35+ Delightfully Despicable Villains From Movies And TV Series

By Sachin P

Once in a while, we encounter a character so wicked that it feels downright satisfying to despise them. It’s a testament to the brilliant minds behind their creation, from the talented author to the actor who gives them a pulse. One such notorious baddie who ignites a fiery passion of hatred is none other than Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (and the subsequent novels and films).

Sometimes our emotions spill beyond the screen, blurring the line between the actor and the character they play. Recently, an online user wondered which performers could inhabit villains with such authenticity that we struggle to tell them apart from their other roles. The responses were quite revealing, so grab a chair and join the fun by voting for your favorites! Let’s see who makes the cut.

Lord Voldemort – Harry Potter (Ralph Fiennes)

Ralph Fiennes easily slips into villainous roles, almost as if it’s second nature to him. He epitomized cruelty and was the poster child of depravity as Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List. However, he managed to tap into an entirely different level of performance for his portrayal of Voldemort!

Image credit: TuPacSchwartz411 / Reddit

In his portrayal of the Dark Lord, Ralph Fiennes brought the character to life so remarkably that it’s difficult to envision anyone else stepping into the role. He triumphed in capturing the essence of insecurity and the utter absence of empathy that only the most despicable individuals are capable of.

Commodus – Gladiator (Joaquin Phoenix)

Joaquin Phoenix managed to hit it out of the park as Commodus. None can portray as much a despicable villain as the hero that is Maximus. The level of insecurity, anxiety, jealousy, and being devoid of empathy is what makes Commodus a cesspool of a human being.

Image credit: nom_of_your_business / Reddit

He embraced corruption wholeheartedly, surrendering himself entirely to the allure of absolute power. A single glance into his eyes is enough to reveal the stark disconnect from reality he embodies. Immature and perpetually seeing himself as the victim, he proves to be a truly abysmal villain.

Gustavo “Gus” Fring – Breaking Bad (Giancarlo Esposito)

Gustavo “Gus” Fring is a villain shaped by circumstances. For those who have seen the series, his icy demeanor is rooted in a compelling backstory. Among the villains on this list, Gus stands out as the one maniac with whom you can actually reason.

Image credit: RatCatSlim / Reddit

Walter understood this well, which is evident in how he initially approached Gus. Gus exemplified the pinnacle of villainy by keeping his emotions meticulously under control—until his ultimate demise, that is. It’s a valuable lesson never to provoke someone who exercises unwavering patience.

Standartenführer Hans Landa – Inglorious Basterds (Christoph Waltz)

Hans Landa is terrifying due to his remarkable intelligence. With his razor-sharp intellect, he consistently outmaneuvers his competitors and manipulates situations to his advantage (until, in the end, it didn’t). It is precisely because of this portrayal that Christoph Waltz’s performance has become legendary.

Image credit: Prime_Rib_6969 / Reddit

Behind Landa’s cultured and polite façade lies an absolute monster. To him, all the heinous and inhumane acts hold only one significance—they are part of the job. This aspect epitomizes his evil nature, placing him among the most sinister characters imaginable.

“Wild Bill” Wharton – The Green Mile (Sam Rockwell)

Sam Rockwell’s depiction of “Wild Bill” Wharton is one of the most disturbingly realistic portrayals of an absolute psychopath. The lack of remorse he displayed for his actions was chilling. His crimes were of such nature that we prefer not to recount them here.

Image credit: hughpanarogirl / Reddit

We won’t delve into the circumstances that shaped Wharton into the person he became. Undeniably, he was truly evil, displaying little to no remorse for his actions. His sole purpose seemed to inflict as much pain as possible on those around him. Sam Rockwell masterfully captured this essence in his portrayal.

Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones (Jack Gleeson)

Joffrey, the merciless young king who tormented House Stark, epitomized corruption in its truest form. He exemplified that the boundaries of power seemed boundless if you were born into wealth and had a strong lineage. In Joffrey’s case, this translated into executing the show’s central character through a brutal beheading.

Image credit: Dense-Philosopher824 / Reddit

Joffrey’s sadistic nature went beyond his beheading of the main character, and Jack Gleeson’s portrayal of him was so intense that he decided to retire from acting immediately after. Despite only being in the show for a few seasons, Joffrey’s character has become synonymous with toxicity and cruelty.

Arthur Mitchell – Dexter (John Lithgow)

Like most of John Lithgow’s characters, Arthur appears to be a respectable family man who pays his taxes—an individual you would never suspect to be a seasoned serial killer with a history of heinous bloodshed over three decades. A cheery, impossible-to-dislike performer like Lithgow is the ideal option for the role.

