J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" had to defeat some seriously disturbed villains, one of whom was sadistic Hogwarts instructor Dolores Umbridge. The idea of what went down in her office still gives us chills. How would you rank her against some of our other favorite movie villains, including the masterful He Who Shall Not Be Named? Take a look at our top bad guys (and girls), in no particular order.
Our favorite movie villains —
J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" had to defeat some seriously disturbed villains, one of whom was sadistic Hogwarts instructor Dolores Umbridge. The idea of what went down in her office still gives us chills. How would you rank her against some of our other favorite movie villains, including the masterful He Who Shall Not Be Named? Take a look at our top bad guys (and girls), in no particular order.
Warner Bros.
If we were in the wizard world right now, we wouldn't even mention the villain that landed actor Ralph Fiennes on this list. Fiennes' Lord Voldemort is pictured here in the final installment of the "Harry Potter" franchise.
Lord Voldemort, 'Harry Potter' —
If we were in the wizard world right now, we wouldn't even mention the villain that landed actor Ralph Fiennes on this list. Fiennes' Lord Voldemort is pictured here in the final installment of the "Harry Potter" franchise.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito in Martin Scorsese's 1990 classic "Goodfellas" wasn't there to amuse, but he did that anyway. The short-tempered mobster also won over the Academy, which gave Pesci an Oscar for best supporting actor.
Tommy DeVito, 'Goodfellas' —
Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito in Martin Scorsese's 1990 classic "Goodfellas" wasn't there to amuse, but he did that anyway. The short-tempered mobster also won over the Academy, which gave Pesci an Oscar for best supporting actor.
Warner Bros.
"Star Wars'" Darth Vader, played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones, is one of the most notable cinematic villains of all time.
Darth Vader, 'Star Wars' —
"Star Wars'" Darth Vader, played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones, is one of the most notable cinematic villains of all time.
Lucasfilm
Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 "Apocalypse Now" is a shining example of film making, period. But Colonel Kurtz's (Marlon Brando) dark heart was particularly riveting.
Colonel Kurtz, 'Apocalypse Now' —
Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 "Apocalypse Now" is a shining example of film making, period. But Colonel Kurtz's (Marlon Brando) dark heart was particularly riveting.
United Artists
Louise Fletcher won the best actress Oscar for her role as Nurse Ratched in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Nurse Ratched, 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' —
Louise Fletcher won the best actress Oscar for her role as Nurse Ratched in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
United Artists
Javier Bardem's Anton Chigurh, from the 2007 film "No Country For Old Men," is one of the best villains as far as we're concerned. Directed and written by Ethan and Joel Coen, the cat-and-mouse thriller also stars Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin.
Anton Chigurh, 'No Country for Old Men' —
Javier Bardem's Anton Chigurh, from the 2007 film "No Country For Old Men," is one of the best villains as far as we're concerned. Directed and written by Ethan and Joel Coen, the cat-and-mouse thriller also stars Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin.
Miramax Films
Anthony Hopkins was terrifying as Hannibal Lecter in both 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" and Ridley Scott's 2001 movie named after the villain. Bryan Fuller has since brought the story of the serial killer back to life with NBC's "Hannibal," starring Mads Mikkelsen.
Hannibal Lecter, 'Silence of the Lambs,' 'Hannibal' —
Anthony Hopkins was terrifying as Hannibal Lecter in both 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" and Ridley Scott's 2001 movie named after the villain. Bryan Fuller has since brought the story of the serial killer back to life with NBC's "Hannibal," starring Mads Mikkelsen.
Universal Pictures
Before Robert De Niro terrified us as Max Cady in Martin Scorsese's 1991 remake of "Cape Fear," Robert Mitchum played the role in 1962.
Max Cady, 'Cape Fear' —
Before Robert De Niro terrified us as Max Cady in Martin Scorsese's 1991 remake of "Cape Fear," Robert Mitchum played the role in 1962.
Universal Pictures
As the song goes, "If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will." Whether she's animated or not, "101 Dalmatians' " Cruella De Vil is one of the most devilish villains of all time. Betty Lou Gerson voiced the puppy-hater in the 1961 adaptation, while Glenn Close played the role in the 1996 live-action version.
Cruella De Vil, '101 Dalmatians' —
As the song goes, "If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will." Whether she's animated or not, "101 Dalmatians' " Cruella De Vil is one of the most devilish villains of all time. Betty Lou Gerson voiced the puppy-hater in the 1961 adaptation, while Glenn Close played the role in the 1996 live-action version.
Walt Disney Pictures
With the ability to manipulate metal, Ian McKellen's "X-Men" mutant Magneto is one of the most powerful villains of all time.
