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Challenging the traditional Hollywood formula, certain Villain Movies dare to deviate from the hero-centric narrative, portraying a world where every character leans towards the darker side. The hero’s journey, a prevalent theme rooted in ancient mythology, is a familiar trope in fiction, outlining a clear battle between good and evil. Yet, there exists a category of movies that defies this norm, presenting a narrative where morality is blurred, making character motivations unpredictable and the storyline inherently surprising. Whether in horror, action, or other genres, these films discard the conventional hero, creating a roster of villains. Below are the top 10 movies where the absence of a moral compass leads to a tale full of unexpected twists and turns.
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Don’t Breathe (2016)
“Don’t Breathe” presents a gripping narrative where a group of morally questionable teenagers break into the home of a blind war veteran, only to discover his capacity for extreme violence. The film effectively blurs the lines of sympathy, leaving viewers uncertain about whom to support – the opportunistic teens or the unsettling blind man with hidden secrets. The movie excels in creating a tension-filled cat-and-mouse game, utilizing sound creatively as a horror element and fully embracing the darkness that envelops both the house and the characters’ minds. Available for streaming on AMC+.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino’s debut film, Reservoir Dogs, serves as a compelling display of his talent in crafting morally ambiguous characters. The movie revolves around a botched robbery, hinting at the presence of a police informant among a group of ruthless criminals. As the surviving members convene in a warehouse to address the aftermath, heightened tension pushes them to succumb to their darker instincts.
What Sets It Apart: Tarantino skillfully avoids explicitly urging the audience to sympathize with the morally questionable protagonists. Despite the presence of a couple of police characters, their significance is overshadowed by the predominant focus on the villainous criminals. One cop teeters between life and death throughout most of the film, while the other undergoes an unconventional torture session. Taking place mostly within the confines of a warehouse, the characters find themselves with limited escape options, causing their nefarious facades to gradually crumble as the pressure intensifies. Reservoir Dogs is available for streaming on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
Rambo: First Blood (1982)
First Blood challenges the misconception of Rambo as a typical action hero by portraying him as a victim of authority abuse. The film highlights the internal struggles of its characters, with Rambo declaring war on a world that abandoned him, Sheriff Teasle abusing his power, and Col. Trautman grappling with the consequences of creating a killing machine. The movie stands out as the best exploration of the aftermath of war, blurring the lines between good and bad, and depicting a narrative where everyone is fighting their own internal battles, leading to widespread casualties. It remains a powerful portrayal of channeling individual frustrations into perceived enemies, creating a destructive chain reaction. You can watch it on Paramount+.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
“A Clockwork Orange” stands as Stanley Kubrick’s magnum opus, a cinematic masterpiece that is essential viewing for any film enthusiast. However, it is far from an easy experience. Set in a brutal dystopian future, the film chronicles the heinous exploits of a sadistic gang led by Alex, who inflicts terror on anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Alex, the once merciless perpetrator, undergoes a procedure aimed at eradicating the root of his malevolence, leading to a profound role reversal.
What sets “A Clockwork Orange” apart is its unsettling exploration of humanity’s inherent proclivity for evil juxtaposed with the relentless societal pressure to enforce punishment as the sole solution. This dynamic creates a poignant cycle where empathy for Alex begins to surface, despite the lingering memory of the atrocities he committed. The film’s ability to evoke sympathy for a character who was once a source of dread underscores its power in challenging our understanding of morality. Available for rental on AppleTV.
Goodfellas (1990)
In Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, the protagonist, Henry Hill, is portrayed as a traitor, and the antagonist is the man who initially embraced him. The film, based on a true story, follows Hill’s journey into the Mafia at a young age, rising through the ranks with Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito. However, the narrative takes a turn when Hill decides to betray his criminal associates.
What sets Goodfellas apart is its depiction of the gangsters’ tragic fate from the start. Despite their grim destinies, it’s challenging to sympathize with them. Yet, in true Scorsese fashion, the characters possess a surprising humanity, making it difficult to entirely condemn them. Their involvement in a life of crime becomes both their skill and their curse, making it seemingly impossible for them to break free. The film is available for streaming on Tubi.
