The Greatest Female Villains

The best female villains include women whose roles are truly iconic and evil, epitomized not only by their morally bankrupt and complex nature but also by their often striking and elegant attire. Beyond their nefarious actions, these famous villainesses represent a subversion of traditional female archetypes, challenging popular societal norms and expectations in complex ways. Their portrayals delve into the darker aspects of ambition, power, and morality, reflecting the multifaceted nature of villainy in a world frequently dominated by male antagonists.

What makes a great female villain? From the mentally unstable character who stalks her unsuspecting victim to the conniving, totally immoral villain who frames innocent people, and of course the many sexy, beautiful, badass, and often chaotic woman characters we know and love, this list captures all the significant female villain names. It is an evolving compilation, inviting you to add your favorite female TV and movie villains — the baddie icons, Marvel supervillains, scary fantasy fiends, cartoon characters from acclaimed anime series and Disney films, animated comic book villains, and the baddest of the bad from your favorite video games — and vote for the characters you believe are the ultimate embodiments of on-screen villainy. 

Each villain's rank on this list, determined through our voting system, represents the diverse perspectives and passion of fans for cinema and television. These female villains, embodying the essence of great antagonists and classic tropes of good versus evil, are not just morally bankrupt and complex, but often carry an air of elegance. They range from inherently evil characters, providing a backdrop for heroic triumphs and a sharp contrast to the heroes and good guys they are often up against, to nefarious figures who blur the lines of morality. This collection of queens has it all — the cool and collected, the crazy and classy, and of course the most sinister and devious female enemies we've admired in media throughout the history of modern-day media.

Their actions, from criminal behavior to horrible and heartless acts that make us love to hate them, contribute to their unforgettable nature. As we explore these well known (and often widely feared) female antagonists, their stories invite both admiration and a desire for their eventual comeuppance.

In film, some of the best and most powerful movie villains of all time are women. Need proof? How about bunny-boiler Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) in Fatal Attraction or mentally deranged "fan" Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) in Misery? Sharon Stone's portrayal of femme fatale Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct earns her a best female villain place on the list, along with a top spot among the sexiest characters in thrillers. 

Some of your favorite Hollywood actresses found their best roles in movies or on TV shows when they played villains. Rachel McAdams was unforgettably villainous as Regina George, aka Queen Bee, in Mean Girls. Helena Bonham Carter's played some interesting roles over the years, but none more wicked than Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies.

This carefully curated list results from unique insights and evaluations from seasoned movie, animation, and TV experts, ensuring each character's inclusion is backed by a deep understanding of film and television storytelling. Additionally, the dynamic rankings are shaped by you, the fans, through your votes, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions and perspectives on these captivating villainesses.

Explore our list, from psycho exes to femme fatales, and feel empowered to rerank it, adding your perspective to the narrative of cinema's most captivating female villains.