The 25 Most Hated Movie Characters of All Time

Some movie characters are crafted to be loathed, their actions sparking instant dislike that makes rooting for the hero all the sweeter. Others stumble into infamy, grating on audiences through poor writing or sheer annoyance, leaving a lasting mark for all the wrong reasons.

This list counts down 25 characters who’ve earned a special kind of hatred, from vile villains to irritating sidekicks. Spanning decades and genres, these are the figures who make you clench your fists or roll your eyes every time they appear on screen.

25. Ruby Rhod – ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)

Chris Tucker’s over-the-top radio host is a whirlwind of loud outfits and louder personality. His high-pitched antics distract from the sci-fi epic’s action, making him feel like a walking caricature.
Many find his exaggerated style unbearable, though some appreciate the chaotic energy. He’s a polarizing figure, but for those who dislike him, he’s a scene-stealer in the worst way.

24. Bella Swan – ‘Twilight’ (2008-2012)

Kristen Stewart’s Bella is the heart of the ‘Twilight’ saga, but her indecision and constant need for rescue frustrate viewers. Her passive nature overshadows any depth, making her a divisive heroine.
Fans of the romance may connect with her, but for others, she’s a bland damsel who drags down the story. Her presence sparks endless debates about character strength.

23. Stinky Pete – ‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)

Voiced by Kelsey Grammer, this prospector toy hides a bitter agenda beneath his folksy charm. His betrayal of Woody and the gang feels like a punch to the heart in this animated classic.
His selfishness clashes with the franchise’s themes of loyalty, making him a villain kids and adults love to hate. He’s a memorable low point in a beloved series.

22. Lotso – ‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)

This cuddly bear, voiced by Ned Beatty, runs a daycare like a prison camp. His backstory of abandonment doesn’t justify his cruelty, which hits hard in this emotional sequel.
Lotso’s manipulative tyranny makes his downfall satisfying. He’s a standout antagonist who leaves you cheering when karma catches up.

21. Veruca Salt – ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2005)

Veruca, played by Julia Winter, is the spoiled brat who demands everything in Tim Burton’s adaptation. Her entitled whining and cruel antics make her a nightmare child.
Her comeuppance in the factory is pure justice, delighting audiences who can’t stand her selfish tantrums. She’s a lesson in what not to be.

20. Sam Witwicky – ‘Transformers’ (2007-2011)

Shia LaBeouf’s Sam is a whiny teen turned reluctant hero in Michael Bay’s robot saga. His constant complaints and self-centered attitude overshadow the epic battles.
By the sequels, his grating presence makes you wish the focus stayed on the Autobots. Fans wanted robots, not his melodrama.

19. Dr. Susan McCallister – ‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)

Saffron Burrows’ scientist triggers a shark-fueled disaster with her reckless experiments. Her arrogance and poor decisions endanger everyone, earning her audience disdain.
Test viewers hated her so much the ending was reshot to kill her off, a rare move that reflects her unpopularity. She’s a cautionary tale of hubris.

18. Paris – ‘Troy’ (2004)

Orlando Bloom’s Paris is a cowardly prince whose selfish choices spark a war. Meant to be a tragic hero, he comes off as weak and unlikable, dodging responsibility.
His failure to own his mistakes frustrates viewers, making him a hero you can’t root for. The film tries to redeem him, but it’s too late.

17. Denethor – ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002) & ‘The Return of the King’ (2003)

John Noble’s Denethor is a grieving, selfish steward who mistreats his son Faramir and ignores Middle-earth’s fate. His despair and cruelty make him grotesque.
While his book version has more depth, the films paint him as a petty obstacle, earning him a spot as a loathed figure.

16. Yon-Suk – ‘Train to Busan’ (2016)

This selfish businessman, played by Kim Eui-sung, sacrifices others to survive a zombie outbreak. His cowardice and manipulation amplify the chaos, making him despicable.
His actions contrast the film’s heroes, intensifying the hate. His grim fate feels like a crowd-pleasing moment of justice.

15. Grandpa Joe – ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)

Gene Wilder’s Wonka overshadows Grandpa Joe, who lies in bed while his family starves, only leaping up for a chocolate factory tour. His laziness and tobacco habit irk viewers.
His sudden energy feels like a scam, making him a surprisingly hated figure in a whimsical classic. He’s no hero.

