{"id":98132,"date":"2026-01-23T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=98132"},"modified":"2026-01-22T14:29:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:29:28","slug":"obsessed-with-villains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/obsessed-with-villains\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons Our Generation Is Obsessed with Villains"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:51.477597712107%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:52.161383285303%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.111111111111%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.142365097589%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:53.98773006135%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:49.18200408998%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:55.187319884726%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>There&rsquo;s no way you haven&rsquo;t noticed &ndash; every new blockbuster, anime, or book features villains who are way <strong>more compelling<\/strong> than heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it&rsquo;s not a coincidence; it&rsquo;s a full-blown trend that&rsquo;s been building for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a millennial, I can admit we started <strong>romanticizing bad guys<\/strong> first, and then Gen Z took it and ran with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of humanizing a villain and seeing beyond the surface is great. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, I&rsquo;m glad we no longer have cartoonish bad guys who are evil for the sake of evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, we took it so far that we no longer have a clear line between a hero and a bad guy, and it&rsquo;s really bad for storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Villains Are More Human Than Heroes<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98164\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1049\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-1024x527.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-768x395.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-960x494.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-170x88.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1049\" height=\"540\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201049%20540'%3E%3Crect%20width='1049'%20height='540'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98164 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-1024x527.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-768x395.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-960x494.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-7-170x88.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cultureslate.com\/news\/the-most-iconic-kylo-ren-scenes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; cultureslate<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This particular problem comes from <strong>bad writing<\/strong>. Villains are often presented as<strong>more layered<\/strong> and essentially more human than heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shouldn&rsquo;t be the case simply because being a hero is much harder than being a bad guy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It means going against the grain, doing things the harder way just because it&rsquo;s right, and never backing down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, modern stories often serve us a hero who is unsure, <strong>undefined<\/strong>, without clear goals, and honestly <strong>bland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I mean, compare Kylo Ren and Rey, the actual hero of that story.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&rsquo;s the bad guy who is undeniably cool, who goes through difficulties, and has actual depth. Opposite him is a Mary Sue who just sort of goes through the motions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, I feel like we&rsquo;re romanticizing the villain because certain stories don&rsquo;t even give us the hero.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Rebellion and Nonconformity<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98165\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"543\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8.jpg\" alt=\"villain series\" class=\"wp-image-98165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-1024x534.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-960x501.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-170x89.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"543\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201041%20543'%3E%3Crect%20width='1041'%20height='543'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"villain series\" class=\"wp-image-98165 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-1024x534.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-960x501.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-8-170x89.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/matt-smith-talks-playing-a-much-weaker-daemon-in-house-of-the-dragon-season-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; movieweb<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Villains are the ultimate symbols of rebellion, and this is one of the reasons why they resonate so strongly with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They break rules and challenge authority, and that&rsquo;s exactly what most of us wish to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Younger generations have seen through the <strong>lies of authority<\/strong>, and so they&rsquo;re naturally at odds with a hero who represents the system that is fundamentally flawed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the bad guy is the one who goes <strong>against the system<\/strong> and tries to break it in order to create something better, then our obsession is very understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to nonconformity, the bad guys seem to assume the freedom to be unapologetically themselves, which is something we all strive for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Charisma and Style<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98158\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20960%20540'%3E%3Crect%20width='960'%20height='540'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98158 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-3-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hVtC4pgoSEqGQUw3bd9W7c-1920-80.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Gen Z calls it <strong>aura-farming<\/strong>, and I&rsquo;m here for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have to admit that villains are often leagues cooler than heroes, at least in newer media. Think of Loki, Harley Quinn, or Hannibal Lecter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These characters have incredible style, and they&rsquo;re so charming and confident. They dress differently and speak with an attitude &ndash; they instantly grab our attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sense of individuality makes them irresistible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, long ago, this stylization of villains used to have a <strong>very good purpose<\/strong> &ndash; to teach us that not all good-looking and charming people have good intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, I feel like most of them are made to look cool just for the fan service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Challenging Conventional Morality<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98160\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"303\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4.jpg 540w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-170x95.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"303\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20303'%3E%3Crect%20width='540'%20height='303'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98160 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4.jpg 540w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-4-170x95.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marvel.com\/characters\/loki\/on-screen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; marvel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Villains tend to flip the script on conventional morality, which resonates with the younger generations because they don&rsquo;t buy into it themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a culture where <strong>everything is relative<\/strong>, and there isn&rsquo;t one truth, but your truth and mine, heroes start to look almost oppressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, the bad guys often have motives that feel relatable &ndash; loss, betrayal, or their own version of justice &ndash; forcing us to reconsider what&rsquo;s truly right or wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Questo <strong>moral ambiguity<\/strong> sparks debates and keeps us hooked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s more interesting to root for a character whose defining trait isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;good,&rdquo; but who has understandable reasons for their actions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It mirrors the complexity of human nature, and keeps us engaged.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Power and Control<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98157\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"871\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2.jpg 871w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-170x95.