Charmed: 5 Reasons Why Paige Is The Superior Sister (& 5 Why It’s Prue)

The trio of witch sisters in the WB’s Charmed originally featured Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell. Prue’s sudden departure from the show in the season 3 finale led to the introduction of the Charmed Ones’ secret half-sister, Paige. Paige replaced Prue for the duration of the series, establishing herself as a capable witch and fan-favorite character.

Paige was a great addition to the cast but she struggled with the responsibility of living up to Prue’s reputation. The eldest Halliwell sister was the original Charmed One and could be regarded as the superior Charmed sister. Which witch is best?

10 Paige: More Relatable

Paige’s youth and early separation from the Halliwell sisters made her more naive, but her struggles were more relatable than Prue’s. Prue appeared naturally gifted with powerful leadership qualities, where Paige developed her abilities throughout the series.

Paige’s youthful naivete set her apart from the eldest Halliwell sister. Her character was more flawed, but this only gave her a Buffy Summers-like relatability.

9 Prue: More Powerful

Paige’s magical abilities were a visual delight due to her Whitelighter heritage. However, Prue was more powerful than her younger half-sister as the head of the Halliwell family.

Prue was a skilled telekinetic who, unlike Paige, could also astral project. She was arguably the most powerful Charmed One before Piper and Phoebe gained more abilities.

8 Paige: Another Whitelighter In The Show

Paige’s introduction provided a great opportunity for the show to extend its lore. The Halliwells’ half-sister, who was born half-witch and half-Whitelighter, explored both sides of her heritage and saved the day several times with her ability to orb.

Paige’s Whitelighter DNA allowed the show to separate her similar power-set from Prue’s. It also allowed Leo’s character to grow and expand, seeking a life and family with Piper, as Paige assisted him with Whitelighter duties.

7 Prue: The Original Halliwell Sister

Prue was the original Halliwell sister whereas Paige’s character was created as a replacement after actress Shannen Doherty departed the show. Many fans of Charmed hold Prue in higher regard due to her status as an original cast member.

Paige had big boots to fill when she replaced Prue as the third sister. Although she is beloved by some fans, others feel that her character never quite managed to live up to Prue’s reputation. Paige herself is plagued by the same concerns throughout the series.

6 Paige: She Spent Her Life Helping People

One of Paige Matthews’ defining characteristics is her compassion. She pursues a career in social services before deciding to dedicate her life to witchcraft. Paige continues to help people as a Whitelighter under Leo’s mentorship.

Paige is a caring character who spends her time helping other people. Prue was also an empathetic character, though she arguably viewed her witch responsibilities as more of a burden.

5 Prue: A Natural Leader

As the eldest Halliwell sister, Prue naturally gravitated toward leadership roles and showed great skill as the head of the household. Piper and Phoebe looked to Prue for guidance as they supported each other through the discovery of their magical powers.

Prue had a more commanding presence that was strengthened by her impressive telekinetic abilities. Paige lacked these skills and, as the youngest sister, often followed the example of other people.

4 Paige: Her Relationship With Phoebe

Paige’s introduction elevated Phoebe to the status of the middle sister. This allowed the character to explore a new, refreshing dynamic. Phoebe showed a new responsibility as a big sister to Paige, and their relationship was a highlight of the show’s later seasons. Both characters helped each other grow as better people and more capable witches.

3 Prue: Her Relationship With Piper

Phoebe and Paige shared a great relationship, but Piper was closer to Prue than her younger half-sister. Prue’s death was a heavy blow for Piper as she was thrust into the position of the eldest sister. Piper loved Paige, but it often seemed as though she held back emotionally in fear of getting hurt again.

Piper’s relationship with Prue differed greatly from her connection to Paige. Piper was more passive when Prue was alive and looked to her big sister for protection. After Prue’s death, Piper inherits the same role for Phoebe and Paige.

2 Paige: The Sisters Grew Stronger

Paige was introduced in Season 4 of Charmed as the youngest Charmed sister. This hastily pushed Piper and Phoebe into more responsible roles as older siblings. Piper and Phoebe grew more confident and assertive while paired with Paige.

The trio of Paige, Piper, and Phoebe was magically and emotionally stronger than their previous incarnation with Prue. Piper and Phoebe gained more powers that helped them defeat countless demons and entities of evil.

1 Prue: Her Sense Of Responsibility

Prue bore the burden of being the eldest Halliwell sister by taking care of her younger siblings following the death of their mother, Patty. Throughout the first three seasons of Charmed, Prue grapples with her responsibility and provides a pillar of strength for the Charmed sisters.

Prue was the guiding support in Piper and Phoebe’s lives. She was the original Charmed sister and, though Paige was a worthy successor, she had a weighty legacy to live up to.