10 Superhero Movie Villains With the Most Aura, Ranked

In a comic book movie, the superhero gets all the glory for saving the day, but it’s the villain that sells the tickets. The reliable notion that the hero will come out on top only encourages audiences to want the worst of the worst on screen. A few cinematic villains make it hard not to root for them; they have a charismatic quality, an aura, that draws us in even as they'd absolutely murder us in real life.

Terence Stamp’s General Zod brought a quiet intensity to Superman II, and his “Kneel before Zod” line is now legendary. Peter Stormare’s Lucifer in Constantine steals a late scene—arriving barefoot in a white suit, outwardly gentle while barely hiding contempt.

Tom Hiddleston’s Loki became the MCU’s first major foil, slipping between ally and adversary yet remaining a fan favorite. Cate Blanchett’s Hela in Thor: Ragnarok is playful, imposing and seemingly bored by how easily she triumphs. Ian McKellen’s Magneto carries himself with dignified grace, seeing himself as mutant royalty rather than a simple villain.

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