As someone who’s seen a ton of shows, I can confidently say that the villains make the story. They’re the ones who make us root for the hero, the ones who bring us fear or disgust, and sometimes, they’re just so darn fascinating to watch! Today, I’ve gathered some of the most memorable TV villains who made their mark in our hearts (or nightmares).

🐉 Joffrey Baratheon - Game of Thrones

Out of all the horrible people in Game of Thrones, Joffrey may just take the top spot as the most hated. He’s childish, cruel, and his actions often end up making things worse for everyone. His presence just makes you want to scream at the screen and hope someone (anyone!) will stop him.

Joffrey sitting on the Iron Throne, scowling

🐍 Kilgrave - Jessica Jones

Kilgrave may not be the most physically imposing villain, but his power to control people’s minds makes him all the more terrifying. He’s crazy obsessive over Jessica, and his actions in the show are definitely not for the faint of heart. What’s really remarkable about Kilgrave is how nuanced his portrayal is. We know he’s the bad guy, but we also get glimpses into his sad and twisted past, which makes us feel almost sorry for him (almost).

Kilgrave standing in front of a green light, smirking

🎭 Hannibal Lecter - Hannibal

Hannibal Lecter is suave, sophisticated, and a cannibalistic serial killer. It’s that charm that makes him stand out in a sea of psychopaths. He’s able to lure people in with his wit and charisma, all while secretly planning to eat them (not to mention, every meal he makes in the show looks absolutely delicious, which is equally as creepy).

Hannibal sipping wine, holding a fork with a piece of human meat on it

🍏 Regina Mills - Once Upon a Time

Regina Mills, the evil queen of Once Upon a Time, is a master of manipulation. She’s a complex character with a painful past, and her motivations for her actions in the show are often rooted in a desire for revenge or to protect those she loves. That being said, she’s not above using dark magic to get what she wants, and some of the things she’s done are truly sinister.

Regina wearing a long, red dress, holding a red apple

🤡 Pennywise - It

Pennywise the Clown is every child’s worst nightmare. He’s a shape-shifting creature who preys on children’s fears, often taking the form of things like spiders or clowns. He’s played by Bill Skarsgård, whose performance is nothing short of chilling.

Pennywise standing in a sewer, holding a red balloon

🎭 Bonus: Gustavo Fring - Breaking Bad

Gustavo Fring may not be a conventional “villain”, but he’s a character that definitely deserves recognition for his cunning and brutality. He’s a drug kingpin who operates under the guise of a fried chicken restaurant owner, and he’s one of the most memorable characters in Breaking Bad. His calm demeanor and meticulous planning make him a formidable opponent, and his trademark half-face reveal is definitely a scare you won’t forget.

Gustavo Fring standing in front of a Los Pollos Hermanos sign

That’s it for our list of memorable TV villains! Did your favorite bad guy make the cut? Let us know in the comments! 😈

A collage of the six TV villains, arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner