The British public have named the best 20 villains in film history

Published 17:32 26 Jan 2018 GMT

Paul Moore

The British public have named the best 20 villains in film history

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We've got some questions about these rankings.

There are times when it's good to be bad and on a week which marked the ten year anniversary of Heath Ledger's tragic death, it's fitting to see that his Oscar-winning performance as The Joker is still adored by the British public. This being said, the Clown Prince of Crime isn't the most beloved baddie because that title goes to the Dark Lord of the Sith. Some men just want to watch the world - and galaxy - burn, eh? As always, the revered film magazine Empire has taken a look into the heart of darkness that defines the British film-loving public.

In a rather surprising development, Tom Hiddlestone’s take on the God of Mischief, Loki, in the Thor films has made the top three.

No list is complete with the exceptional thief that took over Nakatomi Plaza and Alan Rickman's superb performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard is rightfully acknowledged. Completing the top five is Anthony Hopkins’ chilling depiction of Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs and the sequel, Hannibal. Of course, the Welsh actor won an Oscar for his performance in Jonathan Demme's iconic thriller.

There's a strong franchise element to the rest of the top 10 as Kylo Ren (Star Wars), Voldemort (Harry Potter) and the Xenomorph (Alien) are all there. Again, it's worth noting that this was a public vote but we've still got a few questions. Nurse Ratchet from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is only 13? Scandal. There's also a lack of love for Micheal Corleone from The Godfather trilogy, the Predator, Ralph Fiennes' chilling portrayal of Amon Goeth in Schindler's List, Jack Torrance from The Shining, Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange and a complete oversight of the worst villain in cinematic history, Uncle Frank from Home Alone - that man was an unforgivable asshole that had no redeeming qualities as a human being. Anyways, here's the list in full: