Top 100 Movie Villains of All Time

“Scream” franchise (1996-)

When master of terror Wes Craven and Co reignited the slasher genre with 1996’s “Scream,” they also unleashed a new name in horror villainy: Ghostface! It began when a couple of deranged teenagers carried out a series of gruesome murders. But, when Stuart Macher and Billy Loomis met their end, their stab-happy acts inspired several unhinged copycats - each with their own twisted motivations. Making Ghostface even more terrifying, is the shiver-inducing attire. Paired with a hooded robe, Ghostface’s white mask, with its big black eyes and contorted mouth, make it one such face you definitely don’t want staring back at you. Word to the wise – do not answer your phone when home alone!

Robin Hood (1908-)

Having been depicted in a plethora of works, The Sheriff of Nottingham stands as a tyrannical evildoer who mistreats the people of Nottinghamshire. This leads the hero of these stories, Robin Hood, to fight against him and, well, you know, “steal from the rich to give to the poor.” And while the character has been portrayed on film by the likes of Ben Mendelsohn, a particularly memorable turn came courtesy of English actor Alan Rickman in 1991’s “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” With an agenda that included deceitfully marrying into royalty to assume the king’s throne, Rickman’s performance earned him praise for providing “one of cinema's best portrayals of a villain.” No arguments here.

“Get Out” (2017)

Don’t let their suburban friendliness trick you, the Armitage clan is one seriously twisted family! Through unscrupulous methods, the family lures black people into their home with the goal of implanting their own consciousnesses into their bodies. Yep, Jordan Peele’s directorial debut certainly left its mark on audiences and critics alike, giving way to a terrifying tale of “body snatching,” while also filling it to the brim with social commentary. Through the unthinkable acts of this inconspicuous family, there’s plenty to be said about present-day racism. Leave it to Peele to make you ponder society’s woes while simultaneously frightening you. And leave it to the Armitage family to make you question having tea with your neighbors.

“The Incredibles” (2004)

Incredible heroes require incredibly evil foes. And so, when animation studio extraordinaire, Pixar, dipped their toes in the superhero genre, they pitted their star super-family against a worthy adversary. Initially Mr. Incredible’s biggest fan, Buddy Pine had aspirations of becoming his idol’s sidekick. One harsh rejection later, and Pine went off the deep end with a plot to replace all “supers” by means of his deadly creations. But, the newly named “Syndrome” is ultimately thwarted by the family in an epic showdown, in part due to the villain’s poor choice of attire. Megalomaniacs beware – the cape is not for everyone!

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)

Sporting what can only be described as one of cinema's finest mustaches, August Walker is introduced as protagonist Ethan Hunt’s CIA ally. That all changes, however, when it is revealed that Walker is actually John Lark, a nuclear arms buyer. Now a formidable threat, Hunt desperately tracks the hulking brute to stop his plans. A thrilling cliffside battle ensues, resulting in both men quite literally hanging on for dear life. When Ethan’s quick thinking sends a large helicopter hook Lark’s way, it spells the end for the mustachioed criminal. “Mission Impossible” fans were quick to praise Henry Cavill’s villainous portrayal – not to mention his supporting facial hair!

“Blue Velvet” (1986)

Violent? Sadistic? Disturbed? When it comes to Frank Booth, it’s all of the above! In David Lynch's twisted psychological thriller, “Blue Velvet,” actor Dennis Hopper takes on the role of a repugnant drug lord who has kidnapped the family of a lounge singer. The abductions are used as a means of forcing the woman to be his, err, “personal slave.” And, by inhaling a strange gas, Booth takes on two personas throughout the film: "Baby" and "Daddy” - neither of whom are very pleasant, trust us. Safe to say that Hopper’s psychotic depiction stood out in a major way. And for a movie that’s been referred to “as fascinating as it is freakish,” that’s saying something!

“The Karate Kid” franchise (1984-)

“Orphan” (2009)

“The Breakfast Club” (1985)

“The Mist” (2007)

“Toy Story 3” (2010)

Don’t let the cuddly façade fool you, this jumbo strawberry-scented teddy bear ruled over Sunnyside Daycare like a callous prison warden. Lotso wasn’t always so cruel, though. Once a cherished Christmas present for a child named Daisy, things went sideways for the magenta plushy when he and some other toys were left behind at a rest stop. After traveling a long way home, Lotso learns that he has been (gasp) replaced. No longer believing in the bond between child and toy, Lotso makes it his mission to have others feel his inner pain. The sadistic stuffed dictator receives a fitting fate however, as he ends up tied to the grill of a garbage truck. Ah, the sweet smell of karma!

“Speed” (1994)

“Unbreakable” franchise (2000-19)

“Happy Gilmore” (1996)

“The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly” (1966)

“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-)

As the “Dark Lord of the Seven Seas,” Davy Jones served as the sadistic captain of the infamous Flying Dutchman “ghost ship.” Once a loving man, Jones’ deep cruelty was set afoot by a bitter betrayal from the sea goddess Calypso. After locking away his heart in “Dead Man’s Chest,” the sailor transformed into a gruesome sea monster. Complete with an octopus-like face and a “tentacled beard,” Davy Jones became the true embodiment of malice. Now, the only thing he truly enjoys is ensuring everyone else is as miserable as he is - including his very own crew. Afterall, this is a man who once proclaimed, “Life is cruel. Why should the afterlife be any different?"

“Candyman” franchise (1992-)

“The Departed” (2006)

“The Terminator” franchise (1984-)

“The Jungle Book” (1967)

“The Thing” franchise (1982-)

Taking its cues from John W. Campbell Jr’s science fiction novel Who Goes There?, 1951’s “The Thing from Another World” introduced film audiences to the idea of a deadly alien entity frozen in ice, only for it to be accidentally unleashed. Of course, it was director John Carpenter who gave the story a terrifying update by making the extraterrestrial an otherworldly parasitic life-form that can mimic other organisms. By causing a surmounting measure of paranoia, conflict, and bloodshed, “The Thing” instantly became a decidedly creepy horror monster for the ages. A later film, serving as a prequel, would only further demonstrate the destructive chaos this shapeshifting “thing” can cause!

“Ghostbusters” franchise (1984-)

“The Princess Bride” (1987)

“Matilda” (1996)

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)

“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)

From intergalactic warlords to master criminals, villains come in many different shapes and sizes. And, in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada,” evil takes the form of a fashion magazine editor-in-chief. A savage in and out of the boardroom, Miranda Priestly holds an immense amount of power in the fashion industry. But, it’s her cruel nature and diva demeanor that puts everyone on high alert - at all times! Forget about ethics, Miranda will go to great lengths to get what she wants. Heck, even a nearly 20-year working relationship is disposable if it means saving her perfectly tailored hide. Right, Nigel!?

“Shrek” (2001)

“Final Destination” franchise (2000-)

“The Invisible Man” franchise (1933-)

“Home Alone” franchise (1990)

“Black Panther” (2018)

Born N’Jadaka, this Wakandan’s sheer brutality while serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL earned him the moniker Killmonger. But there’s more to this deadly mercenary than meets the eye. Raised in California under the name Erik Stevens, Killmonger only heard stories of Wakanda from his father, N’Jobu. Seeking justice for oppressed Black Americans, his dad was secretly scheming to steal Wakanda's vibranium technology. When word of N’Jobu’s treachery reached King T’Chaka, he was confronted, having his fate sealed in the process. A devastated Killmonger would dedicate his life to carrying out his father's plans. The fact that he came dangerously close to succeeding shows just how formidable a force he truly was!

“Predator” franchise (1987)

“Wall Street” franchise (1987-)

“Fatal Attraction” (1987)

“Back to the Future” franchise (1985-)

“Whiplash” (2014)

If the previous villains on this list aren’t “your tempo,” then may we present to you Terence Fletcher: the jazz band teacher of your nightmares! An unforgiving perfectionist who will do anything to push his students past their limits, Fletcher knows exactly how to press buttons and manipulate emotions. The movie sees the teacher zero in on Andrew Neiman, throwing everything from personal to ethnic insults his way – not to mention an excess of physical abuse. His manipulation of Andrew knows no bounds, and the two take part in a risky game of comeuppance throughout the film. But, just as Fletcher sets up the young drummer for a bit of calculated revenge, Andrew does the impossible - impresses him!

“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)

“Cape Fear” (1991)

“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)

“Child’s Play” franchise (1988-)

“Planet of the Apes” franchise (2011-)

A genocidal lunatic, Koba is one seriously evil ape! He also fits into the category of “villains with justifiable motives.” It all comes down to the unending torture he received prior to Caesar's ascent. You see, Koba was the subject of numerous lab tests throughout his life. And with his constant pain and suffering coming from the hands of humans, he naturally developed a deep hatred towards them. Of course, the vengeful primate went a little extreme with his vendetta, vowing to wipe out the entire human race. Koba’s story is very much in contrast with Caesar’s upbringing, as the latter was a member of a loving “human home.” Add the two of them together and you’ve got the recipe for one epic showdown!

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-)

“Django Unchained” (2012)

“Spider-Man” franchise (2002-)

“Blade Runner” (1982)

Poor Roy Batty. The wide-eyed replicant only wanted to live longer than the four years his kind had been given. What does he and his accomplices get for such a request? Why, they are hunted down by an elite group of Blade Runners, that’s what. Batty is particularly brutal in his quest for a longer lifespan, mind you. He pokes out eyeballs, breaks fingers and headbutts walls. His unstoppable rampage makes him a truly deadly figure. He even places Harrison Ford’s officer Deckard into a trembling state of fear. Credit needs to be given to the late Rutger Hauer, who gave Batty heartbreaking soulfulness to go along with his merciless iron fist.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)

“Friday the 13th” franchise (1980-)

“Superman” franchise (1978-)

“Oldboy” (2003)

“Godzilla” franchise (1954-)

Since the mid-50s, this “King of Monsters” has been quite the destructive force. To be clear, Godzilla isn’t a villain in the traditional sense. But, while his reign of terror isn’t necessarily malicious or mindful, his initial on-screen devastation can’t be overlooked. The colossal beast’s black and white debut saw him wreak all manner of havoc, including tearing down electrified barriers like twigs and swatting away military jets like flies. Godzilla’s fire-ridden devastation took the city of Tokyo to new levels of terror. Ok, so the OG Kaiju has gone on to save the world plenty of times since then, but in the beginning, Godzilla was a name to be feared!

“Rocky IV” (1985)

“Skyfall” (2012)

“X-Men” franchise (2000-)

“Pan's Labyrinth” (2006)

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise (1984-)

Appearing in over 32 WatchMojo videos, Freddy Krueger has more than earned his spot atop the Mount Rushmore of horror icons. While Freddy’s kills began as a form of revenge, his brutal execution is truly terrifying, often playing on his victim’s biggest fears. By attacking teenagers while they sleep, Krueger is an almost unstoppable force while in this particular realm. The wise-cracking fiend gathers strength via the number of people who dread him. And trust us, there’s plenty to fear. Exhibit A: the charred face and razor-claw glove. Heck, Krueger is so scary that he makes a simple striped shirt and weathered fedora a horrifying sight. One, Two, Freddy’s coming for you!

