[@mcbeardthebat8589]

i think it was always supposed to be about sam, but over time the writers realised dean had the more compelling arcs to tell. sams was always 'suffers self doubt and his fear about turning dark, make him turn dark' deans issues were always trying to save sam or the world. but thats how they were raised, Dean was the hunter through and through and sam basically only went back so that dean didnt hunt alone following his fathers disappearance and death

[@doreenbierens]

Dean was my favorite since the first episode, he is the one that I most relate to.

[@Superpatriot]

Ya all are going to make me binge this show ahead of schedule...

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

I'm not much of a binge-watcher, but I can't get enough of this show

[@msrandomizednumber]

Okay, let’s be real… Baby is the real protagonist. End of conversation.

[@Alpenglow1892]

Dean is simply the best. That’s it❤

[@alesonu]

I actually never saw it in that way 🤔 Coz I always thought supernatural to be more of two brother's story or more like journey. It never occured to me as one of them being the lead, for me both were the leads! It was in Vampire diaries where I actually had the feeling of leads changing...starting with Stefan and changing to Damon. Well, frankly Damon was more intriguing character

[@Davidscomix]

Of course, they both were the leads

[@loveinspired7]

Greatest freaking show on the planet.

[@halfghaniteevee3559]

Bobby x Rufus Prequel Spinoff Please

[@KeriJo12]

I've always considered Dean the main character, ever since the first Sam death, but this video really made me consider all angles!

[@Zayesha_Xara8AK]

Dean❤

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Definitely Sam. Happy monday afternoon, Samantha, take care and God bless you. Greetings from Colombia to you as well

[@penelopeobrien3999]

My heart always belongs to dean

[@amandasnider2644]

I've always been a Dean girl but it started to really bother me how so many storylines or episodes were Dean-Centric. It felt really unfair to Jared Padalecki that he didn't get more opportunities to flex his acting and comedy skills more often. It started to feel like the writers really favored Dean and Sam was just there to react to things happening to Dean.

[@Davidscomix]

I noticed they were really playing toward the dean and destiel fans

[@Davidscomix]

The show is about both of the brothers and that’s all that matters

[@amyanderson1809]

I love them both and both have there strengths and weaknesses ❤❤❤❤

[@kolawoleoluwagbemigaboluwa3289]

I do think the Winchester Brothers are the protagonists

[@sarab2583]

I'd definitely say both got protagonist role at different points. Early seasons mainly being Sam, and later seasons being Dean. Although I do feel like it's a bit more difficult to pick out in some seasons 😅

[@metalbutterflygaming1544]

for me it's definitely Sam without questions asked :)!!!

[@penelopeobrien3999]

Dean for the win

[@zonitoni4453]

I love them both equally.❤

[@cathiewettlaufer4224]

Always Dean.

[@phillipwalling7470]

I'd say their brotherly bond is the true protagonist.

[@jamiejimison4374]

Dean

[@powerzwerg5566]

I'm a Sam-girl but still can't decide on your question! It's like picking out favourite child 😶

[@cookiesncream789]

Sam and Dean are both great but Cas is my favourite. 😇👼🗡

[@user-uz8wu5gm1u]

Of the secondary characters, my favorite is Cas. But in first place are Sam and Dean, the main characters. I love their brotherly love, and in different episodes I like less the one of the brothers who offends his brother, cannot forgive him and negatively affects their brotherly love. Sam and Dean are equally important, they are both main characters, and this is a fact. Well, and those who have "narrow" vision and who see only their favorite character, blindly think that this brother is the main one. It's simple.

[@peacewillow]

sam was cuter until all the crazy demon powers and stuff came about, then it became obvious that dean was the more dependable of the two. i would definitely rather go on a hunt with dean than with sammy, any day!!!

[@rayalves8520]

Jensen Ackles would make a good version of Constantine. he just need to dye his hair

[@heatherqualy9143]

Yes. To this entire video.

[@heathmoore1004]

Dean is ultimately the protagonist between the 2... even during the more sam-focused seasons, Dean was more present than Sam was in the Dean focused seasons

[@YasmeenMO]

Love supernatural ❤️ but I'm on team Sam

[@kelseyhaight1698]

TEAM DEAN FOR ME Sam’s a dorky douche monkey with jealousy issues 😂

[@avapeuffier3172]

Dean and Sam ❤

[@chryssa_pozidou]

Deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannn!!!!

[@weaktea4252]

Dean is in S14E1 ("Stranger in a Strange Land").

[@delblaine1625]

No, he is not. Jensen is of course in it but only as Michael.

[@weaktea4252]

@@delblaine1625 But that was still Dean. He was there in body, plus, in episode 3, we find out he has repressed memories of when Michael was in control.

[@delblaine1625]

​@@weaktea4252Okay, agreed. It is often said that Sam is the only character appearing in every episode but you are right because of the memories Dean has.

[@minaschneider4200]

Dean Winchester! ❤❤❤

[@megannantz8406]

I love my boys! Both of my boys are named after them.