Image credit: Aduro95 / Reddit

As the show unfolds, it becomes evident that Arthur, known as the Trinity Killer due to his pattern of killing in threes, is driven by deep-seated childhood trauma. This unsettling ability to maintain a dual nature with apparent ease sends shivers down our spines.

Jack Torrance – The Shining (Jack Nicholson)

The Shining centers around Jack Torrance, a failed writer who takes on the role of a winter caretaker at an isolated hotel. Jack’s mental state deteriorates as the story unfolds, leading him to instability and violence. The iconic line “Here’s Johnny” is a chilling testament to the absolute chaos he can unleash.

Image credit: tteetth / Reddit

Jack Nicholson delivers a spine-chilling performance as he portrays Jack’s descent into madness and murderous insanity. It is deeply disturbing to witness this once-normal family man become a relentless force of chaos and violence, relentlessly pursuing his wife and child.

Ramsay Bolton – Game of Thrones (Iwan Rheon)

What made Ramsay truly unsettling was not just the frequency of his cruelty but the unwavering consistency of his detestable evil. In each episode, he managed to carry out the most despicable acts imaginable with disturbing diligence and unwavering obedience.

Image credit: cherrycokelemon / Reddit

The aim was to make him seem unpredictable, terrifying and feared, but instead, it made him appear overly predictable and formulaic. Despite his harshness, the situation could not have been any worse than it was. He had already exhausted all possibilities, so what more could he do?

Nurse Ratched – One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Louise Fletcher)

Nurse Ratched wielded an iron grip on the psychiatric hospital, operating with little supervision from senior medical staff. As her name suggested, she was wretched, controlling the fate of her already miserable patients in dire need of care and empathy.

Image credit: Hyena42 / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Her delight in mistreating her patients is utterly wicked. However, her reign of terror ends when she meets her match in Randle McMurphy, who deliberately feigns insanity to serve his prison sentence in a hospital instead of a penal work farm and ends up in her ward.

Draco Malfoy – Harry Potter (Tom Felton)

Draco Malfoy fits the mold of a bully rather than a genuine villain. Undoubtedly, he exhibited unpleasant and mean-spirited behavior, but examining his character from an alternative standpoint is essential. What distinguishes him from being labeled as a true villain?

Image credit: E34M20 / Reddit

Until book 5, it’s safe to say that Draco suffered from a severe case of Harry-envy and behaved like your typical schoolyard bully. n the sixth book, he carried out his actions under duress from Voldemort and was not inherently evil, but rather a despicable individual.

Agatha Trunchbull – Matilda (Pam Ferris)

Agatha Trunchbull is a monster. Trunchbull and Ms. Honey represent the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. On one side, we have a larger-than-life villain, embodying all things fantastical and menacing. On the other side, we find one of fiction’s most genuinely kind-hearted characters.

Image credit: annajam11.blogspot.com

Pam Ferris truly excelled in her portrayal of Trunchbull, creating a villain we will forever remember. With her imposing physique, commanding presence, and the dreadfully medieval punishments she inflicted upon the young charges under her watch, she embodied the essence of a remarkable villain!

Stephen Warren – Django Unchained (Samuel L. Jackson)

What sets Samuel L. Jackson’s character Stephen apart as a truly villainous figure in Django Unchained? Is it solely his unwavering loyalty to a sadistic enslaver? While that may be one factor, it’s not the crux of the matter at hand.

Image credit: contrainfo.com

Stephen’s villainous nature stems from his callous attitude toward the suffering of his people. He is the ideal accomplice to Calvin Candie’s cruel intentions due to his absence of a moral compass. This void within him makes Stephen truly dangerous and adds an element of unpredictability to his villainous character.

Cersei Lannister – Game of Thrones (Lena Heady)

Cersei is a unique brand of villain that we’ve never quite seen before. Thanks to her alluring beauty, intelligence, and unwavering authority, no obstacle could keep her from the crown for long! While there have been plenty of strong female villains in fiction, Cersei stands out for her lack of a moral compass.

Image credit: José Carlos / youtube

When it comes to villainous determination, Cersei takes the cake and eats it too. Sure, there have been other baddie babes like Bellatrix Lestrange, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Eris, but none can hold a candle to Cersei’s commitment to her evil plans.

