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

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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9. General Zod

Film: Superman, Superman II

The line “Kneel before Zod” is one that inspires fear, intimidation and yes, even a touch of reverence. It’s one that made men, no matter how powerful, reluctantly get to their knees because they knew there was no other choice. But that’s not really all that surprising when you consider the man who is renowned for speaking it.

General Zod’s arrival on planet earth resulted in a reign of terror from a dictator who quickly managed to obtain rulership over the planet. Though he didn’t do it for any particular reason, the point of his mission was simply to show earth that he could – proving what he was capable of if White House and the planet didn’t submit to his reign.

Zod is, without a doubt, one of the Man of Steel’s (and by extension, one of DC Comics’) most iconic villains of all time, but it may not have worked out that way without Terence Stamp’s portrayal. The veteran actor portrayed the role so well as he commanded the screen every time he appeared on it, presenting the general like the monarch figure that he believed himself to be – a sight that was both intimidating and majestic.

After this performance, so many more comic book fans were indeed kneeling before Zod.

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