© NL Beeld

Thanos ('Avengers' films, 2015-2018) -

A villain with a twisted sense of mercy, Josh Brolin's Thanos seeks to balance the universe, demonstrating that he's not just a physical threat but a philosophical one.

© NL Beeld

Amy Dunne ('Gone Girl,' 2014) -

Rosamund Pike's Amy is cunning, manipulative, and terrifyingly brilliant, making us rethink the depths of revenge and manipulation.

© Getty Images

Kylo Ren ('Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' 2015) -

Adam Driver presents a complex character torn between the dark side and the light, making Kylo Ren a fascinating study of conflicted villainy.

© Getty Images

Lord Voldemort ('Harry Potter' films, 2001-2011) -

Ralph Fiennes gave us chills as the ultimate dark wizard, whose quest for immortality and power threatened the very fabric of the wizarding world.

© NL Beeld

Anton Chigurh ('No Country for Old Men,' 2007) -

Javier Bardem's portrayal of this emotionless killer, with his bizarre moral code and terrifying calmness, redefined what we expect from movie villains.

© NL Beeld

Harvey Dent/Two-Face ('The Dark Knight,' 2008) -

Aaron Eckhart's tragic transformation from Gotham's white knight to a vengeful madman showcases the thin line between heroism and villainy.

© NL Beeld

Javier Rodriguez ('Traffic,' 2000) -

Benicio Del Toro plays a complex character embroiled in the drug war, blurring the lines between right and wrong, and showcasing the human side of the conflict.

© NL Beeld

Commodus ('Gladiator,' 2000) -

Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Roman Emperor Commodus combines jealousy, power lust, and a desperate need for approval into a memorable antagonist to Russell Crowe's Maximus.

© NL Beeld

Miranda Priestly ('The Devil Wears Prada,' 2006) -

Meryl Streep's turn as the icy, demanding fashion magazine editor illustrates a different kind of villainy, one laced with elegance and cutting criticism.

© NL Beeld

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille ('Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,' 2006) -

Ben Whishaw plays a perfumer with a unique talent and a disturbing obsession, leading him down a dark path of murder in his quest to create the perfect scent.

© Getty Images

Loki (MCU, 2011-2023) -

Tom Hiddleston brings a charismatic and sometimes sympathetic depth to Loki, the god of mischief. His journey from villain to antihero across the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made him a fan favorite.

© Getty Images

The Joker ('The Dark Knight,' 2008) -

Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the anarchic mastermind who brings Gotham to its knees is unforgettable, blending chaos, humor, and terror.

© NL Beeld

Terence Fletcher ('Whiplash,' 2014) -

J.K. Simmons's Oscar-winning role as the abusive, perfection-seeking music instructor illustrates a different kind of villainy, one that pushes boundaries in the pursuit of greatness.

© NL Beeld

Davy Jones ('Pirates of the Caribbean' films, 2006-2007) -

Bill Nighy's portrayal of the cursed pirate, bound to the sea as captain of the Flying Dutchman, combines a tragic backstory with a terrifying presence.

© Getty Images

Lotso ('Toy Story 3,' 2010) -

Ned Beatty voices the seemingly sweet but deeply bitter and manipulative stuffed bear who rules Sunnyside Daycare with an iron fist, showing that villains can come in the most unexpected forms.

© NL Beeld

John Doe ('Se7en,' 1995) -

Kevin Spacey's John Doe deserves mention for his chilling portrayal of a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, showcasing the depths of human depravity.

© NL Beeld

Bellatrix Lestrange ('Harry Potter' films, 2007-2011) -

Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of the sadistic and fiercely loyal Death Eater brought to life one of the 'Harry Potter' series' most memorable and deranged antagonists.

© NL Beeld

O-Ren Ishii ('Kill Bill: Volume 1,' 2003) -

Lucy Liu plays the leader of the Tokyo Yakuza and one of The Bride's main targets. Her backstory of vengeance and rise to power is as compelling as it is brutal.

© NL Beeld

Hans Landa ('Inglourious Basterds,' 2009) -

Christoph Waltz's performance as the cunning and multilingual SS officer, whose charm is as disarming as his ruthlessness, earned him an Oscar and made Landa an unforgettable antagonist.

© Getty Images

Calvin Candie ('Django Unchained,' 2012) -

Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of the charming yet brutally sadistic slave owner marked a departure from his usual roles, creating a villain whose genteel manners thinly veil his monstrous inhumanity.

© Getty Images

Vulture ('Spider-Man: Homecoming,' 2017) -

Michael Keaton brings depth to Adrian Toomes/Vulture, a villain with understandable motivations turned dangerous antagonist, highlighting the consequences of socioeconomic disparities.

© NL Beeld

Erik Killmonger ('Black Panther' films, 2018-2022) -

Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger is a villain with a cause, challenging T'Challa for the throne of Wakanda. His motivations and tragic backstory add layers to his character, making him one of the most complex and sympathetic villains in recent years.

© NL Beeld

Ego ('Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,' 2017) -

Kurt Russell plays the celestial being with a god complex, whose plans for the universe conflict with his son, Peter Quill. Ego's charismatic facade and paternal bond make his betrayal all the more shocking.

© Getty Images

Rose Armitage ('Get Out,' 2017) -

Allison Williams portrays the seemingly innocent girlfriend in a chilling performance that reveals a deep-seated malevolence as part of a family with a horrifying secret, showcasing the terrifying underbelly of racism and body commodification.

© NL Beeld

Richmond Valentine ('Kingsman: The Secret Service,' 2014) -

Samuel L. Jackson plays a tech billionaire with a twisted plan to solve climate change through mass genocide, combining humor with a deadly serious intention, making Valentine a uniquely memorable villain.

© NL Beeld

Sauron ('The Lord of the Rings' films, 2001-2003) -

While largely an unseen force, Sauron's presence and influence over Middle-earth create a palpable sense of dread and despair throughout the series, permeating each scene with his/its power-hungry malevolence.

© NL Beeld

A.I. Samantha ('Her,' 2013) -

While not a traditional villain, Scarlett Johansson's voice role as an artificial intelligence poses profound questions about human relationships and loneliness, challenging the protagonist and the audience to reconsider the nature of love and connection.

Sources: (Family Minded)

© NL Beeld