Amy Elliott-Dunne – Gone Girl (Rosamund Pike)

Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Amy Dunne perfectly captures the chilling nature of this character. Amy is a remorseless killer who meticulously plans her every move, with a complete lack of empathy for her victims. She is so determined to seek revenge that she’s willing to sacrifice her own life.

Image credit: xoxoxoe.blogspot.com

However, Amy’s need for self-discipline is greater than anything she encounters. Amy Elliott-Dunne can’t be contained; she rejects being in situations that were not her own doing, which served as the impetus for her systematic dismantling of her spouse, Nick!

Annie Wilkes – Misery (Kathy Bates)

Annie Wilkes manages to dethrone some of Stephen King’s most terrible creatures. She is determined to torment writer Paul Sheldon through the most horrible methods imaginable. That is till he comes up with the ideal conclusion to her preferred fiction series.

Image credit: fascinationwithfear.blogspot.com

Misery is deeply unsettling, even without Annie’s most gruesome torture methods. It’s disturbing to witness her transformation from a friendly, smiling fan to a merciless tormentor. Thankfully, Paul ultimately defends himself and puts an end to Annie’s reign of terror. Justice is served.

Anton Chigurh – No Country for Old Men (Javier Bardem)

From the moment Chigurh appears on screen, something feels off. His robotic movements, peculiar accent, and unforgettable hairstyle immediately distinguish him from other characters in the film. Even his unique weapon is designed to cause maximum suffering to his victims before death.

Image credit: cognitionandculture.net

Chigurh’s peculiar attributes contrast with the simple Texan society, giving the impression that he doesn’t quite belong. His behavior and physical traits seem almost otherworldly, like an alien’s. These distinct qualities make him a truly formidable adversary and a psychopath of the highest order.

Carter J. Burke – Aliens (Paul Reiser)

In Aliens, Carter J. Burke is the runner-up for the title of most despicable character, with only the Alien Queen beating him out. He commits an atrocious act that ranks among the worst ever shown on film when he traps a Facehugger in a room with a sleeping Ripley and Newt.

Image credit: ATM1L0 / Reddit

In his quest to acquire a Xenomorph for transport back to Earth, Burke goes to extreme lengths to expose Ripley and Newt to a Facehugger. This vile act aims to impregnate one of them and initiate the creation of a Xenomorph.

‘Black’ Jack Randall – Outlander (Tobias Menzies)

Captain Jonathan Randall, the primary antagonist of the Outlander series, stood out as one of its most captivating characters. As the wicked ancestor of Frank Randall, he embodied the epitome of evil several generations earlier. Known as “Black Jack Randall,” he was a cruel and intriguing figure in the story.

Image credit: @Outlander_STARZ / twitter

Captain Jonathan Randall, the cruel ancestor of Frank Randall, derived great pleasure from inflicting both physical and psychological pain on others, with a particular focus on tormenting Jamie. Although subsequent characters have assumed the antagonist role in the series, Randall’s vile and unforgettable persona continues to linger in fans’ minds.

Agent Smith – The Matrix (Hugo Weaving)

Agent Smith undeniably fits the mold of a true villain. As an adversary, he posed a significant challenge to Neo, often appearing invincible. Despite his deviation from the control of the machines, he remained steadfast in his singular objective: to eradicate the chosen one.

Image credit: AKOWPOSIA / reddit

The single-minded pursuit of his goal is what makes him so dangerous. He will stop at nothing and use every tool to achieve it, even if it means becoming a true nemesis to Neo. Ironically, applying a moral compass to his approach reminds us that being focused and determined is critical to achieving our goals.

Lucius Malfoy – Harry Potter (Jason Isaacs)

Some actors are naturally suited to play the role of the villain. While they may be the nicest and kindest people in real life, on the big screen, they become the most despicable, deplorable characters you hope you never encounter in real life.

Image credit: MilleniumPelican / reddit

Jason Isaacs is undoubtedly one of those actors. His portrayal of Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series was so impeccable that it’s hard to envision anyone else in that role. While Draco Malfoy often acted out of pettiness and jealousy, Lucius was motivated purely by his hatred for muggles and his belief in wizard supremacy.

Todd Alquist – Breaking Bad (Jesse Plemons)

Jesse Plemons is an incredibly gifted actor with undeniable talent. For those who have witnessed his exceptional performance in the second season of Fargo, where he starred alongside his wife, Kirsten Dunst, it becomes evident how remarkable he is in his acting abilities.

Image credit: breakingbad.amctv.es

Jesse Plemons’ performance as Todd Alquist in Breaking Bad was a masterclass. He flawlessly portrayed an almost robotic character, lacking empathy and displaying a disinterested demeanor toward life and everything around him. It’s rare to witness such a compelling portrayal of a character so devoid of emotions.

