10 Best Thrillers Where You Root for the Villain

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In the realm of thrillers, certain antagonists captivate audiences due to their ability to evoke empathy, despite engaging in horrific actions. Meanwhile, other villainous figures may be purely malicious but remain difficult to despise because of their charisma and ingenious methods of committing wrongdoings. Regardless of their intentions, these characters are frequently the instigators of violence and turmoil, delivering acting performances that breathe life into their desperation, survival instincts, or thirst for revenge. This makes their actions seem more understandable to us. Whether their past is filled with sadness or their personal struggles appear greater than those of the heroes, these villains become characters whom audiences find themselves unintentionally supporting. The complexity of their human nature, combined with compelling narratives, keeps viewers engaged.

The allure of these thrillers lies in how they bring to light the intricate nature of their adversaries. Instead of being mere instruments for destruction, these villains frequently become the main focus, with narratives of treachery, sorrow, or oppression that echo within us. Their dark journeys may lead them astray, but their defiant spirits and unwavering resolve to battle insurmountable odds make them intriguingly appealing. Consequently, spectators find themselves compelled to keep watching as these characters spiral further into turmoil.

10
‘Titane’ (2021)

In a year marked by unusual films, the movie Titane, starring Agathe Rousselle as Alexia, stands out for its dark and lethal portrayal of a woman obsessed with automobiles. After a series of grisly slayings, Alexia disguises herself as a missing boy to escape, inserting herself into the life of a distraught and unstable firefighter (Vincent Lindon). Despite her violent nature, Alexia’s struggle for survival, coupled with the strange yet touching interactions between her and her newfound paternal figure, makes her an intriguing and captivating character.

Regardless of her chilly and heartless demeanor, audiences find themselves feeling compassionate towards Alexia amidst her peculiar circumstances. The unforeseeable voyage she takes, skillfully interwoven by filmmaker Julia Ducournau with elements of body horror and psychological drama, creates a captivating and disquieting atmosphere. Be it through admiration for her fortitude, curiosity about her metamorphosis, or an inability to look away, Alexia emerges as a villain that one can’t help but cheer for.

9
‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

In “Under the Skin”, Scarlett Johansson gives a captivating portrayal of an alien hunter, called The Female, who assumes the appearance of a charming human woman. Roaming through the Scottish highlands, she entices unsuspecting men into a bizarre, nightmarish snare, from which they are taken for mysterious reasons. Her cold, almost mechanical approach to seduction and annihilation makes her a chilling presence, however as the story unfolds, her character undergoes change. She starts pondering her own identity, leading to a subtle but moving observation on individuality, self-determination, and the essence of being human.

Although starting off as a cold and relentless character, The Female eventually evolves into a pitiable figure. As she encounters emotions like empathy and vulnerability for the first time, she strives to escape her pre-programmed instincts. This evolution of her character elevates the film Under the Skin beyond a mere sci-fi thriller. It becomes a 21st-century masterpiece in the vein of Kubrick, offering an unsettling yet tender investigation into the essence of humanity. As a result, The Female, who was once considered a villain, becomes a character that viewers find themselves rooting for.

8
‘Scarface’ (1983)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Tony Montana, the larger-than-life antihero from “Scarface.” This ruthless criminal, portrayed with raw intensity by Al Pacino, is a Cuban immigrant who relentlessly ascends the hierarchy of Miami’s drug world. Driven by greed, ambition, and an unquenchable thirst for power, Tony is far from your typical hero – he’s brutal, impulsive, and fiercely protective of his sister. Despite his numerous flaws, it’s impossible not to cheer him on as he confronts corrupt authorities, rival cartels, and his own self-destructive tendencies.

Tony possesses a captivating charm and unyielding self-assurance that makes him intriguingly compelling, despite his empire’s collapse due to his paranoia and extravagance. His iconic final stand, characterized by a grenade launcher and a defiant final shout – “Meet my little friend!” – solidifies him as one of cinema’s most indelible villains. Although his path may be destined for failure, his rebellious spirit and unwillingness to surrender keep viewers engrossed until the very end.

7
‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

In the gripping film Gone Girl, Rosamund Pike portrays Amy Dunne, a character who is both captivating and villainous as she schemes, lies, and causes havoc in the lives of others. This movie centers around her staged disappearance and false accusation of her husband’s murder, an act that is undeniably extreme, yet it arises from a place of profound betrayal. Her husband, Nick (played by Ben Affleck), not only neglects her but also cheats on her with a younger woman, further solidifying Amy’s skeptical view that men desire the fictitious “Cool Girl”- someone who caters to their desires without protest. Although her intricately planned revenge is chilling, it is equally enthralling, making it nearly impossible to divert one’s attention.

Amy captivates uniquely due to her extraordinary intellect and mastery over any circumstance she encounters. She skillfully uncovers societal hypocrisies, using the media and law enforcement in a chilling yet brilliant manner. Although she doesn’t fit the mold of a typical heroine, her talent for outsmarting those who underestimate her makes her an intriguing villain to support – particularly for those who have ever felt undervalued or mistreated.

6
‘Law Abiding Citizen’ (2009)

In the film “Law Abiding Citizen“, Clyde Shelton finds himself pushed beyond limits by a justice system that seems to have failed him. After tragically witnessing the brutal murder of his wife and daughter, he anticipates justice from the courts – but instead, one of the perpetrators goes free. Overwhelmed by sorrow and deception, Clyde decides to take matters into his own hands, meticulously planning a sequence of intricate, merciless acts of retribution not only against the wrongdoers, but also against the very system that let him down. This undervalued film featuring Gerard Butler showcases a man with an uncanny ability to outsmart law enforcement and keep viewers hooked, making it difficult not to sympathize with him despite his ruthless actions.

