Just as Batman’s story lacks intrigue without the Joker, a film narrative often falls short without an appalling adversary or villain. These antagonists, shaped by their environments, can transform into heartless forces yet find favor in our eyes. However, at times malevolence emerges inexplicably. Certain performers bring such authenticity to wicked parts that they blur the lines between character and reality for us.
We understand that not every detestable character is automatically considered a villain. Many times, individuals in films become intensely disliked simply because they irritate us. Let’s revisit the top ten most reviled movie characters of all time.
10. Marla Grayson – ‘I Care A Lot’
2021’s
‘I Care A Lot’
is a brilliant Netflix original where viewers hate the protagonist. Rosamund Pike’s beautiful face and despicable actions make her character even more sickly. Marla is a legal guardian who steals from her elderly wards. Her cover is untraceable as she takes onwards who are deemed incapacitated and neglected by their family. Then she steals from their estate to pay for her extravagant life.
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The aspect of her character that comes across as unpleasant is that Marla doesn’t experience any remorse over what she does. She is convinced of her own righteousness and truly thinks she serves as a benevolent force for those she impacts negatively. J Blakeson’s direction brings out the essence of this flawed protagonist effectively.
9. Yon-Suk – ‘Train To Busan’
We believe that in the face of adversity, humanity will stick together. But Yon-Suk in
‘Train To Busan’
He shoves others forward to protect himself. This makes him appear selfish and cowardly. Even though he ultimately admits that his sole aim was to find his family, this doesn’t justify his actions. Similar to Gong Yoo, Yon Suk prioritizes his own survival as well; however, he refrains from sacrificing others for his sake.
In the end, Gong Yoo comes to understand self-sacrifice and evokes pity from his audience as he transforms into a zombie. Nonetheless, many of us believe Yon-Suk had it coming when he faces his worst fear—being bitten and turning—and this is because survival is an inherent impulse. It seems clear that Yon Suk’s own primal urge involved sacrificing others to escape the undead.
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8. Percy Wetmore – ‘The Green Mile’
Nothing infuriates viewers more than a run-of-the-mill fragile ego sadist in a movie. And Percy Wetmore of 1999
‘The Green Mile’
fits the role perfectly. Played by Doug Hutchison, Percy is a prison guard at a death row prison. Incredibly sensitive to insults, he indulges in torturing people and animals to satisfy his ego. He abuses his power and plays with the inmates on whom he wishes to inflict his cruelty.
Percy doesn’t get many invitations to social gatherings. Yet, Percy went too far when he killed a prisoner who had offended him. Additionally, the consequences of his actions haunt Percy deeply. His combination of timidity and exaggerated sense of self-importance make him quite an unpleasant character.
7. Archibald Cunningham – ‘Rob Roy’
A period film necessitates a similarly detestable antagonist. In this case, Tim Roth masterfully brings to life Archibald Cunningham as a conceited nobleman in the year 1995.
‘Rob Roy’
The movie helmed by Michael Calton-Jones takes place in 18th-century Scotland and revolves around the legendary folk figure after whom it is named. Archibald is characterized as a sadistic individual who finds pleasure in committing murder and rape, harboring no remorse whatsoever for his heinous acts.
Cunningham is sly and deceitful. He exploits his authority for personal gain and pleasure. He intentionally sabotages Rob’s livestock and deceives his benefactor into believing that Rob owes money he hasn’t paid. After Rob goes underground, Cunningham assaults his spouse to force him out of seclusion. The audience cheers as Rob seeks vengeance against those who wronged him.
6. Nurse Ratched – ‘One flew over the cuckoo’s nest’
‘One Flew Over the Coop’s Nest’
It wasn’t the first instance where Jack Nicholson found himself ensnared in psychological horror. This 1975 movie features Nurse Ratched as the malevolent and cunning tormentor of mental patients. She is an uncaring and brutal nurse who subjects those who offend her to unwarranted operations. Simply having her around is considered a vile affront within the facility.
Fletcher earned herself an Oscar for portraying her character. She treats the inmates entrusted to her with disdain. The unnervingly composed manner of Ratched adds to her eerie persona. Despite Randle McMurphy evading punishment by pretending to be insane, we can’t help but feel contempt towards Nurse Ratched. Her approach to healthcare contributes to making her a despised figure in this iconic film.
