What is it about ‘the bad guys’ that we find so appealing? Is it the way the openly flaunt authority; or could it be something more sinister?
Perhaps we’re attracted to their sense of rebellion or maybe it’s that we deep down want to live vicariously through them.
RELATED STORIES
With that in mind, here are 10+ villains fans are attracted to, even though they probably shouldn’t be.
Patrick Bateman from *American Psycho*
Christian Bale is known for his method acting and intense body transformations. But in American Psycho he took things to an entirely new level.
Patrick Bateman’s body is a thing of perfection.
It could almost make you forget that he’s an ax-wielding psychopath with a penchant for chopping up bodies.
Maleficent from *Maleficent*
What is it about a demon fairy who curses an innocent young girl; damning her to an eternity of everlasting slumber that we find so alluring?
It’s gotta be the cheekbones. Or maybe it’s how Angelina smiles like a Great white shark.
Whatever the case – it’s intoxicating.
Mystique from *X-Men: Days Of Future Past*
Of course, it’s easy to understand why many people would be drawn to the idea of Jennifer Laurence in a nude blue bodysuit.
But the actress’s physical beauty is just a small part of what makes Mystique such an attractive villain.
It’s her strength and confidence; her conviction and unwavering sense of morality (albeit misguided) that draw us to her.
Loki in *The Avengers*
Loki is a trickster. He’s also a sociopathic murderer with aspirations to enslave the planet earth.
I guess having an English accent really does mean you can get away with anything.
Kathryn Merteuil from *Cruel Intentions*
Kathryn Merteuil truly was the cruelest girl: a semi-incestuous cocaine addict with sociopathic tendencies.
In spite of it all, she was still able to stop the hearts of millions the moment she locked lips on screen with Cecile Caldwell.
Lou Bloom from *Nightcrawler*
This is a shining example of “love the actor, hate the character.” Because Lou Bloom is a straight-up psychopath.
Just look at those eyes, that smile. He’s positively maniacal and his anger is nothing short of terrifying.
But underneath it all, he’s still Jake.
Harley Quinn from *Suicide Squad*
We love Harls because she does whatever she wants. She’s a total badass who marches to the beat of her own drum.
Plus, she’s the only one crazy enough in the DC Universe to have taken on both Batman and The Joker.
Kylo Ren from *Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker*
Kylo Ren is the new Man in Black. And just like Johnny Cash, Kylo has that deep honey-drenched timbre to his voice that could lull you right to sleep.
Provided of course that you were able to shake the horrific images of Ren slaughtering thousands and killing his own father, Han Solo.
Cersei Lannister from *Game Of Thrones*
During her time at King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister murdered hundreds; ruthlessly and without remorse.
She is fueled solely by her lust for power. And of course, an unnatural desire for her twin brother, Jaime.
Yet for all her many misgivings, fans still clamor for the lioness.
Tyler Durden from *Fight Club*
Once again, it’s not hard to understand why fans are drawn to Brad Pitt in his prime. The guy is an Adonis and looks as if he was carved from a block of marble.
But Tyler Durden isn’t Brad Pitt. Tyler Durden is our inflamed sense of rejection. He’s our lack of surprise. Tyler Durden is our broken heart that keeps on beating.
Erik Killmonger from *Black Panther*
Erik Killmonger is both a terrorist and a freedom fighter. As a child, he was baptized in their fires of combat and his bloodlust and rage nearly destroyed all of Wakanda.
Maybe its the dedication to his ideals that draws us to him?
But more likely it’s the tiny stud tattoos embedded within in his chiseled body.
Catwoman from *Batman Returns*
It doesn’t take a genius to understand why fans (and Batman) are drawn to Selina Kyle.
We can even look the other way regarding her life of crime and the occasional murder spree.
Jareth the Goblin King from *Labyrinth*
Fans are attracted to Jareth because he reminds you of the babe. What babe, you ask? Why; the babe with the power!
Jareth’s allure is based on fantasy fulfillment. He’s the answer to every wish you’ve ever dreamed.
Catherine Tramell from *Basic Instinct*
Catherine Tramell was one of the great seductresses of the ’90s cinema. Her beauty was her greatest weapon; sharp as a knife.
Or perhaps an ice-pick would be a better choice of words?
Regardless, as soon as she uncrossed her legs, fans were quick to forget her murderous inclinations.
Negan from *The Walking Dead*
Negan is not nice. In fact, he might be one of the most universally hated ‘bad guys’ in the history of television.
This baseball bat bruiser doesn’t possess one single redeeming quality. Yet for some reason, we still can’t seem to get enough of him.