What makes Clyde such a compelling villain is that his rage feels justified – his pain is real, and his frustrations with the legal system resonate deeply. Even as his revenge escalates into terrifying extremes, there’s a lingering sense that he’s exposing a flawed system rather than simply acting out of malice. While his descent into full-scale terrorism forces the audience to question their allegiance, Clyde remains a fascinating antihero whose motives, no matter how brutal, are impossible to ignore.

5
‘Monster’ (2003)

Charlize Theron delivers a remarkable portrayal in the movie “Monster“, humanizing the real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Aileen’s life, marked by abuse, poverty, and a desperate struggle to survive, led her into prostitution, which ultimately escalated into a series of murders. Although her actions were heinous, the film doesn’t depict her as a heartless murderer but rather as a woman who was systematically failed by society. Her initial killing is shown as self-defense against an aggressive client, making her spiral into more violence appear as a tragic response to years of suffering, rather than a sign of malicious intent.

Aileen, as portrayed in the movie “Monster,” stands out as a captivating antagonist due to her hidden vulnerability beneath her anger. Her bond with Selby (Christina Ricci) reveals her yearning for love and a normal life, yet her circumstances prevent any possibility of escaping her destiny. Monster’s powerful performance by Theron showcases every aspect of Aileen’s suffering, providing an unusual perspective that makes the film both a chilling crime thriller and a heart-wrenching character analysis, leaving viewers in a quandary between fear and empathy.

4
‘Pearl’ (2022)

Ti West’s trilogy titled “Pearl” provides a captivating exploration of the evolution of a killer, featuring Mia Goth in a remarkable role as Pearl Douglass. The narrative spans across different decades and cinematic styles, chronicling Pearl’s transformation from a repressed young woman with aspirations in Hollywood to a bitter, murderous elder woman. “Pearl” delves into the character’s tragic past, revealing how a stifling upbringing and societal snubs gradually erode her mental stability, leading her to carry out multiple murders, including those of her own parents. By the time we reach the film “X“, Pearl is an elderly woman, still simmering with resentment and continuing her violent behavior alongside her husband, Howard.

As a movie buff, I find Pearl to be an exceptionally relatable character, despite her wicked persona. Her longing for a broader, more satisfying life mirrors the feelings of anyone who’s ever grappled with the constraints of their circumstances. The poignant monologue in the prequel, where she lays bare her sorrow over being disregarded and unloved, solidifies her as one of the most tragically captivating villains in contemporary horror. While her deeds are beyond forgiveness, her suffering is undoubtedly human, making it challenging to wholeheartedly cheer against her.

3
‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Tyler Durden, portrayed as the ultimate rebellious antihero in “Fight Club,” symbolizes the untamed, anarchic spirit that many harbor within. As the liberated alter ego of Edward Norton’s unnamed protagonist, he embodies a total rejection of contemporary consumerism and societal norms. His eccentric actions, such as repurposing liposuction fat for soap or inciting widespread destruction, are undoubtedly radical, but his anti-capitalist ideology resonates by offering a compelling portrayal of one of the most impactful revolutions shown on screen. He sheds light on the emptiness of material possessions and encourages men to embrace chaos, break free from their monotonous lives, and challenge the status quo.

The allure of Tyler isn’t solely due to his beliefs, but rather his powerful charm. Portrayed by Brad Pitt at the epitome of casual coolness, Tyler oozes confidence, humor, and a tantalizing air of liberty. His influence transforms the narrator’s monotonous life into an exhilarating adventure, making it effortless to be drawn in by his ideals – until the true extent of his radicalism is unveiled. Even after this revelation, Fight Club ensures that Tyler remains a complex object of fascination, a character whose honesty makes him hard to overlook, despite his villainous nature.

2
‘Joker’ (2019)

Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker is both heart-wrenching and chilling, making him one of the most intriguing antagonists in contemporary film. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an award-winning portrayal, showcasing a man overwhelmed by a faulty mental health system, societal indifference, and personal distress. At first, Arthur is a timid, struggling comedian yearning for recognition and empathy. Yet, as he encounters unrelenting hostility – from being assaulted on the subway to losing his medication – his slide into insanity seems not only predictable but, in certain aspects, understandable.

Arthur’s exceptional portrayal as a villain lies in the Joker’s ability to elicit empathy from viewers, despite his horrific decisions. As he grows more into his anarchic character and incites rebellion, it becomes evident that he has transformed into a monster. However, his transformation is so emotionally raw that it holds viewers captive, even if it leaves them with a frown. The Joker’s story serves as a cautionary tale, making the movie a thriller where the villain’s rise is just as compelling as any hero’s journey.

1
‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

In the movie “No Country for Old Men,” there are not many villains as captivating as Anton Chigurh, portrayed masterfully by Javier Bardem. This cold-blooded assassin carries an enigmatic moral compass, and his actions are guided more by chance than choice. He uses a coin flip to decide the fate of his victims, making him both unpredictable and terrifying. His calm demeanor and calculated brutality make him a chilling yet hard-to-look-away character. Despite being the film’s antagonist, viewers find themselves mysteriously drawn to Chigurh and the unsettling suspense he brings to each scene.

Chigurh is not only a frightening character, but his complex philosophical aspects elevate him beyond a simple hired gun. He embodies the unavoidable reality of death, the arbitrary nature of destiny, and the failure of traditional systems to tackle genuine turmoil. His intriguing moral code and quiet intensity make him one of the most thought-provoking villains in thriller cinema – a figure that continues to haunt our thoughts long after the movie ends.

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2025-02-23 02:03