Who's the Best MCU Villain?

DrunkonDuty · Jul 14, 2021

In the Black Widow thread it was mentioned how the Marvel movies tend to suffer from less than exciting villains. Now I don't think that that's universally true of the franchise, but certainly it is in some cases. But which cases? I don't know. I mean, I have my opinions but what's to say they're not complete nonsense? So a poll is in order.

Poll Rules and Explanations

I've broken up the villains by movie in case you, the voter, feel there is a difference between, say, Loki in Thor and Loki in Avengers. I didn't even list Loki in Thor: Ragnorok. Also by listing the movie I may jog a memory about who some of these people are.

Some movies have more than one villain listed and some of my choices are contentious. Is General Ross a villain? He's certainly an antagonist. So I'm working with a wide definition of villain. You may disagree with some of my choices or feel I've missed someone important (Taser Face maybe?) That's fair. Let us know. It's a discussion forum after all.

You may vote up to 5 times.

You may change your votes.

And of course do let us know who you voted, or didn't vote for, and why.

RangerWickett · Jul 14, 2021

In Doctor Strange you left off Kaecilius.

pukunui · Jul 14, 2021

I voted for Loki because he’s fun and Killmonger because he is believable.

hopeless · Jul 14, 2021

I voted for Zemo because he had no powers and he actually not only succeeded but survived.
Until they find a way to retcon Loki's death or reveal Thanos as an Eternal was immediately reborn as per the Eternals Zemo is the only one to actually survive.
You could count Abomination but he's the henchman or minion at best, Ross isn't supposed to be the villain unless they retcon his Red Hulk which has been passed on to Betty and last I heard even the She Hulk so I'd call that a mess!
There was whats his name from Iron Man 2 Justin Hammer but his tech... yes hardly anywhere near the same level now Vulture at least could be said to be a villain and he survived.
But Zemo took on the Avengers and effectively won!

Tonguez · Jul 14, 2021

Hela has been the most compelling evil villain thus far

Kilmonger was also a great antagonist, and justified in his vendetta. I do hope he comes back somehow

I also liked Winter Soldier while he was a villain and Grand Master because Jeff Goldblum got to play himself.

Vulture was also a great reimagining of a hookie character which Keaton gave some menace

Surturs also memorable

Older Beholder · Jul 14, 2021

Although the best villain may have been Agatha all along.

Snarf Zagyg · Jul 14, 2021

Wait ... Killmonger was the villain?

hopeless · Jul 14, 2021

The villain turned out to be bad writing all along?
I think Agatha has accepted way too much of the blame for that!

Morrus · Jul 14, 2021

Thanos in IW, followed by Loki in Avengers.

Ryujin · Jul 14, 2021

I'd have to put Hela head and shoulders above all the other villains in the MCU. She swooped in and just swept crap away, and it was hard to look away from Blanchett when she was on-screen. The epitome of sexy powerful evil.