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) /

5 of 26

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Hela (Cate Blanchett) ..Ph: Teaser Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017 /

22. Hela

Film: Thor: Ragnarok

The MCU hasn’t had all that many primary female movie villains, but one that absolutely caught everyone’s attention was Thor and Loki’s long-lost sister Hela. Portrayed by Cate Blanchett, the scorned Goddess of Death showed up with the sole purpose of reclaiming her kingdom – and successfully managed to do so by intimidating the people of Asgard.

In addition, she was even more powerful than Thor and Loki – serving as an exceptional plot device to unite the warring brothers (and Valkyrie) as they attempted to take her down. But she was so much more than just a plot device.

She was a refreshingly different antagonist from those that had come before and, while Cate Blanchett channeled her inner Uma Thurman to camp the performance up to an absolutely glorious extent, Hela was also an incredibly well-developed character. And because she ultimately had something to fight for (getting revenge on her father’s kingdom after he imprisoned her all those years ago), it made her one of the MCU’s more compelling movie villains – all while positioning her as one of its most intimidating at the same time – simply because she was willing to do whatever it took to exact that vengeance.

Some villains wish they could be as sassy as Hela!

Home/Movies