[@patrickmcguire7896]

You’re a true fan! Is the oldest Dean and youngest Sam or did you switch it out?

[@megannantz8406]

@patrickmcguire7896 well my oldest is named samuel dean. And my youngest is named Jensen.

[@aleksandrakettner905]

❤❤❤

[@tdi21]

Dean's Number Two is my biggest peeve for Dean

[@PariahRonin]

It's Dean - Sam might have been the entry view point character - but just being the view point character isn't necessarily the main character. Sherlock and Watson being a primary example.

[@m2c292]

It’s Dean

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Carry On My Wayward Son

[@bay6]

Sam ask questions then shot, Dean is the opposite. #TeamDeanWinchester I love Sam but his alil to involved emotionally. Dean is emotional when it comes to those he considers family. Dean always put family first selfishly with good intentions… Sam did the opposite lol

[@oublielias5981]

Sam had the more emotionally impactful momemts and geared the show like he's a bad bitch like that also SAM'S THE SHOW'S FINAL GIRL LETS GOOOO❤

[@K2OTurtle]

it was a Sam story at first then it came around to season 5 which was supposed to be their las final season then it game around to season 6 which ended up being a Dean story it always went back and forth they had their fights , they didn't get a long at times but at the end of it all they always loved each other no matter drama

[@maddog6620]

You are cool 😎

[@avdhootbhatwadekar4954]

The real protagonist is none other than. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Wayward Son

[@claudimirafatimamendessant5122]

Os dois são. Protagonistas a história gira em torno dos irmãos

[@ateleven1125]

Dean all the way start to finish best character on the show

[@Dean_the_squirel]

Although it wasnt sam who had a connection with ruby it was jared

[@klwm6432]

Dean also killed "Hitler!"😊

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Soldier Boy

[@Dilly_Dil1y]

You can’t have one without the other. Both are the lead characters. Duh

[@user-yc9vv9xb8s]

Hey so on season 11 or 12 which episode did Dean say sorry or apologize to Sam for almost killing him when he was under the influence of the Mark of Cain? anyone tell me please tell me

[@larissaweasley9165]

Cas is the Main character. Lets be honest, Misha is the only reason they even got that far. A little respect to the Man who not only raised Dean from Predition but also the show.

[@kingofartmaster]

Sam all day for me

[@Daniel-ow8fo]

I don’t really care who’s the REAL protagonist. The Winchester brothers are always the main characters.

[@JoWill8]

A great show and a dumb argument. A show can actually have more than one protagonist.

[@84bombsjetpack23]

The protagonist is NewJeans. See, "Supernatural" by NewJeans.

[@puisquilfautunnom7030]

I've been a fan of SPN since it first aired and the core of the show has always been the relationship between the 2 brothers. But the worst thing the writers did to the show was to push Dean over Sam. Sam started as the sensitive one but at a certain point all the characters started to befriend D, even the one who started in a Sam story line (see sheriff Mills). Writers began to take from Sam to give to Dean (for ex. how did it make sense for Lucifer to be killed by D. when it had always been a S. related charater, and so on). It was totally unecessary and damaging to the show, even to Dean's character. Towards the end Sam parts were poorly written and the show lost its balance (specifically in s.15). The show was at its best when one brother was the mirror of the other. Also Sam/Jared are totally undervalued and its a shame.

[@adrienette4ever568]

for me its Sam

[@ritac_aa]

I think it was meant to be Sam in the first 2/3 seasons, but Jensen proved to be a better actor... He was in charge for all the dramatic scenes, and also funny scenes as well. Jensen is so much more versitle and charismatic that he stole the spotlight. No wonder Dean is the favorite character of most of the fandom... the man is awesome, but thanks for Jensen's acting ❤

[@truegibbsy]

It's AbadDON not AbaDAWN

[@redwardranger7034]

Nah. It was Castiel😂

[@GalaxyXPLR]

8:55 Don't forget that Dean killed Hitler 😉

[@sageof346paths3]

Sam is not really relatable tho he always on some weird ish😂 Dean is by far more relatable. classic rock, car classic, and a cheeseburger Dean is salt of the earth

[@nicolelylewis]

don't forget Dean killed Hitler too XD

[@anthonymorales9869]

It's Sam. I don't deny Dean's role, but the show started with Sam story's and ultimately ended with Sam's story.

[@rodan9773]

The Main Protagonist is Cas done lol.

[@Secwudstus]

Its got to be Dean, he literally killed Hitler

[@bennatural5073]

Shut up kids☕️ Real Og's since 2005

[@JoeBee1997]

Dean killed Hitler 9:35

[@ExplainedGaming0]

I don't care what anyone says but I think dean is the main protagonist of the show

[@ZHANUKI]

How about you guys do top Sam badass moments ? Or top moments when sam was a better brother than dean ?

[@patrickmcguire7896]

I think they already did Unless I’m think about sreenrant