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5. Briony Tallis – ‘Atonement’
Don’t be deceived by this teenager’s seemingly innocent appearance. Briony Tallis in 2007
‘Atonement’
ruins everything she comes into contact with. Similar to other children, Briony dreams of becoming an author and harbors a infatuation for a young man. When she discovers that Robbie is romantically involved with her elder sister, she takes action that leads to devastating consequences for numerous members of her family.
The whole movie turns out to be Briony’s effort toward redemption. Yet, upon discovering that the joyful conclusion involving Cecilia and Robbie was fabricated, we see Briony as even more pitiable. Her self-centered wishes and unforgivable deeds remain unpardonable—even by Briony herself. Ultimately, she experiences profound remorse as she envisions the happiness that might have been shared between Robbie and Cecilia were it not for her interference.
4. Commodus – ‘Gladiator’
Joaquin Phoenix delivers an exceptional portrayal of the despicable Caesar in the year 2000 film.
‘
Gladiator
‘
This made him one of the most despised figures in movie lore. Commodus is a pampered, regal coward convinced that everything belongs to him. He kills his father due to feeling unloved and exiles his staunchest ally. The fact that Commodus plans to wed his own sister further adds to the revulsion surrounding his character.
We feel empathy for Maximus because we detest Commodus. Under Commodus’s command, Maximus’ loved ones suffer a horrific fate. Stripped of his rank and broken emotionally, Maximus ends up enslaved in a gladiatorial arena. Despite achieving renown through battles, he faces an attempted execution at the capricious emperor’s behest. The combination of Commodus’s overblown self-importance and political ineptitude makes him an ideal villainous foe whom audiences despise.
3. Warden Norton from ‘The Shawshank Redemption’
‘The Shawshank Redemption’
(1993) remains a timeless classic that always manages to captivate audiences. Nevertheless, this outstanding film features one of the most memorable antagonists as well. Norton portrays the warden at Shawshank State Penitentiary, portrayed by Bob Gunton. This villain derives joy from the torment he inflicts upon others; thus, his role as an unfeeling overseer within a penitentiary couldn’t be more appropriate.
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Even though he claims to be devout, his actions do not align with the teachings of holy texts. The audience detests him as he eradicates proof of Andy Dufresne’s guiltlessness. He even goes so far as to kill another prisoner to ensure Andy remains in Shawshank. His cruel and controlling nature evokes nothing but animosity towards him.
2. Biff Tannen – ‘Back To The Future’
Thomas Wilson played the
‘Back To The Future’
The series villain, Biff Tannen, is seldom spoken of favorably by others. In the movies, he embodies the archetype of a high school tormentor. Within the time-travel narrative, his aggressive advances towards Marty’s mother make him highly detested. His character is characterized as rough and dim-witted, reveling in exerting power over others. This makes Marty’s victory against him all the more satisfying.
In contrast to how contemporary American bullies are depicted, Biff doesn’t have an ultra-traditional father who undermines him. Instead, audiences find humor in his lack of intelligence. In every installment, Wilson took on the role of the villain.
‘Back To The Future’
Each time supporters cheer for Marty’s victory, they also find joy in witnessing Biff’s downfall.
1. Dolores Umbridge – ‘Harry Potter’ Series
Imelda Staunton portrayed Dolores Umbridge, who made her first appearance in the series as well.
‘
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
‘
In 2007, despite Voldemort being the main villain in J.K. Rowling’s book series, he may come across as less detestable compared to someone else. This particular character is a petite witch who has an excessive fondness for pink hues, Victorian porcelain, and felines. Her political views seem aligned with those considered right-wing within the magical community. It was rare to find anyone unaffected by her malevolent grin.
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In the fifth book of the Potter series, significant alterations were introduced at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This was done under the direction of a conceited woman who ignored alternative viewpoints and abused her power to enforce her own beliefs. Consequently, she became one of the most despised characters in the Potter world when she forced Harry to write,
“I should not lie.”
With a mystical quill that inscribed itself onto his palm.