The Most Famous Villains of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the villains you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:59
Villains, with their complex motives and memorable deeds, have always captivated audiences. Understanding the appeal of these antagonists can give us insight into what aspects of storytelling resonate with people. By creating a list of the most famous villains, we open the door to discussing the intricate details that make these characters stand out in the cultural memory.
Your input is invaluable as this list is shaped by collective opinion. Each vote casts a spotlight on different facets of villainy, reflecting diverse perspectives on what makes a character truly impactful in a story. Engaging with this ranking not only enhances our understanding but also heightens the appreciation of narrative roles.
Who Are the Most Famous Villains of All Time?
-
137votes
Darth Vader
George LucasThe iconic villain from the Star Wars franchise, Darth Vader is known for his imposing presence, ominous breathing, and ruthless pursuit of power. He is considered one of the greatest movie villains of all time.Darth Vader is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He is a central figure in the original trilogy and is portrayed as a Sith Lord and the primary antagonist. Darth Vader is known for his iconic black armor, deep voice, and menacing presence.- Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm)
- Species: Human (formerly), Cyborg
- Affiliation: Galactic Empire
- Weapon: Red Lightsaber
- Alias: Anakin Skywalker
Darth Vader in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most iconic Star Wars character
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Star Wars villain
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person wearing a mask
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Halloween mask
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular member of the Bad Batch
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular Minecraft skin
-
248votesThe cannibalistic psychiatrist from the Silence of the Lambs series, Hannibal Lecter is a cold, calculating, and highly intelligent villain who has become a cultural icon.
-
314votesThe arch-nemesis of Batman, The Joker is a chaotic and unpredictable villain with a twisted sense of humor. He has been played by numerous actors, including Heath Ledger, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal in The Dark Knight.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 popular comic book villain
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Killer Clown
- 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
-
415votesThe main antagonist in the Harry Potter series, Voldemort is a powerful and ruthless wizard who seeks to dominate the wizarding world. He is known for his iconic appearance, including his snake-like features and lack of a nose.
-
516votes
Yike665 · CC BY-SA 4.0Freddy Krueger
Wes CravenThe villain from the Nightmare on Elm Street series, Freddy Krueger is a supernatural killer who attacks his victims in their dreams. He is known for his distinctive appearance, including his burned face and iconic glove with razor-sharp blades.The Freddy Krueger mask is a popular Halloween mask based on the character from the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' horror movie franchise. It is designed to resemble the burned face of the iconic fictional serial killer and dream stalker, Freddy Krueger. The mask features disfigured skin, charred flesh, prominent burn scars, and iconic red and green striped fedora hat.- Material: Latex
- Color: Beige, Brown, Red, Green
- Size: One Size Fits Most Adults
- Gender: Unisex
- Mask Type: Full Face
Freddy Krueger in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Halloween mask
-
69votesThe main antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sauron is a dark lord who seeks to conquer Middle-earth and enslave its inhabitants. He is known for his all-seeing eye, which symbolizes his power and influence.
-
79votesThe villain from Disney's Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent is a powerful fairy who curses Princess Aurora to sleep for 100 years. She is known for her iconic appearance, including her black horns and flowing black robes.Maleficent is a captivating villain from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. She is known for her striking appearance and compelling personality. Maleficent possesses a dark and gothic beauty, with sharp facial features and piercing green eyes. Her signature look includes a black robe, horned headdress, and a staff that casts powerful spells. Created by Walt Disney and based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale character, Maleficent has become one of Disney's most iconic villains.
- Film: Sleeping Beauty
- Appearance: Gothic and striking
- Signature Features: Horned headdress, black robe, staff
- Personality: Compelling and powerful
- Backstory: Based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale character
-
86votes
Paramount Pictures · Public domainThe central antagonist from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, Norman Bates is a disturbed motel owner who has a split personality and a penchant for murder. He is known for his chilling performance by Anthony Perkins. -
96votesThe villain from Disney's The Little Mermaid, Ursula is a sea witch who manipulates Ariel into trading her voice for legs. She is known for her distinctive appearance, including her purple skin, tentacles, and flamboyant demeanor.Ursula is a fictional character and one of the most iconic Disney villains. She first appeared in the animated film 'The Little Mermaid' released in 1989. Ursula is a sea witch who seeks to gain control over the underwater kingdom and will stop at nothing to achieve her sinister goals. She is known for her distinctive appearance, with her pale lavender skin, white hair, and octopus-like tentacles for lower body parts. Ursula is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully designed villains in animation history.
- Film debut: The Little Mermaid (1989)
- Occupation: Sea witch
- Goal: Gaining control over the underwater kingdom
- Appearance: Pale lavender skin, white hair, and octopus-like tentacles
- Personality: Manipulative, cunning, and power-hungry
-
102votesThe primary antagonist in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West is a powerful and malevolent witch who seeks to capture Dorothy and her companions. She is known for her iconic appearance, including her green skin, pointy hat, and broomstick.The Wicked Witch of the West in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular character in The Wizard of Oz
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous fictional witch
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous wizard of all time
Missing your favorite villains?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for famous villains
-
Popularity and cultural significanceHow well-known and recognizable is the villain? Have they become an iconic or legendary villain that has left a lasting impact on pop culture?
-
Antagonistic roleWhat kind of role does the villain play in their story? Are they responsible for causing significant harm or destruction, posing a serious threat to the protagonist or wider society?
-
Personal characteristicsDoes the villain possess any particularly interesting or unique personality traits or characteristics, such as a memorable catchphrase or psychological profile?
-
Cinematic appealIn cases where the villain has been portrayed in film, how well have they been portrayed both visually and through acting performance?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous villains of all time. 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
- 2093 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 villains of all time
When it comes to the world of fiction, villains have always been a source of fascination and intrigue. From classic literature to modern-day blockbusters, some of the most iconic characters in popular culture have been villains. They are the ones who challenge the hero and often serve as the driving force behind the plot.
Over the years, countless villains have captured our imaginations and left a lasting impact on our cultural consciousness. From cruel dictators to cunning criminals, there are many different archetypes of villainy. Some villains are motivated by power or greed, while others are driven by revenge or a desire for chaos.
Whether they are cunning, brutal, or just plain evil, villains have the power to captivate and terrify us in equal measure. They are often the most memorable characters in a story, leaving a lasting impression on audiences long after the story has ended.
So, who are the most famous villains of all time? From Darth Vader to Hannibal Lecter, from Voldemort to the Joker, there is no shortage of iconic villains to choose from. Each one has left an indelible mark on popular culture and cemented their place in the annals of villainy.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
