Top 10 Movies Where The Villain Becomes The Hero

“Fast Five” (2011)

One of the most memorable villains of the “Fast” franchise, Luke Hobbs is a member of the Diplomatic Security Service. His focus, determination, and muscles make him a nightmare for the “Fast” crew. Hoping to bring them down, Hobbs initiates some thrilling chases against Dom and Brian. This all changes as the agent loses his own teammates and unites with his targets to fight a common enemy. After the final heist, The Rock’s character even lets the protagonists go altogether. It’s far fetched, maybe, but the cast makes all of these enjoyable twists feel compelling and earned. Always entertaining, Johnson makes a great addition to the series and gives his role an added edge.

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017)

When Mildred Hayes puts up billboards in response to lack of progress in the investigation of her daughter’s death, officer Jason Dixon lashes out against the mother’s criticism. Sam Rockwell gives this evil character a shred of humanity to explore, making Dixon’s eventual change of heart more believable. A letter with good advice from his chief helps him come around to the idea that he can reform himself. He eventually helps Hayes and tries to find her daughter’s killer. By the finale, he puts aside some of his anger in order to become an unlikely confidant to Hayes. Some view his redemption arc as deeply flawed, but it remains an ambitious and controversial choice in an award-winning movie.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

It’s easy to forget how awful this villain is during the first half of “Beauty and the Beast.” After all, he imprisons Belle’s father and later the heroine herself. The latter’s status changes from an inmate into a romantic interest courtesy of the captor’s ongoing journey. While he wants to fight his curse, the antagonist also grows a heart thanks to some quality time with his future partner. His stubbornness eventually softens after a dance number and the final fight scene. Proving himself to be heroic after all, Beast returns to his human form and earns the right to be with Belle.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994)

Looming over multiple plots in this crime film, Marsellus Wallace orders people around for much of “Pulp Fiction.” He’s also the direct antagonist of Bruce Willis’ Butch Coolidge as the latter chooses to not throw a fight. The boxer later runs into Wallace, fights him, and then becomes a prisoner with him. This cruel twist of fate leads the gangster to reconsider his entire life. Coolidge decides to help free his former enemy, later settling his differences with his nemesis. The evil character then offers the fighter a chance to leave town as a sign of good faith. This sequence might not have changed either man’s worst habits, but it shows that even a killer can show some compassion.

“District 9” (2009)

Wikus van de Merwe is chosen to lead an effort to relocate aliens from the titular camp to a new location. He starts out as a corporate drone full of prejudice for the extraterrestrials, but he changes his tune when an accident makes him one of them. Going through a physical and emotional evolution, the villain gets help from the species that he once despised. He’s nowhere near perfect and the film continues to outline that as it builds towards a violent climax. But at the conclusion, the man becomes a hero as he helps alien Christopher Johnson fly to safety. Sometimes heroes emerge from the worst people and “District 9” certainly illustrates that point.

“Despicable Me” (2010)

In this story about a supervillain, Gru establishes himself early as a master of his craft. But his villainy then becomes actively tested by three unlikely characters. Trying to take down a rival, the evil master kidnaps a trio of girls that turn him into a more paternal person. He welcomes the kids into his life, lab, and plans in such a way that he comes to look at them as daughters. From this disarming development, the lead comes to realize that he has another side to him, ultimately sending him into uncharted territory as a devoted father. And he’s as surprised as anyone else at this change.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)

Known as the God of Mischief, Loki doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being trustworthy or heroic. He keeps this reputation going for much of “Thor: Ragnarok” until a new threat emerges. Returning to help his brother, the villain agrees to put aside his differences with Thor for the good of Asgard. This prompts a climactic conflict between the deity siblings and their long-lost sister Hela. Underneath the horns, the entertaining antagonist has a beating heart and a conscience after all. Tom Hiddleston’s charming performance also ensures that the baddie doesn’t seem all that awful by the end.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)

Adapting Dr. Seuss into a live-action film, director Ron Howard and Jim Carrey show that the Grinch continues to inspire audiences. This is partly due to the character’s dramatic change of heart. At first his lonely, bitter personality inspires him to ruin Christmas for Whoville. After discovering that the citizens don’t care about their gifts, the villain’s heart literally grows. The emotional shift works especially well with Carrey’s strong performance. Finding friends in the people he once hated, the Grinch changes forever after realizing the power of community. Howard’s sure, commanding direction makes you laugh, cry, and feel for the anti-hero all the way through.

“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)

After the troubling events of “The Empire Strikes Back,” this sequel finds Luke Skywalker confronting his father Darth Vader and the Emperor. The evil Emperor gets Luke where he wants him and prepares to finish him off, but this is more than Vader can stand. His fatherly instincts kick into high gear and he saves his son by putting an end to his boss in a heroic sacrifice. The Skywalkers then have one last conversation that tugs at the heartstrings. Taking his father’s helmet off, Luke finds the humanity behind his dad’s villainous armor. It’s a moving transformation for a character considered among the most feared in the galaxy.

“A Christmas Carol” (1984)

In one of Charles Dickens’ most famous tales, Ebenezer Scrooge hates everything and everyone around him. There are many iterations of Scrooge's redemption story, but we've gone with the George C. Scott classic. This master actor inhabits the character fully and makes the case for why his name is synonymous with negativity, greed, and unhappiness. It’s only through the help of three ghosts that he realizes the errors of his ways and emerges as a kinder, more caring human being. The finale of the story is a source of endless inspiration, proving that there is hope for everyone. Taking to heart the lessons learned during his journey with the spirits, the main character stands as one of the best examples of a changed man.

Did we forget any notable transformations for film villains? Let us know in the comments below.