Movies That Made Us Root for the Villain

Sometimes the story follows someone who breaks the rules and the camera stays with them the whole way. When a film builds the plot around a character who lives on the wrong side of the law, viewers get to see how that person thinks and acts from up close, which can be gripping to watch.

This list brings together movies where the central figure is an antagonist or an antihero and the narrative puts their choices in the foreground. You will find crime sagas, comic book tales, and dark character studies where the so called bad guy takes center stage and drives the story forward.

‘Joker’ (2019)

The film follows Arthur Fleck in Gotham City as he works as a clown for hire and pursues stand up comedy while caring for his mother. A series of violent incidents, a public transit attack, and a live television confrontation mark his transformation into the figure known as Joker.

Todd Phillips directed with Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role and Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, and Frances Conroy in support. The production won multiple major awards, drew a rare R rating for a comic book adaptation, and became one of the highest grossing releases in its category.

‘Maleficent’ (2014)

The story retells the events of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ from the viewpoint of the fairy who casts the curse on Princess Aurora. The plot shows her early friendship with Stefan, the betrayal that hardens her heart, and the protective bond she forms with the child she once targeted.

Angelina Jolie stars with Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley, and Robert Stromberg directed. The release launched a fantasy franchise, featured extensive creature and wing effects from major visual effects houses, and earned strong family audience turnout worldwide.

‘Megamind’ (2010)

This animated film centers on a blue skinned supervillain who defeats his superhero rival and then faces an unexpected crisis of purpose. He creates a new opponent to keep the game going, only to see that decision spiral out of control in Metro City.

Will Ferrell voices the title character with Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, and Brad Pitt rounding out the cast. DreamWorks Animation produced the film with a pop heavy soundtrack, fast paced set pieces, and a marketing campaign that leaned into comic book parody.

‘Despicable Me’ (2010)

Gru plans to steal the moon and adopts three girls as part of his scheme, which changes his daily life and the way he runs his lair. The plot blends high tech heists, rival villain antics, and domestic routines inside a suburban house full of inventions.

Steve Carell leads the voice cast with Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, and Julie Andrews. Illumination produced the film, introduced the Minions to mainstream audiences, and set up a long running series that expanded across sequels and spin offs.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ (2012)

An arcade game antagonist leaves his cabinet to earn a hero medal and prove he can be more than his role. The journey takes him through multiple game worlds, including a candy themed racer where he teams up with a glitchy driver.

John C Reilly voices Ralph with Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch. Walt Disney Animation Studios built detailed digital environments inspired by classic and modern games and filled the film with licensed character cameos and original score cues.

‘Cruella’ (2021)

The film presents Estella’s path into fashion and the incidents that lead to the persona known as Cruella. The narrative tracks her clashes with a powerful designer, a string of elaborate public stunts, and the forming of a small crew that helps her pull them off.

Emma Stone stars with Emma Thompson, and Craig Gillespie directs. The production features extensive costume design work, London location shoots, and a soundtrack packed with period tracks that match the setting and tone of the story.

‘Venom’ (2018)

Journalist Eddie Brock bonds with an alien symbiote that gives him lethal abilities and an appetite he struggles to control. The story pits him against a corporate research group and another host who uses a similar organism for hostile goals.

Tom Hardy headlines with Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed. Sony’s production established the character within its own universe, used performance capture for creature movements, and delivered large scale action centered on the dual voice dynamic of host and symbiote.

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

The plot follows Patrick Bateman, a Manhattan investment banker who leads a secret life that escalates in brutality. The film presents his daily routine, status driven social circle, and a narrative that blurs perception and reality within his point of view.

Christian Bale stars with Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto, and Willem Dafoe. Mary Harron directs an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, with production design that recreates upscale late century corporate culture and a soundtrack that underscores the setting.

‘Scarface’ (1983)

Cuban immigrant Tony Montana rises through the Miami drug trade as he takes over operations from rivals. Key sequences include a tense motel scene, a violent coup against a mentor, and a fortress showdown that cements the character’s legend.

Al Pacino leads with Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer, and Brian De Palma directs a script by Oliver Stone. The film uses bold cinematography, Giorgio Moroder’s music, and elaborate set builds that became iconic in crime cinema.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

This crime saga tracks the Corleone family as Michael moves from reluctant outsider to the one who consolidates power. Major plot points include an attempt on the life of Vito, a strategic move in a restaurant, and a final montage that closes rivals out.

Marlon Brando and Al Pacino lead an ensemble that includes James Caan and Diane Keaton, with Francis Ford Coppola directing. The production features detailed period costumes, Nino Rota’s score, and careful location work across New York and Sicily.

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

The film intercuts Michael’s leadership of the family with the early life of Vito as he arrives in New York and builds influence. The structure shows parallel rises, senate hearings, and fractures within the family.

Al Pacino returns alongside Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Francis Ford Coppola directs a production noted for its layered narrative, Gordon Willis’s cinematography, and ambitious set pieces that recreate Little Italy and Lake Tahoe estates.

‘The Devil’s Advocate’ (1997)

A Florida defense attorney joins a powerful New York firm run by a charismatic figure who takes a keen interest in his career. The plot blends high profile cases with growing revelations about the true nature of his boss and the cost of success.

