30 Movies Where Viewers Realize the Villain Turns Out to Be the Hero at the End

1. Despicable Me 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 591402, ID: 1323594
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Despicable Me is a delightful animation that cleverly subverts the villain trope. The film’s protagonist, Gru, starts as a villain but eventually becomes a hero, showing a heartwarming transformation. The movie’s humor, creativity, and emotional depth make it a standout.
2. Megamind 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 299514, ID: 1001526
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Megamind offers a fresh take on the superhero genre by making the villain the protagonist. The film explores the journey of Megamind, a supervillain who turns into a hero, providing a fun, colorful, and engaging narrative.
3. Wreck-It Ralph 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 463552, ID: 1772341
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Wreck-It Ralph is a vibrant animation that flips the script on the villain-hero dynamic. The film follows Ralph, a video game villain who embarks on a journey to become a hero, resulting in a heartwarming and entertaining story.
4. Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1185673, ID: 0103064
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a sci-fi classic where the villain from the first film, the Terminator, returns as a protector. The film masterfully portrays the Terminator’s transformation from a feared villain to a beloved hero.
5. Star Wars: Episode III – The Return of Darth Vader 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 29410, ID: 5118314
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Star Wars: Episode III – The Return of Darth Vader presents a compelling narrative where the villain, Anakin Skywalker, is revealed to be the tragic hero, Darth Vader. The film beautifully captures Anakin’s downfall and transformation into Darth Vader.
6. Maleficent 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 403000, ID: 1587310
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Maleficent, a dark and misunderstood fairy, is the protagonist of the movie. She is portrayed as a villain but her character evolves throughout the movie, revealing her true nature. The movie is visually stunning, with Angelina Jolie delivering a captivating performance. However, it has been criticized for its inconsistent world-building.
7. Venom 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 545412, ID: 1270797
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Venom is an antihero who starts off as a villain but ends up fighting for good. The movie is a mix of humor and action, with Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock/Venom being a highlight. However, it has been criticized for its weak villain and unfulfilling plot.
8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 293481, ID: 0170016
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The Grinch, initially presented as a villain, turns out to be a misunderstood character who changes his ways by the end of the movie. The film is a delightful family flick with a poignant message about the true spirit of Christmas. However, some viewers found the movie’s attempt to shake up the traditional Christmas story to be cynical.
9. The Suicide Squad 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 415673, ID: 6334354
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The Suicide Squad is a group of villains turned heroes, each with their own unique abilities. The movie is praised for its witty writing, engaging characters, and over-the-top action. However, the true villain of the film is revealed to be the U.S. government.
10. Frozen 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 669479, ID: 2294629
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Frozen subverts the typical Disney princess movie conventions while embracing its aesthetic trappings. The film’s villain, Prince Hans, is revealed to be a good guy at the end, providing an interesting twist. The movie is loved for its lively songs, nuanced story, and the bond between the two princess sisters.
11. The Dark Knight Rises 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1845335, ID: 1345836
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The Dark Knight Rises is a masterpiece that focuses more on Bruce Wayne/Batman. The movie is filled with emotions, great characters, and excellent dialogues. The villain, Bane, is not the ultimate villain but demonstrates cunning intellect, initiative, and agency throughout the film. This twist makes the viewers realize that the villain is not entirely evil but has some good in him.
12. The Chronicles of Riddick 2004，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 243600, ID: 0296572
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The Chronicles of Riddick is a futuristic battle between a fascist misfit and a fascist master race. The villain, Zhylaw, is the supreme ruler of the Necromonger Empire. Despite his evil deeds, he believes he’s doing the right thing, making viewers question the true nature of villainy.
13. X-Men: Days of Future Past 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 751539, ID: 1877832
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In ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’, the villainous character, Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender, is seen in a new light. Despite his often destructive methods, his ultimate goal is the preservation of mutantkind, which he believes is under threat. This film presents a complex character who, despite his antagonistic role, evokes sympathy and understanding. His actions, while often misguided, stem from a place of fear and desire to protect those like him.
14. The Making of Fast & Furious 6 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 32, ID: 3402104
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In ‘The Making of Fast & Furious 6’, the character of Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, is initially presented as a criminal. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his actions are driven by a deep sense of loyalty and love for his family. Despite his rough exterior and unlawful activities, he ultimately emerges as a hero, demonstrating that appearances can be deceiving.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 1283069, ID: 2015381
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In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, the character of Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, starts off as an apparent villain. However, as the movie progresses, it’s revealed that she is actually trying to stop the true villain, Ronan, from obtaining the power to destroy entire planets. Her initial portrayal as a villain is a clever misdirection, and her eventual heroism is a satisfying twist.
16. Thor: Ragnarok 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 824832, ID: 3501632
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In ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, is known for his mischievous and villainous acts. However, in this film, he ends up fighting alongside Thor to save Asgard, showing a different side to his character. His transformation from villain to hero adds depth to his character and makes for an engaging storyline.
