Top 10 Best Super Villains of All Time

Super villains are the ones who keep your favorite heroes on their toes, pushing them to their limits and making the stories you love so much more intense. Without them, things would be way too easy, and let's be honest, probably pretty boring.

A great villain isn't just about destruction or chaos. The best ones have depth, strong motivations, and sometimes even a point that makes you question who's really in the right. Some of them are ruthless masterminds, others are tragic figures shaped by pain, and a few are just pure, unfiltered evil.

1. The Joker (DC Comics)

   

   The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

   Insane, check. Criminal mastermind, check. Unforgettable cast by Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Hamill, check. Batman's archnemesis, check. Being the only supervillain who has appeared respectfully in more than one film, check. High body count, check. Epic scenes, check. Creator of other supervillains like Two-Face, Clayface, Harley Quinn, and Red Hood, check. Evil plans, check. Unknown origins that make his personality even crazier, check. He has done all the bad things that can be done in this world, check. Able to defeat other superheroes, check. Great equipment such as laughing gas, joy buzzers, and cards, check.

   Nobody can be better than him. For him, the whole world is just fun, but only he gets the joke.

2. Venom (Marvel Comics)

   

   Venom, or the Venom Symbiote, is an alias used by several fictional characters in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with Spider-Man. The symbiote is a sentient alien organism that bonds with human hosts, the most famous being Eddie Brock. Venom has appeared... read more

   He's the only Marvel character that I like, but he's my favorite villain by far because he is badass, scary, and has always been my favorite villain.

   Definitely my second favorite supervillain after Loki, but I love the Spider-Man movies, and he's a big part of them too!

   I like being bad. You kill the spider. I kill the spider if you vote for me!

3. Magneto (Marvel Comics)

   

   Magneto is a fictional character in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is most often associated with the X‑Men franchise. Magneto is a powerful mutant with the ability to generate and manipulate magnetic fields.

   Not being evil, but when you think about it, Magneto was right all along. Deep down, he's not really bad, just a badly hurt Holocaust survivor and probably fate's most hated person. He had the potential to be a great hero but buried all of that with his family.

   He's complex, intelligent, even sympathetic at times, and really believes what he is doing is right. Plus, look at his power. And Michael Fassbender is hot.

   So charismatic and not a psycho, which many people like in a villain. He is a man willing to do whatever it takes to further his people and is still as capable of humanity and mercy as any of us.

4. Loki (Marvel Comics)

   

   Loki Laufeyson, also known as Loki Odinson, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of Thor and is known as the "God of Mischief." In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character is portrayed by Tom Hiddleston.

   He's the god of evil and lies, an incredibly complex character, and recent writers are portraying him as a 'new Loki' who is struggling with guilt over his past actions. He is somewhat attempting to redeem himself while trying to keep his dark nature in check.

   Plus, Tom Hiddleston as Loki is easily one of the greatest characters in Marvel movies. I could go on forever about why he is the Supreme Villain, but I'll sum it up with two words: He's Loki.

   One of the most complex characters the MCU has produced, all while being one of the most fun and emotionally engaging. Makes a great duo with his brother, Thor, as both antagonist and ally. Does the mythical version justice like few adaptations have.

5. Bane (DC Comics)

   

   Bane is a fictional supervillain in DC Comics who often serves as an enemy of Batman. He first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 in 1993 and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane is known for his superhuman strength and intellect, and for using the drug Venom to enhance... read more

   "And when Gotham is ashes, you have my permission to die." Best villain ever!

   He is the coolest DC villain. The coolest Marvel villain would be Venom.

6. Thanos (Marvel Comics)

   

   Thanos is a fictional supervillain featured in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Jim Starlin and made his first appearance in Iron Man #55, published in February 1973. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos has been portrayed by Damion Poitier in The Avengers (2012... read more

   Thanos should at least be in the top 10. He is an amazing character, a combination of intellect, strength, speed, telepathy, durability, agility, and cosmic strength. All he really wants to do is impress his girlfriend, Death.

   He has the Infinity Gauntlet: you are done for! Space, Time, Reality, Soul, Mind, Power. There is no winning. Everyone will be wiped out of existence. He snapped his fingers, and half of all life in all the universes was gone!

   You know, Thanos really isn't evil. He is actually saving us from overpopulation. I really don't think he is a villain. He didn't want to kill the heroes, and he didn't.

   In the fight on Titan, he could have killed everyone with both the Reality Stone and Power Stone, but he didn't. He just wanted the stone. I don't think the guy is bad. He just doesn't see his mistakes.

