History Main / LoveToHate

* The Riddler from the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'' is such a smug bastard that you can't help but chuckle at his antics. It also helps that he's legitimately pretty funny and is the only one of Batman's foes in the games that can go toe to toe with him in the intellect department. It's no mean feat for a character for whom the delicate balance of keeping him smart enough for Batman but not having him dumbed down by constantly getting beaten by him has proved difficult.

%% * Creator/DreamWorksAnimation has made a bunch of memorable villains as well:

* Big Jack Horner from ''WesternAnimation/PussInBootsTheLastWish'' is generally seen as one of the highlights of the movie due to how [[LaughablyEvil comically and unapologetically evil he is]], being favorably compared to how classic animation villains used to be instead of more recent, complex twist villains. Many fans even consider him to be the most wicked villain in the whole ''Franchise/{{Shrek}}'' franchise, rivaling the likes of [[WesternAnimation/ShrekForeverAfter Rumpelstiltskin]].

** Cain in ''Film/RoboCop2'' is one of the creepiest villains in the series. He likes to kill minions just for being loose ends who have outlived their usefulness, and is utterly sadistic to those who rat on him. Creator/TomNoonan really makes the character his own, with his emotionless delivery and confident gait like he's one step ahead of his enemies. When he gets transformed into a giant cyborg, Robocop confronts him for a climatic battle and Robocop gets to make him pay for his depravity.

** Once he was revealed to be EvilAllAlong, [[spoiler: [[Characters/AmphibiaKingAndrias King Andrias]]]] was praised by fans for his status as the [[BigBad ultimate villain]] of the show and taking it into DarkerAndEdgier territory. He maintains a [[FauxAffablyEvil cheerful, eccentric and somewhat silly personality]], even after his true colors are revealed and whilst conducting seriously evil actions, making him quite an entertaining and watchable villain; whilst his implicitly tragic backstory with his two friends, and the signs that he's genuinely capable of making emotional connections yet will sacrifice them like chess-pieces with sheer ruthlessness that would make [[Series/GameOfThrones Tywin Lannister]] proud make the character all the more dynamic. At the same time, all of the sheer needless, petty and KickTheDog that [[spoiler:Andrias]] conducts left and right on everyone who ever comes within ten feet of him, never mind him aiding the Core in turning Amphibia into a PollutedWasteland and his active efforts to kill Anne and conquer Earth, very much make the audience root against him. [[spoiler:The increasing CryForTheDevil he racks up as his true feelings on his evil plans and actions are further fleshed out, culminating in a [[AlasPoorVillain surprisingly tear-jerking end to his menace]], only makes the character's appeal even more universal]].
** [[spoiler: [[Characters/AmphibiaTheCore Darcy]]]]. They combine FauxAffablyEvil and a ruthless ambition with the personality quirks of a thirteen-year-old to form an overall PsychopathicWomanchild personality which is amusing and terrifying and all-around entertaining to watch. At the same time, the sheer savage bloodlust with which they conduct themselves in "All In" (putting even [[spoiler:''Andrias'']]' cruelty to shame) makes the audience cheer [[spoiler:the heroes]] on when they start handing [[spoiler:Darcy]] the latter's own ass, nevermind [[spoiler:the Core's ''violent'' possession of Marcy beforehand to achieve this form]].

* Many villains from the ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' series. These examples except [[HateSink Volgin]] and [[{{Sadist}} Sundowner]] are also {{Anti|Villain}}-Villains themselves.

* ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' has [[Characters/GravityFallsBillCipher Bill Cipher]], yellow Eye of Providence with limbs, wearing a top hat and bowtie. He has a [[TheMadHatter weird]] sense of humor, charmingly manipulative, and hadn't actually been '[[ILetYouWin defeated]]' until the finale. It's so amusing to watch him that it's equally easy to forget that he's an EldritchAbomination KnightOfCerebus plotting TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt, and pure NightmareFuel material.

* Many villains from the ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' series. These examples except [[HateSink Volgin]] are also {{Anti|Villain}}-Villains themselves.

