Reflecting on the origins of the MCU, it’s entertaining to note how these grand narratives of heroism began with a privileged nepo offspring vanquishing his wicked business associate. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has transformed remarkably since the era of Obadiah Stane and his iron manufacturing endeavors. With more than 37 films and growing, the villains have increasingly become more powerful — in the most fitting ways.
To celebrate the debut of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, let’s take a look back at the adversaries who have led us to this moment.
How do the Silver Surfer and Galactus stack up against Loki, Thanos, and Killmonger? Check out our detailed ranking of MCU villains, from the least threatening to the most daunting.
52. Malekith (*Thor: The Dark World*)
Honestly, who?* — Angie Han, former Deputy Entertainment Editor
51. Samuel Sterns (*Captain America: Brave New World*)
In *The Incredible Hulk*, Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) was a supporter of the main hero. However, in *Captain America: Brave New World*, it’s disclosed that Bruce Banner’s gamma-infected blood mutated this previously mild-mannered scientist into a supervillain with an alarmingly large intellect and a face only a mother could cherish. Despite his mind-control abilities and gift of foresight, Sterns’ appearance as a withered asparagus diminishes his effectiveness as a cinematic villain. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
50. Dormammu (*Doctor Strange*)
I still don’t completely grasp what Dormammu is, and I’m indifferent. If you’re about to explain it based on the comics, my point is that the film fails to clarify who or what he is or why I should care.* — A.H.
49. Ivan Vanko (*Iron Man 2*)
With his golden teeth, heavy Russian accent, and pet cockatoo, Vanko resembles a more recent character played by Johnny Depp — and like many of Depp’s contemporary roles, there seems to be no genuine person behind those tedious quirks.* — A.H.
48. The Dweller-in-Darkness (*Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*)
The Dweller-in-Darkness represents the CGI version of studio executives leafing through the screenplay of *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* and realizing there’s nothing in it that would translate to a cool Lego set. It’s not at the very bottom because all it yearns for is to consume snacks (relatable), and everyone following this entry belongs to Marvel’s comedic ensemble of dreadful villain concepts. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter
47. Aldrich Killian (*Iron Man 3*)
The revelation that the Mandarin was merely a performance by Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery was startling, but the reality about who was truly in command was much more disheartening. Not even Killian’s bitter nerd backstory can render him an engaging foe for Tony Stark.* — A.H.
46. Ronan the Accuser (*Guardians of the Galaxy*)
Ronan elicits more laughter than most other villains on this list, which might bump him up a few spots. However, that’s mainly because he’s part of a more humorous movie than many other foes here, not due to his own amusing nature. Thus, he slides back down toward the lower end.* — A.H.
45. Justin Hammer (*Iron Man 2*)
Justin Hammer is fundamentally another version of Tony Stark, except inferior in every conceivable way. Which shouldn’t be all that captivating, although Sam Rockwell makes him somewhat of an unpleasant oddity. It’s entertaining to see his attempts to outdo Stark, and even more satisfying to witness his repeated failures.* — A.H.
44. Abomination (*The Incredible Hulk*)
There exists a kernel of something intriguing in Emil Blonsky, an aging soldier who consents to undergo a painful experimental procedure to gain Hulk-like abilities. Regrettably, *The Incredible Hulk* never brings this concept to fulfillment, and by the conclusion, he’s diminished to a mindless CGI beast.* — A.H.
43. Ayesha (*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2*)
Ayesha is virtually just a superiority complex cloaked in gold, yet much of the enjoyment from her character arises from witnessing her haughty pretentiousness collide with the quirky, grimy realm of the Guardians. Here’s hoping she gets more to do once Adam surfaces.* — A.H.
42. Dar-Benn (*The Marvels*)
She wields a stylish warhammer (the universal weapon), possesses some powerful jewelry (quantum band), and sports some tooth adornments for bonus flair. But this revenge-driven would-be savior of the Kree feels like a rehash of lesser cosmic villains who have come before, like Malekith and Ronan. Angry, conquering, blah. Unburdened by outrageous prosthetic makeup, Zawe Ashton’s performance isn’t overwhelmed like those of her predecessors. Still, there’s not much depth.