Strong antagonists are often a sign of a great television program. Even though we secretly detest them, these antagonists put the heroes to the test, up the stakes, and keep us riveted to the screen. The top 10 contemporary TV show villains are listed below, roughly dating from the late 20th century, and are ranked according to their overall villainy, impact, and complexity.
Don Draper (Mad Men, 2007-2015): Don Draper may not be a traditional villain, but his ruthlessness and internal struggles make him a compelling antagonist. He embodies the dark side of the advertising world, manipulating people and relationships for personal gain.
Olivia Dunham (Fringe, 2008–2013): Olivia straddles the line between hero and villain. While she fights for good, her past with a shadowy organization and her willingness to bend the rules make her morally ambiguous, keeping viewers guessing about her true nature.
Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones, 2011-2019): Cersei is a power-hungry queen who will stop at nothing to protect her family and her own position. Her cunning and ruthlessness are undeniable, making her a formidable villain that viewers both love to hate and hate to love.
Gus Fring (Breaking Bad, 2008-2013): Underneath the facade of a mild-mannered fast-food restaurateur lies a ruthless drug kingpin. Gus’s calculated approach and quiet intensity make him a truly terrifying villain.
David Haller (Legion, 2017-2019): David Haller, a troubled young man struggling with schizophrenia, is also the unwitting host to a powerful mutant entity. The show explores the blurred lines between mental illness and reality, making David a complex and tragic villain.
Homelander (The Boys, 2019-present): A twisted take on the superhero trope, Homelander is a powerful being with a complete lack of empathy or moral compass. His celebrity status and public adoration mask his dark nature, making him a terrifying and unpredictable villain.
Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones, 2011–2013): Joffrey is the epitome of a cruel and sadistic ruler. His youthful arrogance and disregard for human life make him one of the most despicable villains in television history.
Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal, 2013-2015): The brilliant and terrifying cannibal psychiatrist needs no introduction. Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal in “Hannibal” adds a new layer of complexity to this iconic villain, making him as fascinating as he is horrifying.
Walter White (Breaking Bad, 2008–2013): A high school chemistry teacher transforms into a ruthless drug lord. Walter White’s descent into darkness is a captivating and tragic story, making him one of the most complex and well-written villains of modern television.
Tony Soprano (The Sopranos, 1999–2007): Tony Soprano is a mob boss struggling to balance his criminal life with his family obligations. James Gandolfini’s iconic performance captures the depth and humanity of this complex villain, making him one of the most unforgettable characters in television history.