The 10 Most Powerful Fantasy Movie Villains, Ranked

Fantasy films are easy to get lost in, as the worlds they create pull viewers in and make it hard for them to leave. The escape to another planet, another land, another reality of any kind is the ultimate attraction to these incredible movies. Many recall the big recent fantasy flicks, like MCU’s mind-blowing world or Harry Potter‘s endless, almost tangible reality, but there were quite a few from the early 20th century, as well.

The highlight, of course, with these movies, are the heroes who save the other characters, or usually, the entire world for that dramatic essence fans just thrive off of. But what about the bad guys (and girls)? What about the ones that are the biggest obstacle throughout the whole film? Fantasy villains are the most iconic symbols of these hit films and they have been for decades.

10 Wicked Witch Of The West: The Wizard Of Oz

This is the classic villain who inspired the hit musical, Wicked – since a villain has a backstory after all. “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!” The classic line can never be forgotten.

The Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz may not seem that scary to modern viewers, but she certainly was when the film first premiered in 1939. Her power was (and is) forceful, especially as poor Dorothy has to battle her and later see her literally melt in defeat.

9 Jane: The Twilight Saga

One of the evilest villains on this list, Jane has the power to inflict pain on another just by looking at them. She’s generally more powerful than the others in the Volturi and it takes a lot to defeat her in the end when she finally met her match, centuries later, in Bella.

However, despite her extremely threatening power, she isn’t the most powerful of the fantasy film villains. This is because she doesn’t encapsulate her victims as holistically as she possibly could. For starters, she doesn’t have the best combat skills (cue her running away at the battle scene in Breaking Dawn Part 2) and she can only hurt one person at a time.

8 The White Witch: The Chronicles Of Narnia

The White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia shouldn’t be underestimated. Aside from her skills in combat, she also holds power over earthly elements, which clearly earned her title, “The White Witch.”

This villain can fight off anything that comes her way, and while it may be difficult, she still has her sorceress-like power within. She was the one that sent the long-term winter upon Narnia, causing the revolution.

7 Davy Jones: Pirates Of The Caribbean

From the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean films, Davy Jones gives a whole new meaning to the term “Davy Jones’ locker.” This villain’s approach is an intimidating one, as his claw frightens anyone who is near him.

His physical strength is generally his main strength, in addition to how he can appear in a different location quickly, such as when Jack is looking at him at a distance then is suddenly faced with him. The main reason why he’s considered such a powerful villain is because of the fear he instills in practically anyone throughout the films. If fans can recall, his silhouette even shows up in a post-credits scene of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. 

6 Maleficent: Maleficent (& Sleeping Beauty)

Maleficent is undoubtedly one of the most powerful villains because of her numerous abilities. While she isn’t a true villain in the end, as her relationship with Aurora is mended and improved, she is considered one, at first, for casting a vengeful spell on Aurora.

This villain doesn’t only cast spells and curses. Her powers also include telekinesis, healing humans and other living things, hypnosis, weather and elemental manipulation, teleportation, flying, and above all, she can resurrect herself, thanks to her Phoenix blood.

5 Ravenna: Snow White & The Huntsman

The queen in Snow White and the Huntsman, who could ever forget her eery line, “Lips red as blood, hair black as night, bring me your heart my dear, dear Snow White.” The idea of Queen Ravenna eating hearts is truly disturbing, but it is precisely where she gets her power, which, to her, supplies her with youthful beauty.

Ravenna can control the elements. In remembrance of that final battle with Snow White, she doesn’t just make it rain, she makes it rain sharp knife-like hail that later turns into moving beings that attack the others. It is extremely difficult to beat this villain, especially since she can stand in blazing fire and thrive off of it, not flinching at all.

4 Loki: Marvel Cinematic Universe

Many diehard fans will argue that Loki isn’t an actual villain in the end. However, practically speaking, he is a pretty villainous character throughout most of the MCU films he appears in.

The Prince of Asgard will stop at nothing to gain more power to the point where he looks toward Earth as a potential place to rule. He earned his title, the “God of Mischief,” through his schemes to finally equate himself to his brother, Thor. Loki fans will jump to defend the character’s endless sorcerer powers, including shape-shifting, hypnotizing others, telekinesis, teleportation and astral projection, just to name a few! His rightful spot as one of the most powerful villains can’t be argued with, unless of course if comparing him to Thor who is not, in fact, a villain.

3 Sauron: Lord Of The Rings

This is for debate, but Sauron is definitely neck-and-neck with other massively powerful villains. His threat is that of being indescribable and, sometimes, an out-of-sight force.

Sauron is a shapeshifter and is able to shift to a wolf, a vampire and a serpent. The villain emanates with so much heat that he manages to burn Gil-galad with his touch. The scientific knowledge he already has led him to later create the One-Ring and build his fortress. There are so many other areas where Sauron’s powers are astounding, but it’s his fiery, malicious self that covers what’s within him, which is all malice.

2 Lorde Voldemort: Harry Potter

“He-who-must-not-be-named” earned his reputation for a reason. His powers are extensive and appear to be limitless until Harry later defeats him.

The Dark Lord checks all the boxes needed for a hugely powerful villain. He’s intelligent and can read minds and his magic is an obvious threat to all who dare to fight him. It’s actually stressful to watch Harry fight him because Voldemort’s power looks like it’s just throttling Harry, which it indeed is.

1 Thanos: Avengers (& Guardians Of The Galaxy)

This genocidal, universe-infiltrating villain is considered the most powerful of any other fantasy villains simply because he managed to capture all the stones and erase half the universe (until, of course, the Avengers and so many others defeated him in Avengers: Endgame).

His near-immortal existence allows him to possess superior physical strength and endurance and immeasurable universe-ending powers. His retrieval of the stones is a frightening sight for both viewers and the Avengers because it’s clear that he may be unstoppable. Before his demise, Thanos is indeed invincible and the universe’s most threatening and powerful villain.

About The Author

Elisabeth McGowan
(102 Articles Published)

Based in the New York City area, Elisabeth has written for various media outlets, was a Walt Disney World Cast Member, and her true focus is on the film and television industry! While double majoring in Theatre and English at the University of California, Davis, her passion for writing developed when she worked as an Editor-in-Chief at the Odyssey Online and as a blog writer for a New York-based theater company. She became interested in film acting at the age of 13 during a brief summer program at the New York Film Academy and was then hooked on the movie and television industry.

Although a big fan of both big-screen and independent drama films, Elisabeth loves comedy, romance, action, and sci-fi movies. Her favorite TV shows include a variety of comedy, drama, and sci-fi fantasy shows, specifically Supernatural, Breaking Bad, and Pretty Little Liars. As a writer for ScreenRant, she is eager to cover new and old favorite films and shows!

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