Top 100 Greatest TV Villains

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest 100 baddies in the history of television. We’re focusing on explicit villainy. sorry, no antiheroes. There are many spoilers ahead.

#100: The One-Armed Man
“The Fugitive” (1963-67)
"The Fugitive" was one of the earliest attempts at serialized storytelling in television history. Though each episode saw Richard Kimble on a new adventure, there was always an underlying thread he attempted to pull: finding the One-Armed Man. As the elusive figure who murdered Dr. Richard Kimble's wife, he is the living representation of the show's injustice. For most of the show, his presence is implied. It takes fourteen episodes to even get a glimpse of him. Always using fake identities to stay one step ahead, he’s a ghost serving as Dr. Kimble’s dark mirror. He may be more McGuffin than character, but his absence adds to the suspense.

#99: Oh Il-nam
“Squid Game” (2021-)
Oh Il-nam is everything you want in an iconic TV villain. Deep emotional investment, shocking betrayals, and sinister motivations. When we first meet Oh Il-nam, he is contestant 001, a frail, kind-hearted old man. While some of that undoubtedly is true, Il-nam is also secretly the mastermind behind the deadly games. He is a master of deceit, able to mask his true nature while manipulating the lives of everyone around him. A rich tycoon, Il-nam grew bored of his luxurious life. He joined the games as a contestant to fill his final days with some excitement and fun. He justifies the brutal games as a means to entertain the rich and expose human desperation.

#98: Wile E. Coyote
“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
Wile E. Coyote is the living embodiment of relentless obsession. Dedicated to eradicating the Roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote is a master of brilliant, over-the-top schemes. Unlike traditional villains, Wile E.'s appeal lies in his unceasing failure. Often, his schemes should work, but are ultimately defeated by the whims of his writers as they bend the universe against him. His determination and resilience, despite endless setbacks, are oddly sympathetic to a murderous baddie. His Acme gadgets and silent expressiveness give a fun spin to a simple, classic chase formula. Wile E.’s failures have provided timeless laughs across generations.

#97: Oswald Cobblepot aka the Penguin
“Gotham” (2014-2019)
When we first meet Oswald Cobblepot, he is a low-level criminal whose lofty ambitions have set him up for failure. His bosses have marked Oz for death and send police lieutenant Jim Gordon as the triggerman. Gordon’s mercy set Oswald on the path to becoming one of the greatest bad guys in TV history. Oswald Cobblepot's growth arc in Gotham showcases his transformation from a lowly, underestimated lackey to a feared criminal mastermind: the Penguin. Dismissed by others, Oswald's cunning, ambition, and ruthless will to survive propel him up the ranks of the underworld. His evolution is marked by a litany of betrayals amidst a relentless pursuit of power. His charm and wit get Oswald through when lesser men would have crumbled.

#96: Sue Sylvester
“Glee” (2009-2015)
When “Glee” first premiered in the fall of 2009, nobody could have predicted the instant popularity of its villain, Sue Sylvester. Her larger-than-life personality is second only to her absurdly relentless antagonism toward the glee club. As the cheerleading coach, Sue uses archetypal bad guy characteristics to brilliantly comedic effect. She is utterly unapologetic, and her savage takedowns of the glee club on her quest for high school dominance are as ridiculous as the conceit of suddenly breaking into song. Sue is a master of psychological warfare, wielding a rapier wit and biting sarcasm to defeat her enemies - who, again, are just normal high school students just living their lives. For all her savagery, Sue is also known for the occasional moment of human vulnerability.

#95: Aunt Lydia Clements
“The Handmaid's Tale” (2017-)
One of the greatest parts of “The Handmaid’s Tale” is the deep dive into the many different faces of authoritarianism. As June quickly learns, few of those faces are worse or more terrifying than that of the collaborator. Aunt Lydia is the blunt instrument, the tool that a fascist regime uses to break down her fellow women. Lydia is brutal and efficient as she “disciplines” the Handmaids. Her twisted religious zeal shines brightly in her eyes as she makes others suffer. Lydia is a true believer in the regime's laws and merciless treatment of women. As the story progresses, she's fleshed out as a full-fledged person. We see glimpses of vulnerability and conflict within her, making it all the worse when the savagery wins out.

