Most Memorable Movie Villains

Another entry in the “from hell” sub-genre, this blockbuster thriller centers on demented nanny Peyton Flanders. Scarred by personal tragedy, Flanders seeks revenge on the family she holds responsible for her suffering. “This is De Mornay’s film and she’s a wicked treat,” wrote critic Michael Upchurch for the Seattle Times.

SS Officer Amon Göth oversaw countless atrocities during the Holocaust, many of which are depicted in Speilberg’s sobering historical drama. The real-life figure was eventually charged with war crimes and executed not far from the Płaszów concentration camp. In preparation for the role, Ralph Fiennes relucantly immersed himself in Nazi propoganda materials.

Gary Oldman is nearly unrecognizable as pimp and drug dealer Drexl Spivey in this cult classic. Rocking dreadlocks and a Jamaican accent, he gets maximum impact out of precious little screen time. The actor personally suggested physical details for the character such as the facial scars and white eye.

This political thriller alternates between a secret service agent (Clint Eastwood) and a would-be assassin (John Malkovich) as the story builds toward its momentous climax. Malkovich injects the character with a calm and unnerving quality and lends the film its most compelling dimension. His performance earned critical accolades and an Oscar nomination.

This adaptation of Anne Rice’s best-selling novel features Tom Cruise in one of his few villainous roles. His galvanized turn as an immortal vampire was arguably the highlight of an otherwise mediocre film. Anne Rice herself was initially opposed to the casting of Cruise, but she became a quick convert after seeing his performance.