Why do villains so often steal the show? Join us for a look at the magnetic appeal of a good movie villain.
From smoldering antiheroes to femme fatales, villains in film and TV just keep getting more attractive. Why are these brooding baddies so irresistibly appealing?
Villains are designed to be memorable, but in recent years, they’ve become, well… hot! It’s not just their looks—it’s the charisma, complexity, and confidence they ooze. They’re flawed, unpredictable, and bold – and we love them for it. Let’s look at the phenomenon of hot villains and see some top examples from film and TV.
Why do we root for villains?
We get them
It’s easier when they’re hot, but probably most of all, villains are relatable. They have flaws, struggles, and vulnerabilities just like the rest of us, and that’s appealing. A good villain (if that’s not a contradiction!) is complex rather than cartoonish. A good, hot villain is attractive, but it’s not just about looks—they also need a certain magnetism.
We want to be them
On some level, most of us want to live life on our own terms, consequences be damned! We can see that in villains, and we get to live vicariously through watching them—with bonus points if they’re cute!
Rebellion is sexy
It’s a cliché for a reason—we love a bad boy/girl trope. They challenge the status quo and take risks; that confidence level is always a little intoxicating!
5 villains that are too hot to handle
1. Loki, Marvel Cinematic Universe—played by Tom Hiddleston
He’s not just stealing the Tesseract—he’s stealing hearts! Without a doubt, Loki is a villain, but he’s turned into one of Marvel’s most loved characters. Undoubtedly, he’s packed full of charisma and has a sharp wit. Hiddleston plays him well: mischievous, smooth-talking, and buzzing with a chaotic energy!
2. Villanelle, Killing Eve—played by Jodi Comer
Villanelle has boundless enthusiasm for violence, which, although terrifying, is also quite compelling. She’s delightfully twisted, and Jodie Comer gives her charm and a magnetic presence. It’s no wonder Eve fell head over heels.
3. Homelander, The Boys—played by Anthony Starr
He’s that handsome all-American guy with blond hair and a dazzling white smile. Shame he’s a complete sociopath, but you can’t have everything. Homelander’s cold calculation, compared with little glimpses of his vulnerabilities, draws us in. We can fix him.
4. Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad—played by Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie looks beautiful in whatever movie she’s in, but there’s something about Harley Quinn’s unhinged energy that makes us weak at the knees. Quinn has turned her craziness into power; she’s a whole mood.
5. Daemon Targaryen, House of the Dragon—played by Matt Smith
He’s dangerous, impulsive, and rebellious—that typical villain we love to hate. Daemon somehow manages to be loyal to his family but also wholly selfish and unpredictable. But with his long silvery locks and ethereal beauty, we can’t help but root for him just a bit. Okay, a lot.
Why do villains look so good now?
It’s not just the acting—hot villains in movies dress the part, too. Costume designers know that a villain’s aesthetic is important to their appeal, like Maleficent’s black ensemble or Villanelle’s wild but somehow stylish outfits.
Style is also part of the hot villain arsenal. It’s more than just an aesthetic—it symbolizes power and confidence! Learn more about the use of color in movies.
How to create a villain character
If you’re looking to harness the power of sexy-bad in your work, then use these techniques to bring that bold, unapologetic energy to projects:
- Bold colors. Think rich hues like crimson, emerald, or midnight black. Okay, yes, we made black sound even more dramatic by adding midnight—what of it?
- Add depth. Like a good baddie, think layers—textures, shadows, or unexpected details.
- Play with contrast. Bad without good and vice versa doesn’t work, right? Well, it’s the same with light and dark—why not try a little contrast for visual impact?
- Be unapologetic. Take the confidence of your best baddie (without the murder) and don’t shy away from making big, bold statements.
Learn how to draw Disney villains for more inspiration. Monika Zagrobelna will show you how to draw three popular Disney villains: the Evil Queen from Snow White, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, and Scar from The Lion King!
If you love villains, why not try making your own iconic antihero?
Let’s workshop it!
- Name your villain: Consider their persona and choose a name that reflects it.
- Build their aesthetic: What do they wear? What’s their color palette?
- Craft a story: What’s their reason for being bad, do they have vulnerabilities, is there a backstory?
- Add some flair: Give them something that’ll become their signature: a prop, a line, a look.
Hot villains are more than just something to rest your eyes on… they’re great for inspiration. They’ve got style, charisma, charm, and complexity—sometimes, we even want to watch a show again and again because of them.
The best villains, whether they’re realistic or fantastical 3D characters, offer endless inspiration for designers, content creators, and makers. You just need some creative assets from Envato to bring your villain to life.
For more inspiration, read about the rivalry between Batman and Joker or how streaming has changed movie poster design.