The Deep – The Boys (Chace Crawford)

In the TV series The Boys, Chace Crawford’s portrayal of the superhero Deep is not quite that of a typical villain but rather that of a troubled and disillusioned creep. His desires are so corrupted and putrid that they almost seem too unbelievable, but in reality, they are not.

Image credit: scifinow.co.uk

Chace convincingly portrays the deep-seated desires of his character. However, his actions are hindered by the fact that he has the support of a powerful organization, ready to shield him from the consequences of his wrongdoing, should they ever be exposed.

Homelander – The Boys (Anthony Starr)

Every so often, some actors embody a character so perfectly that it becomes impossible to envision anyone else in the role. We can’t help but mention the exceptional portrayals by Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Sean Connery as James Bond, and Anthony Starr as Homelander.

Image credit: MutantGodfreaky / reddit

The casting of Anthony as Homelander was pure brilliance! Anthony is the reason this whole TV series became a worldwide hit. Anthony plays the subtle madness of the Homelander when he’s suppressing his rage so well that it’s hard for us sometimes to separate the character from the actor.

Staff Sargent Colin Sullivan – The Departed (Matt Damon)

Matt Damon was so lovable in Good Will Hunting. Then he went and starred as the corrupt Massachusetts State Police Staff Sargent Colin Sullivan in such a convincing manner that it didn’t take long to loathe every second of him on the screen.

Image credit: looper.com

He slightly redeemed himself in The Martian but once again showcased his talent for switching from likable to despicable with his portrayal in Interstellar. Matt Damon has a real knack for transforming his characters based on the scene’s demands, leaving us both impressed and despising him simultaneously.

Captain Herbert Sobel – Band of Brothers (David Schwimmer)

If you are a fan of well-made war movies, documentaries, and TV series, you probably have watched Band of Brothers. And, of course, who can forget David Schwimmer’s unforgettable, despicable performance as Captain Sobel? He truly brought to life the loathsome nature of the character, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Image credit: wvolz52 / reddit

David was immensely popular as the lovable goof Ross from Friends. But he did a complete 180 for this role to turn himself into an anti-Ross. This cowardly authority figure demanded respect from the men under his command without having the common decency to give any.

Dolores Umbridge – Harry Potter (Imelda Staunton)

We stumbled upon this fantastic Tumblr text post, though we regrettably can’t recall the author. However, the message it conveyed remains crystal clear in our minds. It went something like this “Voldemort is the villain we never hope to face. Umbridge is the villain we face every day.”

Image credit: JAM88CAM / Reddit

Umbridge accumulated an astonishing amount of hatred for herself by making everything deeply personal. As we delve into the book, it becomes impossible not to recognize a variant of Umbridge in our lives. That’s precisely why an intense aversion bubbles up whenever Umbridge someone mentions her name.

Angela Martin – The Office (Angela Kinsey)

The Office’s Angela Martin was arguably the show’s most ethically corrupt personality. Ironically, Angela’s religious fervor was an essential aspect of her personality. Angela is critical of almost everyone except herself. She regularly makes fun of her coworkers while being quite the hypocrite.

Image credit: Zachary Johnson /YouTube

This is dishonest and morally wrong at the same time. Despite being arguably the most despicable in the series, Angela Martin was a memorable character. Despite the awful things she has done, her fans still find them adequate reasons to adore her.

T-Bag – Prison Break (Robert Knepper)

Despite being one of Prison Break’s primary protagonists, T-Bag is portrayed as a self-centered individual with a dark side. As one of the Fox River Eight’s most despicable members, he aligns himself with a white supremacist organization, embodying the epitome of hate and prejudice.

Image credit: @PrisonBreak / twitter

Despite being reviled by his fellow prisoners for his horrific deeds and association with racist factions, T-Bag is an intelligent character. Robert Knepper, the actor who played T-Bag, has stated that the character is not insane but acts with complete confidence, making him even more devastating.

Percy Wetmore – The Green Mile (Doug Hutchison)

While “Wild Bill” Wharton is the clear villain throughout The Green Mile, a closer observation reveals that Percy Wetmore is the most terrible character in this tragic film. Despite not receiving as much attention, Percy’s actions and demeanor make him a despicable presence.

Image credit: lorraine_louise / thechive.com

Wetmore is even more disturbing primarily because he takes pleasure in being horrible and cruel to the death row inmates. His twisted and sadistic nature thrives on inflicting pain and suffering purely for his enjoyment. This chilling quality of deriving pleasure from cruelty is undeniably terrifying.

