10 Best Movie Villains Of 2023, Ranked
Exploring the greatest representations of how films tackle morality in the 21st century through the villains in 2023.
Introduction
The Super Mario Bros. Movie - Bowser Sings "Peaches" Scene | Movieclips
The best movie villains of 2023 are the greatest representations of how films tackle morality in the 21st century. This new generation of antagonists not only hail from all movie genres, but also aim to combine and rehash established film tropes in new, subversive, and wholly impactful ways. Whatever their motivations, these villains seek to dominate their enemies through whatever means possible, revolutionize the respective film genres they touch on, and even convert viewers to their twisted cause.
Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) with arms outstretched during the climactic scenes in Rome in Fast X
Whether in the best movies of 2023 or the most underrated films of the year, these are the villains that leave behind crucial moral questions, haunt audiences' nightmares, or open new pathways in contemporary cinematic storytelling. This includes classical period drama villains like Robert Downey Jr.'s Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, or Robert DeNiro's William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon. Notably, many of the best movie villains of 2023 were birthed by unexpectedly compelling performances, such as Jack Black's Bowser in The Super Mario Movie or Jason Momoa's Dante Reyes in Fast X. All these villains are guilty of the same crime: stealing the show from the hero.
Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) - Fast X
From his backstory as the son of drug lord Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), to his inevitable return in Fast and Furious 11, Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) has all the makings of a great Fast and Furious saga villain. However, what truly makes the character iconic is the decision to cast Jason Momoa in the role of the brutal and ostentatious brat, who serves as the perfect foil to Dom's (Vin Diesel) sincere and soft-spoken anti-hero. In a franchise where the villains are cliched caricatures of action hero archetypes, Dante's backstory, screen charisma, and equal passion for violence and fashion unironically elevate Fast and Furious' villain roster above genre novelty.
Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) standing in a favela in Brazil in Fast X
Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) is not just a villain, he is a character representing the perfect foil to the heroic Dom. His backstory and screen presence make him a standout villain in the Fast and Furious saga, elevating the villain roster above genre novelty.
Bowser (Jack Black) looking angry in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Bowser (Jack Black) - The Super Mario Bros. Movie
In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, iconic Nintendo characters Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and Toad (Keegan Michael-Key) journey to save the Mushroom Kingdom from being destroyed by Bowser (Jack Black). Murderous, drunk with power, and delusional, Bowser's selfish schemes endanger not just the Mushroom Kingdom, but also his own Dark Lands and the real world. The main reason for The Super Mario Bros. Movie's box office record-breaking success, Jack Black's charisma and signature comedic flair as Bowser makes the menacing monster the most magnetic character in the Nintendo film. It certainly helps that Bowser's song 'Peaches' is one of the catchiest songs of 2023.
Bowser (Jack Black) in The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a menacing and magnetic character, thanks to Jack Black's charisma and signature comedic flair. His selfish schemes endanger not just the Mushroom Kingdom, but also his own Dark Lands and the real world.
Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) - Evil Dead Rise
From protective mom and possessed Deadite, to becoming the central head of a demonic flesh monster, Alyssa Sutherland steals the screen in every bloody twist. The single mother of Danny (Morgan Davies), Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and Kassie (Nell Fisher), Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) turns on her kids when she becomes a Deadite in Evil Dead Rise. Before being possessed by an unseen evil force, Ellie was a loving mother to her children, which is part of what makes her turn so effective.
Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) looks angrily over her shoulder as a possessed Deadite in Evil Dead Rise
Alyssa Sutherland's portrayal of Ellie in Evil Dead Rise is a chilling and effective transformation from a loving mother to a possessed Deadite, making her one of the scariest villains of 2023.
