10 Movie Villains So Charming, You Kinda Forgot They're Evil

Now, if you find yourself sympathizing with these rogues, don't worry. We're all suckers for a good villain. Just remember, charm can only get you so far – unless you're in a movie, of course. Then, charm away!

Roy Batty – Blade Runner ( 1982)

In Ridley Scott 's 'Blade Runner,' Rutger Hauer's Roy Batty is the villain who has us questioning what it truly means to be human. He's a synthetic human (or 'Replicant') with a lust for life that's, frankly, inspirational. Batty is poetic, philosophical, and even shows empathy – you know, when he's not terrifying Harrison Ford. The "Tears in Rain" speech? Come on, even your cold, human heart must've warmed up to him a bit.

Marquise de Merteuil – Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Glenn Close's performance as the Marquise de Merteuil is as enticing as it gets. The Marquise is a scheming aristocrat whose charisma and cunning are so enthralling, we're almost willing to excuse her manipulation, deceit, and revenge plots. Almost, because even the charm of Glenn Close has its limits.

Jareth the Goblin King – Labyrinth (1986)

Who can resist a singing, dancing David Bowie in gloriously tight pants? In Jim Henson's 'Labyrinth,' Bowie's Jareth the Goblin King is villainy at its most entertaining. This charismatic, glam-rock baddy kidnaps a baby, sure, but he also hosts killer dance numbers and seems genuinely smitten with our heroine. It's a wild ride, folks.

Calvin Candie – Django Unchained (2012)

In Quentin Tarantino 's 'Django Unchained,' Leonardo DiCaprio 's Calvin Candie is a despicable slave-owner, but boy, does Leo know how to play a charming villain. Candie's charm is surface-level and underneath lies a monster, but Leo's charismatic performance keeps us uncomfortably entertained. The man gave himself a real-life hand injury for authenticity's sake, and if that's not commitment to being charmingly evil, we don't know what is.

Amy Dunne – Gone Girl (2014)

How can we not mention Rosamund Pike's bone-chillingly charismatic performance as Amy Dunne? Amy's clever manipulation, sociopathic tendencies, and the perfect 'cool girl' facade make her terrifying yet fascinating. Even as she orchestrates her own disappearance, she's so darn smart and resourceful, we can't help but be oddly impressed. Plus, her cool-as-a-cucumber demeanor? Totally mesmerizing.

Hannibal Lecter – The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, a cultured cannibal with a taste for Chianti, is as charming as they come. Granted, he might snack on your liver, but he'll do it with such finesse you'd almost feel honored. With his captivating dialogues, intelligence, and sophisticated persona, he completely overshadows the fact that he is a psychotic killer.

Loki – Marvel Cinematic Universe

Ah, Loki, Marvel's lovable God of Mischief, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Hiddleston. This Asgardian prince steals scenes and hearts with his wit, charm, and killer smile, making it easy to forget he's attempted global domination... multiple times. But, hey, if trying to subjugate Earth means more Loki, then maybe it's not such a bad idea, right?

Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias) – Watchmen (2009)

Played by Matthew Goode, Adrian Veidt, also known as Ozymandias, is a literal genius billionaire who, with his disarming smile and magnetic personality, had us forgetting he was plotting mass genocide. Although his plans were slightly murdery (okay, totally murdery), his motive was rooted in world peace. You know you're dealing with a dangerously charming villain when you find yourself almost agreeing with their 'ends justify the means' philosophy.

Mrs. Robinson – The Graduate (1967)

Anne Bancroft's Mrs. Robinson is the epitome of a charming villainess. She seduces young, naive Benjamin, then ruthlessly manipulates him into maintaining their affair. Her smoky voice and sultry demeanor make it easy to overlook her less-than-admirable intentions. The lady's got style, you've got to give her that.

Patrick Bateman – American Psycho (2000)

You might ask, how can a psychopathic Wall Street investment banker be charming? Well, if he looks and talks like Christian Bale, then it's not a stretch. Patrick Bateman is repulsive yet irresistibly attractive. Plus, his impassioned monologues about Huey Lewis and the News are weirdly compelling, even if they do precede horrific violence.