7. Green Goblin (Marvel Comics)

   

   The Green Goblin is the alias of several fictional supervillains from American comic books published by Marvel Comics. These characters are best known for being adversaries of Spider-Man. The original Green Goblin first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14.... read more

   In the Superior Spider-Man comics, he only wants EVERYONE in America to be a part of his huge goblin family! He loves everyone except for Peter and his friends.

   Unlike the Joker, who wants to KILL EVERYONE in Gotham (wherever that city is!), he hates everyone except himself!

   The only villain to have such a close connection with his hero counterpart. Peter and Norman are like complete opposites. Norman is all about power and no responsibility.

   He is my favorite Marvel villain of all time!

8. Darth Vader (Star Wars)

   

   Darth Vader is a Star Wars character who serves as the main antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy and as the central figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where he is known by his original name, Anakin Skywalker. Initially trained as a Jedi Knight, Anakin defects to the Sith under the influence... read more

   He can beat all villains above him:

   - Joker - Is this a joke? (Get it.) Vader could crush him with his hands.

   - Magneto - Force crush/choke/repulse/etc.

   - Venom - Force crush.

   - Loki - Lightsaber/Force mind torture (Although significantly harder to beat than any of the others I have listed).

   - Bane - Lightsaber/any force powers.

   - Green Goblin - Literally, Vader can toy with him by force pulling his speeder from under him.

   Verdict: Vader is the best.

   The most powerful Jedi and Sith in one cybernetic body, behind a mask of infallibility, but brought to his knees by a single young boy's plea for help. Was he the villain or the victim?

9. Deathstroke (DC Comics)

   

   Deathstroke is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2 in December 1980 and has since become one of the most formidable foes... read more

   He is able to use 90% of his brain at the same moment. Normal people can use 20-30%. He has the strength of 10 men and is very skilled in almost every weapon. So, he's a master of tactics and could take down a big group of enemies with his fists pretty easily.

   And his name is Deathstroke!

   Deathstroke is one of my favorite villains. With the Mirakuru in his blood, he has more power than he can control. It just makes his character more unstoppable.

   Deathstroke is awesome. He has tons of guns and a sword. So, he is sweet, and his name is Deathstroke.

10. Two-Face (DC Comics)

    

    Two-Face, also known as Harvey Dent, is a fictional villain in the DC Comics universe. He was once one of Gotham City's most respected district attorneys until half his face was disfigured by acid, an event that triggered his descent into criminality under the name Two-Face. The character has been portrayed... read more

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Owlman (DC Comics)

    
12. ?

    Hugo Strange (DC Comics)

    

    Hugo Strange is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is frequently portrayed as an adversary of Batman. Strange is notable for being one of the first Batman villains to discover the hero's secret identity.

The Contenders

13. Harley Quinn (DC Comics)

    

    Harley Quinn is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was originally introduced as the Joker's sidekick in Batman: The Animated Series before becoming a prominent character in her own right. Over time, she evolved into an antiheroine and has appeared in numerous... read more

    I love Harley Quinn. She's one strong, crazy woman who gets over heartbreak (In Suicide Squad when everyone believes Joker is dead). She is loyal and has the perfect amount of insanity, humor, and perfection.

    The character as a whole is very humane and real and personally speaks to me on another level. I love Joker and Harley together, and it's really hard picking one over the other. Harley should be 2nd on this list with Joker being 1st.

    Harleen Quinzel was destroyed by love. Harley Quinn was born out of that wreckage, and Harley freaking Quinn was born from herself.

14. Carnage (Marvel Comics)

    

    Carnage (Cletus Kasady) is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #361 in April 1992. Carnage is the offspring of the Venom symbiote and is infamous for his violent, homicidal... read more

    Carnage is just pure evil. He tortured his grandma and dog as a kid and is a crazy serial killer who has escaped from multiple prisons before he got his powers and just kills anyone for fun.

    He is a pure, crazy, cold-blooded, and merciless killer. He's the perfect villain, and he looks totally badass.

    Darkseid and Carnage should be 4 and 6. And how is Mojo Jojo above these badasses?

    I personally like Venom more than Carnage, but Carnage is just evil in its purest form.

15. Catwoman (DC Comics)

    

    Catwoman is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly associated with the superhero Batman.

    Catwoman has been featured in numerous media adaptations related to Batman. Actresses Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Eartha Kitt introduced her to a broad... read more

    I love Catwoman. All these years, she has been a big part of Batman, with her being his love interest, which I love the most. I mean, you never see a hero with a villain. You always see a hero with that weak average girl who will do nothing with her life.

16. Emma Frost (Marvel Comics)

    

    Emma Grace Frost is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 (January 1980) and was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist and co-writer John Byrne. Emma Frost... read more

    Exceptionally intelligent, sexy as hell, immensely rich and influential, she is as arrogant as she perfectly knows she is superior to most people. She is an elite.

