Remember that time you went to watch a movie and liked the villain more than the hero? You were surprised at first, but gradually reassured by the overwhelming numbers of people who also thought like you did.
The trend is nothing new. Throughout the history of cinema (Bolly and Holly alike), there have been villains who’ve been respected, loved and admired waaaay more than any of the heroes could hope for.
Here are our picks!
The Joker
Actor Heath Ledger, who played The Joker, passed away before the movie hit the theatres – but that didn’t change the fact that he was downright fantastic in the movie. He overshadowed Christian Gale’s Batman all the way, prompting more posters of him than Batman himself!
Zebedaiah Killgrave
If you’ve been following Marvel’s new Jessica Jones series, you’d agree that Zebedaiah Killgrave is one of the best villains ever. His villain name is Purple Man, which is never used in the series – but then, neither is the name Zebedaiah. He’s simply referred to as Killgrave and his ability to control others makes him one of the most formidable villains ever.
Wilson Fisk
Popular Netflix series Daredevil is perhaps the first time Wilson Fisk, or the Kingpin, as he’s also known, has been given the respect he deserves. Many believe Kingpin’s character is much more powerful and interesting than Daredevil himself. This one’s pretty close though.
Loki
Does anyone really like Goldilocks in the Thor movies? I’m guessing NO. The eternal naughty one, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki has been one of the most loved characters in Marvel’s recent movies. Come on, you know we’re right!
Darth Vader
Just one more week before Star Wars premieres in India! But The Force Awakens is going to be without Anakin Skywalker, a.k.a. Darth Vader. The Sith lord from the Star Wars movies is arguably the most ICONIC villain of all time and he’s miles better than Luke Skywalker, hands down!
Colonel Hans Landa
When you see Christopher Waltz’s name in a movie, you take note. A big reason for this is his performance in Inglorious Basterds, as Colonel Hans Landa. While Brad Pitt produced one of his best performances, we still think Waltz stole the show!
Hannibal Lecter
“On a serious note, I must confess to you, I’m giving very serious thought…. to eating your wife” – Anthony Hopkins, as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs. Enough said.
Bob Biswas
Who said Bollywood can’t produce good villains? Remember Bob Biswas from the movie Kahaani? My friends watched this movie before I did and they told me more about this guy than the rest of the movie. You sure it was about Vidya Balan’s character?
Langda Tyagi
Many say superstar Saif Ali Khan has never done a better job with a character. If you’ve watched Omkara, you remember Langda Tyagi, and that’s just the point.
Gabbar
This one’s close, but no list about villains can ignore Gabbar ever. Google still shows Gabbar’s photos when you search for Amjad Khan. The most iconic villain in Indian cinema!
(Som Dasgupta is a freelance journalist who thrives on everything tech. After all the time he’s spent around technology, he’d like to think he’s turned into a robot.)
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