Sci-fi Movies wouldn't be the same without those epic villains!
Great villains make the heroes shine even brighter, and some recent sci-fi flicks have villains that are already becoming legendary thanks to some amazing actors.
Modern Sci-Fi Villains
The best sci-fi Movies often have villains that are almost as popular as the heroes. These villains push heroes in exciting ways. So the best recent villains are created to really counter the qualities of other characters. Actors need to be deeply aware of their character's motivations, and how they relate to everyone else. If a villain and hero create an interesting dynamic, then those two figures really become memorable!
Top 10 Villain Performances
- The Colonel - War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Woody Harrelson gives an amazing, intense performance as a rogue colonel that wants to change things during a time of crisis. The colonel makes sure to display his imposing position of power! Even when people see his actions are questionable, his firm beliefs don't change a thing.
- Baron Harkonnen - Dune Part One & Two (2021 & 2024): Stellan Skarsgård makes a previously known iconic villain, come to life even further. What makes the performance even more remarkable is his partnership with Austin Butler, showcasing how powerful their chemistry is. Skarsgård manages to create the scary demeanor of this villain as a manipulative man that’s more cunning than many ever could have thought! The Baron is missed once the series comes to an end!
- Immortan Joe - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Hugh Keays-Byrne returns to Mad Max and shows he still reigns supreme. After 36 years later in the series Keays-Byrne, displays just how powerful this iconic warmonger and his cult is!
- Luv - Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Sylvia Hoeks delivers an incredible, awe-inspiring performance, demonstrating that replicants have little humanity.
- Nathan Bateman - Ex Machina (2014): Oscar Isaac shows off another fascinating, almost brilliant character. He’s this mad scientist that demonstrates how this villain really has an interesting, lonely side. He's shown as manipulative, which Isaac shows wonderfully!
- Andrei Sator - Tenet (2020): Kenneth Branagh shows that this character has some great evil elements with his cool demeanor and omnicidal intentions.
- Kylo Ren - The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy: Adam Driver has his big breakout role, really creating this amazing villain. His amazing portrayal really hits all the highs and lows.
- Killmonger - Black Panther (2018): Michael B. Jordan gives a remarkable and very powerful performance.
- Minister Mason - Snowpiercer (2013): Tilda Swinton is able to morph into her characters! Minister Mason stands out from other powerful sci-fi roles because it seems this villain's over-the-top behavior really highlights Swinton’s talents!
- Jobu Tupaki - Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022): Stephanie Hsu plays a character who really shows what happens as this conscience jumps across the multiverse and seeks total destruction.
These villain performances highlight just how important great acting is to great science fiction movies. They're more than just antagonists. They're memorable figures who will be celebrated and continue to intrigue audiences.
