10 Best ‘Spider-Man’ Villain Actors, Ranked by Fans

I wholeheartedly agree with this ranking! As someone who has watched these incredible Spider-Man films multiple times, I can confidently say that each of these villains left an indelible mark on me.


Ranker serves as a widely-used platform on the web where users can rate whatever they prefer, whenever they desire, following their own methodology. It’s essential to note that this ranking system is primarily driven by fans and not officially connected to the individuals associated with the projects themselves.

Absolutely, given that this list is quite significant, we’ve chosen to share our findings with you by highlighting the top 10 outstanding performances on it, ranked from 10th place to the number one spot, with the top position being the absolute best. Please note that this list encompasses characters from all live-action Spider-Man movies. We trust you’ll find it enjoyable!

10. Michael Mando as Mac Gargan / Scorpion (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

In this film adaptation, you might not have noticed due to Mac Gargan’s absence as Scorpion, but the audience seemed to appreciate it greatly. Compared to other notable figures on the list, this choice stands strong; some were mere cameos, others lacked development in the films, or simply failed to impress. The actor from Better Call Saul managed to make a lasting impression with his performance.

9. Jamie Foxx as Max Dillon / Electro (The Amazing Spider-Man 2)

Previously, we compiled a list of questionable superhero portrayals. To our surprise, Jamie Foxx’s Electro character made an appearance on that list (determined by fans, not us), which we found hard to agree with. However, it seems that fans of Spider-Man have a different opinion, as they ranked him among the top 10 best Spider-Man villains in history. Although he didn’t take the top spot (he was not the best villain in the franchise), his performance was still impressive and engaging.

8. Rhys Ifans as Curt Connors / The Lizard (The Amazing Spider-Man)

In a captivating portrayal, Ifans proved to be an excellent choice for the character Curt Connors. Although this particular depiction of The Lizard didn’t quite reach its full potential – the script could have been more nuanced, and the visual effects could have been enhanced – it was still a commendable effort, and Ifans’ acting abilities undeniably enriched the role. As a result, this recognition is well-deserved.

7. James Franco as Harry Osborn / Green Goblin (Spider-Man 3)

Frankly speaking, this choice may seem unusual to us, possibly due to the negative sentiment towards James Franco that people carry from his past behavior. However, this portrayal offered a strong villain performance with depth, which aligns with the series’ development over multiple films, making it easy to see why fans appreciated it. Granted, seventh place might be a bit generous, but we can defend this ranking.

6. Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock / Venom (Venom)

As someone who grew up watching Spider-Man comics and movies, I found it intriguing to see Venom portrayed differently in recent films. Unlike his traditional villainous role, this version of Venom can be considered more of an antihero, teetering towards heroism. While some might argue that he’s still a bad guy at heart, I think Tom Hardy’s captivating performance and charisma have given the character a new life, making it easier to root for him. The movies themselves have been elevated because of this unique take on Venom, and I believe that Tom Hardy deserves recognition for his outstanding work in the role. So, it’s no surprise that Venom made it onto my list of noteworthy performances.

5. Thomas Haden Church as Flint Marko / Sandman (Spider-Man 3)

Haden Church’s heartfelt portrayal of the Sandman, one of the most cherished film villains, made fans ecstatic to see him reprise the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Sandman had a rich complexity, and his acting was exceptional. Given these points, there’s no debate that this character belongs on such a list.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal as Quentin Beck / Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Mysterio in the film was exceptional, leaving no doubt about his acting prowess. In a movie that wasn’t particularly impressive, Gyllenhaal shone brightly and proved to be the standout performer, making him one of our favorite actors.

3. Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes / Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Although the more recent Spider-Man films starring Tom Holland didn’t quite reach the heights of their predecessors in terms of overall quality, the villains were outstanding, with Adrian Toomes, portrayed by Michael Keaton, being a standout example. Similarly, Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, was equally impressive. This exceptional and audacious performance won our hearts, which is why we concur with this ranking.

2. Alfred Molina as Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus (Spider-Man 2)

As a die-hard gamer of Marvel movies, I can confidently say that Doc Ock takes the top spot as Spider-Man’s most captivating villain. While Green Goblin is undeniably Spidey’s Joker, Doc Ock steals the show in these films and leaves a lasting impact as the best Spider-Man antagonist I’ve witnessed on screen. Alfred Molina’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, making the role truly iconic. The emotional depth, intrigue, and complexity of this character make it my undisputed favorite from the villains, earning it the number one position in my books.

1. Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin (Spider-Man)

If it’s not Doctor Octopus (Doc Ock), then it must be the Green Goblin who delivers such an exceptional villainous performance in this superhero movie. Willem Dafoe did a fantastic job, and his portrayal ranks among the best when it comes to film villains. Although he didn’t quite match the emotional complexity of Doc Ock, his performance is still worthy of one of these two top spots. Therefore, we can’t help but feel content with the outcome.

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2024-08-27 20:44