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"871\" height=\"489\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20871%20489'%3E%3Crect%20width='871'%20height='489'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98157 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2.jpg 871w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-2-170x95.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gamerant.com\/naruto-uchiha-madara-great-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; gamerant<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Villains are often characterized by their desire for power, and this taps into a universal <strong>human desire for control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of us feel more or less powerless in our daily lives, so watching these characters wield influence can be oddly satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&rsquo;re unapologetic about their ambition, and that&rsquo;s the kind of boldness we all wish we had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their confidence and pursuit of what they want contrasts sharply with the <strong>indecision and passivity<\/strong> most people deal with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Villains remind us of the thrill of taking control, allowing us to live vicariously through them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Ultimate Anti-Heroes<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98166\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"528\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9.jpg 978w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-960x518.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-170x92.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"528\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20978%20528'%3E%3Crect%20width='978'%20height='528'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98166 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9.jpg 978w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-960x518.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-9-170x92.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@zeliche\/eren-yeager-deep-character-analysis-hero-villain-or-victim-of-fate-38e17ab3ab37\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; medium<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Anti-heroes are villains with the heart of gold, or, at the very least, some <strong>redeeming qualities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Characters like Walter White and Tony Soprano show us that even bad guys can have moments of vulnerability and goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This blurred line between good and evil makes these characters fascinating because they defy the typical hero archetype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&rsquo;re drawn to anti-heroes because they&rsquo;re real and flawed like us, but they&rsquo;re also essentially good and well-meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They reflect our own imperfections and the messy reality of human nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Reflection of Our Inner Darkness<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98162\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5.jpg 540w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"304\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20304'%3E%3Crect%20width='540'%20height='304'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98162 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5.jpg 540w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-5-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.primevideo.com\/detail\/Hannibal\/0Q8KCI85QZEGRPJ0CZCYPUFP2I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; primevideo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>None of us is all sunshine and rainbows. Though most people are generally good, everyone occasionally struggles with dark thoughts, envy, and temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Villains give us a safe outlet to <strong>esplorare <\/strong>quelli <strong>darker impulses<\/strong> without real-world consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching them do their thing makes us excited because it resonates with us, often on a subconscious level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&rsquo;re deeply curious about our own shadow-selves, and these bad guys act out what we sometimes wish we could do &ndash; break rules or just be unapologetically selfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The Best Storytellers<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98180\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98180 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/culture\/2016\/mar\/16\/mark-hamill-jack-nicholson-heath-ledger-joker-batman-best\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; theguardian<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Good stories need great villains. They add depth, challenge heroes, and <strong>create necessary conflict<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without them, any story would feel flat, or there wouldn&rsquo;t even be a story to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, like in The Lord of the Rings or Hannibal, the villain is the story; everything starts with him and happens because of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where most people start to have a problem with it, when the bad guy completely takes over the story and <strong>outshines the heroes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That typically means that heroes were badly written and didn&rsquo;t leave a strong impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This really shouldn&rsquo;t happen because heroes have a lot to teach us and to inspire us in many ways. If all we have is the bad guy, then the whole message of the story is bleak.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Humanizing Villains<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98163\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6.jpg 978w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-768x378.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-960x472.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-170x84.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"481\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20978%20481'%3E%3Crect%20width='978'%20height='481'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98163 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6.jpg 978w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-768x378.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-960x472.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-6-170x84.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/tv-movies\/tv-movie-news\/why-harley-quinn-is-the-best-and-worst-thing-about-suicide-squad-248939\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; rollingstone<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In recent years, villains have been given more depth and humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many older books and movies feature bad guys that were masterfully written, but they didn&rsquo;t have that level of humanity that modern ones often do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Characters like Thanos have a truly <strong>tragic backstory<\/strong> that allows us to empathize with them, and perhaps even take their side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This trend reflects a growing cultural shift &ndash; acceptance that good and evil aren&rsquo;t always <strong>black and white<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When such a relatable bad guy stands opposite equally great hero, then we have an amazing story.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, humanization of bad guys often tends to leave us with bland, uninspiring heroes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Mirror to Our Society<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-98167\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10.jpg 694w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-170x94.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"383\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20694%20383'%3E%3Crect%20width='694'%20height='383'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98167 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10.jpg 694w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/villains-obsessed-10-170x94.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/slideshow\/best-female-villains-film-and-tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; vogue<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Villains often mirror <strong>societal flaws and fears<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They embody corruption and greed that rule in the real world, and magnify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative characters, such as Joker, symbolize chaos and moral decay. They allow us to indirectly examine the darker parts of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention, they can give us some powerful messages and lessons about life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, many people seem to find villains much <strong>more believable<\/strong> and plausible than heroes, which is a nasty mirror to look at.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There&rsquo;s no way you haven&rsquo;t noticed &ndash; every new blockbuster, anime, or book features villains who are way more compelling than heroes. And it&rsquo;s not &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":98180,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[206],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98132"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99583,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98132\/revisions\/99583"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}