21. Shiro Amakusa (Samurai Reincarnation, played by Kenji Sawada)
“Samurai Rebellion” opens with a brilliant monologue by Kenji Sawada's real-life historical figure Shiro Amasuka, which sees him denounce God and pledging his soul to the Devil. Following that, he goes on to resurrect more important historical figures to bring down the Shogun. In addition to this brilliant setup and terrific action sequences, what stands out the most is Sawada's brilliant, almost theatrical performance, which is no doubt going to stay with the audience well after the film is done. (Rhythm Zaveri)
22. Jo Tae-oh (Veteran, played by Yoo Ah-in)
“Veteran” may be a Hwang Jung-min vehicle and feature some fine scenes of comedy and action, but it is Yoo Ah-in's turn as chaebol Jo Tae-oh that steals the show. Yoo manages to bring a fine menace to the character and, despite being a lot younger, stands toe-to-toe with Hwang Jung-min, making you believe his evil. (Rhythm Zaveri)
23. Mogambo (Mr India, played by Amrish Puri)
Amrish Puri played many villains in his long and illustrious career, most known internationally for playing Mola Ram in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”, but within India, it is most likely his role as Mogambo in Shekhar Kapur's “Mr India” that he is probably most loved for. The original supervillain in one of the earliest Indian superhero movie, his work as Mogambo is still remembered to this day, with his catchphrase “Mogambo shush huh” being used by many even on a daily basis. (Rhythm Zaveri)
24. Kancha Cheena (Agneepath, played by Danny Denzongpa)
Cult films in India don't get more cult-y than Mukul Anand's 1990 work “Agneepath” and while Amitabh Bachchan's performance (and dialogues, of course) and Mithun's fun role as Krishnan Iyer M.A are memorable, due credit also goes to Danny Denzongpa and his character Kancha Cheena, a rich, suave yet brutal underworld don, giving Hindi cinema a different and very appealing kind of villain. Danny is another actor who has done a number of negative roles, but Kancha Cheena stands heads and shoulders above all. (Rhythm Zaveri)
25. Yasaka (Harmonium, played by Tadanobu Asano)
One day, out of nowhere, Kusataro Yasaka (Tadanobu Asano) appears at Toshio's door, in his spotless, fully buttoned up shirt; he is an old acquaintance of Toshio's and has just gotten out of prison where he spent 11 years for killing a man. The film, while elegantly shot and minimalist in the look, is a crescendo of emotional chaos. Steeped in guilt, punishment, and atonement, it forcefully shakes the foundations of the traditional family by using the alien element Yasaka as a nemesis and catalyst. This intruder, masterfully played by Asano, carries with him a sense of absolute unease, even when he is not there, to the point that it makes you doubt whether he really exists or is an allegorical figure, a demon of Toshio's guilt, the spirit of the unpredictability of fate, the destiny of sin that falls from parents to children. (Adriana Rosati)
26. Nishino (Creepy, played by Teruyuki Kagawa)
In “Creepy” traumatised ex-detective Takakura and wife Yasuko's friendly intentions are ignored by their grumpy neighbours. One in particular, Nishino (Teruyuki Kagawa), who lives next door with a sick wife and a very evasive teenage daughter, seems to be particularly fickle, leaving Yasuko displaced and distrustful. The film slowly descends towards darker hues, in an escalation that much later in the film is tinged with real horror. “Creepy” is true to its title for instilling a growing feeling of unease as the characters get to know each other and scratch the respectability facade. Nishino with his bone chilling smile and unpredictable behaviour perfectly embodies the horror behind the mundane and the consequences of urban isolation that often leads to indifference and distrust towards others, even between spouses. (Adriana Rosati)
27. Shunpei Kim (Blood and Bones, played by Takeshi Kitano)
Ove the course of his long career, actor/director Takeshi Kitano has played a long list of characters who may qualify as anti-heroes, but his role as Shunpei Kim in Yoichi Sai's “Blood & Bones” will likely stay with the viewer for a long time. It is not just the violent acts he commits, but how he sees it as an echo of the brutality life is for him. He seems to give it back to his family, his wife and his children and later on the people he gives money to. It is a chilling portrayal of a man who is brutal and disgusting to the viewer, but at the same time hard to judge, as he is shown within the greater context of a system which devours the weak and rewards those mirroring its violent hierarchy. (Rouven Linnarz)
28. Mr. Baek (Sympathy for Mrs Vengeance, played by Choi Min-sik)
Choi Min-sik has played quite a number of villains in his career, but arguably one of this underrated performances is Mr. Baek in the final part of director Chan-wook Park's “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance”. Essentially a wolf in sheep's clothing, he is not just the target of the central character's revenge, but also the cause for many people's misery, a fact he takes utter delight in, while carefully maintaining his facade. It is an eerie performance of a psychopath whose home is not on the outskirts, but who acts within the safe confinements of our society and who betrays our sense of security, especially for people who are most vulnerable. (Rouven Linnarz)
29. Park Sung-bae (Asura: The City of Madness, played by Hwang Jung-min)
Mayor Park is corrupted to the core, a true gangster who not only has connections with the underworld, but also acts as the leader of a crime syndicate. The fact that he has been publicly elected is a clear evidence of both his power and the city's decay. Hwang Jung-min gives another great performance in the role, highlighting that he can be as good as a villain as he can be as a hero. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
30. Asami (Audition, played by Eihi Shiina)
If there was ever a face that could personify the movie villain, that could easily be Eihi Shiina's in the role of Asami. It is not just her action at the end of “Audition” it is also the way he manages to convince everyone, including the viewer, of her innocence until that point. There is not much to say here, Asami is one of the most iconic villains in the history of cinema, as is the movie actually. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
