From ‘The Avengers’ to ‘Breaking Bad’: The 10 Best Movie and TV Villains Who Were Also Main Characters

There is nothing more cool and compelling than a good protagonist, with the possible exception of an intimidating villain. So, when movies or TV combine these two things to create an attractive protagonist who also happens to be the villain of the story, it’s quite a sight to behold.

From Clockwork orangeAlex DeLarge SopranoTony Soprano, there were a lot of characters that audiences love to hate. They’re hard to get right, but when writers nail them down, they’re deeply memorable.

Dexter Morgan – “Dexter” (2006-2013) and “Dexter: New Blood” (2021-2022)

Despite the controversial ending, dexter is one of the most popular crime dramas of the 2000s, about a man who works as a medical examiner by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. revival, New blood, not universally acclaimed, but most fans liked it enough.

Taking a serial killer and making him into a likable character is tricky, but the people behind dexter did it masterfully. The protagonist’s code of only killing other assassins and his conflict with his inner demons make him a charming figure, even if his actions often harm innocent people.

Lou Bloom – Nightcrawler (2014)

This is one of the best thrillers of the 21st century right now. night bum is the story of Lou Bloom, an amateur crime journalist who constantly blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his stories.

Bloom is a disgusting person, characterized by rampant morbidity, but it is impossible to look away from him throughout the film. Bloom is an exaggerated yet eerily realistic villain thanks to Jake Gyllenhaal’s stunning performance and excellent script.

Hannibal Lecter – “Hannibal” (2013-2015)

Anthony HopkinsHannibal Lecter’s portrayal is legendary, but if any actor rivals the prowess shown by Hopkins in this role, it’s Mads Mikkelsen in a show about a titular cannibal forensic psychiatrist.

During its brief three seasons Hannibal portrayed a more refined, elegant, and reserved side of Lecter than the films showed. Watching him in his days as an active killer is as interesting as it is frightening, and the development of his twisted psyche is interesting to watch.

Pearl – “Pearl” (2022)

At the beginning of 2022 Ti West conquered the world with his slasher X. Later that year; he made a prequel Pearlabout a girl who dreams of becoming an actress who is trapped on her family’s isolated farm.

Mia Goth it’s a show of strength as Pearl, a charming character who will be remembered by viewers as one of the best in the modern horror genre. Her dire circumstances make it easy to empathize with her and her struggles, but once she starts showing it, viewers are reminded that she’s not someone to root for.

Norman Bates – “Bates Motel” (2013–2017)

Alfred HitchcockX Psychobased on the novel Robert Bloch, is generally regarded as one of the best detective thrillers ever made. Famous Bates Motel is a prequel showing the evolution of Norman Bates’ psyche during his unusual teenage years.

The series portrays Norman as a sympathetic lost boy, desperate for help, struggling with dissociative identity disorder (DID), and having the misfortune of having a neglectful and manipulative mother. However, many of his bad decisions cannot be defended, and he becomes the series’ undisputed villain in Season 4 after a key plot twist.

Thanos – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War was in cinematic event of 2018 and is a watershed moment in pop culture. The main team and their allies will have to sacrifice whatever it takes to defeat the mighty Thanos (played by Josh Brolin in one of the best motion capture performances ever) who wants to wipe out half the population of the universe.

Thanos is not only one of the most complex villains in the MCU, but also one of the most interesting protagonists. At its core Infinity War tells of a morally corrupt man who deceived himself into thinking he was doing the right thing and harbors nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for his rivals.

Tony Soprano – The Sopranos (1999-2007)

One of the most influential drama series of all time is the HBO series. Sopranoabout a New Jersey mob boss who deals with personal and professional issues affecting his mental health.

Tony Soprano show protagonistJames Gandolfini) is undeniably evil. He’s not without his complexities and layered backstory, which leads some people to argue that he’s more of an anti-hero, but it’s just as fascinating to think of him as a terrible person who does terrible things, who tricks himself into thinking he’s good.

Alex DeLarge – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick was a master at writing complex, morally dubious characters, and Alex DeLarge could be the best of them all. Based Anthony Burgesseponymous book, Clockwork orange tells of a young man who takes pleasure in destroying the lives of others until the government subjects him to an invasive procedure to “fix” him.

The film is so graphic and disturbing that it was initially banned in the United Kingdom. Alex is a compelling protagonist, morally reprehensible but full of interesting nuances that make him a charming main villain.

Walter White – Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Many top rated TV series on IMDb, Vince GilliganX Breaking Bad tells the story of a chemistry teacher who manufactures methamphetamine to leave money for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. It is often cited as the greatest television series of all time.

Walter White (English)Bryan Cranston) becoming an inhuman kingpin is, quite simply, one of the best character arcs in the history of fiction. It is as tragic as it is thrilling to watch a good person slowly turn into a vessel devoid of any morality or kindness.

Michael Corleone – The Godfather Part II (1974)

Walter White is to TV what Michael Corleone is to the movies. Main character Francis Ford CoppolaX Godfather The trilogy needs no introduction. After his tragic arc in the first film, he becomes the undisputed villain in the second installment.

Al Pacinoplaying the role of Michael in The Godfather Part 2 could be the best of his career. He can perfectly portray a sad but terrifying crime boss who lacks the compassion and love for family that his father Vito once had, making him a more effective don… but one who ends up being a victim of his inner demons.