#94: The McPoyles
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
The McPoyles are some of a family of bonkers baddies, one of the worst to ever curse a TV comedy. They are a clan of deeply upsetting lunatics who are frequently at odds with the crew from Paddy's. Inbred and hilariously unhinged, the McPoyles family brings chaos whenever they appear. They have a nauseatingly creepy obsession with milk - and with each other. When a McPoyle shows up, it’s usually to fulfill some weird vendetta against the gang. Not even the drinks at Paddy's can slake the McPoyles' thirst for revenge. They are grotesque, unpredictable, and guaranteed to steal the show. You can't look away from the McPoyles; they can turn even the most mundane situations into a living nightmare.

#93: Slade
“Teen Titans” (2003-06)
In the comics, Slade Wilson - a.k.a. Deathstroke - is a deadly assassin, frequently at odds with the greatest of DC’s other heroes and villains. His role in "Teen Titans" also cemented him as a vile, cunning sociopath. Introduced as the Titans' main antagonist, Slade is a master manipulator who orchestrates events from the shadows. He is constantly testing the Titans' strength and unity, cataloging their weaknesses like the world's most evil anthropologist. He is obsessed with breaking Robin away from the team, eventually taking the Boy Wonder on as an apprentice. Even when Robin defeats him, Slade is a constant presence haunting the team. This portrayal of Deathstroke is also one of his most menacing.

#92: Aemond Targaryen
“House of the Dragon” (2022-)
For years, we have collectively learned that the universe created by George R. R. Martin is an ugly, savage place. Nobody gets through it with their lives or souls left unscathed. In a world like that, Aemond never even had a chance. Born into the Targaryen dynasty, Aemond's early life is marked by insecurity and constant rivalry. He learned a hard lesson at a tender age, losing an eye during a confrontation with his nephews. This trauma became fuel for his growing bitterness and lust for vengeance. As he grows older, Aemond embraces his role as a fearsome warrior, riding the formidable dragon Vhagar into battle. Aemond is cold and calculating, more than willing to commit the most heinous acts at the drop of a hat.

#91: Darth Maul
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-14; 2020)
Darth Maul was a Sith so badass that he survived getting cut in half, seemingly out of pure spite. Fans of the animated show were introduced to a deep dive into the “Star Wars” universe, and characters like Anakin’s apprentice, Ahsoka. In addition to new characters and arcs, “The Clone Wars” resurrected Obi-Wan’s nemesis and erstwhile Sith lord, Darth Maul. Maul’s path was a circuitous one, going from a man left for dead to a Mandalorian conqueror. Maul would finally meet his ultimate fate in the show’s sequel series, “Rebels.” Deep in the desert of Tatooine, Maul would come face to face with his old enemy, Obi-Wan Kenobi, for one last fight.

#90: Daleks
“Doctor Who” (1963-89, 1996, 2005-)
At first blush, a Dalek doesn’t appear to be a particularly dangerous menace. It resembles nothing more than a mobile garbage bin. But don’t let their looks fool you. “Doctor Who” fans out there know better. This cybernetic race was created by a bad scientist in a war-torn world to hunt down the Doctor and his people. Engineered to be emotionless, ruthless killing machines, Daleks are encased in nearly indestructible armor. Their racial supremacy has them bent on universal domination and destruction of all other forms of life. The Daleks are an entire race of malevolent, killer garbage cans and have nearly done the Doctor in a time or two.

#89: Rumpelstiltskin aka Mr. Gold
“Once Upon a Time” (2011-18)

#88: Dr. Leland Townsend
“Evil” (2019-24)

#87: Silco
“Arcane” (2021-)

#86: Moff Gideon
“The Mandalorian” (2019-)

#85: Constance Langdon
“American Horror Story” (2011-)
Some shows peak in their first season, and an argument can be made that "American Horror Story" falls into that category. Season One - “Murder House” - introduced us to Constance Langdon, a sinister southern belle. On the one hand, Constance's life was a Greek tragedy, marred by the heartbreaking loss of her children. Obsession with family took Constance down a dark path, driving her to commit horrific crimes. Murder, manipulation, it doesn't matter - people are just tools or obstacles to her. She is more than willing to use the Murder House for her own supernatural ends. Her smiles and charms are a thin facade covering her bitter heart, and her return in Season 8 came as a happy surprise to “AHS” fans.