    She is almost invulnerable, as her gorgeous body can turn into diamond. She highlights her seductive assets with the finest lingerie and mostly relies on her charm and her omega psychic powers (comparable to those of Professor Xavier) to make the whole world kneel at her feet.

    She is the White Queen.

    Beautiful and all-powerful in power and beauty.

17. Lex Luthor (DC Comics)

    

    Alexander "Lex" Luthor is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is typically portrayed as the archenemy of Superman. Lex Luthor is a brilliant businessman and inventor known for his intelligence and ruthless ambition.

    No mercy. Psychologically intelligent criminal. Some activities are equal to the Joker. He's also a one-man army.

    LexCorp is cool but still no match for Superman.

    He is one of the brightest minds in any comic.

18. Mysterio (Marvel Comics)

    

    Mysterio is a fictional supervillain who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is most often portrayed as an enemy of Spider-Man and made his debut in The Amazing Spider-Man issue 13. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mysterio is played by Jake Gyllenhaal in Spider-Man: Far From Home... read more

    He's my all-time favorite Marvel villain. I can't help but love the guy with a fishbowl.

19. Darkseid (DC Comics)

    

    Darkseid is a fictional supervillain in DC Comics, created by writer and artist Jack Kirby. He made a cameo in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and fully debuted in Forever People #1. He is the father of Orion, Kalibak, Grayven, and Grail, and is considered one of the most powerful antagonists in the... read more

    The only reason I vote for Darkseid is that Marshal Rankk and Overlord are not on this list. Marshal Rankk is the best. He is strategic, mysterious, and you can compare him to a bunch of villains like the Riddler.

    Darkseid lower than Mojo Jojo?

20. Mojo Jojo (Powerpuff Girls)

    

    Mojo Jojo is a fictional character from the American animated television series, The Powerpuff Girls, created by animator Craig McCracken for Cartoon Network.

    Vote for me if you want to destroy the Powerpuff Girls!

    This guy doesn't know the meaning of giving up.

21. Mr. Freeze (DC Comics)

    

    Mr. Freeze, real name Victor Fries, is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. He is known for his cryogenic suit and ice-based weaponry. The character first appeared in Batman #121 in 1959.

    Mr. Freeze is my favorite villain no matter what. He's just a great tragic character who is ruined by Bat-Nipples the Movie: Punnier than the last time.

    Really? He's ranked higher than Doctor Doom! Gosh.

22. Megatron (Transformers)

    

    Megatron is a character from the Transformers franchise, created by Hasbro in 1984, based on a toy design by Takara. He is typically portrayed as the leader of the Decepticons and the arch-enemy of Optimus Prime. Megatron's character has appeared in various media, including animated series, comics, and... read more

23. Dark Phoenix (Marvel Comics)

    

    Jean Grey-Summers, also known as Dark Phoenix, is a fictional superhero in Marvel Comics. She is a longtime member of the X-Men and one of the original characters introduced in the 1960s. The Dark Phoenix saga is one of the most iconic storylines in comic book history, exploring Jean's transformation... read more

    Dark Phoenix is overpowered but does not know how to control her powers and asks Wolverine to help her. What she means by help is to kill her. She died but must be in the top 15.

24. Doomsday (DC Comics)

    

    Doomsday is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, usually depicted as an adversary of Superman. He first appeared in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 in 1992 and is best known for being the character who killed Superman in the 1992 storyline The Death of Superman... read more

    Doomsday defeated the entire Justice League with, literally, one hand tied behind his back, and then went on to kill Superman. If we're talking about character depth or storyline, then no, he's not the greatest villain, but if we're talking about raw power and viciousness, then this guy is it.

    Want to see his power? Just watch the movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

    After watching the movie, decide who is stronger: Doomsday, Darkseid, Loki, or Thanos, and whom to vote for. Watch the movie.

    If anyone has the strength to scare Superman half to death, he's the greatest supervillain, and there's no argument with that, please. You know who I'm talking about.

    By Venkatesh K, India

25. Darth Maul (Star Wars)

    

    Darth Maul is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. Trained as Darth Sidious's first apprentice, he serves as a Sith Lord and wields a distinctive double-bladed lightsaber. Darth Maul first appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and later featured in Star Wars: The Clone Wars... read more

26. Doctor Octopus (Marvel Comics)

    

    Doctor Octopus, also known as Doc Ock, Doc Octopus, and the Superior Spider-Man, is a fictional supervillain appearing in Marvel Comics. The character made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #3 in 1963 and has remained one of Spider-Man's most iconic foes.... read more

27. Lizard (Marvel Comics)