For me, the best movie villains have an impact on us not just when we see them in the theater, but long after. Maybe you can quote their monologues or maybe they appear in your nightmares, but they're there, and they will never go away.
Today, I wanted to list out who I thought were the best movie villains of all time, and go over each of them.
Let's dive in.
1. Darth Vader
'The Empire Strikes Back'
Credit: Disney
Possibly the ultimate villains, it felt like all of Hollywood changed when he walked onto the scene with his breathing apparatus.
The imposing presence, a chilling voice (thanks to James Earl Jones), and a tragic backstory make Darth Vader the quintessential cinematic villain. His journey from the chosen one to a Sith Lord and his redemption arc have fascinated audiences for generations.
2. The Joker
'The Dark Knight'
Credit: WB
Maybe the greatest portrayal of a comic book villain ever, it set an impossible standard.
Heath Ledger's posthumously Oscar-winning performance as the chaotic agent of anarchy redefined the comic book villain on screen.
His Joker is terrifying not for any superpower, but for his nihilistic philosophy and his uncanny ability to expose the fragility of societal order.
3. Hannibal Lecter
'The Silence of the Lambs'
Credit: Orion Pictures
There are lots of people who have never seen The Silence Of The Lambs, but this character is known by virtually everyone.
Anthony Hopkins delivered an Oscar-winning performance that is both chilling and charismatic. And delivers one of the accidentally misheard movie quotes.
4. Nurse Ratched
'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'Credit: Criterion
My blood boils when I think of Nurse Ratched. I have trouble watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest because I know how upset she will make me.
Louise Fletcher won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the tyrannical and manipulative nurse who rules her psychiatric ward with an iron fist and a chillingly calm demeanor.
5. Erik Killmonger
Killmonger in 'Black Panther'Credit: Disney
Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of N'Jadaka, aka Killmonger, was a revelation. It really was something Marvel had never done before. He and his backstory challenged the hero and the audience.
It's so nuanced and beautiful.
6. Hans Gruber
'Die Hard'CREDIT: 20th Century Fox/EverettAlan Rickman created an iconic action movie villain with his portrayal of the intelligent, sophisticated, and ruthless terrorist.
And he delivers a great villain monologue.
He's so charming as the bad guy that you almost want him to win.
Gruber is memorable for his sharp wit, calm under pressure, and being a worthy adversary to John McClane. And his impeccable suits.
7. The Wicked Witch of the West
The Wizard of OzCredit: MGM
Whether you're watching Wicked or The Wizard of Oz, I think this character carries so much with her. She's terrified children and delighted adults for decades.
In the classic, her relentless pursuit of Dorothy and Toto, her memorable lines, and her iconic melting demise make her one of cinema's most enduring and instantly recognizable villains.
And in Wicked, we see she may actually be the hero of this story.
8. Hal 9000
'2001: A Space Odyssey'
Credit: Warner Bros.
The sentient heuristically programmed algorithmic computer is a unique and terrifying villain.
HAL's calm, dispassionate voice (Douglas Rain) as it methodically acts against the astronauts makes for a chilling exploration of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers.
9. Anton Chigurh
'No Country for Old Men'
Credit: Paramount Vantage
There are a lot of awards given out for playing bad guys, and the one who chills me to the bone the most is Javier Bardem's Oscar-winning role as the remorseless and seemingly unstoppable hitman.
With his bizarre weapon of choice (a captive bolt pistol) and his chillingly detached philosophy, Chigurh is an embodiment of implacable, senseless violence.
10. Alonzo Harris
Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris in 'Training Day'CREDIT: Warner Bros.Denzel Washington's favorite role is one where he delivered an Oscar-winning performance. He plays this corrupt and charismatic LAPD narcotics detective who will stab anyone in the back who gets in his way.
Alonzo isn't just a "bad cop"; he's a manipulative, ruthless, and intelligent predator who has created his own twisted kingdom on the streets.
11. T-1000
'Terminator 2" Judgement Day'
Credit: Paramount
When I sit down to write, I hope I can find a villain as cool and as terrifying as the T-1000. Following an all-time villain in the T-800, this blew it out of the water. It was faster, smarter, and could do more.
Robert Patrick's T-1000 is liquid metal and can mimic anyone and form stabbing weapons, making it an almost unstoppable and emotionless killing machine.
Summing Up The Best Movie Villains
This list is subjective, so if you have people to add, I want to hear why! The best movie villains stick out in our heads and haunt our nightmares. They're what we strive to see the characters we create live up to, and they linger in our memories long after the movies are released.
Let me know who your favorite movie villains are in the comments.
