Listicle: 10 onscreen villains we have a soft spot for

We didn’t like Gen’s manipulative behaviour in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018). But come on. She had reason to be insecure. She knew her former childhood bestie, Lara Jean, always had the hots for her BF, Peter. Of course she’d feel threatened. Honestly, Kitty was the real villain for mailing Lara Jean’s letters in revenge.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) had one of the worst love triangles. Imagine being Meghna, dating a guy who’s hung up on his bestie. Their friends ship them. Even their parents ship them. Growing up, we judged her for her dysfunctional family and her inability to accept reality. But Meghna did no wrong. She’s the victim here. We hope she eventually found true love.

Maverick’s nemesis in Top Gun (1986) was cocky and confident. But compared to Maverick, he was the more bankable pilot. And yet, we hated on Iceman for trying to show our hero how it’s done. He’s not the obstacle in the story, Maverick’s ego is. Thankfully, the 2022 sequel sets them up as allies.

Not Barbie’s boyfriend, but Vanessa’s human BF from Bee Movie (2007). This is a strange story of a bee who sues humans for exploiting the insects for honey. Ken is the only saving grace. Why were we expected to hate him for judging her relationship with a bee? He was better off without a woman who falls for insects.

Tori’s older sister in Victorious (2010- 2013) was depicted as an annoying, self-centered diva. But she was into avocado face masks before it was cool, and she always believed in herself. And, of course, she gave us that iconic line: “I am SO upset!” No hate here, anymore.

The fiancée in Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) is posh, stylish, and commanding. She expected Siddarth Malhotra’s character, Nikhil, to focus on his job and start a business. What’s wrong with that? She could have been more supportive of her sister, Meeta (Parineeti Chopra). But hey, your fiancé says he loves your sister. On your wedding day. Who wouldn’t turn into a villain?

Sid’s dark, goth-vibes room gave us nightmares when we watched Toy Story (1995) as kids. He was made out to be the opposite of goody-goody wholesome Andy. But he was just a normal kid, messing around with his toys and being creative. We’ve all drawn on our Barbies and painted over our Hot Wheels. How was he to know that they were secretly alive?

Perfect curls, glossy lips, iconic pink outfits. Sharpay from High School Musical (2006) was so Paris Hilton-coded. She had the money, she had the connections, and she was determined to use them all. She wanted Troy to get a scholarship, yet she was somehow seen as the bad girl for it. And let’s be honest, she had a better voice and stage presence than Gabriella.

The stuffy Commodore from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) was trying to defend Port Royal from dangerous pirates. Just look at the movie from his POV. Why wouldn’t he try to capture a pirate and have him brought to justice? It’s no crime to love the gorgeous Elizabeth Swann either. That’s not a villain, just a man doing his job and seeking a wife.

Do not hate on the mom in Mrs Doubtfire (1993). She’s the one with the job, the bills, the responsibilities and the rules because her husband is not mature enough to co-parent three kids. Watch the movie as a grown-up and Sally Field’s character becomes the one to root for. She labels her kitchen drawer to save time, guys. She didn’t need a fourth child in her life.