Without antagonists, there would be no protagonists. Without sinister evil doers, there would be no heroes. Without dark there is no light… you get the idea. History, whether in reality or on the big screen, shows us that a decent, believable bad guy (or gal) makes our tough-guy (or gal) lead that much more desirable. Who would Beowulf have proven himself with had there not been a Grendel? Here are ten of cinema’s most ghastly villains.
10. The Wicked Witch of the West
From Dorothy’s initial arrival in Munchkin City, and the very fact that she’d landed smack on top of the Wicked Witch of the East, good old Margaret Hamilton as the W.W. of the West nips at her heels and tries to stop her every move toward home. Tossing insults as skillfully as she tosses fire balls, the Witch proves herself a worthy foe indeed as she commands her band of flying monkeys and seemingly loyal soldiers.
9. Lex Luthor
Be it Gene Hackman or, to a lesser extent, Kevin Spacey, the portrayal of Lex Luthor as the ultimate nemesis to America’s hero, Superman, is a daunting task. One has to be of particular evil genius to not only out wit, but also out muscle The Man of Steel. Somehow always within reach of a chunk of Kryptonite, Lex Luthor manages to get the upper hand for what seems like a breathless eternity. But Superman will always triumph in the end.
8. Jason Voorhees
What more could you want in an unstoppable juggernaut than a presumably walking corpse in a goalie mask? Few villains have had the staying power as the Camp Crystal Lake killer, Jason. Born from the very lake, in which he was drowned, Jason has racked up the revenge victims for years only to ‘die’ once more at the end of what could potentially be his final killing spree. But, like a good villain, death never keeps him down for long.
The Hannibal Lecter Co...
Best Price: $2.30
Buy New $9.95
(as of 08:35 UTC - Details)
Cape Fear
Best Price: $2.55
Buy New $6.95
(as of 08:40 UTC - Details)
Star Wars Trilogy (A N...
Best Price: $4.99
Buy New $74.00
(as of 08:35 UTC - Details)
