Ranking Every MCU Villain: Who's the Best and Who's the Worst?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has achieved an unparalleled level of success, unlike anything ever witnessed in Hollywood. Over a span of seventeen years, it’s produced 35 movies that have garnered critical acclaim and massive box office earnings. Additionally, there are numerous MCU series on Disney+. However, one area where the MCU could use improvement is its villains, which aren’t always as memorable as the heroes. Nevertheless, among the ranks of Marvel’s nefarious characters, there are hidden gems that might have been overlooked or underappreciated.

Let’s rank the MCU’s villains from least impressive to most formidable, and find out where each one stands in the villain hall of fame. (Or, alternatively, let’s organize the MCU’s bad guys from least effective to most powerful, and determine their position in the villain hierarchy.)

40. Sonny Burch (Ant-Man and the Wasp)

The film titled “Ant-Man and the Wasp” offers a delightful, lighthearted blend of adventure and comedy, serving as a refreshing change following the intense drama of “Infinity War”. Contrary to popular belief, the character Ghost (portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen) isn’t your typical villain. Instead, she presents herself as a complex antagonist with a more compassionate edge compared to characters like Killmonger or Loki, who are still prone to violent acts. Unfortunately, the only truly forgettable character is Sonny Burch, played by Walton Goggins, who fails to leave a lasting impression and ranks at the bottom of the cast.

39. Malekith (Thor: The Dark World)

In a casual manner: While not the best Marvel Studios production, Thor: The Dark World is still enjoyable enough that we can’t resist watching it whenever it pops up on TV. However, Malekith the Dark Elf, among all the MCU villains, is quite forgettable and uninteresting. His character and performance lack the impact to stand out in our memory.

38. Gravik (Secret Invasion)

Of all the MCU entries, we feel it’s safe to say Secret Invasion is the least liked overall. Despite great acting moments from both Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson, nothing about the overall plot or the series itself seemed to click. And that includes the show’s main villain, the bitter Skrull terrorist, Gravik. Played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, the problem with this character is all on the page. He’s just not written well, and while Ben-Adir is a solid actor, he just can’t save this alien villain from coming off as generic with what he’s given to say and do. Even making him a version of the classic Marvel Comics baddie the Super Skrull didn’t help.

37. Dar-Benn (The Marvels)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Kree often fail to deliver as captivating antagonists. Portrayed by Zawe Ashton in “The Marvels”, Supremor Dar-Benn was once an Accuser of the Kree Empire (also featured in our subsequent entry). Previously a member of Starforce, she harbored resentment towards Carol Danvers for instigating a prolonged civil war on her home planet of Hala. Her sinister scheme aimed to disrupt space-time portals to plunder resources from various galaxies and rebuild Hala. Unfortunately, Ashton’s performance lacked the necessary intensity, neither convincingly menacing nor over-the-top campy, making the character underwhelming. Regrettably, this takes away from an otherwise enjoyable movie experience with “The Marvels”.

36. Ronan the Accuser (Guardians of the Galaxy)

It’s only fair to acknowledge: Actor Lee Pace exhibits an enchanting, friendly demeanor that leaves one astonished by his portrayal of the malevolent Kree villain Ronan the Accuser in the initial Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite convincingly embodying a ruthless tyrant, he essentially plays the typical alien antagonist role, delivering monologues that conclude with him eliminating someone. Generally, it’s quite unexciting, but his character design is visually appealing at least.

35. Dreykov (Black Widow)

In the Avengers series, the main adversary for Black Widow has been the enigmatic Russian operative known as Dreykov. This manipulative psychopath ran the Red Room and abducted girls globally to transform them into skilled assassins, including Natasha Romanov. However, when we encounter Dreykov in Black Widow, Ray Winstone portrays him with a debatable accent and lacks character depth. The sinister nature of the Red Room is far more intimidating than Dreykov himself.