Magneto, 'X-Men' —
With the ability to manipulate metal, Ian McKellen's "X-Men" mutant Magneto is one of the most powerful villains of all time.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Star Trek's" Khan Noonien Singh was played by Ricardo Montalban in a 1967 episode of the original series as well as 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
Khan, 'Star Trek' —
"Star Trek's" Khan Noonien Singh was played by Ricardo Montalban in a 1967 episode of the original series as well as 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
Paramount Pictures
Margaret Hamilton played Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz." In the end, her evil laugh, broomstick and flying monkeys were no match for a pail of water.
Wicked Witch of the West, 'Wizard of Oz' —
Margaret Hamilton played Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz." In the end, her evil laugh, broomstick and flying monkeys were no match for a pail of water.
MGM
Benedict Cumberbatch's "Star Trek Into Darkness" villain is so fearsome, the movie built much of its hype around <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vulture.com%2F2013%2F04%2Fkhan-every-clue-about-star-trek-2-villain.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">learning the character's identity</a> in the months leading up to its release.
Khan, 'Star Trek Into Darkness' —
Benedict Cumberbatch's "Star Trek Into Darkness" villain is so fearsome, the movie built much of its hype around learning the character's identity in the months leading up to its release.
Paramount Pictures
Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the most disturbing villains on this list. His role in 2008's "The Dark Knight" earned him an Academy Award for best supporting actor.
The Joker, 'The Dark Knight' —
Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the most disturbing villains on this list. His role in 2008's "The Dark Knight" earned him an Academy Award for best supporting actor.
Warner Bros. Pictures
The makeup alone could give you chills. Bette Davis' work as the dangerously delusional "Baby" Jane Hudson in 1962's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" set a new standard for sibling rivalry, as Joan Crawford played her tortured sister, Blanche.
'Baby' Jane, 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' —
The makeup alone could give you chills. Bette Davis' work as the dangerously delusional "Baby" Jane Hudson in 1962's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" set a new standard for sibling rivalry, as Joan Crawford played her tortured sister, Blanche.
Warner Bros.
Bruce Willis' John McClane has outlasted plenty of bad guys throughout the "Die Hard" franchise, but the original baddie is still the best. Alan Rickman's portrayal of German terrorist leader Hans Gruber in 1988's "Die Hard" is classic.
Hans Gruber, 'Die Hard' —
Bruce Willis' John McClane has outlasted plenty of bad guys throughout the "Die Hard" franchise, but the original baddie is still the best. Alan Rickman's portrayal of German terrorist leader Hans Gruber in 1988's "Die Hard" is classic.
Twentieth Century Fox
Have fans ever been so eager to kneel before a foe as they are for "Superman" and "Superman II's" General Zod? The role, at the time filled by Terence Stamp in the late '70s/early '80s, will be reprised by Michael Shannon in June's Superman movie, "Man of Steel."
General Zod, 'Superman' —
Have fans ever been so eager to kneel before a foe as they are for "Superman" and "Superman II's" General Zod? The role, at the time filled by Terence Stamp in the late '70s/early '80s, will be reprised by Michael Shannon in June's Superman movie, "Man of Steel."
Warner Bros.
Regina George's "Mean Girls" tactics are the stuff of legend, even though the Tina Fey-penned comedy is just nine years old.
Regina George, 'Mean Girls' —
Regina George's "Mean Girls" tactics are the stuff of legend, even though the Tina Fey-penned comedy is just nine years old.
Paramount Pictures
Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates is the ultimate proof that looks can be deceiving. The innocent-seeming Norman gave viewers a shock in 1960's "Psycho" when the true nature of his relationship with his mother was revealed.
Norman Bates, 'Psycho' —
Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates is the ultimate proof that looks can be deceiving. The innocent-seeming Norman gave viewers a shock in 1960's "Psycho" when the true nature of his relationship with his mother was revealed.
Paramount Pictures
Faye Dunaway's interpretation of Joan Crawford in 1981's "Mommie Dearest" was deliciously unnerving. The movie was based on a memoir of the same name by Crawford's adopted daughter, Christina, and it put us off wire hangers to this day.
Joan Crawford, 'Mommie Dearest' —
Faye Dunaway's interpretation of Joan Crawford in 1981's "Mommie Dearest" was deliciously unnerving. The movie was based on a memoir of the same name by Crawford's adopted daughter, Christina, and it put us off wire hangers to this day.
Paramount Pictures
Kevin Spacey's role in 1995's "Se7en" inspires such a love-hate relationship for us. We hate that watching the movie starring his sadistic John Doe can still make us leave the lights on at night, but we love how well Spacey nailed the role.
