Hannibal Lecter
If this image doesn't convince you that this is the greatest villain of all time, I don't know what to tell you. Darth Vader wore a mask the whole time except to reveal that he was just some crusty old white dude. When Hannibal wears a mask, it looks like this.
For the sake of this thread, I'm going to introduce his character the way it was introduced to the majority of us. From the movie
Silence of the Lambs. Yes there are books, prequels, and another movie (
Manhunter), but for me, Lambs was how I came to know Hannibal the Cannibal
We are told stories, fables, rumors, heresay, and details prior to meeting our villain. He is described as a sociopath, but only because they don't really have a word for how evil he truly is.
When Clarice takes that long walk down the hall towards Hannibal's cell for the first time, the camerawork is nothing short of brilliant, as Hannibal eventually comes into view, perfectly still, standing erect, looking polite, but never for a moment do we think he is anything less than the most menacing killer we've ever laid eyes on.
His speeches are haunting. Even though it's been parodied to death, when he tells of how he ate the census taker with some fava beans and a nice chianti, I remember the chills that ran down my spine.
The character works because we don't see him in action until way late in the film. It is all in the buildup. He talks a good game, and those around him talk a good game, and when he finally gets sprung into action, he doesn't disappoint. There are actually only a couple moments of violence that come from Hannibal, but those moments are pretty spectacular.
His interaction with Clarice is wonderful, arcing from cordial, to friendly, to maybe even romantic throughout the course of the movie (who can forget him caressing her hand with his finger)
He is true evil. He is everything that we fear, and yet somehow, we like him anyway, and weren't the least bit upset that Dr. Chilton was gonna have an unexpected dinner guest that evening. He is the greatest villain, and I'm proud to have him on my team.