#84: Camino Del Rio
“Ozark” (2017-22)

#83: The Yellow King
“True Detective” (2014-)

#82: Sōsuke Aizen
“Bleach” (2004-12)

#81: Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias
“Watchmen” (2019)

#80: Lucretia
“Spartacus” (2010-13)
In the world of ancient Rome portrayed in "Spartacus," political power was a weapon, a tool for survival. Few players of the political game were as capable - or as deadly - as Lucretia. Armed with a cunning mind and an iron will, she was a master manipulator - the power behind Batiatus, a slave-owning noble. Where Batiatus was a blunt instrument, using violence and sadism to bring his enemies in line, Lucretia used her wits. Despite her elegant exterior, Lucretia could be more bloodthirsty and ruthless than any gladiator. Deceit and murder were the tools of her trade, securing her position in a treacherous, misogynist world.

#79: Rachel Duncan
“Orphan Black” (2013-17)

#78: Denzel Crocker
“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)

#77: Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall
“Outlander” (2014-)

#76: Angelica Pickles
“Rugrats” (1991-2004)

#75: Alexis Carrington/Colby/Morell/Dexter/Rowan
“Dynasty” (1981-89)
In "Dynasty," residents of Denver learned one important lesson: never turn your back on Alexis Carrington. If you do, you're likely to end up with a diamond-encrusted knife in your back. We first meet Alexis as the ex-wife of protagonist Blake Carrington, a wealthy oil magnate. Alexis enters the series with a vendetta against him, determined to reclaim her lost power and influence. She schemes to gain control of the Carrington family fortune, often using her wiles and intelligence to outmaneuver her rivals. Alexis’ feuds and fights are iconic, some of the most memorable scenes of the 1980s. Joan Collins was magnificent, able to switch between icy elegance and fierce aggression with ease. Alexis was the personification of shameless, unadulterated ambition.

#74: Thomas Barrow
“Downton Abbey” (2010-15)

#73: Skeletor
“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” (1983–85)

#72: Reverse Flash
“The Flash” (2014-23)

#71: Frieza
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-1996)

#70: Cylons
“Battlestar Galactica” (2003-09)
The Cylons were a sentient robotic race bent on the utter annihilation of humanity. The series begins with a Cylon sneak attack where they nearly destroy humanity in one fell swoop. Unlike the original series, the 2000s Cylons were created by humans and ultimately rebelled. Their technology included ranks of sleeper agents embedded among humans. As the series went on, fans were constantly caught up in the viral speculation. Who is really a Cylon? Indistinguishable from humans, these sleeper agents added a new and chilling layer of paranoia and mistrust to the show. Some of our favorite characters ultimately turned out to be Cylons in disguise.

#69: Harmony Cobel
“Severance” (2022-)

#68: Ralph Cifaretto
“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

#67: Petra Solano
“Jane the Virgin” (2014-19)

#66: Dr. Doofenshmirtz
“Phineas and Ferb” (2007-)

#65: John Kreese
“Cobra Kai” (2018-)
John Kreese, originally introduced in “The Karate Kid” movies, is a martial artist whose "no mercy" philosophy shaped the Cobra Kai dojo. As a former soldier, Kreese's harsh and aggressive tactics turn his students into vicious fighters, epitomized by his mentorship of Johnny Lawrence. His defeat in the films doesn't soften his nature. Instead, it helps to crystalize his desire for revenge. In "Cobra Kai," Kreese returns as a more complex bad guy, one severely haunted by his past. He reclaims control of the dojo, reigniting old rivalries and spreading his toxic ideology to a new generation. Kreese's ability to adapt, manipulate, and corrupt makes him one of television's best villains.

