7 Great Movies Told From the Villain’s Point of View

Movies usually follow the hero’s journey, rooting us for the good guy as they overcome obstacles and defeat evil. But sometimes, filmmakers flip the script, letting us see the world through the eyes of the villain, offering a fresh and often unsettling view of their motives and struggles. These stories challenge us to rethink what makes someone ‘bad’ and often blur the line between right and wrong, pulling us into complex characters who drive the narrative in unexpected ways.

By focusing on the villain’s point of view, these films dive deep into their desires, pain, and reasoning, making us question our assumptions about morality. From twisted masterminds to misunderstood outcasts, here are seven great movies that tell their stories from the villain’s side, each one bold in its approach and unforgettable in its impact.

7. ‘Despicable Me’ (2010)

Gru, a supervillain with a penchant for grand schemes, aims to steal the moon to prove his worth in ‘Despicable Me’. Voiced by Steve Carell, his larger-than-life personality and quirky charm make him a villain we can’t help but root for. His underground lair and army of mischievous minions add a playful edge to his world domination plans.

Yet, the heart of the story lies in Gru’s unexpected bond with three orphaned girls he adopts as part of his scheme. Their influence softens his cold exterior, revealing a man seeking acceptance beneath his villainy, making this animated hit a delightful mix of humor and heart.

6. ‘American Psycho’ (2000)

In ‘American Psycho’, Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker by day and a sadistic serial killer by night. The film follows his obsessive routine, blending sharp satire with horror as we witness his descent into violence and madness.

Bateman’s polished exterior hides a fractured psyche, and the movie’s first-person lens forces us into his unsettling world, questioning whether his crimes are real or imagined. It’s a bold exploration of a villain’s mind, exposing the emptiness of materialism and unchecked ambition.

5. ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ centers on Alex DeLarge, a charismatic yet brutal delinquent who revels in ‘ultraviolence’. Malcolm McDowell’s haunting portrayal pulls us into Alex’s world of chaos, where he leads his gang in acts of assault and destruction.

When Alex undergoes a controversial treatment to curb his violent urges, the film asks tough questions about free will and morality. Seeing the story through his eyes makes us grapple with whether a villain can be redeemed or if society’s attempts to ‘fix’ him are just as cruel.

4. ‘Monster’ (2003)

Charlize Theron transforms into Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’, a biographical drama about the real-life serial killer. The film traces Wuornos’ life as a sex worker turned murderer, showing her desperate attempts to survive and find love in a harsh world.

Through Wuornos’ perspective, we see her pain and rage, stemming from a lifetime of abuse and betrayal. Theron’s raw performance makes us empathize with her, even as her actions spiral into horror, creating a powerful and heartbreaking portrait of a broken soul.

3. ‘Joker’ (2019)

In ‘Joker’, Joaquin Phoenix delivers a haunting performance as Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian spiraling into madness. The film traces his transformation into Gotham’s infamous villain, driven by rejection and societal neglect.

Arthur’s perspective makes us empathize with his pain, even as his actions grow darker. This gritty, psychological drama redefines a classic villain, showing how a broken man becomes a symbol of chaos.

2. ‘Megamind’ (2010)

‘Megamind’, voiced by Will Ferrell, is a blue-skinned supervillain who finally defeats his heroic nemesis, Metro Man, in this animated comedy. His victory leaves him aimless, as he realizes being the bad guy loses its thrill without a rival.

The story dives into Megamind’s struggle to find purpose, blending humor with surprising depth. His journey from villain to reluctant hero is both funny and touching, showing how even the ‘bad guy’ can crave meaning and connection.

1. ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

In ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’, Matt Damon plays Tom Ripley, a young man hired to retrieve a wealthy heir but soon spirals into deception and murder. The film follows his cunning attempts to assume a new identity, blending charm with chilling ambition.

Ripley’s perspective draws us into his web of lies, making us complicit in his schemes while questioning his morality. Damon’s subtle performance keeps us hooked, turning this psychological thriller into a gripping study of a villain’s desperate desire for a better life.

Which movie villain’s story hooked you the most, or is there another film that deserves a spot on this list? Drop your thoughts in the comments!