17 TV Shows where the villain is as amazing as the hero

Perfect heroes are plenty, while wickedness does not translate well with every antagonist. The villains from some TV shows possess depth and insight similar to the main protagonists. The plot becomes more thrilling whenever these characters appear in the story. These antagonists establish deep impact through fierce leadership capabilities, skillful planning, and hidden depths of character. The presence of antagonists in these high-action TV series, ranging from cunning criminal leaders to vicious, powerful individuals, keeps viewers on edge. This article points out 17 TV shows whose villainous characters are as remarkable or even superior to their heroic counterparts.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

17. Better Call Saul (Lalo Salamanca)

The only threatening yet charming antagonist of Better Call Saul is Tony Dalton, who plays Lalo Salamanca. The scene in "Bad Choice Road" shows Lalo visiting Jimmy and Kim's residence while sporting both an exuberant smile and harboring subtle menacing energy. Lalo's villainous qualities derive from his dual ability to charm people and execute destructive actions. Lalo maintains a position of superior intelligence, which enables him to foresee the future moves of other members of the Salamanca cartel. The show's star, Jimmy McGill, matches Lalo Salamanca's intelligence level, and the villain becomes a permanent source of audience anxiety.

16. Dexter (Arthur Mitchell)

The sole major villain in the Dexter series who operates under the Trinity Killer alias is Arthur Mitchell (played by John Lithgow). During "Hello Dexter Morgan," Arthur discovers who Dexter is and creates a role reversal from predator to prey. Arthur invents an appearance of family-man virtues, but his secret identity reveals him as a murderous serial killer. Arthur Mitchell stands as one of history's most remarkable antagonists because his average suburban persona allows him to pull off gruesome acts similar to the way Dexter operates with his secrets.

15. Game of Thrones (Cersei Lannister)

Throughout Game of Thrones, the talented performer Lena Headey establishes her remarkable skill to manipulate every situation as Cersei Lannister. Cersei carries out a single dramatic act in "The Winds of Winter" that results in the demise of the “Great Sept of Baelor” and her enemies. Her villainous persona matches her hero strength due to her strategic and emotionless decision-making. Though she acts with malicious intent, Cersei strongly defends her family members, and this dual nature makes her appear as a more complicated female persona. People remember Cersei for both her intelligence and merciless manner.

14. Breaking Bad (Gus Fring)

Giancarlo Esposito plays Gus Fring in the show as a restrained drug lord who operates behind a restaurant establishment. He dies in a dramatic sequence in "Face Off," demonstrating his strategic expertise and staying true to his character until the very end. Gus is not only a bad person, but he is also Walter White's biggest obstacle. He is a worthy opponent because of his knowledge, control, and patience. He is just as fascinating as Walter, which adds to the excitement of Breaking Bad.

13. Game of Thrones (Tywin Lannister)

Tywin Lannister's brilliance as a villain shines in his ruthlessness and cunning strategy. In the Red Wedding scene, he orchestrates a massacre, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the Lannister legacy. Unlike other heroes bound by honor, Tywin's cold pragmatism and political acumen make him a formidable antagonist. His calculated maneuvers and unyielding ambition highlight his unparalleled ability to shape the Game of Thrones, solidifying his place as an extraordinary villain.

12. The Walking Dead (The Governor)

The Governor's villainy in The Walking Dead is chillingly effective due to his charisma and unpredictability. In the infamous battle at the prison, he puts his community against Rick's group, highlighting his manipulative leadership. Unlike heroic figures driven by morality, the Governor's descent into madness and ruthless control highlights his complex nature. His ability to charm and terrorize simultaneously makes him a compelling antagonist, enhancing the show's dramatic tension.

11. Mr. Robot (Tyrell Wellick)

Tyrell Wellick (played by Martin Wallström) serves as an executive leader at E Corp before starting a relationship with the hacking expert Elliot Alderson. During a rooftop scene, Tyrell demonstrates his intense eagerness to get together with Elliot. Similar to Elliot, Tyrell dribbles up interesting points through his unpredictable habits and complex reasons. The obsession spiral introduces depth because it mirrors the battles Elliot faces throughout the plot. Tyrell's unpredictable behavior and complex motives mirror Elliot's struggles, adding depth to the story.