* ''Fanfic/CodePrime'': The Decepticons in this iteration embody EvilIsCool to a complete extent. But [[BigBad Megatron]] in particular gets a tone of praise from the readers, from [[spoiler: being the one calling out Suzaku on most of his wrongdoings and questionable morality, to being a worthy opponent for Lelouch for everything he's done throughout the story, down to the ''very destruction of the Britannian Empire itself'']]. [[spoiler: One could say that Megatron is the embodiment of the kind of person meant to represent the kind of person Zero Requiem is meant to host the world's hatred, the only difference being that Megatron actively [[CardCarryingVillain relishes in it]].]] It's because of these that ''Code Prime'''s Megatron is an archetypal [=Iron117Prime=] villain fitting the qualities to a T.

* A WesternAnimation/ClassicDisneyShorts villain: WesternAnimation/{{Pete}}, in almost all of his performances ''especially'' the ones performed by [[Creator/JimCummings1952 Jim Cummings]]. A sizable portion of the ''WesternAnimation/GoofTroop'' fandom loves him for being [[RoundedCharacter three-dimensional]] and a consistently hilarious ChewToy due to LaserGuidedKarma ([[RunningGag and because he's played by]] [[Creator/JimCummings1952 Jim Cummings]]) despite hating him for reasons that would ''normally'' make a character into TheScrappy such as being a ManipulativeBastard without being a MagnificentBastard and deliberately tormenting TheWoobie. However, that doesn't mean ''everyone'' feels this way: he gets a fair share of DracoInLeatherPants and complete hatred too.

** The fanbase takes a real liking to {{the dreaded}}, [[KnightOfCerebus unfunny]], [[VileVillainSaccharineShow dark]], [[OmnicidalManiac murderous]] and with NoSenseOfHumour terror that is [[OurLichesAreDifferent the Lich]], mainly because he took such a drastic turn from the show's usual silly tone. The base was intrigued with him long before he made his first full (non-cameo) appearance in season 2. The love got boosted when he cleverly outsmarted Finn in the season 4 finale by exploiting his heroic traits and using them against him.

* ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'': Roger is a [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[AxCrazy murderous]] [[TheSociopath sociopath]], and yet he remains one of '''the''' most [[LaughablyEvil hilarious]] characters in the series.

** Once he was revealed to be EvilAllAlong, [[spoiler:King Andrias]] was praised by fans for his status as the [[BigBad ultimate villain]] of the show and taking it into DarkerAndEdgier territory. He maintains a [[FauxAffablyEvil cheerful, eccentric and somewhat silly personality]], even after his true colors are revealed and whilst conducting seriously evil actions, making him quite an entertaining and watchable villain; whilst his implicitly tragic backstory with his two friends, and the signs that he's genuinely capable of making emotional connections yet will sacrifice them like chess-pieces with sheer ruthlessness that would make [[Series/GameOfThrones Tywin Lannister]] proud make the character all the more dynamic. At the same time, all of the sheer needless, petty and KickTheDog that [[spoiler:Andrias]] conducts left and right on everyone who ever comes within ten feet of him, never mind him aiding the Core in turning Amphibia into a PollutedWasteland and his active efforts to kill Anne and conquer Earth, very much make the audience root against him. [[spoiler:The increasing CryForTheDevil he racks up as his true feelings on his evil plans and actions are further fleshed out, culminating in a [[AlasPoorVillain surprisingly tear-jerking end to his menace]], only makes the character's appeal even more universal]].
** [[spoiler:Darcy]]. They combine FauxAffablyEvil and a ruthless ambition with the personality quirks of a thirteen-year-old to form an overall PsychopathicWomanchild personality which is amusing and terrifying and all-around entertaining to watch. At the same time, the sheer savage bloodlust with which they conduct themselves in "All In" (putting even [[spoiler:''Andrias'']]' cruelty to shame) makes the audience cheer [[spoiler:the heroes]] on when they start handing [[spoiler:Darcy]] the latter's own ass, nevermind [[spoiler:the Core's ''violent'' possession of Marcy beforehand to achieve this form]].

** Pre-HeelFaceTurn Prince Zuko is an AntiVillain example. Considered the most well-developed character in the show.
** Princess Azula, Zuko's sister, is one of the nastiest characters in the series. She casually manipulates and intimidates people and is perfectly willing and able to kill if it advances her agenda. However, her charismatic way of villainy is very entertaining to watch, as well as how effective she is as a villain since the term MagnificentBastard really applies to her.

* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'': The Joker was already this, but Creator/MarkHamill's performance made him even more lovable while being as monstrous as ever.

* ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' has Bill Cipher, yellow Eye of Providence with limbs, wearing a top hat and bowtie. He has a [[TheMadHatter weird]] sense of humor, charmingly manipulative, and hadn't actually been '[[ILetYouWin defeated]]' until the finale. It's so amusing to watch him that it's equally easy to forget that he's an EldritchAbomination KnightOfCerebus plotting TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt, and pure NightmareFuel material.

** Amon. The man is a [[KnightTemplar thoroughly twisted piece of work]], but his [[EvilIsCool coolness]], [[Creator/SteveBlum awesome voice]], and {{Magnificent Bastard}}ry made him as popular as Azula in just three episodes.

** [[spoiler:Varrick]] in season 2. Normally someone performing the actions he did would result in some massive hate against said character, but his [[LovableRogue charm]], [[AffablyEvil genuine politeness]], and being a prime example of [[BewareTheSillyOnes underestimating the goofball]] keep him being likable.
** Zaheer from the third season is one of the best-regarded villains from ''Korra'', due to his complexity. He genuinely believes he is doing the right thing, tries to prevent innocent casualties in his plans, and follows a complex philosophy about freedom. Compared to Earth Queen Hou-Ting, who is a one-dimensional dictator, Zaheer is very entertaining to watch.

** Princess Luna's [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Nightmare Moon]] also has her share of followers. Of course, since her plan was to bring TheNightThatNeverEnds (and in order to achieve this she was willing to ''[[MoralEventHorizon kill]]'' members of the main cast) she is less loved by some and more respected by others.
** [[ForTheEvulz Discord]]. Being LaughablyEvil makes him fun to watch but ''very'' easy to hate. Being voiced by Creator/JohnDeLancie went a long way to making him this and earning him the FanNickname ''[=DisQord=]'' from Star Trek. [[spoiler:Not so much "Hate" now that he's performed a permanent HeelFaceTurn, but he's still pretty damn cool nonetheless and still enjoyably a jerk but now in a more PokeThePoodle fashion.]]
** [[EvilOldFolks Queen Chrysalis]], the elderly changeling with shapeshifting powers, she almost fooled the entire cast (except Twilight), and her plan led to ''defeating'' Celestia in a fight and a commendable NearVillainVictory. This ManipulativeBitch is so nasty, hammy, and outright ''intriguing'' that fans can't ''not'' admire her.

** [[KnightOfCerebus Lord Tirek]]. This giant, demonic centaur showed up and completely laid waste to Equestria, blew up Twilight's library (nearly killing Owliscious in the process), imprisoned Celestia, Luna, and Cadance into Tartarus, and engaged Twilight Sparkle in an epic, Dragonball Z-esque duel.
** [[WellIntentionedExtremist Starlight Glimmer]], for a while, for being a villain who outright stole the cutie marks from ponies, thus denying them what made them special. Her end-of-season arc revolved around time travel to ensure that Twilight's friends never saw the sonic rainboom and never got their cutie marks as a result, in doing so always leading to an apocalyptic scenario for Equestria in some way every time. [[spoiler:That is until she was redeemed at the end of the episode.]]

** [[BigBad Aku]]. A {{Shapeshifting}} EvilOverlord who takes evil to ridiculous levels [[ForTheEvulz simply to watch his victims squirm]]. He has a very unique design, is created from pure evil, and also tends to be [[LaughablyEvil pretty funny]]. It also helps that he was voiced by Creator/{{Mako}}, who is on [[LargeHam full ham mode]] the entire time.

** Mr. Burns. He manages to be quite admired by fans, especially for his efficiency as a villain in the first seasons.

* ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'': Eric Cartman (after crossing the MoralEventHorizon). Most of the time, he's just so utterly despicable that you just want to punch him in the face, repeatedly. (So it was extremely satisfying when Wendy did exactly that at some point.) However, if you remove him from the show, it suddenly becomes a lot less funny.

