Cinema’s Most Unforgettable Villains

This summer’s batch of movie releases includes the psychological thriller, ‘Trap, starring Josh Hartnett playing serial killer “the Butcher.” So many movies have featured serial killers and all-round bad guys, underlining our fascination with characters that we love to hate!

Hollywood aspires to offer audiences “likable” protagonists, but an iconic movie is often only as good as its primary villain. More than mere obstacles, these essential characters laugh in the face of common morality and chew up scenery as a result. They lend the movie itself more dimension while inspiring increased levels of audience engagement. On the ride home from the theater, it’s the villain that probably has people talking the most rather than the action. Audiences love tragedy, evil characters, and disaster , here are the best disaster movies of all time .

Cinematic history provides no shortage of examples of bad guys. From Darth Vader to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, key villains have lent their respective films an enduring legacy. Behind each of these seminal characters, of course, is a talented actor, without whom the role would fall short.

To compile a list of the most memorable movie villains, 24/7 Tempo exercised editorial discretion to determine performances that made a particularly lasting impression of evil, gleaning information on production dates and casting from IMDb , an online movie and TV database owned by Amazon.

Dracula

Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

• Movie: “Dracula” (1931)
• Played by: Bela Lugosi

Lugosi first portrayed Dracula on Broadway before tackling the role in a big screen adaptation. It helped launch his subsequent career as a monster movie icon from the 1930s through to the 1950s.

Miss Gulch/ The Wicked Witch of the West

Source: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

• Movie: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
• Played by: Margaret Hamilton

A wealthy landowner, Miss Gulch threatens to have Toto put to sleep during early scenes of this classic film. She’s reimagined by Dorothy as the Wicked Witch of the West, who terrorizes Oz with her army of flying monkeys. Actress Margaret Hamilton plays both characters.

Mrs. Danvers

Source: Courtesy of United Artists

• Movie: “Rebecca” (1940)
• Played by: Judith Anderson

Judith Anderson received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Mrs. Danvers, the primary antagonist of Hitchcock’s romantic thriller. Devoted to her former mistress, Danvers psychologically torments the estate owner’s new wife.

Phyllis Dietrichson

Source: Courtesy Paramount Pictures

• Movie: “Double Indemnity” (1944)
• Played by: Barbara Stanwyck

Stanwyck’s Oscar-nominated turn as Phyllis Dietrichson set a benchmark for femme fatale performances in film noir. The effortlessly cunning character seduces an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) into a scheme involving fraud and murder.

Veda Pierce

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “Mildred Pierce” (1945)
• Played by: Ann Blyth

As the foil to her mother’s hard-working ambitions, Veda Pierce takes the concept of a spoiled child to murderous extremes. Played by Ann Blyth in this 1945 film adaptation, the character was later portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood in a 2011 mini-series. Both versions were based on noir specialist James M. Cain’s novel of the same name.

Mr. Potter

Source: Courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures

• Movie: “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)
• Played by: Lionel Barrymore

Oscar-winning actor Lionel Barrymore provided the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge for radio dramas of “A Christmas Carol” in the early 1940s. That made him a perfect fit for the miserly Mr. Potter, who tries to drive George Bailey (James Stewart) out of business in director Frank Capra’s holiday classic.

Harry Powell

Source: Courtesy of United Artists

• Movie: “The Night of the Hunter” (1955)
• Played by: Robert Mitchum

This noirish thriller flopped upon its debut but gained a loyal following over time, influencing directors such as Martin Scorsese. Its story is primarily powered by Robert Mitchum’s stone-cold performance as the ruthless con-man Reverend Harry Powell, who has “LOVE” and “HATE” tattooed on his knuckles. The character was voted 29th on AFI’s list of top movie villains. This is the only film directed by famed actor Charles Laughton.

Dracula

Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

• Movie: “Horror of Dracula” (1958)
• Played by: Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee made his first appearance as Dracula in this British adaptation, which was followed by multiple sequels. Time Out film critic David Jenkins described Lee as “a menacing and complex presence who never lets his fangs and cape dominate.”

Norman Bates

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

• Movie: “Psycho” (1960)
• Played by: Anthony Perkins

The homicidal caretaker of a nondescript motel, Norman Bates set an early template for the slasher sub-genre in this Hitchcock classic. Actor Anthony Perkins imbues Bates with a palpable psychological dimension, making the film something of a character study. He would reprise the role in three sequels.

“Baby Jane” Hudson

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962)
• Played by: Bette Davis

An act of pure jealousy looms over this haunting horror classic, about the bitter relationship between two former showbiz sisters. When crafting her performance, Bette Davis may have drawn inspiration from her real-life animosity toward co-star Joan Crawford. Their behind-the-scenes rivalry was the subject of the recent FX series “Feud.”

Goldfinger

Source: Courtesy of United Artists

• Movie: “Goldfinger” (1964)
• Played by: Gert Fröbe

This iconic Bond film is credited with cementing a number of franchise stalwarts. It also introduced the eponymous villain, who’s every bit as obsessed with gold as his name would suggest. His henchman Oddjob – played by Harold Sakata – deserves a place, too, in the annals of big screen bad guys.

Alex

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
• Played by: Malcolm McDowell

Star Malcolm McDowell is said to have spent years resenting Kubrick’s subversive masterpiece before coming to grips with its many artistic merits. He plays the leader of a ruthless future gang, for whom no crime is too amoral. A villain perhaps, but Alex is also the film’s protagonist.

Damian

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: “The Omen” (1976)
• Played by: Harvey Stephens

Damian is literally the child from hell in this horror hit, which spawned multiple sequels. Harvey Stephens, who plays the character in the original, has only three credited film roles to his name, including a bit part in the 2006 remake.

Szell

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

• Movie: “Marathon Man” (1976)
• Played by: Laurence Olivier

British actor Laurence Olivier was an award-winning veteran of stage and screen by the time he played a Nazi war criminal in this taut thriller. He and co-star Dustin Hoffman reportedly clashed behind the scenes over Hoffman’s infamous style of method acting.

Joseph Mengele

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: “The Boys From Brazil” (1978)
• Played by: Gregory Peck

This grim thriller follows two Nazi hunters as they track down a secret organization with plans to resurrect the Third Reich. The story gets all the more bizarre when it leads to Dr. Joseph Mengele, who’s been inseminating women with Adolf Hitler’s DNA. According to legend, Peck only accepted the role for a chance to work with co-star Laurence Olivier.

Michael Myers

Source: Courtesy of Aquarius Releasing

• Movie: “Halloween” (1978)
• Played by: Tony Moran

The modern era of horror arguably begins with this indie blockbuster and its knife-wielding antagonist. After escaping from a mental institution, Michael Myers returns to his hometown and wreaks homicidal terror over the course of a single night. An endless string of sequels, reboots, and remakes would follow.

Jack Torrance

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “The Shining” (1980)
• Played by: Jack Nicholson

Hotel caretaker Jack Torrance descends into madness in this chilling adaptation of a Stephen King novel. Director Stanley Kubrick frequently changed the script and demanded numerous takes from his actors, which took its own psychological toll behind the scenes.

Belloq

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

• Movie: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
• Played by: Paul Freeman

Indiana Jones’ main rival, French archaeologist René Emile Belloq helps the Nazis locate the Ark of the Covenant. The character also appears in novelizations, comic books, and the 3-D computer-animated short “LEGO Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Brick.”

Emperor Palpatine

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: “Star Wars: Episode VI – The Return of the Jedi” (1983)
• Played by: Ian McDiarmid

Darth Vader’s superior, Emperor Palpatine is the ancient embodiment of pure and powerful evil. He debuted as a holograph in “The Empire Strikes Back,” featuring a different appearance and voice that was retroactively replaced. Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid is now synonymous with the character, who tortures Luke Skywalker in the first trilogy’s final installment.

