Top 10 Best Star Wars Villains

The best films ever have produced some of the greatest villains of all time. All set in a galaxy far, far away.

The Top Ten

Darth Vader

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

Not only is he the best Star Wars villain, but he is also one of the greatest villains of all time! He is dark, sinister, unpredictable, intimidating, dangerous, ruthless, and evil. He's a father! His scene in Rogue One was so epic. He seemed like a horror villain.
Yeah, he has some good left in him, but Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are two separate entities. Darth Vader is Anakin's darkest personality come to life. He even plots to overthrow the Emperor. His voice is so creepy, and he murdered thirty children. Seriously, no Star Wars villain can top Darth Vader. He may not have been skilled with the lightsaber in the original trilogy, but he is one of the most powerful Sith in Star Wars!
Emperor Palpatine

Sheev Palpatine, also known by his Sith identity Darth Sidious, is a fictional character and one of the primary antagonists of the Star Wars franchise. Publicly, he appears as Senator Palpatine, then Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and later as Emperor Palpatine. He is mainly portrayed by Ian McDiarmid... read more

Darth Sidious is definitely one of the best, if not the best, villains in the franchise. For starters, he says some memorable quotes, like "dew it" and "the dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural." This also brings me to the fact that he's a really sophisticated manipulator. He managed to fool the galaxy for years into thinking that he was a benevolent ruler who wanted the best for the people when he was actually this dangerous and pure evil Dark Lord, and people only found out the moment he wanted them to find out. Because of him, the Jedi, after thousands of years, were brought to near extinction.
Also, out of all the characters, he seemed to have the most influence, being responsible for the Clone Wars, Anakin becoming Darth Vader, one of the most badass and terrifying villains, and, in general, being able to mold Maul and Dooku into becoming dangerous Sith Lords. This is also one of the greatest things about this character: he isn't just some villain who has a tragic backstory to justify his actions. No, Palpatine is a despicable person who is evil just for the hell of it and views everyone around him as pawns for his scheme to prosper.
I should also mention he's probably one of the most badass and terrifying villains, with his raspy and deep voice that he concealed as chancellor, his ability to produce Force lightning, and his ability to straight up take on Yoda, one of the greatest Jedi. He's definitely one of the most iconic and terrifying villains in the franchise, and maybe even in cinema.
Darth Maul

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

Darth Maul has the three scariest things that a good Star Wars villain needs: horns, face paint, and a double-bladed lightsaber. The only problem was that he died so early in the prequels that we never got to know anything about him. But at first look at him, you can tell he means business.

He controls Mandalore and did what Death Watch failed to do under Pre Vizsla's power. Though Maul won't ever beat Darth Vader on this list, he is still the baddest, most powerful character included in some of the best story arcs in Star Wars.
Boba Fett

Boba Fett is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He is a bounty hunter who appears in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, working for Darth Vader and Jabba the Hutt. Boba Fett also stars in his own series, The Book of Boba Fett, released in 2021.

Although I think Boba is awesome, he isn't necessarily a villain. He's just someone who is doing his job. I mean, if the rebels were smart enough to hire him, he would be good. It just so happens that Vader hired him.

Dude, the jetpack, the awesome gun - everything makes up for him being bad. Hey, but I personally LOVE Jango Fett, and I think he's the best! I just forgot to vote for him, that's all.

Cool armor, flamethrower, and missile launchers on his arms - what else could you want? Darth Vader is just... I don't like him much.
General Grievous

General Grievous is a fictional character and antagonist in the Star Wars franchise. He served as the Supreme Commander of the Confederacy of Independent Systems' Droid Armies during the Clone Wars. Grievous is voiced by Matthew Wood and first appeared in Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003) before appearing... read more

One phrase: "Jedi Scum." Need I say more? Well, as far as we know, he is the only droid (though he is actually a cyborg) to murder not one, not two, but four Jedi. Where do you think he got those lightsabers? He is easily one of the best characters in the entire franchise, hands down.

I like General Grievous. It would have been badass if he could have been voiced by Gary Oldman. I think they lost an opportunity with this character. He is part alien and machine. He could have been a resurrected Darth Maul.

He's the prototype for Vader and was able to defeat Jedi without using the Force by outsmarting them. The dude's awesome.
Count Dooku

Count Dooku of Serenno is a fictional character from the Star Wars franchise. He appears as a major antagonist in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and as a minor antagonist in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.... read more

Count Dooku should be in 3rd place. He's better than Darth Maul. Dooku is the most underrated villain of all time, and his backstory is pretty tragic. But just like Darth Vader, I feel there is still some good in him and a chance for redemption.