#64: Gyp Rosetti
“Boardwalk Empire” (2010-14)

#63: Alice Morgan
“Luther” (2010-19)

#62: Arvin Sloane
“Alias” (2001-06)

#61: Dr. Kimberly Shaw
“Melrose Place” (1992-99)

#60: Magneto
“X-Men: The Animated Series” (1992-97) & "X-Men '97" (2024-)
The people behind "X-Men: The Animated Series" had no compunction about introducing 90s kids to heavy subjects. One of their favorite characters in this regard was Magneto. Once a victim of ethnic cleansing and genocide, Magneto is determined that his people - mutant-kind - will not meet a similar fate. Unlike his friend, Charles Xavier, Magneto doesn't believe humans and mutants can peacefully coexist. His life was shaped by human cruelty, leading him to believe that mutants must dominate to survive. His ideology, born from pain and a desire to protect his people, makes him a sympathetic yet formidable antagonist. With the success of the sequel series, "X-Men '97," more and more people have come to believe in a simple truth: Magneto was kind of right.

#59: Lucifer
“Supernatural” (2005-20)

#58: Patti Levin
“The Leftovers” (2014-17)

#57: Commander Fred Waterford
“The Handmaid's Tale” (2017-)

#56: The Lich
“Adventure Time” (2010-18)

#55: Jan Levinson
“The Office" (2005-13)
A slow, inexorable descent into abject madness isn't the first thing that comes to mind in sitcoms, but Jan Levinson is proof that it should. Initially introduced as a competent, no-nonsense corporate executive, Jan's character takes a dark turn as her personal and professional life unravels. She forms an inappropriate relationship with Michael Scott, marked by unsubtle tormenting the Dunder Mifflin manager with severe emotional abuse. As she loses control over her career, she spirals into increasingly erratic behavior, becoming completely unhinged. She is a portrait of self-destruction, and her guest spots provided "The Office" fans with some of their more memorable moments.

#54: Lorne Malvo
“Fargo” (2014-)

#53: Joe Carroll
“The Following” (2013-15)

#52: BOB/Leland Palmer
“Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)

#51: Count Olaf
“A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-19)

#50: Eric Cartman
“South Park” (1997-)
Cartman is a character who's only funny because he appears in an outlandish cartoon. If you ever met Eric Cartman in real life, you'd wonder why this violent sociopath wasn't institutionalized. Cartman is unapologetically offensive and self-serving in nature. Introduced as a foul-mouthed, bigoted child, Cartman quickly became infamous for his outrageous schemes and utter lack of moral boundaries. From tricking a teenager into eating his own parents to leading hate-filled crusades, Cartman embodies the darkest aspects of human behavior. His childlike facade keeps his weak mother in line while he continues to bend everyone in South Park to his will. Cartman's role serves as a satirical lens on society's worst impulses, with a dash of malice and unbelievable humor mixed in.

#49: Elmer Fudd
“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)

#48: Sarah O'Brien
“Downton Abbey” (2010-15)

#47: Red John
“The Mentalist” (2008-15)

#46: The Swede
“Hell on Wheels” (2011-16)

#45: Norman Bates
“Bates Motel” (2013-17)
When A&E chose to make a contemporary prequel to "Psycho," there were many skeptics. The show, though, became the longest-running scripted drama in the history of the network. It tells the story of Norman Bates, with his chilling backstory fleshed out in deeper detail than the 1960 film. The series delves into Norman's deeply troubled relationship with his mother, Norma. Their relationship is less than ideal, leaving serious psychological trauma that shapes Norman's descent into madness. From a shy, awkward teenager, Norman gradually develops dissociative identity disorder. His "Mother" persona slowly takes over as commits ever more horrific acts. His deep, unhealthy bond with Norma fuels his violent tendencies, blurring the line between victim and villain.

#44: Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell
“Prison Break” (2005-09; 2017)

#43: Mojo Jojo
“The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005)

#42: Al Swearengen
“Deadwood” (2004-06)

#41: Lex Luthor
DC Animated Universe (1992-)

#40: Livia Soprano
“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
It may be hard today to picture feeling sorry for a murderous mafioso, but fans of the Sopranos couldn't help but pity Tony after meeting his mother, Livia. Livia exerts a toxic influence over him, using guilt and psychological manipulation to control those around her. She is deeply bitter and cynical, using feigned helplessness to mask her emotional sabotage. Livia eventually even tries to assassinate her own son. She is a creature driven by deep-seated malice and indifference, even towards her own family. She adds a layer of familial dysfunction to the show, helping to flesh out why exactly Tony is the way he is.