10. Sherlock (Jim Moriarty)

Crime master Jim Moriarty (played by Andrew Scott) serves as the main antagonist to Sherlock Holmes through his lethal gameplay approach. During "The Reichenbach Fall," Moriarty executes his plan to damage Sherlock by triggering two fighting men on the rooftop. Moriarty poses a dangerous threat because both his intellectual brilliance and uncontrollable behavior make him dangerous. The thrill increases in correlation with the way Sherlock interacts with Moriarty during the series. Moriarty's intellectual brilliance and erratic nature make him a perfect match for Sherlock's deductive prowess.

9. Succession (Logan Roy)

Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox) displays his status as a media titan through his brutal way of handling matters, which often obscures his children's ability to reach their ambitions. Logan Roy establishes his position of power when he mocks his son Kendall during a board meeting. Whilst showing all the traits of an engrossing lead protagonist, Logan directs his endless drive to be dominant along with his deep familial bonds to create emotional drama throughout the show. Logan Roy's ruthless pursuit of power and emotional manipulation creates constant tension and drama.

8. Squid Game (The Front Man)

The Front Man (role played by Lee Byung-hun) appears as a mysterious presence to implement the brutal rules while monitoring the deadly games occurring in Squid Game. A police officer infiltrating his organization causes the Front Man to reveal concealed facts during a tense encounter. His extraordinary performance matches the main story conflicts through his cold-blooded competence and hidden agendas to create depth in the story. The Front Man's cold and calculated enforcement of brutal rules heightens the stakes in the deadly games.

7. Stranger Things (The Mind Flayer)

The Mind Flayer from the Upside Down continues to wage its siege against Hawkins. During a moment it becomes incredibly terrifying as Billy becomes possessed, and the entity forces him to serve its evil purposes. The enemy presents a dangerous threat because it invades reality by occupying numerous hosts and escalates fear that approaches the level of heroism demonstrated by the young adventurers. The young heroes battle against a tremendous threat because the Mind Flayer can break through reality to occupy living hosts.

6. The Handmaid's Tale (Serena Joy Waterford)

Within The Handmaid's Tale, Serena Joy (played by Yvonne Strahovski) serves as an intriguing villain because she both maintains and accepts the authoritarian system her original contributions shaped. During a meaningful review, she presents a hidden religious scripture to inform the handmaids of her underlying struggle. The show examines power dynamics through the dual nature of Serena Joy, who combines harshness with weak moments, which contrasts against Offred's central storyline. Serena Joy's conflicting traits of tenderness and brutality complicate Gilead's power structures.

5. The Mandalorian (Moff Gideon)

Giancarlo Esposito masterfully presented Moff Gideon through his performance in the Mandalorian series before Gideon brought a threat as the show's principal antagonist. His appearance after a crashed TIE fighter battle reveals the possession of the legendary Darksaber, which demonstrates his impressive fighting skills. Gideon's strategic mind and unwavering determination make him a compelling adversary, matching the Mandalorian's skills and resolve and adding depth to the series' story.

4. The Sopranos (Corrado Jr. Soprano)

Junior Soprano, Tony's uncle, is a senior figure in the crime family, whose ambition leads to a power struggle. Dominic Chianese has played the character. In a notable scene, he orders a hit on Tony, highlighting his ruthless pursuit of control. Due to his conflicting bond with Tony and his weak points, Junior creates a rich, villainous character in the show that builds up family connections and power conflicts.

3. The Walking Dead (Negan)

The Saviors' charismatic and vicious leader is Negan. In a terrifying scenario, he demonstrates his ruthless authority by killing a favorite character with Lucille, his bat coated in barbed wire. Negan is a compelling opponent who tests the ethics and leadership of the survivors and deepens the post-apocalyptic story because of his erratic behavior and nuanced morality. His unpredictability and willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain control add a layer of tension and complexity to the narrative.

2. The Wire (Stringer Bell)

The Barksdale drug organization's second-in-command, Stringer Bell, is a bright and astute individual. He takes economics lessons at a crucial juncture to apply business tactics to the drug trade, demonstrating his creative thinking. Stringer provides a complex portrait of a contemporary villain because of his desire to justify his actions and his strategic thinking, which make him just as fascinating as any protagonist.

1. Westworld (William)

Ed Harris's portrayal of William in Westworld is a particularly interesting antagonist. He begins as a visitor strolling around the park and develops into the vicious "Man in Black," representing the worst sides of human nature. His delicate transformation from an inquisitive guest to a vicious adversary reflects the show's examination of morality and consciousness. William is one of the most fascinating villains on television because of his complexity and metamorphosis, which make him equally compelling as any hero.