Buzz
Villains are an indispensable part of any good film. While we all love a well-crafted antagonist, their primary role is usually to create obstacles for the hero. However, there are times when the villain becomes the most compelling and magnetic character in the story.
Some of these villains are portrayed by actors so skilled in playing the dark side that we end up sympathizing with them. Others are so villainous that our disdain for them overshadows the rest of the plot. And on occasion, we come to realize that the villain may not be as wrong as we once believed.
The following ten films showcase villains who, according to both critics and audiences, outshone the film’s intended hero for various reasons.
10. The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman has everything a hero could wish for: sleek cars, advanced gadgets, boundless wealth, and a loyal butler who goes above and beyond. But what truly makes him iconic are the legendary villains he faces. Nearly every Batman movie features a villain who steals the spotlight. While we could have chosen the Penguin from Tim Burton's Batman Returns or Bane from The Dark Knight Rises, it’s Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker that stands out as Batman’s most compelling adversary.
Heath Ledger described his portrayal of the Joker as a 'psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy,' a stark contrast to the more playful and campy renditions of the character from the past.
What this version of the Joker lacks in a clear backstory or motivation, he more than compensates for with sheer presence. Each time he appears on screen, he brings a wave of chaos and unpredictability. Thanks to Ledger’s unforgettable performance, which earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, this Joker feels undeniably real.
9. Darth Vader in the Star Wars Franchise (1977–2019)
The original Star Wars trilogy introduced no shortage of iconic heroes, but none left as lasting an impact as Darth Vader. His intimidating presence is amplified by his iconic suit, helmet, and voice, along with his ruthless commands and ability to choke out those who fail to meet his expectations.
Vader's arc throughout the original trilogy is undeniably more captivating than Luke's. In many respects, Star Wars is ultimately Vader's journey. From his descent into darkness and his rivalry with Obi-Wan, to the shocking revelation that he is Luke's father and his eventual redemption, George Lucas crafted a villain who, intentionally or not, arguably stands as the central figure of the entire franchise.
8. Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men (2007)
Josh Brolin delivered a solid performance as Llewyn Moss, the everyman caught in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game in No Country for Old Men. Tommy Lee Jones also gave an unforgettable performance as the nearly retired sheriff entangled in forces beyond his control. But let’s be clear—this film belongs to Javier Bardem.
At first, Anton Chigurh’s bizarre haircut and his strange weapon might seem almost comical, but he quickly becomes a figure of pure terror. Cold, unflinching, and utterly relentless, Chigurh's eerie calm in the face of his heinous actions, paired with Bardem’s commanding presence, creates a villain who seems almost invincible. And the fact that he decides whether or not to kill someone based on a coin flip only adds to his chilling unpredictability. Bardem's portrayal earned him an Oscar, cementing Chigurh as one of the most unforgettable characters in modern cinema.
7. Elijah Price in Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable tells the story of David Dunn (Bruce Willis), a security guard who unknowingly possesses superhero-like abilities. Assisting him in discovering these powers is Elijah Price (Samuel Jackson), a disabled comic book store owner. In a classic Shyamalan twist, the narrative takes an unexpected turn towards the end, revealing that Price is not the well-meaning mentor he seemed to be at first. Despite this, Price remains a more compelling and relatable character than the film's protagonist, whether or not the twist is known.
While Dunn is invulnerable to harm (literally 'unbreakable'), Price (also known as 'Mr. Glass') suffers from a rare brittle bone disease. This affliction leads to heartbreaking moments, like a devastating fall down a staircase, making Price a far more poignant character. This contrast makes the film's ultimate twist even more intense and impactful.
6. Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man (1973)
Sergeant Neil Howie, a strict, conservative, and uninteresting figure, is the polar opposite of the typical movie hero. This is a key part of the clever narrative trick that the folk-horror classic, The Wicker Man, plays on its audience. While Howie unexpectedly fills the role of hero, there's no mistaking who the true villain of the story is—Lord Summerisle, portrayed by Christopher Lee.