#39: Rowan Pope
“Scandal” (2012-18)

#38: The Shredder
“The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-1996)

#37: The Governor
“The Walking Dead” (2012-)

#36: Aku
“Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017)

#35: Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin
MCU (2008-)
When Netflix created their street-level Marvel series in 2015, they decided that Daredevil required an epic villain. They chose Vincent D'onofrio to play Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of crime. Fisk was a man who learned harsh lessons from his father as a young boy, namely using savage violence to achieve his goals. Though he does want to rebuild Hell's Kitchen, he does so by consolidating New York crime under his banner. The Kingpin is ruthless as they come, with an MCU career spanning multiple TV shows. He is scary enough to leave even an Avenger - Hawkeye - leery of crossing him. D'Onofrio's nuanced performance blends vulnerability with terrifying menace, elevating Kingpin to one of the best bad guys in the history of the MCU.

#34: Clay Morrow
“Sons of Anarchy” (2008-14)

#33: Vernon Schillinger
“Oz” (1997-2003)

#32: Spike
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

#31: Lalo Salamanca
“Better Call Saul” (2015-22)

#30: Villanelle
“Killing Eve” (2018-22)
Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, is the enigmatic assassin at the center of "Killing Eve." Comer's facility with accents quickly made Villanelle a fan-favorite icon. Despite Villanelle's charm and wit, at bottom she is a psychopath who never really managed to grow up. Her unpredictability and flair for the dramatic make her as captivating as she is dangerous. Villanelle's complex relationship with MI6 agent Eve Polastri is a toxic brew of obsession, attraction, and rivalry. Unlike traditional villains, Villanelle cruelty comes from a place of utter detachment, driven by severe boredom. She wanders through the world - like most of us - trying to discover who she is and how to find joy that lasts.

#29: Boyd Crowder
“Justified” (2010-15)

#28: Niklaus Mikaelson
“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)

#27: Sylar
“Heroes” (2006-10)

#26: Yvonne “Vee” Parker
“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)

#25: Vecna aka Henry Creel aka One
“Stranger Things” (2016-)
Dr. Brenner, or "Papa," played by Matthew Modine, is the sinister scientist behind the experiments on children. He refuses to let anything or anyone stand in the way of his pseudoscientific progress. Brenner's cold calculation makes it easy to sympathize with his many victims. One, though, grew to be an even greater menace. Vecna, introduced in "Stranger Things" Season 4, is the terrifying antagonist behind all the horrors from the Upside Down. Originally Henry Creel, later known as One, he was Dr. Brenner's first experiment in the Hawkins Lab. Creel was born with immense psychic abilities, which grew dark and deadly as he grew up. Eleven eventually cast him into the Upside Down, where his body warped and he grew to control the dimension's denizens.

#24: Joffrey Baratheon
“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

#23: Nina Myers
“24” (2001-10; 2014)

#22: Plankton
“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)

#21: J.R. Ewing
“Dallas” (1978-91; 2012-14)

#20: Newman
“Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Newman is Jerry Seinfeld's nemesis in this iconic sitcom. He’s a postal worker whose mere mention by Jerry is often accompanied by vicious disdain. While Jerry is no picnic, Newman is petty, scheming, and bitterly conniving. Newman's ongoing feud with Jerry is fueled by jealousy and spite, leading to various plots and schemes to undermine the comedian. Despite his often absurd nature, Newman's relentless desire to annoy Jerry adds a layer of tension to a show famously "about nothing." "Seinfeld" is a show known for its weird side characters and cameos. Despite the constant influx of quirky weirdos, Newman will always stand out as one of the weirdest and most hilarious.

