As Morbius s the ever-growing list of villain origin stories in the superhero film universe, it's worth taking note of the edgy and gothic style these characters bring to the genre. Morbius is just the beginning of Spider-Verse villain focused stories that tease the kind of complex bad guys that viewers are drawn to.
These films open up endless opportunities for great antagonists and possible future heroes. These villain to friend characters remind audiences to doubt first impressions, not to mention their darker personalities can be the perfect balance to the optimistic do-gooder attitude usually portrayed by the hero.
Nebula - Avengers: Endgame
In the first Guardians of the Galaxy, Nebula is a cold killer. Over three films she grapples with her anger at Gamora, choosing to sever her own arm rather than make amends. That's what makes her transition from unyielding assassin to 'plays paper football with Iron Man' so satisfying.
Nebula's no-nonsense tenacity is both terrifying and irable. It's understandable that she'd struggle with right and wrong considering the torture inflicted on her by her father and sister. Once she starts to accept the wrongs done to her, she is able to find her place among the heroes as one of best moody good guys the Guardians have to offer.
Maleficent - Maleficent
Maleficent is introduced as a stereotypical dark fairy that has it out for her ex-lover's daughter. As she helps protect an essentially abandoned Aurora growing up in the wilderness, her love for the child becomes the key to undoing her own curse.
dangers of Maleficent's immense power are well documented in this version of Sleeping Beauty, her story subverts the evil step-mother trope depicted so often in fairy-tale literature.
Finn - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
After stormtrooper FN-2187 resolves to abandon his post he gains a new name and his first genuine friendship. Finn is the first glimpse Star Wars fans get into the mind of an anonymous Dark Side henchmen. His bond with resistance fighters is pretty much instantaneous, even though he doesn't immediately show a heroic disposition.
Finn does the right thing by deserting the First Order, but still has to question whether it's enough to be a neutral ex-member of the dark forces. This unmasked villain gives insight on countless minions that go down following orders. His perspective is painfully realistic which makes his decision to fight with the Resistance more difficult than anyone else's. For a franchise that centers around the themes of switching sides, Finn is a stark representation of the complexities of following orders.
Sirius Black - Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban
Sirius Black shows up in Harry's life in the form of a sinister dog that stalks him, going as far as violently attacking his best friend, Ron. After a confrontation at the Shrieking Shack that reveals Black's true intentions, he becomes the closest thing Harry has to a father.
One of the reasons Prisoner of Azkaban is so beloved amongst fans is the introduction of Sirius Black and the Marauders. Sirius is Harry's only means of connecting with both the good and more mischievous parts of his father's past. The fact that he is introduced as a potential threat, reminds viewers to keep an open mind about characters who are criminalized in the public sphere.
Apollo Creed - Rocky III
Apollo Creed is Rocky's defining opponent. Creed is the more skilled, less humble fighter, but their first match, which almost kills them both, is the beginning of a long friendship that transcends generations.
Creed is never a malicious antagonist, just one that helps motivate Rocky to push beyond his limits. It's extremely satisfying to watch them finally accept their roles as mentor and student in Rocky III. When the two train side by side, their triumphant embrace calls back to Rocky I's epic finale, rounding out their journey from enemy, to mentor, to friend.
Vivian Kensington - Legally Blonde
Vivian's elitist snobbery immediately puts her at odds with Elle. She goes the extra mile to make her feel small when she tricks her into showing up to a party in a playboy bunny costume. As much as Vivian tries to hate Elle, she can't help but show her iration as Elle steps up to be the lawyer no one expected.
Legally Blonde sheds light on the societal pressures put on women to compete. Vivian sees Elle as her opponent since she's both her fiancee's ex and one of only two other women itted into her competitive internship. Vivian has to challenge her biases to form a friendship with someone who at first seemed like her complete opposite. Their story truly disparages the Blonde versus Brunette trope which is why it's still so celebrated 20 years later.
Sulley - Monsters University
Sulley is an arrogant bully when he first meets Mike Wazowski in college. Once he and Mike get kicked out of the coveted Scare Program, he has to put his ego aside and work alongside a wacky group of misfit monsters.
Sulley is a typical jock, but he learns from Mike's work ethic that he doesn't have to succumb to high school stereotypes. When Sulley embraces humility, he is able to help fellow loser-monsters use their talents more effectively. Even though it required a little bit of a retcon, his dynamic friendship with Mike is what makes them the most lovable duo in Pixar's universe.
Plutarch Heavensbee - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Plutarch probably partook in some sinister things to become the Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games. His history in the Capitol and what led to him turning on President Snow is unknown, but it's clear from their first meeting that his iration for Katniss might have had something to do with it.
However, Plutarch turns out to be innocent of the audience's preconceived notions. In Catching Fire, Plutarch's role as Gamemaker means he is complicit in the deaths of innocent tributes, but his previous role in Capitol propaganda makes him a formidable ally to Panem's revolution. His pessimistic attitude toward leaders is a reality check for Katniss, but his unrelenting devotion to the cause is inspiring as well.
Helen - Bridesmaids
Helen is like a high school bully in how she plots to sideline Annie, who just wants the best for childhood friend Lillian's wedding. In another example of competitive dynamics between women, Helen's perfectly poised facade breaks down when she must seek out Annie's help to find Lillian on her wedding day.
In Bridesmaids, Helen is a gorgeous, rich, and idolized woman who is also desperate for genuine friendship. When Helen teams up with Annie, the audience realizes that Annie has something Helen cannot buy or manipulate her way into - a genuine friendship. Despite her villainous qualities, Helen's presence motivates Annie to get her life together and become a better friend to herself.
Gollum - Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Gollum is first introduced as a creeping, mischievous creature that will do anything to get his hands on his precious. Once Frodo shows him some kindness, Gollum finally gains the strength to banish his dark side and relinquish its given name in one of the most dynamic monologues in cinematic history.
Frodo sees parts of himself in Gollum, so his gesture of friendship is an attempt to save them both. It could be argued that Sam's refusal to show Gollum the same mercy, might have made it easier for Gollum to turn on Frodo in the end. Gollum's temporary transition to good illustrates the chance even the most far gone villains have when presented with a little forgiveness.
