In the realm of monsters and cosmic powers, one would naturally assume that Lucifer is the ultimate villain in the Supernatural television series. However, upon closer examination, there is another creature that surpasses him in terms of sheer malevolence. Spanning over fifteen seasons, Supernatural follows the journey of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they tirelessly strive to protect themselves and humanity from supernatural dangers. Throughout the show's run, viewers are captivated by a myriad of spine-chilling adversaries, including shapeshifting Leviathans and the formidable leader of Hell, Lucifer.
Specifically, the character Lucifer, played by Mark Pelligrino, makes his grand entrance in Supernatural's fifth season. With the intent of triggering the apocalypse and thus bringing about the destruction of mankind, Lucifer arrives in full force, posing as the Winchester brothers' most formidable foe yet. Despite the brothers eventually managing to defeat him and imprison him in his Cage by the end of the fifth season, Lucifer manages to make a comeback in subsequent seasons, constantly tormenting and impeding the Winchesters' progress. It is not until the fifteenth and final season that Lucifer meets his ultimate demise at the hands of his celestial brother, Michael, bringing an end to his reign of terror once and for all.
Azazel Was Supernatural's Best Villain, Not Lucifer
Despite Lucifer's constant presence, the standout villain in Supernatural is Azazel, also known as the Yellow Eyed Demon. Azazel is the first major villain that Sam and Dean face in the series, hunting him down over the first two seasons. He plans to release Lucifer and bring about the apocalypse, and he is also the demon responsible for the deaths of their mother, Mary, and their father, John. Though not the strongest villain in Supernatural history, Azazel still proves to be a formidable enemy.
Azazel is a better villain than Lucifer because of his unexpected nature. While it is logical for the Devil himself to be the ultimate villain, Azazel poses a similar threat without requiring as much power. He inflicts pain on the Winchesters and, like Lucifer, desires the end of the world. Throughout the series, he continues to haunt the brothers through flashbacks and nightmares. In many ways, he is parallel to Lucifer but appears even darker, more intense, and just as terrifying.
Azazel Had A More Personal Connection To The Winchesters
Azazel stands as Supernatural's ultimate villain primarily due to his profound personal connection with the Winchesters. Unlike other adversaries who engage in battles with Sam and Dean to thwart their efforts to foil wicked plots, Azazel singled out the Winchester family from the start. Even prior to the birth of the Winchester brothers, Azazel wreaked havoc by ruthlessly eliminating Mary's loved ones and fixating on her and her future offspring. Consequently, his murder of Mary when Sam was merely an infant merely serves as a single chapter in the extensive list of crimes he has committed against the Winchesters.
This intimate bond forged between Azazel and the Winchesters lends their entwined conflict an added layer of depth and significance. While Sam and Dean's quest to vanquish Lucifer is driven by a desire to preserve humanity, their endeavor to eliminate Azazel carries a profound personal meaning. The Winchester brothers are driven to exterminate Azazel not only due to the irreparable loss he has caused but also because he is essentially responsible for their path as hunters. Hence, it is this sense of intimacy between Azazel and the Winchesters that sets him apart from other Supernatural villains who lack such deep personal connections and motivations.
Azazel Had A Singular Villainous Goal
In the battle between Azazel and Lucifer, Azazel emerges victorious due to his unwavering dedication to his wicked purpose. In the TV series Supernatural, Azazel orchestrates a plan to locate a special child who can serve as a vessel for Lucifer and unleash the apocalypse by breaking the 66 seals. Azazel's staunch adherence to this plan undoubtedly highlights his villainous nature. Conversely, Lucifer in Supernatural appears to occupy a more ambiguous position. While he does possess malevolent intentions, the show often portrays him as an antihero and even shows him aligning with the Winchesters at times. Therefore, when comparing the two, Azazel logically poses a greater threat than Lucifer in the end.
Although Lucifer is an entertaining and occasionally terrifying character, he cannot truly be classified as the best or most formidable villain in Supernatural. Despite being the Winchesters' adversary and typically harboring nefarious ambitions, his adaptability diminishes his status as a villain. On the other hand, Azazel's unwavering loyalty and determination elevate him to the position of the ultimate Supernatural villain. His unwavering focus, motives, and relationship with the Winchesters solidify his status as their ultimate adversary.