#19: Negan
“The Walking Dead” (2010-22)
Negan, makes a dramatic entrance in Season 6 as the ruthless leader of the Saviors. We first meet Negan as he kills off some of the show's mainstay characters by beating them to death. Neegan's reign of terror is marked by a strange blend of brutal violence and charismatic leadership. His signature weapon, Lucille—a barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat—becomes a symbol of his control over others. Despite his cruelty, Negan's savagery is informed by a rich and complex backstory. He brings a layer of dark humor to the show, disrupting the characters' dynamics in unprecedented ways.

#18: The Borg
“Star Trek” franchise (1966-)
The Borg, introduced in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," are one of the franchise’s most formidable villains. The Borg are driven by a singular goal: to assimilate other species and technologies into their collective consciousness. Their iconic catchphrase, “resistance is futile,” encapsulates their relentless, impersonal approach to conquest. The Borg’s ability to adapt instantaneously to threats and their absence of individual personalities create an eerie, monolithic nemesis. Their invasion of the Federation, particularly the assimilation of Captain Jean-Luc Picard into Locutus, adds a personal stake and dramatic tension to the conflict. The Borg represent an existential threat to all life: their technology warps your body and their collective consciousness subsumes your soul.

#17: Kilgrave
“Jessica Jones” (2015-19)
Despite being a famously sweet and lovely man, David Tennant pulled out all the psychotic stops as Kilgrave in "Jessica Jones." Introduced in the series' first season, Kilgrave is a mind-controlling supervillain. His psychic powers can compel others to do his bidding, emerging as one of television’s most chilling villains. Like many Marvel villains, Kilgrave's viciousness stems from childhood trauma. He was the subject - and victim - of unethical experiments and abuse. Kilgrave grew into a sadist, using his powers to amuse himself at the expense of others. Tennant is able to seamlessly combine his natural charisma with a sense of terrifying malevolence. As a result, Kilgrave is a standout MCU villain.

#16: Megatron
“The Transformers” (1984-87)
Like many cartoons of the 1980s and 1990s, “The Transformers” were created as a vessel for selling toys to children. Despite its nakedly capitalistic origins, Gen xers and elder Millennials remember the series fondly. It introduced the world to Megatron and his Decepticons, a being famous for his ruthless ambition and lust for power. As the commander of the Decepticons, he seeks to conquer Cybertron and Earth. His gravely voice and vicious personality make him the perfect foil for Optimus Prime - the noble leader of the Autobots. For those of us born in the 1970s and 1980s, Megatron was one of the more formative villains of our childhoods.

#15: Logan Roy
“Succession” (2018-23)
The Roys of “Succession” and their company Waystar Royco form a loose portrait of the Murdochs and their conservative media empire. Logan Roy, the pater familias of the Roy clan, is a pivotal figure in modern television villainy. Played expertly by Brian Cox, Logan is the living embodiment of cold, corporate ruthlessness and the exertion of raw power. His reign is marked by a fierce, cruel control over both his children and the company. Logan's domineering personality does give way to the odd moment of weakness. Still, he is best known for his merciless approach to business and family affairs, driving much of the show's conflict. He pits his children against one another in their contest to ultimately replace him.

#14: Bill Cipher
“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Bill Cipher from "Gravity Falls" is a malevolent and seemingly all-powerful interdimensional being. Debuting in Season 1, Bill is a powerful, enigmatic demon with a triangular shape and a top hat. He is a creature of chaos, who desires to alter reality to his every cruel whim. As the primary antagonist in the series, his role is defined by his desire to unleash chaos and destruction upon Gravity Falls. Bill's ability to warm reality - when coupled with his Machiavellian personality - makes him exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable. His cunning and intellect let him exploit the weaknesses of lesser beings. He is a strange and psychotic creature, and one of the most terrifying bad guys to come out of a kids show.

#13: Gemma Teller-Morrow
“Sons of Anarchy” (2008-14)
As a loose adaptation of Hamlet, "Sons of Anarchy," isn't short on villains on a Shakesperean scale, particularly women. Agent June Stahl, for example, is an ATF agent out to destroy SAMCRO at any cost. Her schemes get Opie's wife killed, ultimately leading to Stahl's own demise when he claims revenge. She is nothing, though, compared to Katey Saga's Gemma Morrow. Like "Hamlet's" Gertrude, Gemma schemed with Clay to usurp and kill her husband. That's before the show even starts. Over the course of the series, Gemma's protective nature leads her to acts of cruelty, savagery, and murder. She is more than willing to kill anyone standing in her way, deceiving those closest to her at every turn.

