20 Terrible TV & Movie Characters We Love More Than We Should

Some characters are so vile—scheming, cruel, or outright monstrous—that we should despise them, yet their charm, depth, or raw energy pulls us in. These antiheroes and villains hook us despite their awfulness, making us cheer when we know we shouldn’t.

I’ve picked 20 TV and movie characters who are undeniably terrible but steal our hearts with their complexity or charisma. From cunning criminals to chaotic tyrants, these figures are impossible to resist, even if they’re the worst.

Pablo Escobar – Narcos (2015-2017)

Pablo Escobar, the drug kingpin in ‘Narcos,’ builds his empire with ruthless violence. His brutality is chilling, but his devotion to his family makes him oddly human.

Wagner Moura’s electric performance captures Escobar’s charisma, drawing you in. Rewatching shows his tragic flaws, making you root for him despite the blood on his hands.

Walter White – Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’ transforms from a desperate teacher into a ruthless meth lord. His pride destroys everyone around him, yet his cunning keeps you glued.

Bryan Cranston’s layered portrayal blends vulnerability with menace. A second watch highlights Walt’s selfish choices, but his sheer audacity makes him hard to hate.

Homelander – The Boys (2019-Present)

Homelander, the superhero in ‘The Boys,’ hides sadistic cruelty behind a patriotic grin. His narcissism is terrifying, yet his raw power and fragility fascinate.

Antony Starr’s chilling performance mixes charm with horror, making HomАКHomelander magnetic. Rewatching reveals his fractured ego, pulling you to his side against your better judgment.

Tony Soprano – The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Tony Soprano, the mob boss in ‘The Sopranos,’ rules with brutal force and betrays those closest to him. His therapy sessions, though, reveal a man wrestling with guilt.

James Gandolfini’s raw charisma makes Tony feel like a friend, even at his worst. A second look uncovers his inner turmoil, drawing you to his flawed humanity.

Cersei Lannister – Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Cersei Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’ schemes with vicious ambition, destroying lives for power. Her fierce love for her children, though, gives her a tragic edge.

Lena Headey’s nuanced performance makes Cersei’s pain palpable. Rewatching shows her desperate strength, making you admire her, even as she wreaks havoc.

Loki – Thor (2011)

Loki, the trickster in ‘Thor,’ betrays his brother with jealousy-fueled schemes. His wit and vulnerability, however, make him a fan favorite despite his treachery.

Tom Hiddleston’s charm brings Loki’s pain to life, stealing every scene. A second viewing reveals his insecurity, making you cheer for his chaotic redemption.

Hannibal Lecter – The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ is a cannibalistic killer with chilling intellect. His eerie politeness and sharp mind make him irresistibly captivating.

Anthony Hopkins’ magnetic performance blends menace with sophistication. Rewatching uncovers his subtle manipulations, drawing you to his dark allure despite his horrors.

Amy Dunne – Gone Girl (2014)

Amy Dunne in ‘Gone Girl’ crafts a diabolical revenge plot against her husband. Her cold brilliance is terrifying, yet her cunning makes her thrilling to watch.

Rosamund Pike’s icy performance makes Amy’s twisted logic compelling. A second watch reveals her meticulous schemes, making you root for her, even as she chills you.

Tyler Durden – Fight Club (1999)

Tyler Durden in ‘Fight Club’ pushes anarchy with destructive zeal. His violent ideology is dangerous, but his raw energy and rebellion are infectious.

Brad Pitt’s electric charisma makes Tyler a seductive force. Rewatching shows his fractured nature, but his defiant spirit still hooks you, despite the chaos.

Jordan Belfort – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Jordan Belfort in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ scams his way to wealth with reckless greed. His selfishness ruins lives, yet his wild charisma is hard to resist.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s manic energy makes Belfort’s debauchery captivating. A second viewing highlights his flawed charm, making you cheer his audacity despite his crimes.

Erik Killmonger – Black Panther (2018)

Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ seeks vengeance with rage-fueled destruction. His villainy is clear, but his pain and conviction make him deeply compelling.

Michael B. Jordan’s intense performance gives Killmonger a tragic edge. Rewatching reveals his deeper motives, drawing sympathy despite his extremist actions.

Catherine Tramell – Basic Instinct (1992)

Catherine Tramell in ‘Basic Instinct’ weaves a deadly web of deceit as a manipulative seductress. Her cold calculation chills, but her bold confidence captivates.

Sharon Stone’s electric performance makes Catherine magnetic. A second look shows her calculated moves, but her fearless attitude keeps you hooked on her.

Alex DeLarge – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Alex DeLarge in ‘A Clockwork Orange’ revels in violent chaos with glee. His brutal acts are unforgivable, yet his love for music and charm make him oddly endearing.

Malcolm McDowell’s vibrant energy turns Alex into a twisted delight. Rewatching reveals his warped humanity, pulling you to his anarchic spirit despite his evil.

Scarlett O’Hara – Gone with the Wind (1939)

Scarlett O’Hara in ‘Gone with the Wind’ manipulates and schemes for her own gain. Her selfish choices hurt others, but her fierce survival instinct makes her compelling.

Vivien Leigh’s fiery performance brings Scarlett’s flaws to life. A second watch highlights her resilience, making you admire her tenacity, even when she’s wrong.

Negan – The Walking Dead (2010-Present)

Negan in ‘The Walking Dead’ rules with brutal charisma, smashing skulls with his bat Lucille. His sadistic streak horrifies, but his humor draws you in.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s swagger makes Negan a standout villain. Rewatching shows his layered motivations, making you hope for his redemption despite his cruelty.

Patrick Bateman – American Psycho (2000)

Patrick Bateman in ‘American Psycho’ is a psychopathic killer with a polished mask. His horrific acts repel, but his dark humor and absurdity pull you in.

Christian Bale’s intense performance makes Bateman’s madness magnetic. A second viewing reveals his inner emptiness, adding twisted charm to his monstrous behavior.

Regina George – Mean Girls (2004)

Regina George in ‘Mean Girls’ bullies her peers with sharp-tongued cruelty. Her mean streak is undeniable, but her confidence makes her a guilty pleasure.

Rachel McAdams’ bold portrayal gives Regina larger-than-life charm. Rewatching uncovers her insecurity, making you cheer her despite her vicious antics.

Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Joffrey Baratheon in ‘Game of Thrones’ is a sadistic prince with no redeeming qualities. His spoiled cruelty horrifies, yet his youthful arrogance is oddly gripping.

Jack Gleeson’s chilling performance captures Joffrey’s entitled menace. A second watch shows his petulant vulnerability, making you almost pity his twisted nature.

The Joker – The Dark Knight (2008)

The Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’ orchestrates chaos with a twisted grin. His anarchic evil is terrifying, but his brilliance and dark humor steal the show.

Heath Ledger’s iconic performance blends menace with charisma. Rewatching uncovers his philosophical edge, making you admire his twisted genius despite the horror.

Gus Fring – Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Gus Fring in ‘Breaking Bad’ runs a meth empire with cold precision, eliminating threats without blinking. His ruthless control is chilling, yet his calm demeanor pulls you in.

Giancarlo Esposito’s subtle menace makes Gus magnetic, hiding danger behind a polite smile. Rewatching shows his calculated moves, making you admire his brilliance despite his cruelty.

Which terrible character do you secretly adore, or is there another awful yet irresistible figure I missed? Share your picks in the comments!