34. Samuel Sterns (The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Brave New World)

In the film “The Incredible Hulk” from 2008, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) was portrayed as the antagonist, The Leader. However, it wasn’t until 17 years later in “Captain America: Brave New World” that this storyline was developed. Unfortunately, the payoff didn’t live up to expectations. In this movie, Sterns is the mastermind behind the chaos, thanks to his gamma-enhanced intellect. However, he often remained hidden, perhaps due to his unremarkable makeup resembling an FBI sketch of the Unabomber. Most of his scenes consisted of him making threatening phone calls, which made for a forgettable experience overall. He wasn’t the worst villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but certainly one of the most underwhelming, given the anticipation built up over time.

33. Aldrich Killian (Iron Man 3)

In the film “Iron Man 3,” Ben Kingsley’s character, the Mandarin, is actually a misleading villain. His portrayal of the Mandarin, a caricature of every intimidating film antagonist, along with Trevor Slattery, the actor who plays him, are delightful to watch on screen. Regrettably, since he serves as a distraction from the real movie villain, he doesn’t appear in this list.

In reality, the true antagonist in Iron Man 3 is Guy Pearce’s character, Aldrich Killian. This man was once overlooked by Tony Stark during his reckless youth, and as a result, he harbors resentment that eventually leads him to become the villain. He bears some resemblance to typical antagonists in ’90s action movies, but with an added twist – he can breathe fire. However, his character lacks depth and personality, making it difficult for him to leave a lasting impression.

32. Justin Hammer (Iron Man 2)

Observing Sam Rockwell’s captivating performance as the covetous weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2 provides a momentary distraction, since it’s one of the rare instances when the film isn’t dull. Admittedly, I believe Iron Man 2 to be the least impressive among all Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films; however, it does exhibit some energy whenever Sam Rockwell is present. Fingers crossed that he makes an appearance in Armor Wars.

31. Dormammu (Doctor Strange)

In the movie “Doctor Strange,” Dormammu was essentially a colossal floating head, aiming to conquer the universe. In essence, he shares similarities with Sauron in “The Lord of the Rings” films. Despite this, the craftsmanship and design that brought him to life were impressively cool and enduring. Interestingly, Benedict Cumberbatch provided his menacing voice, combined with another actor’s voice as well.

30. Ivan Vanko (Iron Man 2)

Choosing between the villains in Iron Man 2 is tough: was it Justin Hammer or Ivan Vanko, who seemed like a blend of traditional Iron Man adversaries Whiplash and Crimson Dynamo. While Sam Rockwell played his part with entertaining flair, Mickey Rourke did so with a more irritating style. However, he just barely outshines Rockwell’s Justin Hammer due to having an exciting action sequence in an otherwise dull film.

29. Emil Blonsky/The Abomination (The Incredible Hulk)

Attorney at Law” was quite enjoyable.

28. Kaecilius (Doctor Strange)

In simpler terms, we couldn’t find much fault in Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of rogue sorcerer Kaecilius in “Doctor Strange”. He exuded a menacing Euro-vibe effortlessly and was always a threat whenever he appeared on screen. Although the film didn’t delve too deeply into his background and motivations, it provided just enough to keep us content with the overall outcome. Additionally, his glittery eye makeup added an extra layer of coolness to his character.

27. Darren Cross/Yellowjacket/M.O.D.O.K (Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)

In a pleasant turn of events, Ant-Man turned out to be an enjoyable unexpected gem. However, the film fell short when it came to its antagonist, Darren Cross, portrayed by Corey Stoll. This character was essentially a replica of Obidiah Stane from the original Iron Man, taking on the role of another greedy corporate CEO who resented a paternal scientific genius for favoring others over him and his biological children. In our opinion, Darren Cross underwent a significant improvement when he transformed into M.O.D.O.K in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He embraced the absurdity of the character, even though he wasn’t particularly intimidating, he was at least memorable. And let me tell you, he was downright hilarious.

26. Arthur Harrow (Moon Knight)

Ethan Hawke delivered an aptly slimey portrayal of cult leader Arthur Harrow, who adored the Egyptian goddess Amit and aimed to unleash her fury onto the world. Playing a dual role as both the cult leader and a cultist provided an interesting twist, and Hawke pulled it off convincingly. However, there wasn’t enough screen time dedicated to Harrow for him to stand out among other MCU villains, given that the series primarily centered around Moon Knight, as it should.

