We’re now entering the area of contention when it comes to the very best of the villains and how they stack up against one another. Let’s get to it with numbers 15 through 11…
“You would die for them?” ~ Dark Phoenix
15. Max Shreck (Batman Returns), played by Christopher Walken
What’s a villain list without Christopher Walken? From throwing Michele Pfeiffer out a window to endorsing The Penguin for Mayor and let us not forget the hair, Max Shreck was one of the best things about this Tim Burton sequel to the ’89 Batman. As for Christopher Walken the actor. He is one of the all time best character actors you’ll ever see.
14. Magneto (X-Men First Class), played by Michael Fassbender
I’m giving Fassbender a nod not so much because of what he did during the film but for what his role will become because of it. So much of First Class Erik Lensherr (his real name before donning his trademark helmet) was more of a hero type hunting down Nazis. It wasn’t until that final showdown that ultimately left his friend Charles Xavier paralyzed that the future of what he is and will become took shape. I look forward to seeing Fassbender in Days of Future Past in May.
13. The Penguin (Batman Returns), played by Danny DeVito
Just on looks alone The Penguin would make this list. I’ll admit, I am not a big fan of the look but there is no denying how memorable it was. Anyone who can have an army of armed penguins at his command is a no brainer as a badass villain.
12. Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger (Iron Man), played by Jeff Bridges
The only man who can bring down both a terrorist and Tony Stark with a push of button. Not only is Iron Man one of the best comic book films of all time (I sense another list coming), the fact that the Iron Monger was Director Jon Favreau’s choice as his first antagonist says a lot. The casting of Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane and what he did with the character was nothing short of brilliant.
11. Dark Phoenix
At the end of X-Men United there was a subtle hint of Jean Grey’s future. Although this third installment is my least favorite, it does have one of my favorite villains. Ask Professor X and Cyclops how they felt after encountering the Dark Phoenix? She was as destructive and powerful as any foe the X-Men had ever faced. She deserves a spot on this list.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