Freddy Krueger

Source: Courtesy of New Line Cinema

• Movie: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
• Played by: Robert Englund

With his sharp-witted tongue and razor claws, Freddy Krueger leapt into the imaginations of victims and viewers alike. Robert Englund brought a singular comedic presence to the character, playing him in multiple sequels and also hosting the TV spin-off, “Freddy’s Nightmares.”

Alex Forrest

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

• Movie: “Fatal Attraction” (1987)
• Played by: Glenn Close

Close’s performance as a mistress scorned was so effective that it reportedly saved real-life marriages by scaring potential adulterers. It also inspired countless imitations, fueling a “from hell” sub-genre that continues to this day.

Hans Gruber

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: “Die Hard” (1988)
• Played by: Alan Rickman

Rickman’s extensive background in theater brought serious gravitas to international terrorist Hans Gruber, one of the most iconic villains in action movie history. More impressively, this was the actor’s first major role in a theatrical feature film.

Annie Wilkes

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

• Movie: “Misery” (1990)
• Played by: Kathy Bates

A celebrity’s worst nightmare, Annie Wilkes entraps and then tortures her favorite author (James Caan) in this classic thriller. Kathy Bates delivered a breakout performance as the crazed character, taking home an Oscar for Best Actress.

Tommy DeVito

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “Goodfellas” (1990)
• Played by: Joe Pesci

Scorsese’s gangster epic features no shortage of legendary performances, but Pesci’s turn as Tommy DeVito was the most talked-about of them all. It won him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and gave way to a string of major film roles.

Buffalo Bill

Source: Courtesy of Orion Pictures

• Movie: “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
• Played by: Ted Levine

One of two terrifying characters in this seminal crime drama, Buffalo Bill was reportedly inspired by real-life serial killer Ted Bundy. Actor Ted Levine also drew upon glam rockers such as David Bowie and Lou Reed when crafting his now-controversial performance.

Hannibal Lecter

Source: Courtesy of Orion Pictures

• Movie: “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
• Played by: Anthony Hopkins

Hopkins studied tarantulas and crocodiles in preparation for his Oscar-winning role as the reptilian-like Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Voted by the AFI as the most famous villain in movie history, the character has appeared in numerous books, films, and TV shows.

Max Cady

Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

• Movie: “Cape Fear” (1962)
• Played by: Robert Mitchum

Robert Mitchum reportedly turned down the role of psychotic revenge-bent rapist Max Cady until director J. Lee Thompson and would-be co-star Gregory Peck sent him flowers and a case of bourbon. He ended up turning in one of the most famous performances of his long career, and his Cady was named AFI’s No. 28 villain – one slot ahead of Harry Palmer, the part he played in “The Night of the Hunter” (see above).

Max Cady

Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

• Movie: “Cape Fear” (1991)
• Played by: Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro re-teamed with longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese for this stylish remake of the 1962 Robert Mitchum-starring thriller. Against the backdrop of a menacing score, ex-convict Max Cady enacts a deadly revenge scheme against his former lawyer (Nick Nolte). This is De Niro at his most unhinged and his performance is riveting.

Catherine Tramell

Source: Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

• Movie: “Basic Instinct” (1992)
• Played by: Sharon Stone

The foremost femme fatale of the modern movie era, author Catherine Tramell lures a troubled detective (Michael Douglas) into her psychological web. Between Stone’s iconic performance and Paul Verhoeven’s brilliant direction, the film turns tawdry indulgence into high art. Both talents offer differing accounts of the famous leg-crossing scene to this day.

Hedy Carlson

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

• Movie: “Single White Female” (1992)
• Played by: Jennifer Jason Leigh

In the vein of “Fatal Attraction” came this 1992 thriller, starring Jennifer Jason Leigh as the roommate from hell. It dials up the horror element and suffers as a result, though a murder scene involving a stiletto heel certainly had people talking.