He easily beat both Anakin and Obi-Wan. Darth Maul had a tough time killing Qui-Gon and got killed by young Obi-Wan, while Dooku easily took out Obi-Wan in his prime.

He fights with such elegance and is a very interesting character. Respect him more!
Kylo Ren

Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He commands the First Order with a temper as fiery as his unconventional lightsaber. Kylo Ren first appeared in the 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia... read more

It takes the Empire half a movie to commit genocide. He does it in the first five minutes. Then he blows up not one, but FIVE planets. Additionally, he kills his own father. In my opinion, Kylo Ren is one of the nastiest villains in Star Wars history.
Also, his lightsaber looks like a fiery cross. I'm betting that a future Sith will have a four-bladed saber, following the one-blade (Vader), two-blade (Maul), three-blade (Kylo Ren) pattern. I can't wait to see what they do with him in the future.

Adam Driver gives him some of the coolest lightsaber moves in the franchise. I would've preferred if he had stayed evil, because I really liked how he was portrayed in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. He was an insecure Vader wannabe, and after taking over the First Order, he got a chance to try to be even more like his idol. However, that was kind of wasted in The Rise of Skywalker.
Grand Moff Tarkin

Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was the Governor of the Outer Rim territories and rose to the high rank of Grand Moff.
Tarkin oversaw the construction of the Death Star and played a pivotal role in enforcing the Empire's rule. He was portrayed... read more

His philosophy became central to Imperial policy and earned him the position of the first Grand Moff in the Empire. Tarkin's character has been well-received, and he has been called "one of the most formidable villains in Star Wars history."

Tarkin's most vile moment has to be when he tried to trick Princess Leia into giving up the location of a rebel base, only to blow up her home planet of Alderaan in A New Hope.

He and Thrawn wield so much power. Along with Vader and Palpatine, they were the biggest threat to the galaxy for a long time.
Jabba the Hutt

Jabba the Hutt is a fictional character from the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. He is depicted as a large, slug-like alien. Jabba first appeared on screen in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi and was later included in the special edition of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

This guy may be hideous, but he is not afraid of anything. He is a crime boss, and since he is an endangered species, he must be kept alive by well-trained guards.
Jango Fett

Jango Fett is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas. He made his debut in the 2002 film Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, where he was portrayed by actor Temuera Morrison. Jango is the genetic template for the clone troopers and the father of Boba Fett... read more

I would have picked Boba too, but Jango Fett had been doing it all way before Boba and with the same attitude that Boba would have picked up from him. In that case, I should really be picking Mandalorians because ultimately they were bred that way. Fearless, strong, proud warriors who do not let the mighty powers (powers beyond their own) of a lightsaber wielder (good or bad) deter them from battling it out with them.

Jango Fett is way better and cooler than Boba Fett. First of all, he is the original person (Boba Fett and all the clone troopers are clones of him). Second, he killed Coleman Trebor, a Jedi Master on the council, in like 2 seconds. Thirdly, he fought off Obi-Wan Kenobi and pretty much won on the ground and in the space battle.
So, why is Boba Fett higher on this list?

The Newcomers

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Moff Gideon

Unlike most gunner villains, he had one clear goal: to capture Grogu. Plus, he actually survived.
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Mara Jade Skywalker

Mara Jade Skywalker is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, created by author Timothy Zahn. She initially served as the Emperor's Hand, carrying out covert missions for Emperor Palpatine during the reign of the Galactic Empire. After Palpatine's death, Mara became a smuggler and later joined... read more

Mara Jade began her life as a Dark Jedi apprentice of Emperor Palpatine, the alter ego of the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Her early years are unknown, but it is known that Palpatine kidnapped her because she was strong in the Force.
Mara spent her years training to become Palpatine's personal assassin, one of his elite agents known as the Emperor's Hands. While she was one of Palpatine's most dangerous servants, alongside Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn, many in the Empire viewed Mara as just one of the Emperor's many dancers. Vader and Thrawn were among the few who knew her true nature, and they both took an instant dislike to her.

The Contenders

Darth Revan

Revan is a fictional character from the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game developed by BioWare. While players can choose the character's gender, Revan is canonically a male who follows the light-side path. He is also the main character of the novel Star Wars: The Old Republic - Revan... read more

The main character in Knights of the Old Republic, Darth Revan is one of the more fascinating villains in any Star Wars medium. Revan was a former Jedi who turned to the dark side during the Mandalorian War. He was one of the most powerful and evil villains ever. Revan ruthlessly betrayed and killed his allies, ultimately becoming the Dark Sith Lord.