* ''Series/PsychopathDiary'': In-woo. Yes, he's a psychopathic serial killer who's willing to kill Dong-sik and Bo-kyung, but he's so damn entertaining to watch.
* Crowley from ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' is this due to his savviness and moments of being a MagnificentBastard.
** Azazel and Lucifer also qualify for similar reasons.
** Zachariah is an absolute scumbag, but no one will deny that he's an incredibly effective one.
* Ben Linus on ''Series/{{Lost}}'', a ManipulativeBastard who for every despicable moment has another where one can't help but admire him.
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'':
** Gul Dukat, the former Prefect of Bajor, is continuously scheming to retake the planet while sincerely protesting that [[SelfServingMemory he was the best thing to happen to it]], and all those Bajoran rebels just didn't understand. He doesn't see any evil in himself, genuinely loves his daughter, and wants ''very badly'' to have a WorthyOpponent relationship with Captain Sisko--at the same time, he stalks Kira, throws himself in with a doomsday cult, and beats an injured Sisko with a crowbar at one point. More often he gets DracoInLeatherPants, but Marc Alaimo's nuanced and charismatic performance means that he's universally considered a great character.
** Weyoun, played by ''Trek'' veteran Creator/JeffreyCombs, is another popular villain. Weyoun has smarm down to a science (helped along by genetic engineering), always trying to convince whoever he's talking to that they really ''will'' appreciate that dagger in their back, it's a mark of the new friendship between them and the Dominion. The moments when he experiences CloneAngst give him just enough sympathy.
** Kai Winn is the queen of passive-aggressive behavior. She is almost universally reviled by fans because of ''just'' how well-written she is (many can say they know someone ''like'' her on a small scale). She's nearly as smarmy as Weyoun and bitter at Sisko for taking her place as Bajor's religious leader; it's a plot twist if she shows up and ''isn't'' the cause of the A-Plot. Her actress, Louise Fletcher, compared her to a pope: not the international modern versions, but the ruthless, conniving medieval pontiffs who made the Inquisition famous.
%%* The Sheriff (Vaisey) and Prince John from Creator/TheBBC's ''Series/RobinHood''.
* ''Series/{{Heroes}}'':
** Adam Monroe definitely counts, being both cool and sexy and an AntiVillain to boot. His powers only enhance his badassery.
** [[BigBad Sylar]]. Watching him trap and trick people was ''way'' more fun than it should have been.
** [[CulturedBadass Linderman]], due to his WickedCultured personality, a complete MagnificentBastard, and [[EvilIsHammy theatrical presence]] courtesy of Creator/MalcolmMcDowell himself.
** For a somewhat non-villainous example, Niki's violent alter-ego [[SexierAlterEgo Jessica]], named after her dead sister, is so beautiful and badass that it is hard not to root for her, especially when she is [[PetTheDog protecting Micah]] and tearing through bad guys like they were pieces of paper.
* On ''Series/{{Dallas}}'', MagnificentBastard J.R. Ewing was given this nickname.
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' and ''Series/{{Angel}}'':
** Glory. She's just so mean and so ''awesome''.
** The Master (no, not [[Series/DoctorWho that one]]). He's so hilariously [[LargeHam hammy]].
** The Mayor, in all his AffablyEvil greatness.
** Angelus is one of the most sadistic monsters in the Buffyverse but has such a great personality and is the most personal of the villains that he elevates here as he is fun to watch and someone you want to see get their ass kicked.
** Pre-HeelFaceTurn Spike mixed coolness with being a genuine threat, so much so that his arrival helped with GrowingTheBeard.
** Faith who before her return to good, provided the perfect EvilCounterpart and {{Foil}} to Buffy.
** Drusilla for being rather quaint yet, a CreepyAwesome variety. She managed to kill a Slayer with hypnosis after all.
** Lilah Morgan, the delightfully evil Wolfram & Hart lawyer. She's a scheming ruthless bitch without a conscience and yet she's just so much fun.

* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
** The Master. Always [[LaughingMad evil]], always [[LargeHam hammy]], always a bastard.
** [[MadScientist Davros]] as well. There's a reason even casual fans know his "to hold in my hand" speech.
** His creations, the Daleks, also qualify. They are [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Nazis by any other name]] but are so iconic and cool that the franchise would not be the same without them.

