The Most Famous Comic Book Villain: A Ranking

Voting rules: Choose the villain you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 28, 2023 10:48)

Step into the thrilling world of comic book villainy and make your voice heard in our latest StrawPoll ranking: "Who is the most famous comic book villain?" This epic showdown features iconic antagonists that have left their sinister mark in countless comics, movies, and TV shows. From the malevolent Joker to the cunning Lex Luthor, the ruthless Thanos to the manipulative Doctor Octopus, you can now decide who reigns supreme in the dark realm of villainy! Cast your vote and watch as your favorite baddie battles for the top spot or take matters into your own hands and suggest a missing contender. Don't miss the opportunity to embrace your dark side and witness the ultimate comic book villain battle royale unfolding before your eyes! Let the chaos commence and join the thrilling debate now!

Who Is the Most Famous Comic Book Villain?

1

55
votes
The Joker

He is arguably the most iconic comic book villain, known for his chaotic and unpredictable nature. His popularity has been cemented in various comic book adaptations, movies, and TV shows.
Description

The Joker is a popular Halloween mask based on the iconic comic book character from Batman. It represents a psychopathic and unpredictable villain known for his clown-like appearance and intense laughter. The mask captures the eerie and distinctive features of The Joker, including pale white skin, green hair, a red painted smile, and dark-colored eyes.

Material: Made from high-quality latex or vinyl

Size: One size fits most adults

Design: Full-face mask with eye, nose, and mouth openings

Color: White, green, red, and black

Details: Accurate replication of The Joker's facial features and makeup
The Joker in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Batman villain
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular comic book villain
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous villains of all time
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Halloween mask
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous movie character
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular ride at Six Flags
2

22
votes

Magneto

Known for his powers of magnetism and control over metals, Magneto is a classic villain from the X-Men franchise. He is often portrayed as a sympathetic character due to his tragic past and motivations for mutant supremacy.
3

17
votes
Remy Sharp · CC BY-SA 2.0

Doctor Doom

A brilliant scientist and ruler of the fictional country of Latveria, Doctor Doom is a recurring villain in the Fantastic Four comics. He is known for his intellect, technological prowess, and obsession with power.
Doctor Doom in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular comic book villain
4

19
votes

Thanos

The main antagonist of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga, Thanos is a powerful cosmic being who seeks to balance the universe by wiping out half of all life. He is known for his immense strength and intelligence, as well as his iconic Infinity Gauntlet.
5

13
votes
Freddo · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lex Luthor

Superman's arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor is a wealthy businessman and genius inventor who uses his resources to wage a personal war against the Man of Steel. He is known for his intelligence, cunning, and ruthless tactics.
Lex Luthor in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular comic book villain
6

10
votes
Chris Favero · CC BY-SA 2.0

Green Goblin

Spider-Man's most famous foe, the Green Goblin is the alter ego of Norman Osborn, a businessman who becomes obsessed with defeating the web-slinger. He is known for his iconic glider and pumpkin bombs, as well as his twisted relationship with Spider-Man.
Green Goblin in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Spider-Man villain
7

13
votes

Darkseid

A powerful godlike being from DC Comics, Darkseid is the ruler of the planet Apokolips and seeks to conquer the universe. He is known for his immense strength, intellect, and iconic Omega Beams.
8

6
votes
Ra's al Ghul

A recurring villain in Batman comics, Ra's al Ghul is a master of martial arts and leader of the League of Assassins. He is known for his longevity, having lived for centuries thanks to the Lazarus Pits, and his complex relationship with Batman.
Ra's al Ghul in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular comic book villain
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Batman villain
9

1
votes
Venom

A symbiotic alien creature that bonds with various human hosts, Venom is a popular villain from the Spider-Man franchise. He is known for his eerie appearance, immense strength, and twisted sense of humor.
Description

The Fila Venom is a retro-inspired sneaker that combines bold style with modern design. It is known for its chunky silhouette, vibrant color combinations, and high-performance features. The Venom offers a comfortable fit and excellent support, making it suitable for both athletic activities and everyday wear.

Upper Material: Leather and synthetic overlays

Sole Material: Rubber

Closure: Lace-up

Midsole: EVA foam cushioning

Outsole: Durable rubber with traction pattern
10

3
votes
Catwoman

While not always a villain, Catwoman is a recurring character in Batman comics who often finds herself on the wrong side of the law. She is known for her acrobatic skills, wit, and complicated relationship with the Dark Knight.
Description

Catwoman is a popular fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Also known as Selina Kyle, she is a crucial antagonist and sometimes anti-heroine in the Batman series. Catwoman is renowned for her feline-like agility, cunning, and love for all things cat-related. Her striking appearance and complex personality make her one of the most alluring and fascinating villains in comic book history.

Alias: Selina Kyle

First Appearance: Batman #1 (1940)

Superpowers: Enhanced agility, martial arts prowess, and sharp claws

Character Alignment: Chaotic neutral

Frequently Associated With: Batman, Gotham City

Missing your favorite villain?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous comic book villain

Popularity

The popularity and cultural significance of the villain within the comic book community and the wider population.
Impact

The impact the villain has had on the comic book industry, whether through the creation of new storylines or by pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the genre.
Memorable Character

How well-written and memorable the villain is as a character.
Iconic Look

The villain's visual appearance and ability to stick in the mind of the audience.
Adaptability

How well the villain has translated to other media such as film, TV, and video games, and how their character has been adapted for these platforms.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous comic book villain. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or villain is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1322 views
159 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each villain once every 24 hours. The rank of each villain is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous comic book villain

The world of comic books has given us some of the most iconic characters in pop culture history. From beloved superheroes to notorious villains, comic book characters have captured the hearts and minds of fans around the world. When it comes to comic book villains, there are few who are as well-known and feared as some of the greatest villains of all time. One of the most popular and beloved comic book villains is the Joker, the arch-nemesis of Batman. With his twisted sense of humor, unpredictable behavior, and maniacal laughter, the Joker has become a cultural icon and a symbol of chaos and anarchy. He has been portrayed in various forms of media, from comic books to movies, and has been played by some of the most talented actors in Hollywood. Other famous comic book villains include Magneto, the master of magnetism and leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants, and Lex Luthor, the brilliant and ruthless businessman who is Superman's greatest enemy. These villains have become household names and have left a lasting impression on fans of all ages. So, who is the most famous comic book villain? That's a question that has been debated by fans for years. While there are many contenders for the title, one thing is for sure - comic book villains have become an integral part of pop culture and will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.