Trevor – The Good Place (Adam Scott)

Remember the TV series The Good Place? It skillfully tackled philosophical and theological dilemmas in an accessible manner. On the other side of the spectrum was The Bad Place, where unfortunate souls endured torment under the watch of the demon named Trevor.

Image credit: looper.com

He took immense pleasure in being relentlessly rude, deriving sadistic enjoyment from it. Trevor actively sought out opportunities to disturb and torment others. Michael, portrayed by Ted Danson, even describes Trevor as the most terrifying being in existence—a cunning and malicious representative of all things evil.

Mary Lee Johnston – Precious (Mo’nique)

Mo’nique’s Oscar-winning performance in Precious is truly remarkable as she balances a fine line between being outright cruel and having a cartoonish level of nastiness. Her portrayal of Mary, Precious’ mother, is so intense that it could easily fit into a James Bond film.

Image credit: Precious Movie / flickr.com

But for those who have watched the movie, it becomes apparent that Precious’s suffering in her interactions with her mother is painfully real. These forces ultimately converge in Precious’ journey to break free from the cycle of wickedness, which the film portrays as a recurring trauma pattern.

Ace Merrill – Stand by Me (Kiefer Sutherland)

Stand by Me, directed by the talented Rob Reiner and adapted from Stephen King’s captivating short story “The Body,” follows the adventurous tale of four young friends on a quest. Their adventure leads them into the depths of the woods as they set out to uncover the mystery behind a recently discovered body.

Image credit: ghostwoodfilms.com

The group crosses paths with a gang of juveniles led by the sinister Ace Merrill, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland. Ace embodies the classic bully archetype, using his power to inflict pain on the vulnerable. While he is seen as a villain, Ace’s actions reveal him to be nothing more than a coward.

Hilly Holbrook – The Help (Bryce Dallas Howard)

Hilly Holbrook, the film’s central antagonist, is a privileged, intelligent, and manipulative woman who exerts her control over her own household and the entire community of Jackson. Her iron-fisted rule extends to her influential role in the neighborhood, where she wields considerable power and influence.

Image credit: es.fanpop.com

Hilly Holbrook’s discriminatory mindset is evident in her insistence on separate restrooms for African American housemaids in the Caucasian neighborhood, under the misguided belief of protecting them from “diseases.” Bryce, known for her genuine sweetness, delivers a remarkable performance as this racist character.

Mrs. Carmody – The Mist (Marcia Gay Harden)

Mrs. Carmody, a character from The Mist, is one of Stephen King’s most terrifying creations yet. Her dangerous nature stems from her peculiar beliefs and unstable mental state. The unpredictability of her actions certainly adds to her compelling villainous presence.

Image credit: blastr.com

In her relentless efforts, Mrs. Carmody tries to convince the trapped individuals in the grocery store that the Mist is a form of divine punishment. She exemplifies King’s ability to create psychologically intricate characters, proving that a terrifying presence doesn’t always require a monstrous physical form.

Amy March – Little Women (Kirsten Dunst)

Amy, the youngest of the March sisters in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, may seem insignificant compared to fictional villains who destroy planets or seek global dominance. However, her act of destroying “THE book” holds significant weight for those who are familiar with the story.

Image credit: TheToughestHang / reddit

And she committed this act out of envious and immature rage, driven by her frustration over not being allowed to go out for even a single night. For those who continue to lament Amy’s terrible deed, it remains a defining moment that shapes the legacy of Little Women.

Major Frank Burns – M*A*S*H (Larry Linville)

The character Major Frank Burns in M*A*S*H is a crucial addition to this list. Viewers universally despised him due to his arrogance and lack of compassion. The show made a few attempts to explain his behavior, but they fell short and were ultimately deemed unacceptable by the audience.

Image credit: jaymanz818 / reddit

He constantly interfered with Hawkeye’s patient care, manipulated Hotlips, and displayed villainous behavior towards the locals in Korea. Robert Duvall’s exceptional character portrayal shed new light on Major Frank Burns, adding depth to his complexity and making him a memorable antagonist.

Lorne Malvo – Fargo (Billy Bob Thornton)

Billy Bob Thornton delivered an acting masterclass with his portrayal of Lorne Malvo in Fargo. True to his surname, Lorne embodied pure malevolence, effortlessly sowing chaos with his calculated words. His presence on screen was both mesmerizing and terrifying, solidifying him as an unforgettable character.