#12: The Master
“Doctor Who” (1963-89, 1996, 2005-)
Doctor Who is a show renowned for its memorable villains, each bringing a unique brand of peril to the series. The Weeping Angels, for example, are terrifying creatures that can only move when not observed. When they reach a potential victim, they send them back in time and feed on their potential energy. Few of the Doctor's enemies, however, can compare to the Master. Like the Doctor, the Master has been played by multiple actors over the decades. Like the Doctor, the Master is a Time Lord, though one burdened by both a twisted sense of superiority and a penchant for chaos. The Master's relationship with the Doctor is a complex one, with the Doctor often factoring in his grandiose plans for domination and destruction.

#11: Stringer Bell
“The Wire” (2002-08)
"The Wire" was a crime drama that featured a range of complex antagonists who vividly illustrated the show's exploration of systemic corruption. Marlo Stanfield, for example, evolves over the course of the show into a ruthless drug lord. His cold, calculating vibe belies his bloodthirsty tactics. He learned those tactics at the foot of a master: Idris Elba's Stringer Bell. Bell is one of the primary bad guys in "The Wire," extending his influence beyond the street-level drug game. As the second-in-command of the Barksdale organization, Stringer Bell's ambition drives him to blend the criminal underworld with legitimate businesses. He is a sophisticated criminal who manages to modernize and professionalize the drug trade.

#10: Ben Linus
“Lost” (2004-10)
As the former leader of the Others, Ben Linus was one of the chief mischief makers on "Lost," a show chock-full of bad guys. The child of a Dharma Initiative janitor, Ben has been a resident of the Island since he was a boy. Ben is a master of deceit, manipulating the island's survivors with an almost petulant glee. Survival is the name of the game, and Ben is willing to mow down anyone and anything he sees as a threat to his life or his control. He only becomes a reluctant ally to the survivors once his plans and schemes are set ablaze by the monster.

#9: The Cigarette Smoking Man
“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)
The Cigarette Smoking Man is the quintessential TV baddie. For most of the "X-Files" run, the Smoking Man was an enigma, whose mysterious presence represented a vast and secret conspiracy. He is a shadowy figure with deep ties to both government and private industry. His calm demeanor and ever-present cigarette contrast sharply with his subtle manipulations of Agent Mulder. His sinister goals are slowly revealed over time: as a member of the powerful Syndicate, he is motivated to hide the truth about the planned alien colonization of Earth. He both orchestrates and conceals numerous supernatural events. The Smoking Man influences events from behind the scenes, but his personal entanglements with Mulder bring the two to conflict over and over.

#8: Fire Lord Ozai
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
In a world with supernatural elemental powers, the villains of "Avatar: The Last Airbender” are formidable enemies. Azula, princess of the Fire Nation, is a talented and vicious firebender. Her desperate desire to please her father - coupled with her mastery of fire and lightning - lead to a slow but inexorable psychotic break as the show progresses. The danger of the unhinged Fire Nation princess, though, pales in comparison to her father: Fire Lord Ozai. Voiced by Mark Hamill, Ozai is the primary antagonist of the series. He is a tyrant and murderer, having inherited a war to conquer the known world. Ozai is also a monstrous father. He pits his children against each other, and maimed his son Zuko for life.

#7: Arthur Mitchell aka The Trinity Killer
“Dexter” (2006-13)
“Dexter” follows the trials and tribulations of Dexter Morgan, a Miami serial killer determined to ply his deadly gifts for the good of society. A sociopath born into blood, Dexter uses his hunts for personal growth. Each season has a main antagonist, like Oliver Saxon - The Brain Surgeon - in Season 8. Oliver and Dexter spend the season circling one another, until only one survives. Few of his foes, though, compare to the Trinity Killer. Expertly played by John Lithgow, Trinity is a serial killer who somehow managed to balance his murderous nature with a family life. Dexter sees Trinity as a role model, insinuating himself into Trinity’s life. Unfortunately, Trinity eventually flips the script and begins to hunt Dexter instead.