Christopher Lee delivers an exceptional performance as the charismatic pagan leader manipulating events from behind the scenes on the Scottish island named after him. Lee, renowned for playing villains like Dracula and Saruman, once declared The Wicker Man to be his finest film. Whether or not this claim is debatable, there's no doubt that Lord Summerisle and his eccentric followers truly steal the spotlight, even though Howie’s suspicions about them turn out to be true in the end.
5. Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
In addition to its unforgettable set pieces, costumes, and musical numbers, The Rocky Horror Picture Show features a truly remarkable array of characters. Yet, despite the standout performances from Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, it's clear that the real star of this cult classic is Dr. Frank-N-Furter, 'The Eccentric Transvestite Scientist.'
Tim Curry's portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter is equal parts mischievous, mad, and mesmerizing. Every moment he’s on screen is electric, leaving audiences craving his return when he's off-screen. However, Furter isn’t simply promiscuous—he’s downright villainous, showing no regard for the consequences of his actions, which even include murder. Still, if you're fixated on his actions rather than his defiance of gender and societal norms, you may have missed the larger message of the film.
4. Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise (1984–2003)
Many horror franchises from the '80s feature villains who are more intriguing than their victims, often because the victims are simply clichés of teenage stereotypes. But where silent, emotionless killers like Michael Myers and Jason stalk their prey, Freddy Krueger brings a whole new level of dark humor and camp to the genre, making him a unique and unforgettable figure.
Initially portrayed by the brilliant Robert Englund, Freddy Krueger's wicked one-liners and sadistic presence were key factors in the franchise's enduring appeal. Despite the changing faces of the protagonists, the series has grossed over $440 million. Throw in his signature clawed hands, the ability to kill in dreams, and that instantly recognizable red-and-green striped sweater, and you’ve got a villain who consistently outshines any hero in the franchise.
3. Roy Batty in Blade Runner
What's that? Two films on this list where Harrison Ford’s character is overshadowed? Sure, Ford’s Film Noir-inspired Rick Deckard makes for a compelling protagonist. But ultimately, it's Rutger Hauer's portrayal of the rogue humanoid, Roy Batty, that truly brings the film’s deeper themes to life.
Roy Batty, like all great villains, isn’t purely evil—he’s a complex character who embodies shades of grey. What he truly seeks is control over his own existence. Yet, his quest for self-discovery leads him to cause widespread death and chaos. Still, his final act is undeniably human, and his poignant closing monologue—partly penned by Hauer himself—reflecting on the fleeting nature of life, might be one of the most powerful moments in cinematic history.
2. Loki in Thor (2011)
Thor is undeniably a powerhouse, and Chris Hemsworth was the perfect actor to embody him. However, being the God of Thunder doesn’t leave much room for intricate character exploration. Instead, it was Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of Thor’s scheming brother Loki that left the deepest mark in this well-loved Marvel movie.
Loki is deceptive, calculating, and treacherous, yet he is far from purely evil. The nuances in his character—his shades of grey—are what make him so compelling. While Loki may be selfish and ruthless, he is also much more relatable and human than his stronger, more straightforward brother. Where Thor may not fit the mold of an anti-hero, Loki arguably stands as one of the greatest anti-villains in cinematic history.
1. Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990)
While James Caan’s portrayal of the immobilized writer Paul Sheldon is commendable, the true legacy of Misery lies in Kathy Bates’s iconic performance as the unhinged Annie Wilkes. It's clear why Bates took home an Oscar for this unforgettable role.
When her favorite author crashes his car in a snowstorm, Wilkes decides to ‘care’ for him. However, her care quickly turns into something much darker, revealing her obsessive fandom. She transitions from being his nurse to his captor in a heartbeat. Wilkes’s seemingly sweet and mild demeanor only makes her eventual monstrous actions more shocking. Throw in a particularly grisly scene involving a sledgehammer, and it's undeniable that Wilkes ranks among the most sadistic movie villains ever created.
