2014 will mark the 25th Anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman. After the success of Superman (1978) and Superman 2 (1980) comic book related films took a downward turn. Movies like Howard the Duck (1986) and Dolph Lundgren’s The Punisher (1989), as well as a couple of failed Superman sequels brought the genre down to juvenile status. This would change with Batman. Since 1989 there have been over 40 films between DC and Marvel. While some are near perfect in terms of origin story and execution (Iron Man), some, not so much (Daredevil).
It is often said that a hero is only as good as the villain he or she must face. Over the next few days, I’ll be looking at the Top 25 Villains over the last 25 years. I’m sure some would make your list and some will be head scratchers but that’s the beauty of the debate. Let the countdown begin with numbers 25 to 21.
“The one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you’ve done for them, eventually, they will hate you.” ~The Green Goblin
25. Sandman (Spider-Man 3), played by
The reluctant villain and alter ego of Flint Marko, Sandman is the secondary antagonist of SM3 behind Venom but leaps and bounds better. Marko is a small time crook who happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when he becomes the Sandman. Through the magic of CGI, director Sam Raimi did a great job making this character as real as one could imagine. As for Church, he made this character sympathetic and at times someone you wanted to root for.
24. Justin Hammer (Iron Man 2), played by Sam Rockwell
You know you deserve to be on such a list when your character outshines the main villain. In this case, the main villain being Whiplash played by Mickey Rourke. Rockwell’s Hammer was so much more interesting that it would’ve been more fun watching this Stark wannabe battle Iron Man on his own.
23. Ozymandias (Watchmen), played by Matthew Goode
Not as straightforward as the other villains that will appear but Ozymandias may be responsible for the most deaths by any one villain that will appear on this list. And what furthers the argument that he belongs, is that he can justify (in his own mind) each and every one of those deaths.
22. Ra’s al Ghul (Batman Begins, TDKR), played by Liam Neeson
Anyone who can burn down Wayne Manor will automatically make it on the list. Arguably on of the best villains in all of comics, I wish this screen version of Ra’s al Ghul was deeper. Neeson, looks and acts the part which made me want to see more matching of wits with The Dark Knight. He should be higher on the list but isn’t because of the lack of screen time.
21. Norman Osborn/Green Goblin (Spider-Man), played by Willem Dafoe
Much like the aforementioned Ra’s al Ghul, Norman Osborn is one of the greatest villains in comic book history. Dafoe brought the character to life and made it his own. Was it at times a bit corny? Sure it was. But between terrorizing Aunt May and making Spider-Man chose between MJ and a tram full of innocent people, makes The Green Meany worthy of this list.
So, there’s the first set of five villains. Coming soon will be the next wave until we hit the final five and ultimately the number one villain over the last 25 years. Please comment below and share your thoughts and opinions on these five. Would any of these make your list? Let me know.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