#6: Ramsay Bolton
“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
“Game of Thrones” was a show that didn’t lack for characters to root against. It featured petty kings, ruthless queens, schemers, plotters, and undead tyrants. In a world full of villainy, it takes an epic level of sadism to stand out. Enter Ramsay Bolton, the bastard son of Lord Roose. Like his father, Ramsay enjoys flaying his enemies and leaving their bodies out as a warning. Mutilation and murder are his favorite pastimes. People are nothing but tools for him. From Sansa to his own father, Ramsay is more than happy to discard people when he’s done with them. Unfortunately, Ramsay gets a taste of his own medicine when Sansa feeds him to his own hounds.

#5: The Joker
DC Animated Universe (1992-)
After playing the ultimate hero, Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill made a name for himself as a villainous voice actor. He is universally considered to be one of the best Jokers of all time. This version of the Joker first appeared in Bruce Timm’s “Batman: The Animated Series.” Hamill continued the role for years across TV shows, films, and video games. This is the quintessential version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Easily amused and even more easily bored, his portrayal brings a mix of dark humor and unpredictable violence that captures the essence of the character. He is equal parts silly and sadistic. The Joker is an anarchist at heart, seamlessly switching between a playful clown and an ominous killer.

#4: James “Jim” Moriarty
“Sherlock” (2010-17)
For over a century, the Western world has been fascinated by tales and adaptations of Sherlock Holmes' dance with Professor James Moriarty, his equal and opposite measure. "Sherlock," the modern adaptation of the infamous private detective, gave us perhaps the best version of Jim Moriarty ever seen on screen. Andrew Scott delivers a powerhouse performance as the criminal mastermind bored by the inferior minds who surround him. His high-stakes intellectual battle with Sherlock clearly makes him feel less alone in the world. Jim is brilliant and - like his counterpart - a master of hiding in plain sight. His flamboyant personality is in stark contrast with the staid Sherlock. Despite their differences, both are thrill-seekers who seem to live for their battle of wits.

#3: Mr. Burns
“The Simpsons” (1989-)
"The Simpsons" has had its finger to the pop culture pulse for almost forty years, showcasing every kind of bad guy under the sun. Still, it's hard to beat old favorites like Sideshow Bob and Mr. Burns. Voiced by Kelsey Grammer, Sideshow Bob is a former TV clown and heady sophisticate with a taste for murder. Mr. Burns, though, has been around since the very beginning. He was an evil oligarch long before hating billionaires was in vogue. He is the personification of corporate greed and malevolence. The billionaire owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant never saw a shortcut he wouldn't take. His delight in causing misfortune and his ruthless pursuit of personal gain are a wellspring of conflict and humor.

#2: Homelander
“The Boys” (2019-)
In “The Boys,” absolute power corrupts absolutely as every superhero is, in essence, a villain in their own way. Power makes them vicious, sadistic, and hateful. Nobody, though, holds a candle to Homelander. This pastiche of the Man of Steel has both godlike powers and a deeply twisted psyche. His need to be loved and worshiped has led Homelander to murderous excess time and again. His winning smile barely hides a wildly unstable inner life, making him both terrifying and oddly compelling. In Season 2, he meets the love of his life: Stormfront, a nearly immortal Nazi Supe who wants to wrangle Homelander in her desire to dominate humanity. She helps to unshackle Homelander, who gets progressively more insane with each passing season.

#1: Gus Fring
“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
“Breaking Bad” is renowned for its complex and grounded villains. Take Todd Alquist, played by Jesse Plemons. He is affable, soft spoken, and completely insane. Todd is a textbook sociopath, discarding and hurting people like they were lint in his pocket. Todd, however, can’t compete with Gus Fring. Giancarlo Esposito gave us a masterclass in restraint. Gus is a cold, calculating drug lord who expertly hides his criminal empire behind the facade of a respectable businessman. His meticulous, methodical approach to maintaining power and control brought something new and refreshing to television. Gus’s calm demeanor and ruthless efficiency made him a terrifying presence in every scene.