* ''Series/{{Smallville}}'':
** In sharp contrast to the DracoInLeatherPants treatment received by his son, [[ManipulativeBastard Lex]], [[ArchnemesisDad Lionel]] [[CorruptCorporateExecutive Luthor]]. He's just ''so'' good at what he does that it's hard not to admire him, even as you root for the heroes to stop him. There's a reason the [[FanNickname fans nicknamed]] him the MagnificentBastard.
** [[RoboticPsychopath Brainiac]] receives similar treatment. He's [[LackOfEmpathy utterly cold]] and never shows a hint of emotion or remorse. And that's why the fans love him. Creator/JamesMarsters' [[DeadpanSnarker snarky]] performance helped.
%% Lana is NOT a damn villain!
* ''Series/SnabbaCash'': [[BigBad Ravy]] may be a ruthless gangster and really formidable SOB, but his actor does an amazing job at bringing out that personality that it makes him a very interesting and entertaining villain to watch.
* Sue Sylvester from ''Series/{{Glee}}'' is so petty and nasty and just so entertaining. Even people who dislike the show feel she does a great job.

* 'Dirty' Den Watts from ''Series/EastEnders'' was a classic soap example.
* Charlie Gimbert from ''Series/{{Lovejoy}}'': 'Smooth and oily and yet hard as nails.'
%%* Klaus from ''Series/TheVampireDiaries''.
* ''Series/TwentyFour'':
** [[TheMole Nina Myers]] may be a heartless [[TheSociopath Sociopath]] who [[spoiler:killed Jack's wife]], and [[PresidentEvil Charles Logan]] may be a manipulative, weasely SmugSnake, but they are by far two of the greatest recurring villains in the series. There's even a poll on the ''24'' Wiki asking users who their favorite recurring villain is, and well over ''two-thirds'' of the voters chose them.
** [[ProfessionalKiller Ira Gaines]], [[DarkActionGirl Mandy]], [[EvilBrit Stephen Saunders]], [[FallenHero Christopher Henderson]], [[KnightTemplar Jonas Hodges]], and [[EvilMatriarch Margot Al-Harazi]] as well for being actual threats-to-America villains. Specifically for the political storylines, one can't ever go without mentioning [[ManipulativeBitch Sherry]] freaking Palmer.

* He's not exactly a villain, but in ''Series/{{Leverage}}'', MagnificentBastard John Sterling. Never. Loses (by WordOfGod) -- and yet, despite the trouble he makes for Our Heroes, you can't help but enjoy every moment he's on-screen.