He was such a great villain that even after his turn to the light, most Sith still respected him. Later, he founded the Star Forge, which allowed him to create a new Sith Empire. Ultimately, Revan would have conquered the galaxy if he hadn't been betrayed by his apprentice.
Asajj Ventress

Asajj Ventress is a fictional character from the Star Wars franchise, active during the Clone Wars. She appears in the Clone Wars micro-series and in Star Wars: The Clone Wars film and television series. Ventress, a former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter, is voiced by Nika Futterman.

Asajj was introduced as a one-dimensional character who was kind of boring to me. But over time, she grew into someone who I actually really appreciate. She became more of a neutral character who was used by the Sith and then cast aside, left with nothing.
I think if she had met Maul under different circumstances, they could have gotten along really well.

She was an interesting one. She is an enemy of Obi-Wan but then helps him escape from Maul and Savage Opress. I also love her fighting movements and the kiss and kill move she does.
Grand Admiral Thrawn

Grand Admiral Thrawn is a Chiss male from the Star Wars universe and was created by author Timothy Zahn. He made his first appearance in the novel Star Wars: Heir to the Empire and served as the main antagonist of the Thrawn trilogy. Thrawn later appeared in Star Wars Rebels and is the central figure... read more

He's a villain with no powers, but every time he is on the screen, he exudes power. He's written to be so intimidating without showing off his massive combat skills and to be a very formidable opponent. Additionally, every time he's on screen, a special theme plays that enhances the experience.
He demonstrated his talent as a master strategist by analyzing the art of his enemy to understand how that particular species thinks and approaches battle. By understanding the culture of the species, he was able to understand his enemy and predict their moves with frightening accuracy.

Thrawn is dangerous because he is arguably the smartest character in the entire storyline. He is incredible at predicting the movements of his enemies and can put himself in his opponents' shoes to understand what they are thinking and planning. This allows him to stay steps ahead of his enemies. Thrawn is extremely cold and calculating when it comes to the way he handles his post as a commander. As such, he can use pure logic and objective knowledge to develop some of the best strategies we've seen in Star Wars.
Cad Bane

Cad Bane is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and Henry Gilroy. He is a recurring antagonist voiced by Corey Burton and first appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He later appeared in Star Wars: The Bad Batch and made his live-action debut in The... read more

I kept looking for Doctor Hemlock, but I didn't find him. Oh well.
Cad Bane is another incredible villain from this franchise. His appearance in season three of The Bad Batch was short but terrifying.

He's so cool and has the best weapons!
Captain Phasma

Captain Phasma is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, portrayed by actress Gwendoline Christie. She was introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Phasma serves as the commander of the First Order's stormtrooper forces.

She's so badass! I hope to see an epic showdown between Captain Phasma and Finn!

Phasma isn't the best and is a bit overrated, in my opinion, but she isn't as stupid as people say she is.
Darth Bane

Darth Bane is a legendary Sith Lord from the Star Wars universe. He is best known for creating the Rule of Two, which established that there should only be one Sith Master and one apprentice at any given time. This system was designed to ensure that the Sith would grow stronger through constant challenge... read more

Bane is a Sith Lord who lived 1,000 years before the rise of the Empire. He is known for creating the Rule of Two and reviving the old Sith ways after the teachings of ancient Sith, such as Revan, were forgotten.

The Bane Trilogy was amazing. I'm a huge fan of it. If Zannah were an option, I would've voted for her as well.

The Sith Lord who survived the Force battle.
Darth Nihilus

Darth Nihilus is a fictional Sith Lord who appears as a primary antagonist in the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords. He is known for his ability to consume the life force of entire planets, making him one of the most feared Sith in the game's lore. Throughout the game... read more

Darth Nihilus may look like a Sith Lord who watched Scream too many times. However, he has a specific ability to use the Force and feed on other people. At one point, we see that he used this ability to destroy all life on a planet!

Bro here ate a planet with the Force!

Coolest Sith in all of Star Wars.
Savage Opress

Savage Opress is a fictional character who appeared in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Opress was the secret apprentice of Count Dooku and the brother of Darth Maul. He is voiced by Clancy Brown and made his debut in the third season of the show.

Savage Opress, being Maul's brother, saved him and helped him from turning crazy.

About equal to Darth Maul in strength.
Supreme Leader Snoke

Supreme Leader Snoke is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He served as the mysterious leader of the First Order and played a major role in the sequel trilogy. Snoke is a CGI character portrayed and voiced by Andy Serkis.

"I cannot be betrayed... I cannot be beaten." *Gets betrayed and beaten.*
The Inquisitor

I love him so much. He was once a Jedi Temple Guard who knew all the secrets of the Jedi before turning to the dark side. In time, his job would be to hunt down and end the Jedi who survived the Clone Wars.

He was a badass, and I loved him. Too bad he only lasted for one season.
General Hux

General Armitage Hux is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was first introduced in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The character is portrayed by Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson and appears in all three films of the sequel trilogy.

General Hux is an evil tyrant who rules with an iron fist. He will attempt to kill anyone to get what he wants: power and control. Egotistical as he is, his methods for the First Order to rule the galaxy and destroy any goodness are his main priorities, and he has no remorse for his actions.
However, in later periods, Hux is shown as a tragic sociopath.

General Hux is the former commander of Starkiller Base, and he's in charge of the First Order military. Hux, like Tarkin before him, is a cutthroat commander who will kill millions of people if his mission demands it. There's little doubt that Hux's most heinous act has to be using Starkiller Base as the weapon to destroy Hosnian Prime, the Republic's capital world.
Darth Traya / Kreia

This character isn't a badass, but that doesn't matter. She is a well-written character with an interesting backstory.
Galen Marek (Starkiller)

Galen Marek, codenamed Starkiller, was a male Human apprentice of the Sith Lord Darth Vader. A powerful Force-user who lived during the era of the Galactic Empire, Marek came from the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk and was the only child of two Jedi Knights, Mallie and Kento Marek, who left the Jedi... read more

Marek forgot his past and even his birth name, having been taken from his home as a child by the Dark Lord. Though trained in the ways of the Sith, the Rule of Two dictated that there could only be two Sith at a time. Therefore, Starkiller could not consider himself a true Sith. As such, Vader kept his existence a secret, bestowing upon him the call sign "Starkiller."
He was utilized as a hidden agent of the Empire, dispatched to deal with problematic individuals while he trained. For years, Starkiller aspired to truly become a Dark Lord of the Sith, believing it was his destiny to help Vader overthrow Sidious and usurp his throne as Galactic Emperor.
As his training neared completion, Starkiller was formally acknowledged as an apprentice by Vader after surviving his trials. He was ordered by Vader to kill the few remaining members of the fallen Jedi Order - specifically the Jedi Masters Rahm Kota, Kazdan Paratus, and Shaak Ti.
Darth Caedus

His fall to the dark side was sad, but it was amazing. He and Vader had similar goals: to protect the galaxy and fight evil. However, they became the very things they swore to destroy.
Additionally, Caedus is not one of those villains who regret their actions. He remained committed to his dark path until the end. Although some good did come from him a few times, he's not one of those villains who die as a hero.
It's particularly annoying in the Marvel universe when villains are redeemed just before death. Aside from Vader and Loki, to some extent, everyone else has just pissed me off. It was acceptable when Revan turned to the light side in the middle of his life, rather than at the last second like Kylo Ren.

People argue whether or not he was pure evil. He did use his last moment to save his wife and daughter, whom he valued more than anything else, even above power. He was trying to stop the nano-killers, but the main reason was that it would endanger his daughter.
Even after all these years, Anakin's death impacted him. He also stated that he did NOT regret his actions, but he noted that nobody seemed to care about him anymore and that they never tried to bring him back.
Bossk

Bossk is a fictional Trandoshan bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe. He first appeared in the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Bossk is known for his scaly reptilian appearance, his rivalry with other bounty hunters such as Boba Fett, and his proficiency in tracking targets... read more

Bossk! A super-strong lizard who protected and raised Boba Fett throughout the Clone Wars. Yet, because not many people are as hardcore fans as I am, he is still far lower on this list than he should be.
Thus, he is my #6.

Agreed! Aurra left Bossk to rot in prison and just used and bullied Boba, then acted like a weak coward and left Boba caught. Castas just acted like a jerk to both of them and didn't care what Bossk had to say, giving him zero respect.

Bossk is just a badass! His fighting skills were fantastic, and I love how protective he was over young Boba. Plus, he is a threat, unlike Aurra and Castas.