25. Ultron (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

In certain groups, the Avengers’ second major antagonist, Ultron, often faces strong criticism. Could it be due to him being entirely computer-generated? Or perhaps his overly humorous nature, reminiscent of Joss Whedon’s style, rubs some people the wrong way? Despite the criticisms, I can relate to Ultron as a character and understand his reasons for acting, and I appreciate James Spader’s slick portrayal of every line he speaks. If Tony Stark is Ultron’s creator, then he certainly inherited a knack for sarcastic remarks. We may not get another chance, but we’d welcome a future appearance from Ultron. He’s the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Frankenstein’s monster, causing destruction on an entire nation. You have our admiration, Ultron.

24. Baron Helmut Zemo (Captain America: Civil War, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier)

Characters like Helmut Zemo, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, make compelling villains because they have straightforward motivations that are easy for audiences to grasp. After suffering the loss of his family due to the events in Age of Ultron, he holds the Avengers responsible and it’s hard not to sympathize with him. His intricate plan to pit the Avengers against each other stands up on repeated watchings, which is rare among villains. Although Zemo doesn’t appear much in Civil War, when he does, he makes the most of his time on screen. Moreover, he has become one of the standout aspects of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

23. Obadiah Stane (Iron Man)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Obadiah Stane was the inaugural antagonist, debuting in the 2008 film “Iron Man”. The trope of being a trusted confidant who turns out to be an adversary is familiar from numerous films, but Jeff Bridges injects such delightful smugness into his portrayal that it’s hard not to find him captivating whenever he appears. He earns extra credit for his passionate delivery of the line, “Tony Stark built one of these in a cave! With a bunch of scraps!!!”, which undeniably became an iconic cinematic moment.

22. Alexander Pierce (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Incredibly ingenious, I must say, was the decision to cast Robert Redford, a man synonymous with ’70s paranoia and conspiracy thrillers, as the mastermind behind the grand conspiracy in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Yet, this wasn’t merely a clever stunt; Pierce’s chilling HYDRA scheme felt eerily plausible in its real-world menace. Moreover, hearing an Academy Award winner and acting royalty like Robert Redford utter lines such as “Hail HYDRA” served as a testament that comic book movies had transcended their once marginalized status, stepping into the realm of prestigious, first-class entertainment.

21. Yon-Rogg (Captain Marvel)

Previously, many might have expected Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos character to rank high among the film’s villains in Captain Marvel. However, unexpectedly, it was Jude Law’s Kree Commander Yon-Rogg who emerged as the true antagonist. Initially, he appeared as a stern yet nurturing guide for Vers, or Carol Danvers. But, as the story unfolded, he proved to be far from a benevolent figure. Interestingly, despite his despicable actions, Yon-Rogg is compelling because he seems genuinely concerned for Carol’s wellbeing.

20. The Red Skull (Captain America: The First Avenger)

Unlike many MCU villains who aim for a more realistic portrayal, Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull embraces the flamboyant comic book style, which works well given the 1940s setting of the first Captain America movie. Despite his exaggerated accent and mustache-twirling antics, we find ourselves forgiving these elements due to their period-appropriate nature. Weaving appears to relish his role here, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a subdued performance for a character with a red skeleton face. I’m thankful that Weaving chose to deliver an energetic portrayal rather than trying to tone it down.

19. Arishem the Judge (Eternals)

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I must confess that Eternals didn’t quite capture the hearts of many like some other MCU entries. The line between friend and foe seemed blurred in this one, with characters such as the Deviants and Ikaris potentially playing antagonistic roles. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the true puppeteer behind the scenes was none other than Arishem the Judge, a cosmic deity known as the Celestial. Now, Arishem’s plan might lack charm, but boy, did it have chills! Creating Earth and humanity to nurture another Celestial and, in doing so, causing the demise of countless lives? That’s some next-level coldness right there!

In comparison, Thanos’ evil scheme pales in comparison. If Arishem had even a hint of charisma, this film would be ranked much higher. But alas, it’s just a colossal, ominous red entity.

18. The Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

As a die-hard fan of Marvel movies, I must say that one of my favorite antagonists is Adrian Toomes, also known as the Vulture in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Portrayed masterfully by Michael Keaton, this character strikes an impeccable balance between a relatable blue-collar worker and a chilling villain. The scene where he crosses paths with Peter Parker at the prom is particularly gripping, making you empathize with his struggles and root for him to survive until the end.

17. Ego, the Living Planet (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)

In numerous aspects, Michael Keaton’s character Vulture contrasts greatly with Ego (one is a deity, while the other resides in New Jersey), yet they share a unique quality of being villains that you can’t help but find endearing. The moments where Ego interacts casually with his son Peter Quill suggest a strange and twisted affection for him. A significant part of why Ego is effective as a character is owed to Kurt Russell’s portrayal, whose innate charisma makes the role even more captivating. Marvel Studios consistently excel at impeccable casting choices.

16. Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Previously considered for the role of Spider-Man, Jake Gyllenhaal instead became the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most impressive Spidey antagonist, Mysterio. What makes him so captivating? To begin with, he skillfully portrays a dual persona as an ally to Peter Parker, earning both his trust and that of the audience. Even seasoned comic book fans found themselves questioning whether this version of Mysterio might be a hero in disguise. Gyllenhaal’s charisma truly shines in the role. Additionally, his reasons for despising Tony Stark hold more weight than Aldrich Killian’s in Iron Man 3. On top of everything else, he manages to deal a significant blow to Spider-Man by exposing the hero’s secret identity, making him an impressive one-time villain!

15. Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk (The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow, Captain America: Brave New World)

Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross has undergone a captivating transformation throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Initially portrayed by William Hurt in “The Incredible Hulk,” he appeared as a stern military officer, determined to eliminate his own creation. In subsequent appearances in “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Black Widow,” Ross shifted from a personal vendetta against the superhumans to becoming a bureaucratic adversary. Now, Harrison Ford assumes the role of Ross in “Captain America: Brave New World.” As the President of the United States, he grapples with his past misdeeds, which ultimately lead him to become the Red Hulk physically. Over the course of six films and a shift from ideological to physical antagonist, we place Ross at this elevated position in our rankings.

14. Kingpin (Hawkeye, Echo)

In the Hawkeye series, it wasn’t immediately apparent who the main antagonist was. Could it have been the Tracksuit Mafia, Echo, or even Kate Bishop’s mother (though perhaps a more accurate term would be “misguided”)? But in the last episode, the true mastermind behind the chaos was unveiled: Vincent D’Onofrio portraying Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin.

In the final episode, the main antagonist showcased an unbridled fury and immense power, along with some exceptionally menacing dialogue that stood out among the villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While fans had been fond of his portrayal of Fisk from the Daredevil series, the limited episodes of Hawkeye mean that Wilson can only secure this role for now.

13. Gorr the God Butcher (Thor: Love and Thunder)

Over the course of a single decade, Gorr the God Butcher emerged as one of Thor’s most formidable adversaries in comic book lore. Moreover, Christian Bale’s portrayal of Gorr in “Thor: Love and Thunder” has solidified him as a captivating antagonist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite the film’s overall playful and humorous tone, Gorr remains a chilling presence due to his Necrosword. Interestingly, he also evokes sympathy.

From the start of the movie, you find yourself sympathizing with him. His reason for aiming to eliminate all gods stems from his personal experience of their callous indifference towards mortal pain. Notably, Bale delivers an authentic chilling portrayal as Gorr, and surprisingly, there’s a part of you that supports him. This emotional connection helps Gorr stand out among villains like Malekith and others in the MCU, elevating him to a higher echelon, despite the fact that Thor: Love and Thunder as a film doesn’t fully meet expectations.

