Hans Gruber
Alan Rickman did an incredible job bringing Hans Gruber to the screen in Die Hard. A cultured, scheming villain who had the ability to improvise at the drop of a hat or whenever the situation ruined his original plan? Amazing. It also helps that the writing for this character was so memorable, not to mention, perfectly delivered by the actor in a precise way. All great villains are in need of a noble defeat, but not many get to fall the way Hans does.
Hans Gruber
Hannibal Lecter
Robert Harris’ villain was portrayed memorably both by Brian Cox and Mads Mikkelsen. However, Anthony Hopkins is the one who turned Hannibal into a modern legend. While most great villains are defined by their actions, Hopkins’ stillness is exactly what’s so unsettling. His horrific acts are more implied than shown, but all the same, his words are just as violent. Hannibal Lecter is still an iconic villain to this day.
Hannibal Lecter