* Kilgrave from ''Series/JessicaJones2015'' is arguably the most disgusting and repulsive villain in the entire Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse. Yet, Creator/DavidTennant's natural charm and charismatic performance shine through and make every scene he appears in a disturbing highlight.
* ''Franchise/KamenRider'' has several despicable villains who get this honor. Helps that several of them are also [[EvilIsCool very cool]] to go along with their evil:
** ''Series/KamenRiderRyuki'' has [[BloodKnight Takeshi Asakura]][=/=][[KnightOfCerebus Kamen Rider Ouja]], an uncaring serial killer who subverts just about anything resembling redeemability. His parents died in a fire...that ''he'' caused out of boredom. He saves a little girl...for monster bait and doesn't care she's going to die. He wanted to reunite with his brother...because he hadn't died in the fire and he wanted to make sure he knew what a horrible person he was. But every single time, he looks cool doing it and it's fun to see him be so horrible.
** ''Series/KamenRider555'': Masato Kusaka has a strong claim to being [[AmericansHateTingle most hated character of the entire franchise in the Western hemisphere]]. To the point where the Western fandom gave a collective cheer when [[spoiler:Kiba kills him by breaking Kusaka's neck]]. Notably, this is a good thing because [[HateSink we're SUPPOSED to hate this guy, so it's not much of a problem]]. Fans both in the East and West have even declared September 13 (A play on his activation code "9-1-3") "Masato Kusaka Day", celebrating how much of an asshole this guy is. [[ApprovalOfGod Even his own creators and voice actors]] have joined in and are proud to have created such a following. So, [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools good job]]?
** From ''Series/KamenRiderGaim'' there's [[MadScientist Professor Ryoma Sengoku]], hands down. He's a total monster willing to use anything and anyone to achieve his goal had a hand in killing [[spoiler:Mai]], and destroy Kaito's hard-earned power up. But on the other hand, his [[EvilIsHammy hammy]] and [[FountainOfMemes memetic]] behaviors are hilarious.
** ''Series/KamenRiderDrive'' has [[DarkActionGirl Medic Roidmude]], a coldhearted, sociopathic bitch with intentions of eugenic purging, [[ManipulativeBastard manipulative plotting]], a habit of constantly [[AlwaysSecondBest showing up]] [[ButtMonkey Brain]] to the point of making him a JerkassWoobie, and she has enough cruelty to supplant [[AntiVillain Heart]] as [[TheHero Drive]]'s ArchEnemy almost entirely by virtue of the fact that she really is just ''that evil''. She is considered to rightfully be one of the best villains in the show because of this.
** From ''Series/KamenRiderExAid'' is [[AGodAmI Kuroto Dan]], an insane, egomaniacal sadist who makes sure to give people a bad day when he's not planning things out. He's insanely petty, going to the absolute extreme when his ego is the slightest bit bruised, he boasts about his genius with a ridiculous [[EvilIsHammy hamminess]] in both speech and facial expressions whenever he feels like, and if you want him to get punched in the face, that's normal considering how much he feels the need to taunt his opponents at a range where they could easily do so, but rarely end up doing. While it's fun to see him get beaten up, it's more fun to see him just be a horrible human being that does everything in an over-the-top manner.
** ''Series/KamenRiderBuild'' gives us [[SatanicArchetype Blood Stalk]]/[[spoiler:[[BigBad Evolt]]]], a thoroughly cruel megalomaniac who wishes to wipe out all life in the universe and loves to KickTheDog ForTheEvulz. But his cool factor and his [[FauxAffablyEvil fun and laid back personality]] with lots of bright colors added in to make him an enjoyable antagonist when onscreen. Taken even further by his upgrade into Kamen Rider Evol. You thought the other evil riders and pseudo riders in Build were walking swag factories of puppy-kicking hate and balls-blasting epic. In comes [[spoiler:Evolt]] who pretty much exists to exclaim the virtues that evil gets all the cool toys.
* ''Series/{{Chuck}}'': Both [[ArchEnemy Daniel Shaw]] and [[DiabolicalMastermind Alexei Volkoff]] are the show's most iconic villains for very good reasons. Shaw for his charisma and intellect after his FaceHeelTurn as well as being the most despicable bad guy on the show making him just fun to hate because of it. Volkoff for being a delicious mix of being fun, goofy, and hilarious along with being insane and ruthless at the same time.
* ''Series/{{Friends}}'': Amy Green is [[HateSink as hateable as possible]], being a [[ItsAllAboutMe self-centered]] SpoiledBrat BrainlessBeauty with severe LackOfEmpathy. But Creator/ChristinaApplegate is so funny in the role she's always considered one of the best guest characters the show had.
* ''Series/ShamelessUS'' has Frank Gallagher. He is an unrepentant alcoholic and substance abuser with no work ethic (or any ethics, really), no qualms about playing the system to his advantage, and is undeniably a top contender for the worst father in all of TV. Yet he is just so utterly pathetic and Creator/WilliamHMacy plays him so well that it's hard not to feel invested in him.
* ''Series/BetterCallSaul'':
** Chuck [=McGill=] is a smug, conceited {{hypocrite}} driven by envy and rage to destroy his deeply flawed yet loving brother, which earned him a lot of hate from the fandom. He is, however, also considered just as compelling to watch as any of the series' other characters to his complexity, how formidable he is as an antagonist, the genuine good points he makes about Jimmy from time to time, the humorous moments that come from his arrogance, and the tragedy of his bizarre mental illness (which is never played for laughs or as weakness). There's also Creator/MichaelMcKean's powerful and layered performance, which makes Chuck as fascinating to watch as he is eminently hateable. Notably, Chuck's death at the end of Season 3 has been met not with cheers or triumph but with genuine sadness from the fandom. [[spoiler:On the flipside, his guest appearance in a flashback in the series finale was met with universal approval by the fandom.]]
** Lalo Salamanca, in contrast to [[AxCrazy most of his family]], is both effortlessly charming and [[FauxAffablyEvil completely ruthless]], with an unpredictability and pragmatism that keeps the audience guessing as to what he's going to do next. He is both [[GeniusBruiser physically intimidating and intelligent]] enough that Gus Fring actively fears him, [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness showing a side of Gus never seen before]]. He's a total departure from most other villains in the ''Franchise/BreakingBad'' universe, and a perfect foil for Jimmy and Gus both.
* ''Series/TheBoys2019''
** Homelander, a SuperSupremacist who is utterly despicable but so well played by Creator/AntonyStarr that manages to take command of every scene he's in, balancing humor, depravity, and outright horror with remarkable ease.
** The Deep is a sleazy, abusive scumbag, but the show spends a lot of time showing how truly pathetic he is. It can be tremendously cathartic and entertaining to see him constantly fuck up and in constant fear. It's aided by Creator/ChaceCrawford's shamelessly self-pitying performance.
** Stormfront's SmugSnake personality gives her an incredible presence thanks to Aya Cash's excellent performance, and once she's outed as a racist sociopath (and eventually, an ''actual'' Nazi!) who's not only a DistaffCounterpart to Homelander but somehow angers the man himself, audiences quickly embraced her as the ultimate HateSink.
* ''Series/SiliconValley'': BigBad Gavin is undoubtably a terrible person, but his helpless fury towards his constant misfortune makes for some of the funniest parts of the show.

