A memorable film is made up of great antagonists. Villains differentiate a film by being the main driver behind the crisis. Unlike protagonists who always have chances to remake and impress audiences, villains have only one chance to make a memorable impression on the audience since they do not reappear throughout every film. There are exceptions, of course, but let’s not discuss that right now.
Robert Ebert noted in his review of Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan that every movie is only as great as its villain. In the 2010s, there were a number of blockbusters. So, the list of memorable antagonists is long as well. They come from various backgrounds, live different lives, some were wealthy and successful, while others were born in hell and struggled for survival every single day of their lives.
#1 Luv in Blade Runner 2049
Sylvia Hoeks performs the legendary villain’s persona with frigid intimidation. Hoeks brings the role to life. She contributed depth and texture to an otherwise boring figure.
#2 Smaug from The Hobbit
When compared to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit films are a letdown. Only in the moments with Smaug do they match. In the movie, Benedict Cumberbatch voices Smaug. In every phrase, he conveys dread and intrigue, while sounding like a formidable figure and an infamous monster. Smaug is the best dragon ever thanks to the best CG and Cumberbatch’s voice.
#3 Loki
He is the definition of an unsteady canyon and one of the most recognizable antagonists. He’s also a recurrent character in Marvel. Loki has become a practical reality, more of an anti-hero than a supervillain, thanks to Tom Hiddleston’s attractiveness and fantastic performance.
#4 Raoul Silva from Bond
Skyfall starred Javier Bardem as Raoul. Bond antagonists are the greatest manifestation of Eborg’s idea. He is regarded as one of the finest Bond villains of all time.
#5 Bane from The Dark Knight Rises
Tom Hardy portrayed Bane with his head masked and delivered and still being one of the most remarkable interpretations of his career as one of the classic villains. His portrayal was outstanding enough to be compared to Heath Ledgers’ portrayal of The Joker. That’s saying a lot!
#6 Killmonger from Black Panther
Killmonger‘s genuine motives and terrible personal past make it difficult to despise him. Michael Jordan delivered one of his finest performances, packed with rage and passion to make it unique and touching. “Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships because they knew that death was better than bondage,” he said, were also too meaningful for Marvel. As one of the greatest antagonists, this is an iconic portrayal!
#7 Koba from the Rise Of The Planet Of Apes
Toby Kebbell‘s performance of Koba is superb, thanks to fantastic CGI. Because of his traumatic history, he sabotages any potential relationships between humans and apes. A strong and infamous antagonist.
#8 Kylo Ren from Star Wars
Adam Driver and Kylo Ren are intimately connected. Ren portrays a privileged intergalactic school shooter. Kylo is dissatisfied since he lacks a sense of purpose. He ultimately succumbs to the lure of evil.
#9 David from Prometheus And Alien:Covenant
Ridley Scott‘s portrayal as David was a surprise. He is the primary character of Alien Covenant. David resembles a cross between Victor Frankenstein and Roy Batty. Also, David wins! A very striking evil!
#10 Immortan Joe from Mad Max Fury
Immortan is a dictator. He is the supreme contemporary iconic antagonist. The film demonstrates that dictators remain a constant on the earth, even in post-apocalyptic scenarios. He lives comfortably and governs the Wasteland with an iron fist and fear.
