Films that compel you to support the villains

1. Black Panther (2018) – Erik Killmonger

• Why you support him: Killmonger’s motivations are rooted in justice for oppressed people and the desire to redistribute Wakanda’s resources to empower the marginalized. His methods are brutal, but his anger is justified.
• Key theme: Colonialism, generational trauma, radicalism vs. tradition.

🃏 2. The Dark Knight (2008) – The Joker

• Why you support him: He’s an agent of chaos who exposes the hypocrisy of Gotham and its heroes. He forces characters (and viewers) to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, order, and power.
• Key theme: Anarchy vs. control, moral duality.

🐲 3. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – Drago Bludvist

• Why you almost support him: While clearly a tyrant, Drago’s backstory (traumatized by dragon attacks) gives insight into his obsession with controlling dragons to prevent destruction. You can see where he’s coming from—even if he takes it too far.

🌎 4. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Thanos

• Why you support him: Thanos isn’t trying to destroy for the sake of evil; he sees himself as a savior, trying to restore balance to the universe. His rationale has a cold, utilitarian logic—sacrifice some to save many.
• Key theme: Utilitarian ethics, sacrifice, eco-fascism.

🐺 5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Jordan Belfort

• Why you support him: He’s a fraudster, yes—but also ridiculously charismatic and entertaining. The film’s style and energy seduce you into enjoying his rise, even as you recognize the harm he causes.
• Key theme: Greed, corruption, American excess.

🔥 6. Megamind (2010) – Megamind

• Why you support him: He’s misunderstood rather than evil. The movie flips the hero-villain dynamic and makes you question who the real antagonist is.
• Key theme: Identity, redemption, the nature of heroism.

🧙‍♂️ 7. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader

• Why you support him: You see Anakin’s fall from grace in painful detail—his love, fear, and manipulation by others make his transformation tragic rather than purely evil.
• Key theme: Corruption, loss, the cost of fear.

🦠 8. Watchmen (2009) – Ozymandias

• Why you support him: His plan to create peace through a catastrophic lie is morally reprehensible—but arguably effective. His reasoning is deeply philosophical: would you kill millions to save billions?
• Key theme: Moral relativism, sacrifice, the illusion of peace.

🎭 9. Joker (2019) – Arthur Fleck

• Why you support him: The film intimately shows how systemic neglect, poverty, and mental illness can lead to violence. You don’t condone Arthur’s actions—but you understand them.
• Key theme: Mental health, alienation, societal decay.

🎩 10. The Prestige (2006) – Both Borden and Angier

• Why you support them: The line between hero and villain blurs as both characters descend into obsession and cruelty for the sake of art. Depending on your perspective, either one could be “the villain”—and both are tragic.
• Key theme: Obsession, sacrifice, duality.