Entertainment
20 Movies Where the Main Character Turns Into the Villain
25. Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito is best known for his role as Gus Fring, a restaurant owner with a secret drug empire in Breaking Bad. He has also shone on TV in series like Dear White People, Once Upon a Time, and The Get Down. | © AMC
24. Julie Gonzalo
Julie Gonzalo began her career with roles in Freaky Friday, Dodgeball, and A Cinderella Story, but she became best known as Parker Lee on Veronica Mars, a role she reprised in the 2019 reboot. She also shone on TV as Pamela in TNT's Dallas and Andrea Rojas in Supergirl. | © CBS
23. Gary Cole
Gary Cole began his career in television before breaking out as Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie. He later embraced comedy in films like Dodgeball and Talladega Nights while building an extensive TV resume that includes Arrested Development, Veep, and currently NCIS. | © AMC
22. Jason Mantzoukas
Jason Mantzoukas is a comedian-turned-actor known for roles like the tortured Rafi in The League and detective Adrian Pimento on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He’s also lent his voice to animated favorites like American Dad, Regular Show, and Agent Elvis, consistently making audiences laugh. | © NBC
21. Gregg Daniel
Gregg Daniel has built an extensive TV career over the past 30 years with guest spots in shows like Matlock and The West Wing, and he's best known as Reverend Daniels in True Blood. He’s also appeared in films such as White Man Can't Jump and Spider-Man 3, earning consistent praise for his work. | © Universal Pictures
20. William Fichtner
William Fichtner is best known on TV as Sheriff Tom Underlay in Invasion and Alexander Mahone in Prison Break. He has also built an impressive film career with roles in movies like Crash, The Dark Knight, and The Company You Keep. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
19. Reed Diamond
Reed Diamond has been a prolific character actor since the late 1980s, known for TV roles. Although he often plays dislikable characters, his memorable performances extend to films such as Clear and Present Danger and Spider-Man 2. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
18. Beth Grant
Beth Grant has a lengthy career with credits in films like Donnie Darko, Speed, and No Country for Old Men, along with TV appearances in Jericho and Pushing Daisies. She is perhaps best known for her politically incorrect portrayal of Beverly in The Mindy Project. | © United Artists
17. James Hong
James Hong has had a long career in Hollywood, appearing in classics like Chinatown, Big Trouble in Little China, and voicing characters in films like Kung Fu Panda and Mulan. He gained even more fame for his standout role in the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once. | © 20th Century Studios
16. Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis became famous for his motion capture work as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings. He has since starred as Caesar in Planet of the Apes, Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars, and more recently in live-action roles in Andor, Luther: The Fallen Sun, and Black Panther. | © New Line Cinema
15. Peter Stormare
Peter Stormare might not be a household name, but you’ve likely seen him in many films. He stood out as a fun villain in Bad Boys and provided memorable comic relief in Armageddon. | © Destination Films
14. Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson began his film career at 34, earning recognition with roles in Braveheart and The General after years in theater. His range cements his reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile character actors. | © Paramount
13. Clancy Brown
Clancy Brown is known for his deep voice and stern look, often portraying villains. He gained fame in films like Bad Boys, Highlander, and The Shawshank Redemption and recently played The Harbinger in John Wick: Chapter 4. | © Lionsgate Films
12. Kathryn Hahn
Kathryn Hahn began her career on Crossing Jordan in 2001 and has since become a standout in comedy. She has starred in hits like How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Anchorman, Step Brothers, We're the Millers, and Bad Moms, and earned an Emmy nod for her role in Transparent. | © STX Entertainment
11. Krysten Ritter
Krysten Ritter has been a familiar face since the 2000s, with roles in Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls. Recently, she gained acclaim for playing Jane Margolis in Breaking Bad, Chloe in Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23, and for her work in Netflix’s Jessica Jones and The Defenders. | © AMC
10. Hector Elizondo
Hector Elizondo may be recognized for his small roles in Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, but he truly shines as the memorable royal bodyguard Joe in both Princess Diaries films. More recently, he has appeared on TV shows like B Positive and Last Man Standing. | © Touchstone Pictures
9. Mark Strong
Mark Strong is best known for his roles as cold and calculating villains, establishing himself as one of the most memorable supporting actors in Hollywood. He has starred in acclaimed films alongside directors like Guy Ritchie, using his deep voice and strong screen presence to leave a lasting impression. | © Netflix
8. Margo Martindale
Margo Martindale has built a strong career in both film and TV, even making a brief appearance in Downsizing. With six Emmy nominations and three wins for Justified and The Americans, she continues to impress in her latest roles as Ranger Liz in Cocaine Bear, Elizabeth in Your Honor, and Mo in The Watcher. | © Universal Pictures
7. Judy Greer
Judy Greer is a character actress known for her roles in films like Jawbreaker, What Women Want, The Wedding Planner, and 27 Dresses, as well as TV series such as The Big Bang Theory and Arrested Development. She’s also recognized for her voice work in Archer and her motion capture role in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. | © MGM
6. Christopher McDonald
Christopher McDonald is best known for his role in Happy Gilmore as Shooter McGavin, and he has also appeared in films like Grumpy Old Men and Requiem for a Dream. His TV work spans Boardwalk Empire, Harry's Law, and most recently Hacks, which earned him an Emmy nomination. | © Universal Pictures
5. Clea DuVall
Clea DuVall got her break in 1998 with The Faculty alongside Elijah Wood and Josh Hartnett, and soon starred in cult classics like But I'm a Cheerleader and Girl, Interrupted. She later shone in TV series such as Carnivàle, Heroes, American Horror Story, Veep, and The Handmaid's Tale. | © Cinecom Pictures
4. Elizabeth Reaser
Elizabeth Reaser is best known as Shirley Crain in The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, and she also appeared in Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Wife. She played Esme Cullen in Twilight and has more recently starred in American Crime Story and The Handmaid's Tale. | © Summit Entertainment
3. Billy Crudup
Billy Crudup is known for challenging roles that showcase his talent and striking looks, balancing between a serious actor and a charming leading man. Even though he prefers a quieter life away from Hollywood, his growing popularity and creative family ties ensure he remains in the spotlight. | © A24
2. Dean Norris
Dean Norris is known for the role of DEA agent Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad and the memorable appearances in Better Call Saul. A native of South Bend, he has built a steady career in TV and movies since the early 1980s. | © AMC
1. Luis Guzmán
Luis Guzmán made his film debut in 1977 with Short Eyes and has since appeared in popular TV shows like Law & Order, NYPD Blue, and Community. He gained wider recognition for his memorable roles in the 1997 film Boogie Nights and the 2000 hit Traffic. | © Focus Features
