Fans Select Top 10 Marvel Villains Too Scary for the MCU

The MCU has adapted over 50 villains from the comics so far. While some, like Dar-Benn, were disappointing, others, like last year’s High Evolutionary, were executed brilliantly. Yet, there are still many more villains to introduce.

As fans eagerly anticipate characters like the Beyonder and Doctor Doom, Ranker provided an opportunity for fans to vote on 10 Marvel villains deemed too grotesque or messed up to be introduced to the MCU. Let’s take a look at the names.

10. Demogoblin

Demogoblin is one of Spider-Man’s villains. He’s a dark twist on the Green Goblin, turned into a demonic being after a deal with a demon. Demogoblin has super strength, agility, and endurance, plus can control mystical fire. While not extremely frightening, fans often prefer the classic version of the character.

9. Reginald Fortean’s Abomination

We’ve encountered Emil Blonsky’s Abomination in the MCU, but compared to the creature before you, it’s tame. Reginald Fortean grew fixated on structure and order from his early days, influenced by Sunday school sermons. Rising to the rank of Major in the U.S. Air Force by age twenty-eight, his encounter with Abomination tissue during his military career transformed him into this monstrous amalgamation of flesh, tissue, and nerves.

8. Skinless Man

This villain lives up to his name. Harry Pizer, once a barrister during the Cold War, had a mutant ability: elastic and multi-sensory skin, perfect for espionage. The Professor noticed his talents and enlisted him in the Weapon Plus program to assist during the Cold War. However, Harry faced severe consequences for his actions. He was punished by having his skin removed by none other than the Captain Britain Corps, for the lives he took.

7. The Brood

The Brood are insect-like beings that travel through space seeking hosts to infest with their offspring. Evolved for reproduction and resource consumption, they’ve been in the Milky Way since at least 2620 BC. Originally from another universe, they’re considered the first natural predators there, experimented on by the Kree, and have nests across many worlds. Brood society is organized into clans led by queens, with the Empress Brood holding the highest authority.

Interestingly, the MCU could introduce ‘The Brood,’ or potentially still might, as this species plays a pivotal role in Danvers unlocking her Binary form in the comics.

6. Madcap

The man who would become Madcap was a devout member of a religious group that organized a trip. A chemical accident orchestrated by A.I.M. terrorists wiped out everyone on the bus except him. Found unconscious in the spillage of Chemical X07, he gained immunity to damage but also lost his sanity. Confused and traumatized by being the sole survivor, he attempted suicide by throwing himself in front of a car, only to find he felt no pain and remained unscathed. This discovery further fueled his descent into madness, eventually realizing he could also induce madness in others as part of his superpowers.

Despite the terrifying nature of Madcap’s abilities, it would be intriguing to witness his origin story in the MCU, although similar narratives have been explored before.

5. Styx

Styx is one of David Haller’s (Legion’s) personalities, designated as Personality #666. This persona grants Haller the power to manipulate the consciousness of anyone he touches. However, what makes Styx truly terrifying is its capacity to detach from Haller and take residence in a reanimated corpse. From there, it endeavors to dominate Haller and scheme to conquer the world. Its chilling appearance, especially its menacing teeth, amplifies its sinister essence.

4. Shadow King

The Shadow King is thought to embody the darker aspects of human consciousness across multiple universes, stemming from the earliest nightmares. When mutant Amahl Farouk faced despair and isolation, the Shadow King extended companionship in return for a pact. Farouk agreed, resulting in their merging.

While the Multiverse Saga presents an ideal chance to introduce him, we sincerely hope he remains absent.

3. Freak

Well, with a name like that and a face that only a mother could appreciate… A drug addict known as “Freak” stumbles into Curt Connors’ lab and injects himself with animal stem cells, mistaking them for crystal meth. This transforms him into a skinless beast with animalistic features and impenetrable skin. Driven by addiction, Freak hunts down Spider-Man, sparking a brutal showdown. In a subsequent brawl at a meth lab, a fire erupts, and Freak emerges unscathed, now stronger and impervious to flames.

2. Mr. Smile

I’m fed up with these cheesy names for creepy characters like “Mr. Smile,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “Mr. Candy,” but here we are… Mr. Smile is a demon often associated with Mr. Sulk (who’s not particularly terrifying). He wields the Mallet of Enthropy, capable of destabilizing the atomic structure of nearly anything.

1. The Thousand

If spiders give you the creeps, brace yourself for this villain. It’s not just his appearance that’s unsettling; his origin story is downright terrifying. Carl King, a former bully of Peter Parker, witnessed Peter’s spider bite incident and his subsequent superhuman abilities. Desperate for similar powers, Carl consumed the dead radioactive spider, causing his body to break down into a collective of spiders. This gruesome transformation granted him control over the bodies of those he consumed, including his own family and girlfriend. I repeat: HIS BODY BROKE DOWN INTO A COLLECTIVE OF SPIDERS.

This origin story is definitely not suitable for a PG-13 rating.

Know of another villain to add to the list? Share it with us in the comments below!