* ''Series/HomicideLifeOnTheStreet'':
** Luther Mahoney is a vicious and utterly ruthless drug dealer who kills anyone in his way, from fellow crooks to innocent civilians, and disgusts the detectives with his sheer evilness. However, he quickly became an EnsembleDarkhorse thanks to being [[FauxAffablyEvil effortlessly charming]] and clever enough to consistently outwit the detectives, making him a very entertaining presence and his downfall all the more cathartic.
** Gordon Pratt is an utterly loathsome and [[PoliticallyIncorrectVillain racist]] SmugSnake with no redeeming qualities. However, he's quite popular among fans thanks to being memorable for just how unlikable he was and still managing to be a genuinely wily opponent, making it especially satisfying when Pembleton exposes him as being a KnowNothingKnowItAll.
* ''Series/{{Justified}}'': Dickie Bennett is an sleazy {{Jerkass}} and all-around HateSink who exists to make other characters look better by comparison, but he's one of the most popular villains in the series thanks to successfully alternating between [[NotSoHarmlessVillain humorously incompetent and genuinely menacing]] on a dime, being a very quotable {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, and for Creator/JeremyDavies's excellent performance.

* ''Series/{{Justified}}'': Dickie Crowe is an sleazy {{Jerkass}} and all-around HateSink who exists to make other characters look better by comparison, but he's one of the most popular villains in the series thanks to successfully alternating between [[NotSoHarmlessVillain humorously incompetent and genuinely menacing]] on a dime and for Creator/JeremyDavies's excellent performance.

%% [[WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}} Jafar]], [[WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas Oogie Boogie]], [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994 Sc]][[Creator/JeremyIrons ar]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Pocahontas}} John Ratcliffe]], [[WesternAnimation/TheHunchbackOfNotreDameDisney Judge Claude]] [[Creator/TonyJay Frollo]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}} Hades]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}} Shan Yu]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Tarzan}} Clayton]], [[WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewGroove Yzma]], [[WesternAnimation/ThePrincessAndTheFrog Dr]]. [[Creator/KeithDavid Facilier]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Tangled}} Mother Gothel]], [[WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph King Candy]] and [[WesternAnimation/{{Moana}} Tamatoa]]. Also, [[MemeticMutation no one is evil like]] [[WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast Gaston]].

%% * Pick just about any Franchise/{{Disney animated|Canon}} villain. Any one of them:
%% ** Special mentions go out to [[WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs Queen Grimhilde]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Fantasia}} Chernabog]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Cinderella}} Lady Tremaine]], [[WesternAnimation/AliceInWonderland Queen of Hearts]], [[WesternAnimation/PeterPan Captain Hook]], [[WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]], [[WesternAnimation/OneHundredAndOneDalmatians Cruella De Vil]], [[WesternAnimation/TheJungleBook Shere Khan]], [[WesternAnimation/TheRescuers Madame Medusa]], [[WesternAnimation/TheBlackCauldron The Horned King]], [[WesternAnimation/TheGreatMouseDetective Professor]] [[Creator/VincentPrice Ratigan]], [[WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1989 Ursula]], [[WesternAnimation/TheRescuersDownUnder Percival C. McLeach]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}} Jafar]], [[WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas Oogie Boogie]], [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994 Sc]][[Creator/JeremyIrons ar]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Pocahontas}} John Ratcliffe]], [[WesternAnimation/TheHunchbackOfNotreDameDisney Judge Claude]] [[Creator/TonyJay Frollo]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}} Hades]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}} Shan Yu]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Tarzan}} Clayton]], [[WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewGroove Yzma]], [[WesternAnimation/ThePrincessAndTheFrog Dr]]. [[Creator/KeithDavid Facilier]], [[WesternAnimation/{{Tangled}} Mother Gothel]], [[WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph King Candy]] and [[WesternAnimation/{{Moana}} Tamatoa]]. Also, [[MemeticMutation no one is evil like]] [[WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast Gaston]].

