Charismatic villains from popular action films of the 80s and 90s (15 photos)

A small selection of negative characters from popular action films of the 80s and 90s, which were sometimes even more interesting to watch than the main characters.





In many films, the main villains are presented as “cardboard dummies” with primitive thinking, who are not even interesting to watch. Nevertheless, at the end of the 20th century there were many films where the main villains had such powerful charisma that it was sometimes even more interesting to watch them than the main characters.

Shang Tsung (Shang Tsung) "Mortal Kombat"



Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa perfectly embodied the image of the sorcerer Shang Tsung on the screen in the first part of the film “Mortal Kombat” (1995). And we will never forget his remark “Your soul belongs to me.”

Now remember the hysterical Shao Kahn from the second part of the film. It's just heaven and earth.

T-1000 ("Terminator 2: Judgment Day")





It's hard to argue that the film "Terminator 2" has become more successful and interesting than the first part, which, of course, is also a masterpiece.

And naturally, the film owes its success not only to Arnold Schwarzenegger, but to the villain T-1000 (a robot made of liquid metal), whose image was perfectly embodied on screen by Robert Patrick. His facial expressions and acting were so magnificent that it felt like we were really looking at a robot from the future.

Patrick should be given credit, because he prepared very actively for this role, playing sports, in particular running. And we could see the result of his training in the film.

Sergeant Andrew Scott ("Universal Soldier")



Most often, Dolph Lundgren got the video of the main positive characters. But there were times when he had to play the bad guy. For example, in 1992 the film “Universal Soldier” was released, where Lungren played the “traveled” Sergeant Andrew Scott, who was killed during the Vietnam War, but then resurrected, becoming one of the universal soldiers.

After some time, Scott gets out of control, returning to his “travelled” consciousness, where there are only enemies and traitors around.

Bodhi ("On the Crest of a Wave")



Patrick Swayze rarely played villains, just as he rarely starred in action films. But in the film "On the Crest of a Wave" he played a negative character - Bodhi.

Bodhi is the leader of a gang of surfers who rob banks wearing masks of former US presidents. But the most important thing is that Bodhi is not a bloodthirsty maniac, so all his robberies take place quickly and without bloodshed.

Agent Smith (The Matrix)



The film "The Matrix" gave us one of the most charismatic villains - Agent Smith, whose role was played superbly by actor Hugo Weaving.

Smith is not a person, but a program (AI) that initially protects the matrix and then becomes a virus.

Norman Stansfield ("Leon")



The role of the corrupt FBI drug addict in the film "Leon" was played by none other than the incomparable Gary Oldman. He played this role so well that the character has been called one of the greatest movie villains, who spawned hundreds of other villains.

Although, of course, it is worth noting that Oldman is simply excellent at playing various kinds of villains.

Hans Gruber ("Die Hard")



Alan Rickman is simply a great actor. And how well he played the villain Hans Gruber in the movie "Die Hard" is worthy of applause. By the way, in fact, it was this role that became for him the ladder to big cinema, since before that he had mainly acted only in TV series and television films.

Joker ("Batman")



One of Batman's main enemies is the psychopathic Joker. In the film "Batman" (1989), this role was played by the wonderful actor Jack Nicholson. And it is worth noting that the image of a gangster who became a maniac with an eternal smile on his face was a great success for him. It's hard to imagine that anyone else could have played the Joker in this film.

Tyler Durden ("Fight Club")



Naturally, we must not forget about the main antagonist from the film “Fight Club,” Tyler Durden, whose role was played superbly by Brad Pitt.

Initially, Durden is essentially a friend and mentor to the protagonist, but then their paths diverge. But the most important thing is that this villain... However, I won’t spoil it, in case someone hasn’t watched this film.

Rico (Judge Dredd)



Rico from the movie Judge Dredd is exactly the same clone as Dredd himself. Previously, they both were judges and even best friends (you could say brothers, because they have the same DNA), but over time, Rico took a crooked path, becoming an ideal criminal with the abilities of a judge. The image of this villain was perfectly embodied on the screen by actor Armand Assante.

Sirius Virus ("Con Air")



The film "Con Air" starring Nicolas Cage is literally teeming with villains and scoundrels. But perhaps the most striking of them all is Sirius, performed by the inimitable John Malkovich. Cyrus is not a bloodthirsty butcher who chops up everyone. He is a calculating and intelligent criminal, which makes him even more dangerous.

Emile Fuchon ("Hard Target")



The main villain Emile Fuchon in the film "Hard Target" was played by actor Lance Henriksen. Not to say that the villain himself is particularly interesting, but Henriksen’s performance was able to squeeze everything out of him, imbuing him with his charisma. In general, Henriksen, like Oldman, is especially good at playing villains.

Simon Phoenix ("Destroyer")



One of the brightest and most charismatic villains that Sylvester Stallone's heroes have had to face is certainly Simon Phoenix, played by Wesley Snipes.

The villain, after a long freeze, awakens in a utopian society where there is no violence, the police do not use weapons, since this is simply not necessary. But with the arrival of Simon Phoenix, everything changes and that same utopia comes to an end.

Howard Payne ("Speed")



Howard Payne is the main villain from the movie Speed ​​starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

Payne was once an honest and respectable policeman. But when his term of service came to an end, he was kicked out of the police force, leaving him with only a measly pension. Such financial injustice greatly angered the once honest policeman, and now he wants one thing - justice (as it seems to him).

Naturally, these are not all the brightest representatives of the villainous world of action films of the 90s. Therefore, I suggest you write your list in the comments.