TV Shows & Movies
7 Greatest Anime Fights of All Time
25. Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman had an unmatched level of charisma and the ability to switch it off, which made his villains unforgettable. From Hans Gruber to Severus Snape, he brought depth and nuance that elevated every character he played. | © 20th Century Studios
24. Christopher McDonald
McDonald's iconic portrayal of Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore is comedy villainy at its finest. His hilarious back-and-forth with Adam Sandler made him an iconic antagonist. | © Marvel Universe
23. Al Sapienza
Al Sapienza is best known for his standout role as Mikey Palmice on The Sopranos. His ability to embody gritty, morally complex characters has made him one of the greatest in villainous roles. | © HBO
22. Tom Felton
Tom Felton brought depth and complexity to Draco Malfoy, transforming him from a simple bully into a layered, conflicted character. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
21. Javier Bardem
Javier Bardem brought chilling charisma to the role of Silva in Skyfall, elevating a villain with a convoluted plan into a memorable on-screen threat. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
20. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy’s performance as Dr. Crane in Batman Begins proves he can bring chilling intensity to villainous roles. Even surrounded by chaos in The Dark Knight trilogy, his eerie calm and depth leave a lasting impression. | © Universal Pictures
19. Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi was so convincingly toxic as Nate in Euphoria that he made you want to throw a glass at him. His ability to embody such a manipulative character is both impressive and unsettling. | © A24 Films
18. Lee Byung-hun
Lee Byung-hun delivered a chilling performance as the cold, calculated villain in Squid Game. He perfectly embodied the role, and his willingness to betray even his brother added insane depth. | © Netflix
17. Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor was so convincingly ruthless in Serenity that it’s hard to see him in any other role without recalling his cold, calculating villainy. | © Universal Pictures
16. John Lithgow
John Lithgow is a versatile villain who shines in different roles, from the chilling Arthur Mitchell in Dexter to the delightfully menacing Lord Farquaad in Shrek. Whether dramatic or comedic, he brings intensity to every antagonist he plays. | © Showtime Networks
15. Christian Bale
Christian Bale had a chilling performance in American Psycho, which showcased his mastery of portraying villains. As Patrick Bateman, he’s terrifyingly captivating, making his turn as Batman feel almost too normal by comparison. | © Lionsgate Films
14. Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe scared the ever-living – well... – out of Hollywood with his performance as Green Goblin in Spider-Man. His chilling performance still haunts fans decades later. | © Marvel Studios
13. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson portrays raw intensity and lived experience, which makes him unforgettable in villainous roles. Whether it’s the chilling menace of his Django Unchained character or desperation in Jungle Fever, he makes his performances terrifying and captivating. | © Columbia Pictures
12. Lance Henriksen
Lance Henriksen has versatility and intensity that makes him a master of villainy, from psychotic gang leaders to soulless vampires. His ability to embody both chilling menace and weary complexity sets him apart. | © 20th Century Studios
11. Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is pure, unrelenting evil, combining menace with a sadistic thrill for the hunt. His chilling performance makes Cady one of the most terrifying villains in thriller history. | © Universal Pictures
10. Mads Mikkelsen
Mads Mikkelsen is one of the most remarkable actors as villains who can frighten and attract simultaneously. The actor has a unique ability to blend charm with chilling menace, making his villains unforgettable.| © NBC
9. Antony Starr
Antony Starr is superb in the role of villain with a radiant smile and dead, calculating eyes, which made Homelander one of the most terrifying villains on screen. His performance is so convincing that it’s hard not to hate him instantly. | © Sony Pictures Television
8. Malcolm McDowell
Malcolm McDowell is one of the strongest villain actors which makes him a natural for villainous roles, from Alex DeLarge to video game antagonists. His instantly recognizable tone brings unmatched menace to every character he portrays. | © Universal Pictures
7. Robert Englund
Robert Englund redefined villains with his terrifying, maniacal laugh as Freddy Krueger. He changed the idea of what a slasher could be by using a terrifying maniacal laugh, which worked especially well. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
6. Tony Todd
Tony Todd is one of the most underestimated actors in villain roles, capable of playing almost any antagonist. Best known as Candyman and the face of Death in Final Destination, his voice and intensity make him a horror legend. | © TriStar Pictures
5. Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman may be known as Churchill or Commissioner Gordon, but his true mastery shines in playing evil. From the unhinged Stansfield in Leon to the iconic Dracula, he played each villain in a uniquely threatening way. | © Disney
4. Christoph Waltz
Christoph Waltz reminded us of what true evil looks like with his performance as Nazi agent Hans Landa, always remembered as one the greatest evil portrays in modern cinema. With razor-sharp focus and intensity, he makes evil feel unforgettable. | © Universal Pictures
3. Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito was born as a truly terrifying antagonist who embodies the chilling power of a calculated and ruthless villain. His quiet intensity made characters like Gus Fring unforgettable. | © Sony Pictures Television
2. Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is undoubtedly a master of chilling villainy whose performances are always empowered with a refined English accent. His piercing gaze and chilling calm turned his character Hannibal Lecter into an unforgettable villain icon. | © Orion Pictures
1. Christopher Lee
The acting career of Christopher Lee was defined by his roles in classic villains like Dracula and Count Dooku. Few actors embodied evil as effortlessly as he did. | © Gloria Film