17. The Lego Movie 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 391977, ID: 1490017
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In ‘The Lego Movie’, Lord Business, voiced by Will Ferrell, is initially presented as the villain. However, by the end of the movie, it’s revealed that he is simply a misunderstood character who struggles with control issues. His eventual realization and change of heart provide a touching conclusion to the film.
18. Kung Fu Panda 2 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 325221, ID: 1302011
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Kung Fu Panda 2 is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in terms of animation and storytelling. The film explores the theme of self-discovery and acceptance, as Po, the Dragon Warrior, embarks on a journey to uncover his past. The villain, Lord Shen, is initially portrayed as a ruthless peacock with a lust for power. However, as the story unfolds, we realize that Shen is a victim of his own insecurities and fears. This revelation adds depth to his character and makes him more relatable, blurring the line between good and evil.
19. The Incredibles 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 819334, ID: 0317705
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The Incredibles is a brilliant blend of superhero action and family drama. The film’s villain, Syndrome, starts off as a fanboy of Mr. Incredible, but turns into a villain due to rejection. However, by the end, viewers realize that Syndrome’s actions, though misguided, stem from his desire to make everyone super, so that no one feels inadequate or left out. This twist in the narrative makes Syndrome a complex character who, despite his villainous actions, evokes sympathy.
20. Shrek 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 743419, ID: 0126029
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Shrek is a unique take on fairy tales where the supposed monster is the hero. The villain, Lord Farquaad, is shown as a tyrant obsessed with perfection. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Farquaad’s obsession stems from his own insecurities and desire for acceptance. This realization humanizes Farquaad and blurs the line between hero and villain.
21. The Lion King 1994 Australia Soundtrack Commercial 1994，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 30270279
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The Lion King is a timeless classic with a captivating soundtrack. The villain, Scar, is initially portrayed as a power-hungry lion. However, towards the end, viewers realize that Scar’s actions were driven by his feelings of inadequacy and neglect. This revelation adds depth to his character and makes him a more sympathetic figure.
22. The Iron Giant 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 231066, ID: 0129167
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The Iron Giant is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy and a giant robot. The robot, initially feared as a destructive machine, turns out to be a gentle giant with a heart of gold. The real villain of the story is the fear and prejudice of the humans who judge the giant based on his appearance. This twist in the narrative challenges the traditional concept of heroes and villains.
23. The Road to El Dorado 2000，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 108905, ID: 0138749
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The Road to El Dorado is a delightful animated adventure filled with humor and excitement. The film tells the story of two con men who stumble upon a map to the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. However, the film doesn’t portray any villain turning into a good guy. It’s a fun-filled journey that’s worth watching.
24. The Emperor’s New Groove 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 228364, ID: 0120917
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The Emperor’s New Groove is a unique Disney feature that stands out for its humor and originality. The film revolves around a selfish emperor who is transformed into a llama and learns valuable lessons about friendship and humility. The villain in this movie, Yzma, remains a villain throughout, and there’s no twist about her becoming good.
25. The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 173156, ID: 0116583
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The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a deeply moving Disney feature that explores themes of acceptance and inner beauty. The story follows Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer who yearns for acceptance. The villain, Frollo, remains a villain throughout the film, and there’s no revelation of him being good.
26. The Prince of Egypt 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 147941, ID: 0120794
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The Prince of Egypt is a visually stunning animated film that tells the story of Moses, who rises from being a prince to leading his people to freedom. The film is notable for its mature themes and complex characters. The villain, Rameses, remains a villain throughout the film, and there’s no twist about him becoming good.
27. The Secret of NIMH 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 45799, ID: 0084649
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The Secret of NIMH is an enchanting animated film that delves into the world of intelligent rats and a brave mouse mother. The film is praised for its storytelling and animation. The villain in this movie, Jenner, remains a villain throughout, and there’s no revelation of him being good.
28. The Great Mouse Detective 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 54968, ID: 0091149
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The Great Mouse Detective is a delightful animated feature that takes us on a journey through a kingdom of memorable characters. The film is structured around the perspective of the villain, Ratigan, voiced by Vincent Price, who is the heart of the story. Despite being the antagonist, Ratigan’s character is so engaging that it makes us question who the real hero of the story is. His sophisticated charm and elegant demeanor make him a villain you can’t help but admire.
29. The Rescuers Down Under 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 47767, ID: 0100477
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The Rescuers Down Under is an exhilarating tale of adventure and bravery. The film’s villain, McLeach, voiced by George C. Scott, is a ruthless poacher who kidnaps a boy and an eagle. However, his character is so well-developed and his motives so clear, that one might argue he is the driving force of the narrative. His relentless pursuit of his goals makes him a compelling character, despite his villainous actions.
30. The Black Cauldron 1985，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 41284, ID: 0088814
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The Black Cauldron is a captivating tale of swords, sorcery, and a quest for a magic cauldron. The film’s villain, the Horned King, seeks the cauldron to create an army of the undead. However, the narrative is so engrossing when viewed from the Horned King’s perspective that it makes us question who the true protagonist is. His determination and single-minded pursuit of power make him a fascinating character, despite his evil intentions.