John Doe, 'Se7en' —
Kevin Spacey's role in 1995's "Se7en" inspires such a love-hate relationship for us. We hate that watching the movie starring his sadistic John Doe can still make us leave the lights on at night, but we love how well Spacey nailed the role.
New Line Cinema
Kathy Bates did a marvelous job bringing Stephen King's obsessed and psychotic book lover, Annie Wilkes, to life in 1990's "Misery."
Annie Wilkes, 'Misery' —
Kathy Bates did a marvelous job bringing Stephen King's obsessed and psychotic book lover, Annie Wilkes, to life in 1990's "Misery."
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Michael Douglas was so good in his role as the cold-blooded stockbroker Gordon Gekko in 1987's "Wall Street," it was easy to forget his "Greed is Good" mantra isn't something we're supposed to embrace.
Gordon Gekko, 'Wall Street' —
Michael Douglas was so good in his role as the cold-blooded stockbroker Gordon Gekko in 1987's "Wall Street," it was easy to forget his "Greed is Good" mantra isn't something we're supposed to embrace.
Twentieth Century Fox
It's a wonder that extramarital affairs haven't been drastically reduced since 1987's "Fatal Attraction," in which Glenn Close plays a one-night-stand turned horror-show named Alex Forrest. She teaches Michael Douglas' unfaithful Dan Gallagher (and one poor, helpless bunny) a lesson on infidelity that we haven't forgotten.
Alex Forrest, 'Fatal Attraction' —
It's a wonder that extramarital affairs haven't been drastically reduced since 1987's "Fatal Attraction," in which Glenn Close plays a one-night-stand turned horror-show named Alex Forrest. She teaches Michael Douglas' unfaithful Dan Gallagher (and one poor, helpless bunny) a lesson on infidelity that we haven't forgotten.
Paramount Pictures
The other 2001 Oscar nominees "ain't have s**t" on Denzel Washington's Alonzo Harris. The actor's role in "Training Day" allowed him to play a cutthroat and egomaniacal character, earning the star a best actor Oscar.
Alonzo Harris, 'Training Day' —
The other 2001 Oscar nominees "ain't have s**t" on Denzel Washington's Alonzo Harris. The actor's role in "Training Day" allowed him to play a cutthroat and egomaniacal character, earning the star a best actor Oscar.
Warner Bros.
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" in 1971 brought us the "ultraviolent" Alex, as played by Malcolm McDowell. Although Alex is unquestionably brutal in the film, the character's style is almost more memorable than his actions.
Alex, 'A Clockwork Orange' —
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" in 1971 brought us the "ultraviolent" Alex, as played by Malcolm McDowell. Although Alex is unquestionably brutal in the film, the character's style is almost more memorable than his actions.
Warner Bros.
The story goes that Dennis Hopper was dead set on playing the profane and sociopathic Frank Booth in 1986's "Blue Velvet" because, as he reportedly told writer/director David Lynch, he was Frank.
Frank Booth, 'Blue Velvet' —
The story goes that Dennis Hopper was dead set on playing the profane and sociopathic Frank Booth in 1986's "Blue Velvet" because, as he reportedly told writer/director David Lynch, he was Frank.
MGM
Perhaps the only thing more frightening than Christian Bale's turn as well-dressed killing machine Patrick Bateman in 2000's "American Psycho" is the rumor that Bale <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2F2009%2F10%2F22%2Fchristian-bales-american_n_329874.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">drew inspiration for the part from Tom Cruise. </a>
Patrick Bateman, 'American Psycho' —
Perhaps the only thing more frightening than Christian Bale's turn as well-dressed killing machine Patrick Bateman in 2000's "American Psycho" is the rumor that Bale drew inspiration for the part from Tom Cruise.
Universal Studios
Disney movies have a plethora of fantastically drawn (literally and figuratively) villains, but Scar in 1994's "The Lion King" is a standout. Voiced by Jeremy Irons, Scar makes for a satisfying evil (and pretty entertaining) uncle.
Scar, 'The Lion King' —
Disney movies have a plethora of fantastically drawn (literally and figuratively) villains, but Scar in 1994's "The Lion King" is a standout. Voiced by Jeremy Irons, Scar makes for a satisfying evil (and pretty entertaining) uncle.
Walt Disney Pictures
Christian Slater was the twisted boyfriend every high school girl wanted by her side when 1988's "Heathers" was released. As J.D., the beau of Winona Ryder's Veronica, he helps her take down a clique of nasty girls in gruesome ways.
J.D., 'Heathers' —
Christian Slater was the twisted boyfriend every high school girl wanted by her side when 1988's "Heathers" was released. As J.D., the beau of Winona Ryder's Veronica, he helps her take down a clique of nasty girls in gruesome ways.