Most Memorable Movie Villains

A couple’s newly adopted daughter is not what she seems in this chilling psychological horror flick. “Fuhrman’s delightfully mordant turn and a staggering final reel curveball make this the most unconventional ‘killer kid’ film of recent years,” wrote critic Howard Gorman for NME.

Ben Affleck’s heist movie offers plenty of unsavory characters, many of whom report to mob boss Fergus “Fergie” Colm. Hiding in plain sight, the Boston-based gang leader moonlights as the unassuming owner of a local flower shop.

Tim Curry and Bill Skarsgård offered different but equally chilling performances of Pennywise in separate adaptations of Stephen King’s sprawling novel. While most often taking the form of a clown, the character is actually an ancient evil fueled by childhood fear and imagination.

Darth Vader rendered an instant impression by way of his ventilator-like breathing, terrifying appearance, boomy voice, and accompanying theme music. Despite his commitment to the dark side, the character would eventually reveal conflicting emotions and a tragic backstory. He remains a pop culture stalwart whose legacy looms over the “Star Wars” franchise and beyond.

A former Hobbit, Gollum was mentally and physically altered by his possession of the all-powerful ring. Brought to life via game-changing CGI, the character tries to regain his “precious” by any means necessary. Actor Andy Serkis would go on to voice Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise and direct the latest “Venom” movie, among other things.