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River’s Edge (1986)
River’s Edge presents a grim portrayal of the desolate landscape of American adolescence in a stagnant small town. The narrative unfolds as a group of high school friends grapple with shock and apathy when Samson, one of their own, confesses to brutally murdering his girlfriend. Contrary to expectations, none of the characters immediately involve the authorities; instead, they confront the harsh reality of death, becoming entangled in the vulnerability of their own existence.
What sets River’s Edge apart is its nihilistic exploration of a youth generation surrounded by the normalization of violence. The film delves into the despair of a marginalized segment of society, featuring teenage characters who are far from ideal. Even Keanu Reeves, typically associated with virtuous roles and considered a modern action hero, cannot escape the film’s bleak and despondent atmosphere. Available for streaming on Paramount+.
Bones and All (2022)
Bones and All, a controversial 2022 film, boldly explores a romantic tale interwoven with the unsettling theme of cannibalism. The narrative follows Maren, a young woman with uncontrollable cannibalistic urges, discovering others like her while being on the run.
What sets the movie apart is its refusal to prompt the audience to question the redemption of these characters. Instead, it engages in a thoughtful examination of the morality surrounding the main couple, treating their condition as an inherent aspect of their identity.
In this dark world where those with an appetite for human flesh struggle, kindness and goodwill are scarce commodities. Bones and All consistently highlights the eerie similarity between the protagonists and the monstrous figures they encounter, epitomized by Mark Rylance’s portrayal of evil in the film. Available for streaming on Prime Video, the movie offers a unique exploration of morality in the face of inherent desires.
Heathers (1989)
Heathers stands out for its captivatingly unsettling characters who engage in a constant battle of wits, deviating from the typical high school dynamics. In this unique film, Veronica Sawyer, an outsider among the popular Heathers, teams up with the dangerously charismatic J.D. to eliminate bothersome peers through staged suicides.
Unlike conventional high school narratives, Heathers veers into dark and unexpected territory. It skillfully subverts the traditional noir genre, placing the femme fatale at the forefront of the story. The high school setting resembles a battleground, where morally ambiguous characters exploit the chaos engulfing their school. Surprisingly high body count aside, Heathers excels in satirizing and ridiculing typical high school stereotypes. The film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Happiness (1998)
“Happiness” delves into the darker aspects of human nature, presenting a cast of eccentric characters whose twisted pursuit of happiness originates from disturbing motives. Initially, the characters’ aspirations appear ordinary – Allen desires the attention of his attractive neighbor, while Bill seeks relief from haunting nightmares. However, the film unveils Allen as an obsessive stalker and Bill as a deeply unsettling pedophile.
The movie’s brilliance lies in its portrayal of a broader tapestry of disturbed individuals, seemingly disconnected in their storylines. Yet, a common thread links them – an unsettling compulsion to unleash their darkest impulses in a quest for happiness. Unfortunately, the film is not currently available for streaming or purchase.
The Suicide Squad (2021)
The central theme of The Suicide Squad revolves around assembling the most notorious supervillains for a mission that seems destined for failure. This eclectic team, comprising unreliable and violent characters, is tasked with preventing a catastrophic weapon from causing havoc on an island filled with ruthless enemies. What sets it apart is the absence of a moral compass, as these characters embrace destruction and chaos with a reckless abandon that adds to the film’s appeal.
The 2021 movie successfully addresses the shortcomings of its 2016 predecessor. It embraces a zanier and funnier tone while delivering a generous dose of over-the-top violence. Watching characters like Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, and Peacemaker attempt, and often fail, to cooperate adds an enjoyable dynamic. The film achieves the rare feat of transforming villains into lovable protagonists, with the climactic showdown offering redemption for characters like Bloodsport. In essence, The Suicide Squad is a refreshing take on the antihero genre, making it a must-watch. You can catch it on Max.
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