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Thanos, The Joker and the 25 greatest superhero movie villains of all-time

By Michael Patterson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Joker costume from the 2008 film The Dark Knight worn by actor Heath Ledger and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Joker costume from the 2008 film The Dark Knight worn by actor Heath Ledger and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WARThanos (Josh Brolin)Photo: Film Frame©Marvel Studios 2018 /

Superhero films have gifted us with some legendary movie villains over the years, but which of those villains stand tall as the greatest of all time?

They say every great hero is only as great as their villains. A debatable statement no doubt, but one that can be applied to the abundance of superhero movie villains we’ve seen over the years.

Yes, throughout the past half-century, Hollywood has gifted us with our first (and, in many cases, second, third and fourth) film adaptations of some of the greatest comic book superheroes of all time. However, not all of those films succeeded because, at the end of the day, those films need to rely on a number of strong factors. And, in case it wasn’t already obvious, one of the most important factors of those films are their villains.

A good villain gives a hero a tall task to overcome, but a great villain accomplishes that and so much more. A great villain doesn’t just serve as the perfect foil to their respective hero(es), they steal the show with their strong goals, deep-rooted desires and, in some cases, surprisingly logical outlook. In the process, they become just as larger-than-life as the hero of the piece, leaving an unforgettable impression on audiences.

But just who are the greatest comic book movie villains of all time? Well, you could say that figuring that mystery out was, in a way, our villain as we had to overcome this tall task. With that in mind, prepare yourself for a trip into the dark, bizarre and the ugly as we look back the 25 greatest superhero movie villains of all time.

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