“Mean Girls” (2004)

“Gangs of New York” (2002)

“Carrie” franchise (1976-)

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

“Kill Bill” franchise (2003-)

Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” trilogy features an assortment of lethal rogues. So many in fact, that we had to highlight all of them! The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad stands as a skilled group of, well, assassins. Led by their cunning boss Bill, the team’s attempt to eliminate Beatrix Kiddo, "The Bride," proves unsuccessful when the former DeVAS member manages to survive the deed. After literally resurfacing, Beatrix proceeds to seek revenge against all involved. What follows are some truly awe-inspiring battles as our hero confronts the likes of Yakuza honcho O-Ren Ishii, retired assassin Vernita Green, hitman-for-hire Elle Driver, the foul degenerate Budd, and finally, Bill, himself. So many villains, so little time!

“Peter Pan” franchise (1953-)

“James Bond” franchise (1962-)

“Basic Instinct” (1992)

“Gladiator” (2000)

“City of God” (2002)

Few film characters have traumatized audiences quite as much as José Eduardo Barreto Conceição, otherwise known as Lil’ Ze. In fact, calling him cruel would be a major understatement. You see, Ze enjoys causing pain. Let’s just say it’s as common as eating to him. Lacking any sense of innocence from his childhood (he’s never danced), Ze has no issues offing innocent people, no matter their age, for his own amusement. The only one keeping this madman in check is his trusted best friend, Benny. Even then, it’s a dire task. As cold as they come, Lil’ Ze sadly has zero hope for redemption, only bloodlust in his eyes. And trust us, it’s a terrifying sight!

“Snow White” franchise (1937-)

“Star Trek” franchise (1979-)

“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-)

“Alien” franchise (1979-)

The Usual Suspects (1995)

It was the villainous twist nobody saw coming. Following a particularly bloody incident on a boat, con man “Verbal” Kint is interviewed by police. His narration of events details how he, along with the other crew members, were recruited by a man named Keyser Söze. Not just any man, Söze was a ruthless crime lord whose nasty reputation had reached mythical-level status. While the police originally believe fellow criminal Dean Keaton to be Söze, they soon realize “Verbal” had been lying the entire time. He’d actually lifted names and places from objects in the room. And when a faxed sketch shows Kint is indeed their man, it was too late - the mysterious and ruthless mastermind was already gone.

“Schindler's List” (1993)

“The Exorcist” franchise (1973-)

“Seven” (1995)

“It” franchise (1990-)

“The Matrix” franchise (1999-)

Introduced as an “Agent of the system,” Smith’s job was to police the Matrix by eliminating potential threats. And there was no bigger threat than the red-pilled “One,” Neo. This, of course, led to a plethora of memorable confrontations between the two adversaries. And with Smith notably advanced over his fellow agents in the strength and speed department, he proved the most difficult obstacle for our trenchcoated hero. Stern, serious, and pointedly lethal, this deadly computer program is not one to mess around. The character has naturally evolved over the course of the film series, but no matter what form he takes, Agent Smith remains a major thorn in the side of humanity’s ultimate freedom!

“101 Dalmatians” franchise (1961-)

“Saw” franchise (2004-)

“Training Day” (2001)

“Die Hard” (1988)

“Spiderman” franchise (2002-)

A brilliant figure in the world of fusion research, Dr. Otto Octavius once used his expertise to help mankind. However, things took a major turn for Otto when his mechanical-armed harness accidentally merged with him during a sustained fusion experiment gone wrong. The foreign artificial intelligence soon took control of Octavius's mind and began to corrupt it. Hellbent on completing his experiment, the only thing that stood in this mad scientist’s way was a certain friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. But despite some seriously atrocious acts, Doc Ock continuously tried to do good – even with those evil “arms'' attached to him. Luckily for this villain, a multiverse event gave Otto a chance at doing what’s right!

“Halloween” franchise (1978-)

Providing frights for well over 4 decades, there’s no wonder Michael Myers has landed in over 50 WatchMojo videos. From the very first time we see him kill, as a young child no less, Michael proved to be a remorseless monster through and through. Dr. Loomis would even lament that Michael is the “living embodiment of evil.” His slow moving and towering persona is especially intimidating, as he stalks his prey with laser focus. The brute’s weapon of choice is a large knife, but he is certainly not limited to it. Michael will use all manner of ways to finish off his victims. And while several sequel films and reboots have played with his backstory, one thing always remains the same: Michael Myers’ bloody path of carnage!

“The Lion King” franchise (1994-)

A true “Hall of Fame” villain of the Disney variety, Scar’s treachery is especially ruthless. As the younger brother of king Mufasa, Scar was next in line to the throne. That all changes, however, with the birth of his nephew, Simba. Filled with bitter resentment and jealousy, the sneering lion devises a plan to yield control of the crown. With the help of his hyena flunkies, Scar cements his brother’s fate with a fatal cliffside scratch. But, his reign over Pride Rock is upended when Simba returns to give the devious king a taste of his own medicine! And while Chiwetel Ejiofor does Scar justice in the film’s computer-generated remake, it’s Jeremy Irons’ original Shakespearean read that stands as the most cherished!

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1992)

How do you top Arnold Schwarzenegger’s OG cyborg menace in James Cameron’s seminal “Terminator” film? Easy, you create a shapeshifting android assassin with a metallic endoskeleton for the sequel! Oh, and you put Robert Patrick in the role. In addition to the T-1000’s form-changing capabilities, it also has immense physical strength and the ability to run at exorbitant speeds. In short, it’s a game changing threat for the entire human existence. Also notable are the ground-breaking special effects used to bring the T-1000’s “liquid metal body” to life. Whether oozing through narrow openings, hanging on the back of speeding vehicles, or instantly reforming himself, this is one impressive villain to behold!

“No Country for Old Men” (2007)

Having also played Raoul Silva in “Skyfall” and Captain Salazar in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Javier Bardem is no stranger to villainous roles. However, if you wanted to pick the most iconic of the bunch, there’s no need to flip a coin - the answer is Anton Chigurh! He’s got all the hallmarks of a true bad guy: emotionless, remorseless, and philosophically twisted. With his signature captive bolt stunner at his side, Anton is not afraid to end anybody or anything that stands in his way of retrieving a bag of stolen money. A man of few words, he usually lets his coin do the talking. And don’t be fooled by that “Dorothy Hamill” hairdo, there’s absolutely nothing pretty about his methods!

“Misery” (1990)

Every celebrity’s worst nightmare, Annie Wilkes is a classic case of an obsessed fan who takes their fandom outside the walls of reality. In other words, she’s a complete psychopath! A nurse by day, Annie is also the self-proclaimed biggest fan of fiction author Paul Sheldon. And when a turn of events lands Paul in her care, Annie’s demented nature slowly comes out. Masking her insanity with a kind disposition, she soon becomes an unpredictable force of evil. When Annie doesn’t get what she wants out of Paul, her unpredictable mood swings take over. From there, it’s one wince-inducing act of violence after another. When it comes to Annie Wilkes, the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” seems mighty appropriate.

“Jaws” (1975)

He’s the great white shark that made millions afraid to go in the water. Yes, the shark from Steven Spielberg’s quintessential blockbuster “Jaws” has certainly left his mark on cinemagoers worldwide – despite the meager 4 minutes of screen time he got. Like the characters on screen, audiences also became terrified that there could be something deadly below the water. Whether chomping on some teenage skinny-dippers, or terrorizing innocent beachgoers, this flesh-hungry sea creature was one to be feared! The movie’s trademark 2 note motif only added to the impending mayhem. Luckily, come the film’s climax, police chief Martin Brody puts an end to the underwater terror. Who knew an exploding shark could be so cathartic?

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” (1975)

Stemming from her time as an army nurse during World War II, Nurse Ratched runs the Salem State mental hospital with an iron fist. She also wields absolute power over things like medication and basic necessities. Yes, this is one nurse who abuses her authority at every turn, keeping her patients behaving through questionable means of psychotherapy. More times than not, she uses humiliation to get them to do her bidding. Of course, Ratched was at her most vile when she had Randle McMurphy lobotomized – despite knowing full well he didn’t require the cruel procedure. It doesn’t get more villainous than severing someone’s brain functions because of a grudge!

