Despite the presence of likable villains and charismatic anti-heroes, some characters in films are hated by audiences. Whether real villains or simply possessing antagonistic traits, these characters can make the hero’s goals even harder to achieve.
Their actions or negative personalities can evoke strong emotions from fans, making them even more invested in the hero’s journey. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the 12 most hated characters in the history of Films and Tv Shows.
12 most hated characters in the history of Films/ Tv Shows
Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Nurse Ratched is widely recognized as one of the most despised characters in cinema and one of the most skilled antagonists. In the classic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, she serves as the primary antagonist to Jack Nicholson’s character.
Unlike many exaggerated and melodramatic movie villains, Nurse Ratched is depicted as a calculated and emotionless figure, corrupted by the authority bestowed upon her by the mental institution. Her approach is that of a passive-aggressive tyrant, punishing those who fail to meet her expectations and even resorting to unnecessary and involuntary lobotomies for the most disobedient patients.
Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter Franchise
Among the many villains in the Harry Potter series, Dolores Umbridge is one of the most hated movie characters. She represents the ugly side of political power, with a sadistic streak and a complete lack of moral balance. Umbridge used her authority to harm children and put them in danger, betraying her responsibility to protect them. Later, under Voldemort’s regime, she used her power to pass laws harming the wizarding community.
Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990)
Kathy Bates played the role of Wilkes, the primary antagonist in the 1990 film adaptation of the novel. She portrayed a deranged and isolated psychopath with an obsessive infatuation with Paul Sheldon. After Sheldon’s car crashes during a severe blizzard, Wilkes rescues him and brings him to her remote residence to tend to his wounds. However, she intends to coerce the author into molding his writing to fit her disturbed fantasies.
Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
Jar Jar Binks, potentially one of the most detested characters in Star Wars (and possibly in all of fiction), was initially intended to provide comic relief. Still, instead, he garnered a tremendous amount of displeasure from fans.
Many believe that the character was introduced purely to attract younger viewers and rejected him for his childlike voice, irritating personality, and perceived racial stereotypes of Jamaican Rastafarians. As a result, Jar Jar Binks has become widely criticized and ridiculed, with many fans considering him among the most hated characters in the franchise, even more than Anakin Skywalker.
Arturo Roman in Money Heist/ La casa de papel
Enrique Arce’s portrayal of Arturito depicts him as a self-centered, greedy, and spineless individual who is also a s*xual predator. The bank manager is involved in an affair with his secretary, despite being married to someone else. During the heist, his mistress reveals that she is carrying his child, causing Arturito to become one of the most disgusting characters in the Spanish narrative and potentially the entire series.
Scar in The Lion King (1994)
In Disney’s “The Lion King,” Scar, Simba’s uncle, is the antagonist and responsible for one of the most heart-wrenching on-screen deaths in Disney animated films. If there were a ranking of the most vicious Disney villains, Scar would undoubtedly claim the top spot since he murdered his brother.
Drawing inspiration from King Claudius in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Scar is resentful of being overlooked for the throne following the birth of Simba. As a result, he manipulates Simba into believing he’s responsible for his father’s death and coerces him into exile. If Scar’s actions don’t epitomize wickedness, then it isn’t easy to discern what does.
Ross Geller in Friends
Friends is a well-loved sitcom that holds a special place in the hearts of its fans and serves as an excellent introduction to ’90s television for those discovering it for the first time through streaming services. While Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica, and Joey have all gathered dedicated followers, Ross Geller remains a mystery.
Some viewers connect with Ross’ experiences and complicated backstories, while others find it challenging to look past his arrogance, sense of entitlement, and tendency to whine. Throughout the show’s ten seasons, Ross makes several questionable decisions, such as gaslighting Rachel, dating his students, and kissing his best friend’s mother.
Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds (2009)
In Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” Christoph Waltz portrayed the despicable character of Hans Landa, also known as “The Jew Hunter.” Landa, a sadistic SS Colonel, derived pleasure from his kills and reveled in the notoriety he garnered throughout Europe. However, toward the movie’s end, he defected to the Allies and assisted them in their mission to assassinate H!tler, which proved successful.
King Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones
Joffrey Baratheon, the product of inc*st between Jaime and Cersei Lannister, was one of the most reviled characters in Game of Thrones. The entire GOT fanbase despised him for his explosive anger and repulsive demeanor. From the moment he commanded the beheading of Lord Eddard Stark, viewers wished for his death.
Emperor Commodus in Gladiator (2000)
Commodus, the emperor in Gladiator, is portrayed as an evil and ambitious character who assassinates his father, Marcus Aurelius, to seize the throne. He is a ruthless and cunning individual willing to do whatever it takes to acquire power and prestige.
After failing to pledge his loyalty, Maximus becomes one of his primary targets. Commodus has no redeeming traits and is characterized as immoral and relentless, with Joaquin Phoenix’s performance adding to the intensity and wickedness of the character.
Skyler White in Breaking Bad
Skyler White, a character from a popular TV show, Breaking Bad, faced intense backlash from fans, which seemed to stem from misogyny. While she had her flaws, including her tolerance of her husband’s criminal activities, which could have been reported to the DEA, her decision to keep quiet was morally questionable as it put both Flynn and Holly in danger.
Despite Skyler’s efforts to protect her husband, many viewers disliked her for getting in Walter’s way. Skyler, however, remained steadfast in her goal of ensuring her children’s safety, even when Walter tried to use them as leverage.
Actress Anna Gunn revealed that she had to come to terms with the criticisms of others and eventually comprehend the reasons behind her character’s vilification.
Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is known for its despicable characters, but Ramsay Bolton takes the cake as possibly the most depraved. Ramsay is obsessed with power and violence, treating everyone around him, from foes to allies to family, with equal contempt. He is irredeemable, exhibiting a malevolence that even Joffrey would find objectionable.
He kidnaps and tortur*s Theon Greyjoy, r*pes Sansa Stark, and callously murders his father, stepmother, and half-brother. Ramsay also kills Rickon Stark before the Battle of the Bastards, for which he ultimately pays with his life. Fans of Game of Thrones rejoiced when Ramsay was killed by his hounds, tearing him apart.
