15 On-Screen Bad Guys We Secretly Root For

Sure, they’re the bad guys, but sometimes, movie villains have a way of pulling us to their side. These 15 characters not only challenge our idea of a typical bad guy but also show that sometimes, even the most evil characters can earn our sympathy or admiration. If you are curious to see if your favorite villain made the list, let’s jump right into it. 

Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

As a god of mischief, Loki doesn’t just stir up chaos, he charms you along the way. The constant tug-of-war between villainy and redemption makes him oddly relatable. It’s easy to root for him when he’s constantly trying to prove himself, even if it’s through mayhem.

Erik Killmonger (Black Panther)

His cause feels deeply personal and justified, aiming to correct years of grief. Despite his aggressive methods, his pursuit of justice taps into real-world issues, which makes him a villain with a purpose. You can’t help but admire his determination to change the system.

Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad)

Harley’s unpredictability is part of her charm, but it’s her backstory that pulls you in. She’s not just a chaotic villain; she’s someone who’s been deeply hurt. Her rebellion against unhealthy love makes her a character you secretly hope will find her own path to freedom.

Magneto (X-Men Series)

Magneto is a villain born from trauma who carries the weight of his past. Although his fight to protect mutants from discrimination is extreme, it feels like an understandable reaction to a world that has wronged him. That emotional depth keeps fans on his side despite his darker actions.

The Joker (The Dark Knight)

The Joker isn’t just evil, he’s chaos personified. His unpredictable behavior and dark sense of humor make him impossible to ignore. What makes us root for him isn’t just his villainy, but the thrilling unpredictability he brings to every scene that keeps audiences fascinated.

Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Beneath the mask lies a tragic story of a man who fell from grace. The constant inner conflict between light and dark and his ultimate sacrifice make him a villain we hope can find redemption. Darth Vader’s journey is compelling, and we’re secretly rooting for his humanity.

Maleficent (Maleficent)

Betrayed and wronged, Maleficent’s revenge feels justified. She’s not inherently evil, but her pain drives her actions. Watching her handle love, loss, and betrayal makes you sympathize with her, hoping that she can rise above her dark impulses.

Vito Corleone (The Godfather)

Vito Corleone’s calm demeanor and dedication to family honor turn him into more than just a mob boss. The loyalty, sense of justice, and protective nature resonate with fans. You’re not rooting for the bad things but for his unwavering values in a dangerous world.

Mystique (X-Men Series)

Her fight for mutant rights feels personal, and you can see the emotional pain behind her rebellious actions. Mystique’s ability to shapeshift isn’t just about deception; it reflects her constant battle for acceptance. Fans want to see her find peace, even as she treads a darker path.

Severus Snape (Harry Potter Series)

Snape’s cold, harsh exterior hides a deeply complicated character. The love he has for Lily Potter and his ultimate sacrifice makes him more of an antihero than a true villain. By the end, you can’t help but feel for him, wishing he had found happiness without the darkness.

Captain Hook (Peter Pan)

Captain Hook may be the villain in Peter Pan, but his vendetta against the mischievous boy who cut off his hand makes him oddly sympathetic. He’s more of a frustrated pirate than a true menace, and his fear of the ticking crocodile adds a comedic touch. You might even root for him to find peace on the high seas.

Gru (Despicable Me)

Gru started as a villain with grand plans for world domination, but it’s his softer side that wins you over. As his love for his adopted daughters grows, you see more of his heart than his schemes. He’s less a villain and a misunderstood dad trying to balance family and mischief.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)

While not a typical villain, Jack’s chaotic actions often land him in the gray area between hero and rogue. Sparrow’s charm, wit, and knack for getting out of trouble keep you rooting for him, even when he’s doing the wrong thing for all the right reasons.

Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)

Thanos’ mission to “balance” the universe is horrifying, yet his conviction makes it hard to fully dismiss him. He believes he’s doing the right thing, which gives his character depth. While his methods are terrifying, his motivations spark a tiny bit of sympathy from fans.

Deadpool 

He is an antihero more than a villain; his twisted sense of humor and rebellious attitude make it easy to root for him. Deadpool is out for revenge, but his constant breaking of the fourth wall and witty comebacks make him hard to hate. You’re secretly cheering for him, chaos and all.