“The Lord of the Rings” franchise

Sauron struck terror in the hearts of all who knew his name! The creator of the One Ring, Sauron became the second Dark Lord and sought to conquer Middle-earth by creating the Rings of Power. The end of the Second Age saw him defeated in war, while the One Ring was cut from his finger. Completely dismantled, it took centuries for Sauron to rebuild. However, when he returned to power, he was again beaten following the destruction of the One Ring by a certain hobbit named Frodo. One thing’s for sure though, the pureness of Sauron’s evil is unparalleled! Don’t take our word for it, J.R.R Tolkien has stated that this villain is “as near to a wholly evil will as was possible.”

“The Shining” (1980)

In a psychologically nightmarish portrayal for the ages, Jack Nicholson plays family man gone mad, Jack Torrance, in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” As a writer looking for some seclusion, Jack checks himself, and his family, into the out-of-season Overlook Hotel. However, the longer they stay, the more disturbing things get. How so? Well, there’s hallways bursting with overflowing blood, creepy twins, and unspeakable sights in room 237. More terrifying than all of that, however, is the ominous transformation Jack undergoes. The malicious spirits inhabiting the hotel drive the writer insane. So much so, that he attempts to kill his family. And with over 50 mentions in WatchMojo’s videos, there’s no doubt this villain hit the target with audiences!

Marvel Cinematic Universe

With a single snap of his finger, Thanos did the unthinkable: he wiped out half of the world’s population. In an effort to bring balance to the universe, Thanos sacrificed countless innocent lives. Man, woman, child, “Avenger”– it didn’t matter, no one was immune to the random “dusting” that occurred. Throughout the history of super villains in film, no one has been able to pull off such inconceivable evil! So, when his plan actually came to fruition, moviegoers around the globe sat in jaw-dropping silence. How could this be? There was no way our heroes could return from such an astronomical event. Well, there was one way – one in fourteen million six hundred and five to be exact!

“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

Featured in over 50 WatchMojo videos, “2001: A Space Odyssey” no doubt continues to spark discussions on how far our species has evolved. It can also be seen as a cautionary tale thanks to the actions of HAL 9000. A Heuristically programmed Algorithmic Computer, the HAL 9000 serves as the super AI for the Discovery 1 spaceship. As it turns out, HAL is also a conniving murderer. Thanks to his own secret mission, HAL eliminates all of the ship’s crewmen, except for one. Lone survivor, Dave Bowman, would go on to end the sentient being’s actions by severing the supercomputer for good. Safe to say that this asset turned threat is a big reason why many fear technological advancement!

“Inglourious Bastards” (2009)

Hans Landa is such a memorable villain, that German-Austrian actor Christoph Waltz won an Oscar for his portrayal. And it was for good reason! A ruthless SS Colonel during World War II, Landa is referred to as “the Jew Hunter.” And, as you might imagine with a moniker like that, he is very successful at locating Jewish individuals hiding in Occupied France. What makes Hans especially frightening though, is his ability to change his demeanor on a dime. Charming one minute, he will turn around and murder you and your family the next. Remorse? Forget it – this dangerous intellect feels nothing for his victims. Of course, that’s what makes his eventual comeuppance so darn satisfying!

“Harry Potter” franchise

He is a being so evil, people can’t even say his name! As the main antagonist of the “Harry Potter” series, Voldemort’s rap sheet is as long as it is diabolical. Responsible for the death of Harry’s parents, the Dark Lord waged war on Hogwarts in an attempt to rule the wizarding world. His goal: rid the magical realm of anyone he deems “unworthy.” Oh, and he tried to kill “the boy who lived,” Harry Potter, every chance he got. Voldemort’s physical attributes are also pretty terrifying, as are the gang of “Death Eaters” he has by his side. And with the ability to produce some truly powerful dark magic, it’s no wonder other wizards fear him! It could also be the lack of a nose…

