The Greatest Movie Villains Of All Time

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Updated April 16, 2024 1.5M views 549 items
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1.7M votes
125.7K voters
644 reranks

It seems every year, new iconic villains are coming out of the woodwork. While some of us tend to despise movie villains, plenty of movie-goers favor some of these antagonists. Whether that's due to a cool accent, an over-the-top performance, or an intimidating disposition, some villains just stand out - and redefine the actors playing them. For instance, who doesn't have some type of fondness for Hannibal Lecter? How about the evil Darth Vader for that matter? Who are the greatest villains of all time? These movie bad guys are the scourge of the movie universe - and that's to say nothing of their loyal, powerful henchmen - and you can now vote on the meanest villain ever to appear on film.

These are the greatest, most vile movie characters we love to hate (or even laugh at) ranked by the wisdom of the crowd, which makes this ranking an accurate, real-time reflection of the crowd's collective opinion.

Most divisive: Nurse Ratched
Over 125.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Movie Villains Of All Time
  • Darth Vader
    1
    60,897 votes

    Cloaked in darkness and towering over his enemies, this villain instills fear merely by his presence. Once a hero turned evil by power and manipulation, he now serves as the enforcer of an oppressive regime that stretches across the galaxy. His booming voice, merciless tactics, and iconic heavy breathing have earned him a place among the great villains in history.

  • Joker
    2
    66,244 votes

    A villain who thrives on chaos and the disruption of order, this criminal mastermind dances on the thin line between madness and brilliance. His unpredictable nature, combined with his twisted sense of humor, has made him a constant thorn in the side of justice. With his haunting smile and clownish appearance, he is as terrifying as he is captivating.

  • Thanos
    3
    29,331 votes

    Driven by a twisted vision of universal balance, this powerful alien warlord embarks on a quest that involves immense destruction; seeking out powerful relics to achieve his goal. Calm but ruthless, with a surprising depth of emotional complexity, it's hard not to be captivated by his single-minded determination to reshape the universe to his liking.

  • Hannibal Lecter
    4
    37,568 votes

    A cultured yet diabolical character with a refined taste for both art and human flesh, this villain is chillingly intelligent and possesses an uncanny ability to manipulate those around him. Despite being imprisoned, his influence extends beyond bars, making him an unnerving force to be reckoned with as he helps law enforcement solve cases while always keeping them guessing.

  • Palpatine
    5
    34,330 votes

    A sinister mastermind hiding in plain sight, he patiently plays the political game before revealing himself as the ultimate puppeteer behind a galaxy-spanning conflict. Fueled by greed and lust for power, he manipulates events that bring about destruction for countless lives while maintaining an air of civility and wisdom that hides his true malevolent core.

  • Sauron
    6
    30,661 votes

    An ancient force of pure evil, this villain's sole purpose is to bring darkness and suffering to the world. Shrouded in fire and shadow, his power lies in his ability to corrupt even the noblest of hearts, reaching out with invisible tendrils to turn friends into enemies and heroes into pawns.

  • Hans Landa
    7
    27,477 votes

    A masterful blend of charm and menace, this multilingual Nazi officer commands attention with his intelligence and terrifying reputation for ruthlessness. Seemingly able to see right through people, he instills dread with each calculated word and action.

  • Disguised as a playful child-friendly figure, this monstrous entity preys on fear. Manipulating its victims with hallucinations and taking on their worst nightmares before feasting on their terror, it is an embodiment of horror that stays with you long after you've left the movie theater.

  • Lord Voldemort
    9
    37,098 votes

    Once a prodigy destined for greatness, this twisted wizard fell into darkness and sought immortality at any cost. Consumed by his desire for power, his very name inspires terror among those who dare to speak it, casting a shadow over the magical world.

  • Scar
    10
    31,577 votes

    Devious and cunning, this envious lion will stop at nothing to claim his brother's throne. His sinister plots and wicked manipulation redefine betrayal and leave a lasting impact on our perception of brotherhood.

  • Michael Myers
    11
    23,041 votes

    A seemingly unstoppable force of pure evil, this iconic slasher has haunted our nightmares since his first appearance on screen. Silent but deadly, his emotionless mask hides a tortured soul consumed by rage as he relentlessly stalks victims.

  • T-1000
    12
    20,557 votes

    An advanced model of the relentless killing machine we've come to fear, this shape-shifting Terminator uses its liquid metal form to infiltrate and eliminate targets with chilling precision. Its seemingly endless adaptability ensures that no one is safe from its murderous reach.

  • Predator
    13
    19,254 votes

    A remorseless hunter seeking worthy prey, this extraterrestrial warrior stalks its victims with terrifying skill. Its distinctive mask, cloaking abilities, and brutal weaponry make it an iconic figure of fear, proving that sometimes, humans aren't at the top of the food chain.

  • Bane
    14
    27,934 votes

    Brutal and intelligent, this masked mercenary proves to be a worthy opponent for even the world's greatest detective. With his superhuman strength and unshakable resolve, he breaks both bodies and spirits in his pursuit of power.

  • Terminator
    15
    25,120 votes

    An unstoppable killing machine sent from a dark future, this relentless cyborg assassin instills fear with its unwavering determination to complete its mission. Its icy exterior hides a near-indestructible frame that gives it an almost supernatural air.

  • Hans Gruber
    16
    23,986 votes

    Calm, collected, and utterly ruthless, this sophisticated European terrorist leader executes a meticulously-planned heist while remaining one step ahead of law enforcement. His suave demeanor belies his true nature as a cold-blooded killer.

  • Loki
    17
    29,710 votes

    A complex trickster weaving schemes beyond mortal comprehension, he is a master manipulator with a taste for causing chaos. Despite sometimes appearing as a charming and sly antihero, his seething jealousy, resentment, and desire for power bubble under the surface, making him one of the most captivating villains in modern cinema.

  • Xenomorph (Alien)
    18
    20,124 votes

    A horrifying extraterrestrial creature with razor-sharp teeth and claws, it is an embodiment of the primal fear of the unknown. Its otherworldly appearance and relentless hunting instincts make it one of the most terrifying villains to ever emerge from the shadows of deep space.

  • Anton Chigurh
    19
    20,569 votes

    This mysteriously chilling hitman moves through life like a ghost, mercilessly dispatching his targets with cold efficiency. His eerie presence and signature coin flips are as unsettling as they are memorable.

  • Darth Maul
    20
    19,002 votes

    With his striking red and black tattoos, menacing horns, and lethal dual-bladed lightsaber, this Sith assassin is the embodiment of sinister power. His silent stealth and acrobatic prowess make him a formidable opponent for even the most skilled Jedi.

  • Agent Smith
    21
    26,414 votes

    A sinister program with an insidious agenda, this villain's calm, collected demeanor belies his true nature as a relentless force seeking to destroy any who stand in his way. As he duplicates himself, like a virus spreading throughout the system, he becomes an ever-looming threat.

  • Jason Voorhees
    22
    17,886 votes

    This vengeful spirit exacts his relentless wrath upon those who dare to enter his domain. With his hockey mask and machete in hand, he has become a symbol of terror for generations.

  • Jack Torrance
    23
    23,430 votes

    Driven to madness by isolation and unseen forces, this troubled father succumbs to his inner demons and becomes a terrifying figure of destruction. A chilling reminder that sometimes the most horrifying monsters can come from within ourselves.

  • Magneto
    24
    25,966 votes

    A tragic figure driven by past trauma, this powerful mutant fights against the oppression of his kind, regardless of the cost to humanity. His fierce determination and unwavering belief in his cause make him a compelling villain who challenges our preconceptions of good and evil.

  • Freddy Krueger
    25
    22,883 votes

    Once a child murderer who met a fiery demise, this supernatural boogeyman now haunts our dreams with his razor-sharp glove and burnt visage. His power to invade the sanctuary of sleep makes him an ever-present threat that's impossible to escape from.

  • Jigsaw
    26
    13,503 votes

    A twisted visionary driven by a perverse sense of justice, this villain tortures his victims by forcing them to confront their own moral failings in brutal, life-or-death puzzles. His patience and planning make him one of the most chilling antagonists in horror history.

  • Saruman
    27
    12,567 votes

    A once-great wizard consumed by ambition and lust for power, he betrays his allies and aligns himself with dark forces in a bid for supremacy. His manipulation and cunning mark him as one of the most memorable villains from Middle-earth.

  • Commodus
    28
    10,428 votes

    An unhinged Roman emperor consumed by jealousy and insecurity, he plunges his empire into chaos and cruelty in an attempt to maintain power. With acts of betrayal, violence, and manipulation, he cements his place among history's most ruthless villains.

  • Davy Jones
    29
    15,392 votes

    Cursed to sail the seas for eternity, this tragic figure commands a supernatural crew of damned souls with his grotesque tentacled visage. His heartless actions and unnerving appearance make him a villain to be both pitied and feared.

  • Bellatrix Lestrange
    30

    A fanatical servant of dark forces, her sadistic nature and unwavering loyalty to evil sent shivers down our spines. Her wild hair, frenzied eyes, and unsettling cackle made her a nightmare come to life.