The Most to Least Intimidating Myers-Briggs Personality Types, Ranked

Depending on our Myers-Briggs personality type, other personality types can seem more or less intimidating. When you’re shy and group-minded, a more authoritative and self-promoting type might come off as overbearing. When you’re outgoing and spontaneous, being the loudest voice in a quiet group can make you seem a bit intimidating, even if your energy is pure overexcited puppy!

The question is, where are you in the pack? Using both historical and fictional examples, we’re ranking the 16 personality types based on how intimidating they appear.

1. ENTJ (“The Commander”)

The most intimidating overall, ENTJs will rarely shy away from speaking their mind, often in the most direct way possible. Think Dr. Gregory House from the TV series House stalking the halls of Princeton‑Plainsboro – razor‑sharp and relentlessly logical, but far more interested in being right than being liked. While his authority and competence are undeniable, his blunt honesty and refusal to sugarcoat criticism keep his team in a constant state of tension, never quite sure if they meet his perpetually high standards.  

2. INTJ (“The Mastermind”)

INTJs navigate the world through their intellect and trust their own conclusions above all else, which can come across as arrogant or dismissive to those around them. Real life and fictional examples of this type – such as the pianist Glenn Gould or the brooding, caped crusader Batman – trust their own minds to spot patterns and  find solutions that others miss entirely.  They're not particularly concerned with softening their insights to spare feelings, and that blunt honesty can feel unnerving to people who prefer a gentler touch.

3. ESTJ (“The Supervisor”)

ESTJs bring a no-nonsense, take‑charge energy that can easily read as intimidating, especially when they barrel straight into decisions and expect everyone else to keep up. Their direct communication style and high standards mean they rarely sugarcoat criticism or hesitate to call things out when they think someone is slacking. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is frequently typed as an ESTJ. She never shied away from conflict and was unwavering in her beliefs – making her a formidable opponent for anyone on the other side of the argument.

4. ISTJ (“The Inspector”)

ISTJs value law and order. They can go to great pains to be positive examples of discipline, duty and doing things by the book. For people who prefer more flexibility and looseness around rules, that level of seriousness can feel a bit stiff or intimidating. George Washington is frequently typed as an ISTJ. He was a great military leader during the American Revolution and he carried the same principled approach into his political life, setting precedents that shaped every President who followed him.​

5. ENFJ (“The Teacher”) 

Part leader and part mentor, ENFJs often find themselves in roles where they can guide, influence and inspire others. Their charisma, certainty about what is “right,” and knack for rallying people around a cause can feel a little intense or overpowering, especially to more reserved types. Barack Obama is a well-known example of this type. Throughout his presidency and in his earlier career as a law professor, many people were struck by his blend of passion and conviction, which made him deeply influential even when he wasn’t overtly harsh or overbearing.

6. ESTP (“The Dynamo”)

ESTPs move through the world with visible confidence, always reaching for their goals in a bold, direct way. They can seem intimidating to people who are less inclined to take big risks or make snap decisions. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man captures this energy well. ESTPs tend to light up any environment they are in, creating a buzz of excitement with their spontaneity and high self-assurance.

7. INFJ (“The Counselor”) 

INFJs move through the world with a kind of quiet intensity that other people often experience as deep or serious. This type can come across as principled and even a little mystical at times, especially when they speak in abstract, idealistic terms. Carl Jung, whose theories of psychological types underpin the Myers-Briggs system, is often thought to fit this type and shows how an INFJ’s rich inner world can feel a bit intimidating to people who are less introspective.​

8. ISTP (“The Craftsman”) 

What do Wolverine and Scarlett Johansson have in common? Both are ISTPs (probably). As the name suggests, this type tends to be highly self‑reliant and quietly capable, handling things on their own without making a fuss. Their introversion can make ISTPs hard to read, and the way they calmly assess a situation while keeping their emotions close to the chest creates a cool, detached vibe that some people find a bit intimidating or unapproachable.

9. ENTP (“The Visionary”)

ENTPs are quick to jump into any discussion and turn it into a full‑blown debate, often talking circles around everyone else. They love to have the first as well as the last word, and they love playing devil’s advocate just to see where the argument goes. This can feel intimidating, especially to more conflict‑averse types, but it’s usually lighthearted! Stephen Colbert portrays this type on his TV show – more playful than domineering.

10. INTP (“The Architect”) 

We might view INTPs as the classic “absent-minded professor” type. Their biographies make them sound intellectually imposing, and perhaps a little intimidating, but in person they’re usually more lost in thought than looming over anyone. Einstein could seem aloof or disinterested, and his total absorption in the world of ideas could be intimidating at first glance, yet he was by most accounts very friendly and easy to talk to.

11. ESFJ (“The Provider”)

By this point, we’ve left the realm of intimidation completely. ESFJs are known for their open, welcoming attitude to the world and the people in it. Far from being intimidating, celebrities like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are popular because they feel relatable, with a slightly nerdy, self-aware charm that reads as socially savvy rather than scary. When they do assert themselves, most of us end up rooting for them and are quite happy to bask in the glow of their friendliness and warmth.​

12. ENFP (“The Champion”)

Firmly in the “not intimidating” camp, ENFPs have an approachable, big-hearted energy that puts openness and enthusiasm front and centre. Their bubbly curiosity and tendency to treat almost any interaction as an opportunity for connection can feel a bit much at times, but not in a threatening way. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott in The Office is an over-the-top version of the ENFP vibe – he’s never truly imposing, yet he still manages to completely overwhelm his colleagues with his relentless, scattershot enthusiasm.

13. ISFJ (“The Protector”) 

The ISFJ personality type is the consummate sidekick – they’re genuinely supportive and encouraging of the beliefs of their social tribe. They will speak their minds when it matters, but they are just as ready to listen and offer gentle, constructive feedback in return. This is the role Watson plays alongside Sherlock Holmes. His steady loyalty and warmth make him the approachable counterbalance to Sherlock’s sharper, more intimidating intellect.

14. INFP (“The Healer”)

The INFP is a true dreamer.  They’re guided by a strong inner compass and a vivid sense of how the world could be. The level of conviction these types bring to their ideals, and their somewhat romantic vision of the common good, can make them seem a bit puritanical at times, or even a little childlike. The main protagonist of the film Amélie is a good example of an INFP – she’s absorbed in her intensely felt inner life and can come across as overly idealistic, but she is unlikely to seem intimidating to anyone who appreciates her quirky point of view.

15. ESFP (“The Performer”)

True to their nickname, ESFPs are the life of the party. They thrive in roles where they can entertain, engage and be around people. Actors, musicians and even charismatic politicians often show this playful, energetic style. Marilyn Monroe is frequently thought to have been an ESFP. Her warmth, humor and easy charm tended to put people at ease rather than intimidate them, softening social anxieties instead of stirring them up.

16. ISFP (“The Composer”) 

ISFPs sit at the very bottom of our intimidation ranking because they’re big softies! Think Frodo Baggins: gentle, laid back, protective of his peace while also open to new experiences. Highly sensitive and empathetic, ISFPs hope to avoid confrontations rather than provoke them. Even when they stand out through their art, style or values, they rarely come across as intimidating, and are more likely to give off a calm, approachable presence that helps other people relax and be themselves.