“Psycho” (1960)

With 236 suggestions, this meek motel owner wouldn’t even hurt a fly, would he? Turns out that looks can be very deceiving! Beneath Norman Bate’s non-threatening exterior is, well, a complete psycho! Suffering from a severe case of mommy issues, Noman makes his deadly deeds look like the handy work of his overly possessive mother. This includes the infamous bathroom murder of Marion Crane. It’s only later that we learn that mommy dearest is well past her expiration date and that poor Norman has made her his alternate persona. Hitchcock’s movie ultimately gave audiences a fear of motels, not to mention taking showers, and it’s all thanks to Norman Bate’s shocking acts of evil. Happy bathing!

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

The Wicked Witch of the West stands as a movie menace like no other! Decked out in full black with “boogeyman” green skin, actress Margaret Hamilton took the children’s storybook scoundrel to new heights. From the high-pitched cackle to the fiery theatrics, everything about Hamilton’s on screen portrayal is iconic. The opposite of do-gooder Glinda, this wicked witch screams her threats while riding her broomstick. Nobody is safe from her verbal attacks, not even those of the canine variety. And let’s not forget the army of flying monkeys she’s constantly flanked by. Afterall, what’s a maniacal villain without their loyal minions?

“Hannibal Lecter” franchise (1986-)

Appearing in an abundance of adaptations over the years, no screen iteration of Hannibal Lecter has come close to Anthony Hopkins’s award-winning turn in 1991’s “The Silence of the Lambs.” The film saw Lecter take part in a dangerous cat and mouse game with FBI agent-in-training, Clarice Starling. “Hannibal the Cannibal” is highly disconcerting for many reasons, but it’s his appetite for human flesh that naturally creeps us out the most. Of course, Lecter’s refined tastes and manners are in contrast with qualities we associate with serial killers. And when you add in his elevated level of intelligence, it makes this villain even more of an intimidating threat!

Dracula (1921-)

When you think about how wide-ranging Count Dracula is in popular culture, there’s no wonder the gothic baddie is one of the most recognizable villains of all time. From his introduction by Bram Stoker in 1897, the OG vampire has appeared in books, comics, television shows - even on cereal boxes. And when it comes to the big screen, “Drac'' has always been king! To this day, Bela Lugosi’s iteration of the character stands as the prototype for all that came after it. The accent, the look, that cape - it’s all legendary. And with actors like Christopher Lee and Gary Oldman sinking their teeth into the role, Dracula has had no shortage of epic cinematic moments!

“Batman” franchise (1966-)

Unpredictable, manipulative, and twisted beyond belief, the Joker is easily one of the most notorious villains in modern history. He is also the greatest figure in Batman’s robust rogue’s gallery – and that’s saying a lot. There have also been many different versions of the character portrayed on screen. Whether its Jack Nicholson’s gangster-gone-mad Joker in “Batman” ’89, or Heath Ledger’s transgressive terrorist Joker in “The Dark Knight,” the character has always courted an audience, not to mention controversy. This was certainly the case when Joaquin Phoenix took on the role in 2019 and the character became the ultimate product of society. But no matter who is behind the clown makeup, one thing is for certain - the Joker will continue to be a must-watch movie villain!

“Star Wars” franchise (1977)

The Force is definitely strong with our top entry, as Lord Vader has been mentioned a whopping 1,703 times on our suggestion page! And how could he not? Vader’s on-screen journey is as fascinating as it is tragic. Anakin Skywalker’s obsessions and impatience ultimately catalyzed his transition to the Sith. And once fully in control of the Dark Side and under the name Darth Vader, he ruthlessly punished his enemies and those who failed him. Heck, the mythic ruler had no issues eviscerating complete planets. The laser-fire smoke and ominous motif only enhanced the character’s legendary presence, not to mention the heavy-breathing mechanical speech! Darkly operatic with a complex family life, Darth Vader truly is the villain to rule them all!