Peyton Flanders

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

• Movie: “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” (1992)
• Played by: Rebecca De Mornay

Another entry in the “from hell” sub-genre, this blockbuster thriller centers on demented nanny Peyton Flanders. Scarred by personal tragedy, Flanders seeks revenge on the family she holds responsible for her suffering. “This is De Mornay’s film and she’s a wicked treat,” wrote critic Michael Upchurch for the Seattle Times.

Amon Goth

Source: Courtesy of ITI Cinema

• Movie: “Schindler’s List” (1993)
• Played by: Ralph Fiennes

SS Officer Amon Göth oversaw countless atrocities during the Holocaust, many of which are depicted in Speilberg’s sobering historical drama. The real-life figure was eventually charged with war crimes and executed not far from the Płaszów concentration camp. In preparation for the role, Ralph Fiennes relucantly immersed himself in Nazi propoganda materials.

Drexl Spivey

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “True Romance” (1993)
• Played by: Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman is nearly unrecognizable as pimp and drug dealer Drexl Spivey in this cult classic. Rocking dreadlocks and a Jamaican accent, he gets maximum impact out of precious little screen time. The actor personally suggested physical details for the character such as the facial scars and white eye.

Mitch Leary

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

• Movie: “In the Line of Fire” (1993)
• Played by: John Malkovich

This political thriller alternates between a secret service agent (Clint Eastwood) and a would-be assassin (John Malkovich) as the story builds toward its momentous climax. Malkovich injects the character with a calm and unnerving quality and lends the film its most compelling dimension. His performance earned critical accolades and an Oscar nomination.

Lestat

Source: Courtesy of Geffen Pictures

• Movie: “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles” (1994)
• Played by: Tom Cruise

This adaptation of Anne Rice’s best-selling novel features Tom Cruise in one of his few villainous roles. His galvanized turn as an immortal vampire was arguably the highlight of an otherwise mediocre film. Anne Rice herself was initially opposed to the casting of Cruise, but she became a quick convert after seeing his performance.

John Doe

Source: Courtesy of New Line Cinema

• Movie: “Se7en” (1995)
• Played by: Kevin Spacey

Every bit as elusive as his name would suggest, serial killer John Doe (Kevin Spacey) commits a series of heinous murders in an unnamed city. He emerges in the final act as part of a grim and meticulous plan and things only get darker from there. To reinforce an element of intrigue and surprise, actor Spacey isn’t listed in the film’s opening credits.

Keyser Soze

Source: Courtesy of Gramercy Pictures

• Movie: “The Usual Suspects” (1995)
• Played by: Kevin Spacey

The same year he played a serial killer in “Se7en,” Kevin Spacey starred as a criminal mastermind in this acclaimed thriller. Under the guise of a wimpy alter-ego, Keyser Soze manipulates the investigation of a mysterious massacre. And for anyone who hasn’t seen the film yet, we apologize for spoiling one of the greatest reveals in movie history.

Agent Smith

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “The Matrix” (1999)
• Played by: Hugo Weaving

With his emotionless tone and delivery, Weaving perfectly captures the essence of a computer made flesh in this sci-fi masterpiece. His ability to replicate himself or appear at any time makes him quite the formidable foe, and a seminal fixture of the original trilogy.

Emperor Commodus

Source: Courtesy of DreamWorks Distribution

• Movie: “Gladiator” (2000)
• Played by: Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix announced himself as one of the best actors of his generation with this Oscar-nominated performance. The devious son of an emperor, Commodus murders his own father and seizes power in ancient Rome.

Eric Lensherr/Magneto

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: “X-Men” (2000)
• Played by: Ian McKellen

Magneto finds enemies on all sides in this comic book adaptation, which pits him and his minions against both the X-men and the U.S. government. Actor Ian McKellen reprised the role in a blockbuster sequel, which expands upon the character’s backstory and continues his reign of terror.

