Summary

Playing a compellingvillainis not an easy task and when there is an actor who can do it exceptionally well audience often care to see them go forward taking on more sinister persona . While some actors are most commonly associated with portraying heroes , comic ministration , or loveable protagonists , they also often possess the acting talent to portray circuitous demon , mischievous murderers , or wicked wrongdoer . When an actor can do justice to unfeignedly deplorable villains , they should share their acquirement with the world and portray them more often .

When a very well - make out histrion has traditionally played more heroic role , it can be exciting for a viewer to observe them act against type and embrace the glowering characteristics of a well - written baddie . funniness actors such as Adam Sandler have proved in late years that they have what it takes to tacklemore complex and virtuously equivocal parts , and it would be great to see them take on villainous roles more often . In some example , the antagonist of a story is the more interesting character and , for this understanding , there are lots ofactors who should play villains more regularly .

10Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is primarily known for comedy, but his more villainous roles have been impressive

The comedic skills of Adam Sandler provided him with a fruitful career in clowning such asBig Daddy , Grown Ups , andClick . Later , Sandler show off his dramatic side inPunch Drunk LoveandReign Over Me . However , Sandler was a triple scourge as he stand out as a tragical scoundrel in the Safie Brother’sUncut jewel , which showcasedwhy Sandler needed to undertake more villainous roles . Watching Sandler ’s character reference Howard Ratner gamble his life aside with foolhardy abandon to the detriment of his loved ones was truly soul - crushing , and Sandler should contribute this chaotic energy to more villainous office .

9Michael Cera

Michael Cera has excelled on the rare occasions that he has shown his villainous side

The awkward indie - darling Michael Cera made a name for himself portraying anxious character , but on the few occasion that he take on a villainous character , it has always been a smashing succeeder . AsPlayer X inMolly ’s Game , Cera excelled as an objectionable celebrity claim joyfulness in destroying his opposition . But astonishingly , the adept representative of Cera as a villain was when he encounter himself inThis Is The End . This off - redact fictionalized variation of Cera hilariously subverted his socially awkward repute , and it would be dandy to see more of this in future roles .

8Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe has played some compelling heroes but also shines as villain

Russell Crowe played a desperate Romanic inGladiator , a genius mathematician inA Beautiful Mind , and even the biblical fig in Noah . While these use were telling , it was as a scoundrel that he truly excel . In3:10 to Yuma , Crowe embodied the leader of a remorseless ring of outlaws , and inLes Misérableshe was driven by a misguided seeking for justice . However , it wasinUnhingedthat Crowe showcased why he need to take more nefarious roles . The part allowed Crowe to let loose in a way he seldom had before , and it was a dainty to witness .

7Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant is known for light-hearted comedy, but he can play a villain just as well

The charming , openhanded , and stuttering love interest in unnumerable romantic comedies , most citizenry do n’t think of villains when they discover the name Hugh Grant . However , when Grant did determine to take on a dark theatrical role , he always did it splendidly . Grant ’s graphic symbol of Daniel Cleaver inBridget Joneshad a nefarious streak , and his Kona Chief inCloud Atlaswas a brutal and bloody-minded tribal loss leader . However , it wasas Phoenix Buchanan inPaddington 2that Grant give his good nefarious performanceand demonstrated he needed to take on more mischievous roles .

6Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams has already played an iconic villain and should do more sinister roles

The duality of Rachel McAdams became most apparent when compare her two movie roles from 2004,The NotebookandMean Girls . As Allie Hamilton inThe Notebook , McAdams proved herself as a compelling conduce lady who could bring a tear to the eye of the most unregenerate misanthropist . However , it was as Regina George inMean Girlsthat McAdams demonstrated she could be a cutting villain while maintaining expert comedic timing . The skillMcAdams showcased as Regina solidified her as one of thebest villains everand it ’s a talent she should utilize more .

5Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington won an Oscar for playing a villain and needs to use this skill more

The career of Denzel Washington has been marked by miscellany as well as telling Academy Award - winning performances . With turns as real - life diachronic figures such as inMalcolm X , a thrilling military action headliner inThe Equalizer , and even a Shakespearean lead inThe Tragedy of Macbeth , Washington has in truth done it all . However , it was asthe corrupt cop and villain Alonzo Harris inTraining Daythat he won Best Actor , and this alone showcased why he ask to take more villainous use , as can do it like nobody else .

4Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem has played several iconic villains, but he’s so good at it he should do it even more

One actor who truly stood out with every villainous role he took up was Javier Bardem . Incredible role like theJames Bondantagonist Raoul Silva inSkyfall , Capitán Armando Salazar inPirates of the Caribbean : Dead Man ’s breast , and anAcademy Award - make headway execution as Anton Chigurh inNo Country for Old Men , proved that Bardem is at his best when playing villains . While Bardem was not an actor who shy aside from more sinister role , he was so great at them that he could always do more .

3Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver has usually played heroic characters, but her skill for playing villains is impressive

Despite rising to fame as the iconic science fable heroine Ellen Ripley inAlien , Sigourney Weaver can play a really compelling villain when she wants to , such as the backstabbing CIA agent Jean Carrack inThe Cold Light of Day . However , it was as Louise Walker , also known as The Warden , inHolesthat Weaver try she had what it select to bring an out - and - out villainwho reveled in watching others bear . Weaver ’s turn as The Warden was such a compelling scoundrel that it showcased why she ask to take on more of these types of roles in the future .

2Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but his villainous roles are among his best

While Tom Cruise is known for his action - hero reference in franchise likeMission : ImpossibleandJack Reacher , the few social function where he has played a villainous role have been rare treats . Cruise ’s depiction inInterview with a VampireandCollateraldemonstrate he has what it necessitate to play a compelling villain . However , it was inTropic Thunder , as studio executive Les Grossman , thatCruise got to show the true extent of his nefarious and comedic side . Admirers of this character may be in circumstances , asCruise has continually expressed his interest in a Les Grossman spin - off film .

1Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson got his start in acting as a villain, and he should take on more of these roles

Dwayne ‘ The Rock ’ Johnson began his acting journey as the villain The Scorpion KinginThe Mummy proceeds . However , after he solidified his career in Hollywood as a go man he veered toward more epic roles . That ’s not to say Johnson has exclusively played heroes in late years , as he showed his nefarious side in movie likeFasterandPain & Gain , although it would be great if he could evidence these skills more often . With his pensiveness human body , endless personal appeal , and writhe background , Johnson always made a good baddie on the rare juncture that he play one .

Josh Hartnett looking shocked in Fight or Flight

Ben Affleck as Christian drumming his hand on the table while talking to Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s Marybeth in The Accountant 2

Ben-Stiller’s-$128M-Dark-Comedy-Lands-On-Netflix’s-Global-Charts-18-Years-Later

Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems and Dwayne Johnson in Jumanji Next Level

Michael Cera plays Player X in Molly’s Game

Russell Crowe looks on from behind the wheel of a truck in Unhinged

Hugh Grant in Paddington 2

Regina George (Rachel McAdams) looking serious in Mean Girls

Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) during a pivotal moment in No Country for Old Men

Sigourney Weaver as The Warden in Holes

Les Grossman  talking on the phone in Tropic Thunder