Keanu Reeves stars with Al Pacino and Charlize Theron, and Taylor Hackford directs. The film combines courtroom drama, psychological elements, and stylized effects work in set pieces that reveal the supernatural backdrop.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994)

A journalist in San Francisco records the life story of a vampire who describes his transformation and travels with his maker. The narrative covers a child companion turned immortal, a New Orleans theater coven, and a centuries long search for meaning.

Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt lead with Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas. The adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel features lavish production design, elaborate makeup effects, and a score that supports the gothic tone.

‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ (2007)

A barber returns to London after a wrongful conviction and finds his family destroyed by a corrupt judge. He resumes work above a pie shop and partners with its owner as a grim plan unfolds.

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter star, with Tim Burton directing a screen version of the stage musical. The production features vocal performances recorded to fit cinematic staging, period sets drenched in a distinct palette, and orchestration that drives the story.

‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)

Lou Bloom enters the world of freelance crime videography in Los Angeles and learns how to supply footage to local stations. The plot follows his methods at accident and crime scenes and the way he manages a small crew to chase exclusive material.

Jake Gyllenhaal leads with Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed, and Dan Gilroy writes and directs. The film uses late night location shooting, fast car rigs, and a critical look at the mechanics of stringer news markets.

‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

A missing person case in a Missouri town turns into a national media event as evidence and narratives shift. The film alternates between present day investigation and diary entries that reframe what happened inside the marriage.

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike star, with David Fincher directing from Gillian Flynn’s adaptation of her novel. The production uses precise editing rhythms, a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and media satire woven into police procedural beats.

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

An FBI trainee consults incarcerated psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter to profile a serial murderer. Their interviews lead to behavioral clues, a quid pro quo exchange, and a climactic rescue that closes the case.

Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins star, and Jonathan Demme directs. The film earned top awards across major categories, features memorable production design choices like the glass cell, and became a landmark in psychological thriller cinema.

‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

Alex leads a small gang involved in violent crimes until he is captured and subjected to an experimental aversion treatment. The narrative examines the effects of conditioning and the aftermath when he reenters society.

Malcolm McDowell stars, and Stanley Kubrick directs an adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel. The film is known for its stylized set pieces, classical music cues reinterpreted with synthesizers, and provocative production design.

‘Falling Down’ (1993)

A laid off defense worker traverses Los Angeles on foot with increasing confrontations as he tries to reach his daughter’s birthday gathering. The plot crosscuts with a police sergeant on his last day who tracks the path of incidents across the city.

Michael Douglas stars with Robert Duvall and Barbara Hershey, and Joel Schumacher directs. The production uses real locations across Southern California, a grounded visual style, and a structure that maps a single day of escalation.

‘Watchmen’ (2009)

Former costumed heroes confront a conspiracy after one of their own is killed in his apartment. The story moves between present day tensions and detailed backstories, including a plan that aims to avert a larger crisis through extreme means.

Zack Snyder directs an adaptation of the graphic novel with a cast that includes Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Akerman, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The film features stylized action, a faithful recreation of iconic panels, and an alternate history setting built with extensive visual effects.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

A covert government program assembles incarcerated metahumans and criminals to handle a high risk mission in exchange for sentence reductions. The group operates with explosive devices implanted as a control measure and tackles a threat in Midway City.

Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto star, with David Ayer directing. The production blends ensemble action, needle drop heavy music cues, and elaborate makeup and costume work that introduced multiple characters to a wider audience.

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

A new Task Force X deploys to the island nation of Corto Maltese to destroy a secret project tied to extraterrestrial research. The team composition shifts as the mission unfolds and the operation reveals layers of political maneuvering.

James Gunn writes and directs with Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, and Joel Kinnaman. The film uses practical gore effects mixed with digital work, a distinct comedic tone, and large scale third act spectacle anchored by a towering creature.

‘Monster’ (2003)

The film recounts the life of Aileen Wuornos, focusing on her relationship with Selby and the series of murders that led to her arrest. It presents her early struggles, encounters with clients, and the investigation that closes in on her.

Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci star, with Patty Jenkins writing and directing. The production is noted for transformative makeup and physical performance, location work in Florida, and a grounded approach to true crime storytelling.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Jordan Belfort builds a brokerage that uses high pressure sales tactics and illegal schemes to generate massive profits. The film charts his rapid rise, elaborate lifestyle, federal scrutiny, and eventual cooperation with authorities.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars with Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, and Martin Scorsese directs from a memoir. The production features energetic camera work, extended improvisation within scenes, and a soundtrack that supports the fast pace of the narrative.

‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994)

Mickey and Mallory Knox embark on a cross country killing spree that draws relentless media attention. The story follows their capture, sensational coverage, and a prison uprising that feeds on the spectacle.

Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis star, with Oliver Stone directing from a story by Quentin Tarantino adapted for the screen. The film uses mixed media techniques, rapid edits, and shifting film stocks to create a frenzied portrayal of crime and fame.

Share your picks in the comments and tell everyone which other films belong on this list.