14. Briony Tallis – ‘Atonement’ (2007)

Saoirse Ronan’s young Briony makes a devastating mistake out of childish misunderstanding, ruining lives. Her later guilt doesn’t erase the damage, leaving audiences torn.
Her complex arc fascinates some, but her initial act makes her hard to forgive. She’s a tragic figure who sparks strong reactions.

13. Timothy Upham – ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

Jeremy Davies’ cowardly translator freezes during key moments, letting comrades die. His inaction in a war epic built on bravery feels like a betrayal.
Fans argue he’s realistic, but his weakness grates, especially in Spielberg’s intense narrative. He’s a frustrating symbol of fear.

12. Mrs. Carmody – ‘The Mist’ (2007)

Marcia Gay Harden’s religious fanatic turns a supermarket into a cult during a monster siege. Her zealous cruelty overshadows the external threat, making her terrifying.
Her manipulative fearmongering makes her a human monster, loathed more than the creatures outside. She’s a chilling antagonist.

11. Shooter McGavin – ‘Happy Gilmore’ (1996)

Christopher McDonald’s smug golfer is the perfect foil to Adam Sandler’s underdog. His dirty tactics and arrogance make him a villain you love to hate.
His over-the-top villainy is comedic gold, but his cruelty earns genuine scorn. He’s a punchable face in a fun film.

10. Percy Wetmore – ‘The Green Mile’ (1999)

Doug Hutchison’s sadistic prison guard torments inmates with glee, abusing his power. His petty cruelty, like sabotaging an execution, is stomach-churning.
His unapologetic evil makes him more hated than the film’s criminals. He’s a standout for all the wrong reasons.

9. Captain Vidal – ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Sergi López’s fascist officer is a cold, sadistic killer who tortures for pleasure. His brutality in a fairy-tale setting feels especially vile.
His lack of humanity makes him unforgettable, a villain whose cruelty lingers long after the film ends.

8. Fletcher – ‘Whiplash’ (2014)

J.K. Simmons’ abusive music instructor pushes students to breaking points with verbal and emotional cruelty. His tough-love excuse doesn’t justify his behavior.
His intensity makes the film riveting, but his cruelty makes him despised. He’s a teacher you’d never want.

7. Cal Hockley – ‘Titanic’ (1997)

Billy Zane’s possessive fiancé belittles Rose and uses a child to escape disaster. His arrogance and cowardice make him a perfect romantic rival.
His selfish acts, especially in crisis, cement him as a villain audiences love to boo. He’s pure entitlement.

6. Nurse Ratched – ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ (1975)

Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlling nurse wields power over mental patients with ruthless precision. Her calm cruelty makes her terrifyingly real.
She represents institutional oppression, making her a timeless, hated figure. Her impact is chilling and unforgettable.

5. Commodus – ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Joaquin Phoenix’s spoiled emperor is whiny, cruel, and power-hungry, betraying his own family. His arrogance and cowardice make him despicable.
His performance is magnetic, but his actions are infuriating, earning him a top spot among hated villains.

4. Lord Voldemort – ‘Harry Potter’ Series (2001-2011)

Ralph Fiennes’ dark wizard embodies fear and destruction, targeting Harry and the wizarding world. His quest for dominance is relentless and chilling.
His terrifying presence makes him a villain fans loathe, though his complexity adds depth to the hate.

3. Calvin Candie – ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s plantation owner is a sadistic, racist monster who revels in cruelty. His charm only amplifies his horrifying actions.
His vile nature makes him a standout Tarantino villain, one you can’t wait to see fall. He’s pure evil.

2. Dolores Umbridge – ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007)

Imelda Staunton’s pink-clad tyrant hides cruelty behind a sweet facade, abusing students with sadistic punishments. Her blood quill scene is infamous.
More loathsome than Voldemort to many, her everyday evil feels painfully real. She’s the ultimate power-abusing villain.

1. Joffrey Baratheon – ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)

Jack Gleeson’s sadistic boy-king is a spoiled, cruel tyrant who delights in pain. His actions, from executions to betrayals, make him utterly detestable.
Though from TV, his cinematic impact in the series earns him the top spot. He’s the character you love to hate most.

Which of these characters drives you up the wall, or did I miss one that grinds your gears? Share your picks in the comments!