Patrick Bateman

Source: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films

• Movie: “American Psycho” (2000)
• Played by: Christian Bale

A darkly satirical novel by Bret Easton Ellis laid the groundwork for this film adaptation, in which businessman Patrick Bateman dispenses music trivia and murder. The character’s casual sociopathy and obsession with status provided a grim mirror to New York’s shallow yuppie culture. Christian Bale’s status as an enduring movie icon arguably starts here.

Norman Osborn/Green Goblin

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

• Movie: “Spider-Man” (2002)
• Played by: Willem Dafoe

Playing scientist Norman Osborn, Dafoe experiments on himself and unleashes the monstrous alter-ego Green Goblin. The character was one among a number of supervillains to reappear in the recent blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

ScareCrow

Source: Courtesy of HBO Max

• Movie: “Batman Begins” (2005)
• Played by: Cillian Murphy

Using a powerful hallucinogen to render his victims insane, ScareCrow was quite unlike any previous villain in the history of Batman movies. His method of madness bore unique ties to Bruce Wayne’s backstory and helped whet audience palates for Christopher Nolan’s trilogy in general.

Anton Chigurh

Source: Courtesy of Miramax

• Movie: “No Country for Old Men” (2007)
• Played by: Javier Bardem

Bardem’s Oscar-winning performance as cold-blooded assassin Anton Chigurh lent this Coen brothers classic the air of a horror movie. Equal parts relentless and emotionless, the character tracks down his prey with the dedication of a Terminator.

The Joker

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “The Dark Knight” (2008)
• Played by: Heath Ledger

Batman’s most iconic adversary, the Joker has never been more calculating or nihilistic as he is in this beloved sequel. The premature death of actor Heath Ledger has only added to the enduring mythology surrounding his legendary performance.

Esther

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “Orphan” (2009)
• Played by: Isabelle Fuhrman

A couple’s newly adopted daughter is not what she seems in this chilling psychological horror flick. “Fuhrman’s delightfully mordant turn and a staggering final reel curveball make this the most unconventional ‘killer kid’ film of recent years,” wrote critic Howard Gorman for NME.

Fergie Colm

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “The Town” (2010)
• Played by: Pete Postlethwaite

Ben Affleck’s heist movie offers plenty of unsavory characters, many of whom report to mob boss Fergus “Fergie” Colm. Hiding in plain sight, the Boston-based gang leader moonlights as the unassuming owner of a local flower shop.

Pennywise

Source: Courtesy of New Line Cinema

• Movie: “It” franchise (2017)
• Played by: Tim Curry/Bill Skarsgård

Tim Curry and Bill Skarsgård offered different but equally chilling performances of Pennywise in separate adaptations of Stephen King’s sprawling novel. While most often taking the form of a clown, the character is actually an ancient evil fueled by childhood fear and imagination.

Darth Vader

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

• Movie: Star Wars films
• Played by: David Prowse (voice: James Earl Jones)

Darth Vader rendered an instant impression by way of his ventilator-like breathing, terrifying appearance, boomy voice, and accompanying theme music. Despite his commitment to the dark side, the character would eventually reveal conflicting emotions and a tragic backstory. He remains a pop culture stalwart whose legacy looms over the “Star Wars” franchise and beyond.

Gollum

Source: Courtesy of New Line Cinema

• Movie: “Lord of the Rings” trilogy
• Played by: Andy Serkis

A former Hobbit, Gollum was mentally and physically altered by his possession of the all-powerful ring. Brought to life via game-changing CGI, the character tries to regain his “precious” by any means necessary. Actor Andy Serkis would go on to voice Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise and direct the latest “Venom” movie, among other things.

Lord Voldermort

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Movie: “Harry Potter” movies
• Played by: Ralph Fiennes

The darkest of dark wizards, Lord Voldermort is so evil that people don’t dare utter his name. Ralph Fiennes nearly turned down the role until his sister and her kids convinced him to accept it. Both the book and film series build toward the character’s final showdown against Harry Potter.

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