The 10 Best Inmates On 'Orange Is The New Black'

Orange is the New Black remains to be one of the most popular series in Netflix history despite being over since 2019. The prison comedy/drama series based off real-life ex-inmate, Piper Kerman, lasted on the streaming service for 7 seasons. Among those seasons we witnessed love, murder, riots, fights, betrayal, sex, and lots and lots of drama. You can't have all of those things without some memorable characters, can you?

While most viewers can agree that a majority of Litchfield's inmates weren't necessarily the smartest, they had heart and found ways to serve their time without boredom. Some inmates found better ways than others and stood out a lot more as a result.

With this article, we'll focus on the 10 best inmates on Orange is the New Black. Yes, we said inmates so don't expect to see any guards or free spirits on this list. Obviously I couldn't include everyone, so if you don't see your favorite Litchfield inmates, don't despair! There were so many memorable inmates it was hard to narrow it down to just these 10 women.

But, then again, we've got time to think of more. Eh?

10. Poussey Washington

Played by: Samira Wiley

Poussey is probably the most genuine, sweet-natured character in Orange is the New Black history. In addition to being one of the many LGBTQ+ characters, she grew up a military brat and had spent many years living in Europe. Her genuine nature was showcased with her friendship with Taystee and her starstruck behavior around Judy King. Unfortunately, Poussey was murdered by a guard which sparked the prison riot in season 4.

9. Cindy Hayes (aka, Black Cindy)

Played by: Adrienne C. Moore

Litchfield had its share of comedians and Cindy was no exception. Easily one of the funniest characters in the show's history, Cindy revealed herself to be a lot deeper than her witty remarks. Whether it was the revelation of her family life or converting to Judaism (get it, Tova!), she definitely pulled at our hearts by the end of the series.

8. Sophia Burset

Played by: Laverne Cox

Cox is easily the most breakout star of Orange is the New Black and it was for good reason. Not only was a transgender character played by a transgender actress, but the character of Sophia represented a lot of struggled that trans people face in the department of corrections. With Sophia we not only saw the struggles inside of prison, but we also saw the struggles she faced coming to terms with her son and her ex-wife. We were rooting for her right until the very end.

7. Carrie Black (aka, Big Boo)

Played by: Lea DeLaria

While the term "butch lesbian" might be a bit dated, Big Boo was sure proud of her identity. Unapologetically LGBTQ+, she managed to serve her time without compromising who she was or what she believed in. She even managed to forge an unlikely friendship with the ultra religious, homophobic Pennsatucky - including getting her out of a rather dangerous situation with an abusive guard. If it came down to needing a prison wife, I think we all would have considered Boo.

6. Gloria Mendoza

Played by: Selenia Leyva

Gloria emerged as a main character after Red was ousted as head of the kitchen and we quickly learned not just why she was in prison, but also that no one should ever mess with her. However, Gloria wasn't just terrifying. She proved that under her hard exterior, she was capable of being a supportive ally.

5. Alex Vause

Played by: Laura Prepon

Alex wasn't just hot secretary glasses and a raspy voice. With her lengthy drug trafficking history, it was assumed that Alex's past would catch up with her eventually. After dealing with a slightly terrifying encounter with a hitman, she managed to get out of prison and wind up right back in - thanks to her on and off again girlfriend, Piper. At the end of the day, Alex had a big heart and all she really wanted was to love and be loved.

4. Tasha Jefferson (aka, Taystee)

Played by: Danielle Brooks

Taystee was the heart and soul of Litchfield and always managed to be at the center of the series' events - including the prison riot and the intense wrath of Vee. She went down a dark path for a while and ultimately witnessed her best friend, Poussey, get murdered by a guard. Taystee was the main instigator of the prison riot, but she also kept her eye on the prize. While everyone else was demanding Taki's, she demanded justice for her friend. It's sad what ended up happening to Taystee, but she remains the lifeblood of the entire series. Yes, even more than Piper.

3. Galina Reznikov (aka, Red)

Played by: Kate Mulgrew

Red was the original frenemy of Litchfield as head cook. If you were her friend, you got eyeliner. If you weren't her friend, you might want to get comfortable with food depravation. She used her expertise to smuggle in harmless items to maintain peace among inmates and guards, but once Red was ousted the tides turned. Despite lacking the power she once held, Red showed that she was still a loyal ally and wasn't afraid to defend herself or her prison family. She's our favorite prison mom.

2. Nicky Nichols

Played by: Natasha Lyonne

Nicky always seemed to have an answer for everything. Whether it was a legitimate answer or a witty clapback, she managed to maintain a good rapport with both inmates and guards. Well, for the most part. She was the queen of poor decision making and wound up in maximum security as a result, but she was a good friend to have. If nothing else, you might receive an obscure outlook on life from her.

1. Suzanne Warren (aka, Crazy Eyes)

Played by: Uzo Aduba

Not only is Uzo Aduba the only Emmy winner of the show, but her character speaks about more than what is on the surface. Suzanne is out there, but she maintains a sort of innocent oblivion about who she is. She knows things aren't quite right, but it never keeps her from trying to play with the other inmates. Her creativity even makes her a prison celebrity with her erotic fiction based on Litchfield. Unfortunately, her mental health issues contributed to Poussey's murder and aided in Vee's attempted takeover of the prison. Suzanne is often written off by the other inmates and the guards, but she is one of the most intuitive and well-natured inmates. In my opinion, she didn't even deserve to be in prison. She needed legitimate help.