Image credit: llcucf80 / reddit

He skillfully manipulated and drove Lester Nygaard to commit unspeakable acts, embodying a devilish presence. Wherever Lorne went and whomever he interacted with, chaos followed in his wake. Billy Bob truly captured the essence of Lorne’s malevolence, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Sean Nokes – Sleepers (Kevin Bacon)

Sleepers is widely recognized as one of the most influential crime thrillers of the nineties. That’s because of the movie’s outstanding capacity to resonate with viewers. Sean Nokes, the film’s antagonist, is just one instance of how it accomplishes this so masterfully.

Image credit: frenchtoastsunday.com

The persona is specifically designed to irritate the viewers via both the storyline and Kevin Bacon’s acting. Nokes realistically exemplifies all that is flawed throughout the American justice system, with a special focus on the level of power abuse that is so pervasive in this portion of society.

Shooter McGavin – Happy Gilmore (Christopher McDonald)

In Happy Gilmore, Shooter McGavin is the wealthy and arrogant golfer who serves as the main adversary to Happy, the underdog protagonist. As Happy strives to win his first jacket and navigate the challenges of the Pro Tour, Shooter represents class warfare and stands in his way.

Image credit: @ff_scooter / twitter

These attributes categorize him as the antagonist. He is a despicable individual without any hidden lairs or grand schemes. He is simply a self-centered man who views sports as the exclusive domain of the wealthy. It’s as straightforward as that.

Terence Fletcher – Whiplash (J. K. Simmons)

Terence Fletcher, the main antagonist in Whiplash, wields a significant influence over aspiring jazz musician Andrew Neiman. As Andrew strives to become a jazz virtuoso, Terence relentlessly pushes him to his utmost limits with demanding, abusive, charismatic, and authoritative behavior.

Image credit: @Judao / youtube

Whiplash’s audience has strong opinions on Fletcher; some think he exemplifies the kind of commitment required to actually succeed, whereas others say he is a dominating snob with unrealistic expectations. We think that Andrew succeeds in the end despite, not as a result of, Terence Fletcher’s bad deeds.

Tywin Lannister – Game of Thrones (Charles Dance)

Tywin Lannister, the mastermind behind the Red Wedding, was responsible for orchestrating numerous horrific acts. His capacity for cruelty extended even to his own children. The dynamic between Tywin and Tyrion became a significant plot element, highlighting the complex and tense relationship between father and son.

Image credit: HBO

Tywin coldly seized the opportunity of Joffrey’s murder trial to eliminate his disappointing son. Even in his defiant final moments, Tywin displayed his unwavering ruthlessness, culminating in a confrontational showdown with his son. He died true to his character as a formidable villain.

Edwin Epps – 12 Years a Slave (Michael Fassbender)

Edwin’s treatment of Patsey (portrayed by Lupita Nyong’o) and Solomon Northup (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor) showcases his utter lack of morals and empathy, solidifying his role as a personification of evil. He personifies pure evil through his erratic behavior, which fluctuates depending on his level of sobriety.

Image credit: Negretude / pinterest

Edwin’s unsettling behavior intensifies as he derives pleasure from tormenting Northup and Patsey, using them as symbols to expose the dehumanization faced by the film’s protagonists. His actions serve as a chilling commentary on the systemic mistreatment and objectification of individuals denied their basic human rights.

Charles Miner – The Office (Idris Elba)

Idris Elba’s character Charles Miner served as season 5’s primary antagonist. During his brief appearance on the television series, he served as Michael Scott’s stern manager and comic relief. He was despised because he was precisely the opposite of Michael and for bullying Jim.

Image credit: Zaki Okoye / tumblr

Although he briefly served as a strong secondary opponent, you have to admire his determination. Looking closely, he genuinely cared about the branch’s success and rejected to succumb to Michael’s antics. From a business standpoint, he’s the hero. From a humane standpoint, he’s a stinker.

Negan – The Walking Dead (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Rick Grimes and Negan’s intertwined roles as hero and villain elevate them both to exceptional heights. Their connection adds depth to their characters, making them stronger and more memorable. Even newcomers to the show quickly recognize Negan and his signature weapon as iconic elements of the series.

Image credit: @JulenGames / youtube

Negan’s well-known persona from the comics has contributed to his widespread recognition. His character challenges conventional notions of right and wrong, a path that Rick could easily follow if he’s not cautious. In a surprising twist, Rick gradually embodies traits similar to Negan, blurring the lines between hero and villain in unforeseen ways.