** Luther Mahoney is a vicious and utterly ruthless drug dealer who kills anyone in his way, from fellow crooks to innocent civilians, and disgusts the detectives with his sheer evilness. However, he quickly became an EnsembleDarkhose thanks to being [[FauxAffablyEvil effortlessly charming]] and clever enough to consistently outwit the detectives, making him a very entertaining presence and his downfall all the more cathartic.

* ''WesternAnimation/MoralOrel'': Clay Puppington is a [[{{Narcissist}} narcissistic]], [[AbusiveParents abusive]], [[LackOfEmpathy remorseless]], [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] [[TheSociopath sociopath]] whose [[EvilIsHammy melodramatic tendencies]] make him as memorable and he is terrifying.

* VideoGame/ArmoredCoreVIFiresOfRubicon

** The other Master/Servant pair to receive such accolades is [[SerialKiller Ryuunosuke Uryuu]] and [[MonsterClown Bluebeard/Caster]] in ''Literature/FateZero''. They both are shown to be quite the bombastic performers for the theatrics. They even [[DiscussedTrope discuss this trope,]] with Ryuunosuke claiming that in his world-view, God is a playwright writing the greatest tale known to man and thus loves all of his characters no matter how wicked they are; after all, what good is a tale without a villain? Caster embraces Ryuunosuke's ideology and decides that the pair shall honor God by performing an act of villainy unmatched so far in Creation.

* ''Literature/FateZero'':

** The other Master/Servant pair to receive such accolades is [[SerialKiller Ryuunosuke Uryuu]] and [[MonsterClown Bluebeard/Caster]]. They both are shown to be quite the bombastic performers for the theatrics. They even [[DiscussedTrope discuss this trope,]] with Ryuunosuke claiming that in his world-view, God is a playwright writing the greatest tale known to man and thus loves all of his characters no matter how wicked they are; after all, what good is a tale without a villain? Caster embraces Ryuunosuke's ideology and decides that the pair shall honor God by performing an act of villainy unmatched so far in Creation.

** Lien Da, a [[EvilIsSexy sexy]], {{sadist}}ic assassin wearing revealing, provocative leather outfits, and is a whip-toting combatant.

%% ** When he's not outright hated or being a DracoInLeatherPants, [[spoiler:Prince Hans]] from ''WesternAnimation/{{Frozen|2013}}'' tends to be this for being such a wonderfully [[EvilIsSexy attractive]] ManipulativeBastard.

** Adam Monroe definitely counts, being both [[EvilIsCool cool]] and [[EvilIsSexy sexy]] and an AntiVillain to boot. His powers only enhance his badassery.

** For a somewhat non-villainous example, Niki's violent alter-ego [[SexierAlterEgo Jessica]], named after her dead sister, is so [[EvilIsSexy sexy]] and badass that it is hard not to root for her, especially when she is [[PetTheDog protecting Micah]] and tearing through bad guys like they were pieces of paper.

** Astronema, for her EvilIsSexy looks and attitude, badassery, and much [[KnightOfCerebus darker personality]] compared to the earlier villains.

** Dark Eldar -- Cruel beyond belief, wearing armor covered in blades, the Dark Eldar will [[FateWorseThanDeath capture and torture]] any who are not swift enough to get out of their way (and very few are) simply because they [[ForTheEvulz like watching others suffer]]. Not only are they [[FragileSpeedster swift]] and [[GlassCannon deadly]], but they [[EvilIsSexy look sexy doing it]].

** Like the Sephiroth example above, there ''are'' Organization XIII fans who aren't so eager to get them in the leather pants. These fans concede that EvilIsCool (and sometimes [[EvilIsSexy sexy]]) but point out that they are absolutely the bad guys.

** [[FourEyesZeroSoul Mitsuki Konishi]]'s coldness and cruelty would normally make her a HateSink, yet she is loved by the fans due to being perceived as [[EvilIsSexy one of the more attractive characters in the game]], as well as due to the fact that she poses a [[KnightOfCerebus far greater threat]] than the previous Game Masters.