12. Kang the Conqueror/He Who Remains (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Loki)

Thus far, Jonathan Majors has embodied two distinct iterations of the same character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In “Loki” season one, he portrayed “He Who Remains,” the principal antagonist who orchestrated events from behind the scenes before meeting his demise at the end of the episode. Conversely, in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” he captivated audiences as Kang the Conqueror, a villain exiled to the Quantum Realm who radiated an imposing presence. This Kang demonstrated no qualms about eradicating entire timelines when it served his purposes, and delivered chilling monologues that will undoubtedly be remembered. Although Kang’s role was downgraded from primary antagonist in The Multiverse Saga for various reasons, he left a lasting impact on the projects in which he appeared.

11. Cassandra Nova (Deadpool & Wolverine)

In essence, Cassandra Nova, portrayed by Emma Corrin in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, is a grandiose, almost deity-like antagonist with an insatiable desire for rule. She’s Charles Xavier’s twin, boasting psychic abilities surpassing his own and harboring a grudge against the TVA who exiled her to The Void. Her character shares similarities with Cate Blanchett’s Hela from ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, both in style and motivations. Like Hela, Corrin delivers her role with a delightful mix of sadism and camp. However, unlike Blanchett, Cassandra Nova gets to incorporate crude humor and graphic violence, adding an extra layer of entertainment value. Amidst the flamboyant performances of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, as well as numerous cameos, Miss Nova manages to stand out remarkably well.

10. Green Goblin (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

In essence, Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Norman Osborn from the 2002 film “Spider-Man” can be considered the first villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which placed him within the broader Marvel Multiverse. While in the original Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” movie, Osborn caused significant harm to Peter Parker’s life without directly taking away anyone he cared about, the latest film revealed a more ruthless side to his character, ultimately leading to the murder of Aunt May.

Absolutely, some well-known antagonists resurfaced in “No Way Home“, but none were as truly menacing. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Green Goblin by Dafoe was exceptional. Despite his character being tormented and haunted by an additional personality, he managed to evoke sympathy for his plight. The lasting emotional trauma inflicted on Peter Parker underscores that the Green Goblin in “No Way Home” remains the most perilous Spider-Man adversary of all time.

9. Hela (Thor: Ragnarok)

In the film “Thor: Ragnarok,” the character Hela, played by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, isn’t particularly complex in terms of motivation. However, her on-screen presence is electric! She embodies a contemporary take on Eartha Kitt’s ’60s Catwoman, and her enthusiasm for the role is palpable and contagious. Despite the flamboyant costume that could swallow anyone else, Blanchett dons it with panache. The part may seem shallow at first glance, but when an actor delivers a performance at full throttle, the script’s thinness becomes irrelevant. Hela stands out as one of those roles that’s unforgettable because it’s simply delightful to watch, and she fits perfectly into this category.

8. Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

We debated whether to add Namor the Sub-Mariner to our list due to his captivating personality which makes him somewhat of an anti-hero. However, in his debut in the MCU’s Wakanda Forever, he launched a devastating attack on Africa and killed Queen Ramonda. Therefore, we must classify him as a villain for the moment. Similar to Magneto from the X-Men, Namor has motives behind his reprehensible actions – namely, safeguarding his Talokan people from threats beyond their realm. However, given the destruction he caused in the second Black Panther movie, we currently place him in the villain category. This could potentially change with future appearances within the MCU.

7. Agatha “Agnes” Harkness (WandaVision)

Wanda Maximoff could be seen as the main character in ‘WandaVision’, but it’s Agnes, or rather Agatha Harkness, who seems to be stirring up trouble. This witch from bygone eras was intrigued by Wanda’s hex power in Westview and coveted all the magical energy for herself. Pretending to be a bothersome neighbor, she joined Wanda’s sitcom world with amusing antics. However, her intentions were far from friendly – she aimed to drain Wanda of her magic. Kathryn Hahn delivers an outstanding performance as both the nuisance next-door neighbor and a captivating witch, and her theme song is undeniably the best among all Marvel Cinematic Universe characters.

