15 Best Movie Villains of the 1990s, Ranked

The 1990s delivered movie villains who owned the screen with their menace, charm, or pure terror. From sly masterminds to brutal killers, these antagonists shaped their films, leaving us spooked or oddly drawn to their chaos. Their legacy still burns bright in pop culture.

I’ve ranked the 15 best villains from 1990s movies, based on their threat, performance, and staying power. Here’s the countdown from solid foes to the decade’s most iconic.

15. Waingro (Heat, 1995)

Michael Mann’s crime saga features Kevin Gage as Waingro, a reckless crook whose betrayal fuels Robert De Niro’s heist crew’s downfall. His violent streak, seen in the opening robbery, sets a tense vibe. The film grossed $187 million.

Waingro’s raw edge makes him stand out, but his brief role keeps him at the bottom. He’s a gritty spark for the story’s fire.

14. Castor Troy (Face/Off, 1997)

Nicolas Cage’s Castor Troy, a wild terrorist in John Woo’s action flick, swaps faces with John Travolta in a bonkers plot. His flamboyant energy drives the chaos. The film earned $245 million.

Cage’s larger-than-life charisma pops, but the cartoonish tone limits depth. Troy’s a chaotic, fun villain who steals scenes.

13. Tommy DeVito (Goodfellas, 1990)

Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito in Martin Scorsese’s mob epic is a volatile gangster whose ‘Funny how?’ rant is legendary. His unhinged rage terrifies. The film made $46 million and won Pesci an Oscar.

Tommy’s small but explosive role lands him here. He’s a chilling menace, though outdone by bigger threats.

12. Simon Phoenix (Demolition Man, 1993)

Wesley Snipes’ Simon Phoenix, a gleeful criminal in a futuristic dystopia, clashes with Sylvester Stallone. His wild charm and action flair shine. The film grossed $159 million.

Phoenix’s over-the-top vibe is a blast, but the silly story caps his menace. He’s a vibrant villain for action fans.

11. Catherine Tramell (Basic Instinct, 1992)

Sharon Stone’s Catherine Tramell, a seductive novelist linked to murders in Paul Verhoeven’s thriller, captivates with her icy allure. Her infamous interrogation scene stunned. The film made $352 million.

Tramell’s manipulative charm grips, but her vague villainy lowers her rank. She’s an iconic femme fatale.

10. Agent Smith (The Matrix, 1999)

Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith, a rogue AI in the Wachowskis’ sci-fi hit, hunts Keanu Reeves with eerie precision. His cold menace and viral threat chill. The film earned $463 million.

Smith’s sleek performance shines, but his bigger role in sequels overshadows the original. He’s a terrifying digital foe.

9. T-1000 (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, 1991)

Robert Patrick’s liquid-metal T-1000 in James Cameron’s sci-fi classic chases Arnold Schwarzenegger. His relentless shape-shifting and calm terror scare. The film grossed $520 million.

The T-1000’s cutting-edge menace is iconic, but its lack of personality keeps it mid-tier. It’s a cold, groundbreaking killer.

8. Keyser Söze (The Usual Suspects, 1995)

Keyser Söze, the mythic crime lord in Bryan Singer’s thriller, looms over the twisty plot. Kevin Spacey’s role ties to the film’s legendary reveal. It made $23 million and won two Oscars.

Söze’s shadowy aura and clever twist are brilliant, but his limited presence lowers him. He’s a cunning, elusive villain.

7. Max Cady (Cape Fear, 1991)

Robert De Niro’s Max Cady in Martin Scorsese’s thriller is a vengeful ex-con tormenting Nick Nolte’s family. His tattooed menace and creepy drawl haunt. The film grossed $182 million.

De Niro’s raw intensity pops, but the remake’s melodrama dims it slightly. Cady’s a relentless, terrifying force.

6. Buffalo Bill (The Silence of the Lambs, 1991)

Ted Levine’s Buffalo Bill, a serial killer in Jonathan Demme’s thriller, hunts women as Jodie Foster investigates. His creepy dance and basement lair horrify. The film won five Oscars and made $272 million.

Bill’s raw terror grips, but he’s outshined by a bigger villain. He’s a chilling, unforgettable creep.

5. Norman Stansfield (Léon: The Professional, 1994)

Gary Oldman’s Norman Stansfield, a corrupt, unhinged DEA agent in Luc Besson’s thriller, terrorizes Jean Reno and young Natalie Portman.

His erratic menace, like the wild ‘Beethoven’ rant, and chilling performance make him a standout. The film grossed $46 million.

4. John Doe (Se7en, 1995)

Kevin Spacey’s John Doe in David Fincher’s dark thriller crafts sins-based murders with chilling calm. His late entry and shocking twist devastate. The film made $327 million.

Doe’s brief but brutal impact shines. He’s a cold, brilliant villain who owns the finale.

3. Annie Wilkes (Misery, 1990)

Kathy Bates’ Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s thriller is a deranged fan holding James Caan hostage. Her erratic rage and ‘cockadoodie’ rants terrify. The film grossed $61 million and won Bates an Oscar.

Wilkes’ psychological menace and raw intensity are near-perfect. She’s a gripping, unhinged icon just shy of the top.

2. Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs, 1991)

Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic genius in Demme’s thriller, aids Jodie Foster’s FBI hunt. His sharp wit and eerie gaze mesmerize. The film won five Oscars and made $272 million.

Hopkins’ electric, brief role redefines villainy. He’s a magnetic, terrifying force, narrowly missing first.

1. Xenia Onatopp (GoldenEye, 1995)

Famke Janssen’s Xenia Onatopp in Martin Campbell’s Bond film is a lethal assassin who kills with her thighs. Her wild charisma and deadly flair steal scenes from Pierce Brosnan’s 007. The film grossed $352 million.

Onatopp’s bold, campy menace and unforgettable style make her the decade’s top villain. She’s a thrilling, iconic standout.

Which 1990s movie villain tops your list, or did I miss one? Share your thoughts in the comments!