We all know that this is not always the case when the main character is the hero. Most of the time, it is the sidekick, the mastermind, or the super-villain that turns a film into something unforgettable. Such characters steal scenes, spark tons of fan theories, and in most cases, influence the pop culture more than the heroes they are aimed to support (or scare). This is a countdown of the ten best characters and villains who, in fact, are the leading characters in the story.
10. Harley Quinn
Initially conceived as a secondary character for Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn soon broke free to become a force in her own right. Her anarchic spirit, unstable allegiances, and daring style of dress propelled her from cartoon to comic book, movie, and massive cult following. Harley’s evolution from sidekick to global icon attests that great personality and emotional depth can turn a supporting player into a phenomenon.
9. Magneto
Magneto is more than just the X-Men’s bad guy—he’s one of cinema’s greatest villains. Motivated by tragedy and a desperate fight to exist as a mutant, his story mirrors real-life struggles for justice and equality. Magneto exemplifies how giving a villain real motivations makes him something much larger than an obstacle to the hero: he’s a reflection, an antihero, and a sweeping statement.
8. Donkey (Shrek)
If Shrek is the grumpy headliner, Donkey is the heart and comedy in one. With boundless energy and clever one-liners, he makes each scene memorable. Other than the comedy, though, Donkey exemplifies the power of loyalty and friendship, illustrating that sidekicks can be just as weighty with feeling as the principal hero.
7. Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)
Frodo has the ring, but Sam is Middle-earth’s real MVP. His loyalty, courage, and emotional strength make him more than just a sidekick—he’s the heart of the narrative. Samwise shows us that true heroism is in the aid, resilience, and unwavering belief in your friends.
6. Hannibal Lecter
Though he’s not the central figure in The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter dominates the screen with his disturbing blend of brilliance and malevolence. His polished affectations and foreboding presence have cemented his place as one of the greatest villains cinema has to offer. The fact that people are both horrified and captivated by him is a testament to just how powerful a strong supporting role can be.
5. The Joker
Few movie villains have carved themselves into film as indelibly as the Joker. Whether acted with mad intensity or sinister reserve, he is chaos and unpredictability incarnate. His familiar appearance and terrifying credo ensure that he is perpetually fascinating, and his capacity to unsettle and thrill at the same time is what makes him one of the most iconic adversaries ever committed to film.
4. Darth Vader
Few movie images are more immediately identifiable than Darth Vader’s towering presence and sinister breathing. His fall from Anakin Skywalker to Sith Lord gave him a tragic depth, but it’s his sheer presence that makes him unforgettable. Vader’s not so much a bad guy—he’s an enduring pop culture icon, spanning generations through movies, merchandise, and mythos.
3. Professor Moriarty
Sherlock Holmes can be a genius, but he would be only half as fascinating without Professor Moriarty driving him to his limits. Their cat-and-mouse relationship shows exactly how necessary a well-coordinated antagonist is. Moriarty proves that the best villains are not necessarily against the hero so much as they make them better by refining them, challenging not just the character but the audience as well to be better.
2. Col. Hans Landa (Inglourious Basterds)
Christoph Waltz’s acting in Hans Landa is both captivating and intimidating. His charm is unsettling, but his brutalism earns him one of the all-time great film villains since the beginning of modern cinema. What makes Landa so indelible is that he doesn’t need epic combat or flashy skills—just words and presence are enough to command each scene into a hostage situation.
1. Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Starting as Thor’s mischievous brother and as a villainous element of the MCU, Loki emerged as one of Marvel’s most beloved and complex characters. His mix of cleverness, vulnerability, and unpredictability made him a fan favorite, blurring the lines between villain and hero. The evolution of Loki shows us just how much potential a “supporting character” has when given depth and room to evolve.
From source of comedy to personification of anarchy, from sidekick to terrorizing mastermind, these supporting actors remind us that the story is never just about the hero. They’re the ones who burn so brightly on screen, drive the narrative, and stay in our heads long after the final credits. Whether we are afraid of them, laugh at them, or quietly root for them, these unforgettable characters remind us that supporting characters are frequently the true heartbeat of film.