6. The Scarlet Witch (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

In a more casual and engaging manner: The Scarlet Witch makes an exceptional ‘anti-hero’ type of character because you genuinely want her to succeed. After witnessing Wanda’s emotional rollercoaster throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and “WandaVision”, it becomes clear how devastating losses have driven her towards the dark side. Her transformation from a hero into a villain is more compelling than other Marvel characters like Dark Phoenix or even Anakin Skywalker from “Star Wars”. In “Multiverse of Madness”, Elizabeth Olsen delivers an outstanding performance, capturing both intense rage and touching vulnerability. Though some may debate her descent into villainy, few can deny that she excels in the role.

5. The High Evolutionary (Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3)

In the upcoming movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the character High Evolutionary, portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji, stands out as an exceptionally wicked villain. He satisfies two key aspects that make him utterly irredeemable. To begin with, he cruelly torments innocent animals, a deed that instantly earns our desire to see him pay for his actions swiftly. Secondly, he advocates for eugenics, which puts him in the same league as Earth’s Nazis due to their shared beliefs about genetic purity. Additionally, he orchestrates genocide on entire worlds he considers “genetic failures.” To put it simply, this character is despicable and poses a genuine threat. Despite his Robocop-like appearance mentioned by Peter Quill, his actions make him truly detestable.

4. Erik Killmonger (Black Panther)

Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Erik Killmonger in the film “Black Panther” stands out as an exceptional antagonist due to his complex nature. Despite his misguided actions, his arguments about how T’Challa and his ancestors have neglected their people for centuries by keeping Wakanda secluded from the world are compelling and challenging to refute. However, like Magneto, Killmonger’s methods are questionable, and his moral compass is distorted by a life marred by suffering, which makes him a villain. In a movie teeming with captivating characters, Killmonger’s brilliance is no trivial matter.

3. Wenwu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

The villains in Phase 4 were just average, but when Shang-Chi was released, everyone agreed it had really heated things up. That’s because Xu Wenwu, Shang-Chi’s father, is as fiery as a blaze! We’ve been waiting for Tony Leung to step into this role ever since the first Iron Man when the Ten Rings organization captured Tony Stark. And he certainly didn’t disappoint! As an ancient and immortal character, Xu Wenwu was a ruthless warlord, a loving husband, a delusional widower, and often a poor father. Tony Leung brings depth to this villain, making him not only the best of all the Phase 4 antagonists, but one of the best MCU bad guys overall.

2. Loki (Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Loki)

Although not everyone may be fans of all the Thor films, it’s indisputable that they introduced one of the finest villains, not just within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also among cinema history’s best villains. Tom Hiddleston brilliantly infuses his portrayal of Loki, the adopted son of Asgard’s king, with a Shakespearean depth while also making him irresistibly witty. As we’ve emphasized in previous entries, a memorable villain requires some level of likability and audience sympathy, and Loki embodies this perfectly. Whether he’s causing chaos in New York or brooding in prison, we find ourselves unable to resist the charm of the trickster god. We’re thrilled that he now has his own leading role.

1. Thanos (Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame)

Since the extra scene following the credits of Avengers, Marvel has been hinting at the upcoming introduction of Thanos, their most formidable villain, often referred to as the “Mad Titan.” From early on, Kevin Feige and his team at Marvel have described Thanos as the Marvel Universe’s equivalent to Darth Vader (no added stress intended). Given all the anticipation, he had to be outstanding.

After many long years, the character of Thanos, portrayed by Josh Brolin, truly emerged in “Avengers: Infinity War” and he did not fall short of expectations. He became one of Marvel’s most intricate and multi-layered antagonists from the get-go. Even before the end credits, he effortlessly overpowered the Hulk. Then, he took Loki’s life, seeming to imply “Remember that guy who was Marvel’s top villain? Well, I just took him out. Who’s the best villain now?

Typically, the most formidable antagonists are those who view themselves as heroes, a role Thanos undeniably embraces. Unlike many other villains, Thanos isn’t just empty rhetoric; he achieves his goals in the end. While many CGI villains fade into obscurity, Brolin’s acting and characterization shone through the purple pixels, making the Mad Titan one of the greatest movie villains, and arguably the best villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. In “Endgame”, he was content with sacrificing his life once he accomplished his lifelong mission. He didn’t mind dying if it meant the task was completed. Just as long as the job was done.

2025-02-19 01:06