Back in Time Today
In the world of television and film, some characters are crafted in a way that they get under our skin. They are characters you love to hate, whether due to their arrogance, selfishness, or just downright evil nature.
These characters add drama, tension, and sometimes even comic relief, making them unforgettable in their roles. Here’s a detailed look at 30 such characters who have made a significant impact on audiences, drawing ire with every appearance.
1. Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones)
Joffrey Baratheon is the epitome of tyranny in the fantasy world of Westeros. As a spoiled, sadistic brat, he ascended the throne way too young, letting power corrupt him entirely. His cruel whims made life unbearable for everyone around him.
Despite being a child king, Joffrey’s actions were far from naive. His penchant for torture, humiliation, and absolute disregard for human life cast a dark shadow over the kingdom. He was a master manipulator, often pitting his subjects against each other.
Joffrey’s reign brought terror and instability, making his downfall a moment of satisfaction for many viewers.
2. Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
Dolores Umbridge is a character who managed to be more hated than some of the most powerful villains in the wizarding world. Her sweet, pink-clad exterior masked a heart as cold as ice.
As an authoritarian figure, she imposed cruel punishments and suppressed freedom, all under the guise of maintaining order. Her meddling ways and blind loyalty to the ministry made her an obstructionist in Harry Potter’s quest for the truth.
Umbridge’s unyielding belief in her own righteousness led to a reign of terror at Hogwarts, where education turned into indoctrination under her iron-fisted rule.
3. Skyler White (Breaking Bad)
Skyler White was always more than just the wife of a drug kingpin; she was a deeply complex character whose actions divided fans. Some viewed her as a voice of reason amidst chaos.
However, her constant moral quandaries, indecisiveness, and attempts to control a crumbling situation grated on many viewers’ nerves. Her involvement and gradual acceptance of Walter’s meth empire showcased her dual nature.
Skyler’s struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy while navigating a dangerous criminal world illustrated her inner conflict, making her a character both relatable and frustratingly complex.
4. Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
Jar Jar Binks is arguably the most controversial character in the entire Star Wars franchise. Introduced as comic relief, his clumsy antics and peculiar speech pattern quickly wore thin on audiences.
Many felt his character was unnecessary and detracted from the more serious narrative, while others accused him of being a stereotype. His actions, often leading to unintended chaos, became a source of frustration for fans.
Despite his well-meaning nature, Jar Jar’s presence in the series became synonymous with misplaced humor, making him a character fans loved to criticize and hate.
5. Ramsey Bolton (Game of Thrones)
Ramsey Bolton surpassed even Joffrey in terms of cruelty and malice. He was a tyrant who derived pleasure from the suffering of others, which he orchestrated with a calculated coldness.
His sadistic nature knew no bounds, as he inflicted physical and psychological torment on his victims, cementing his role as one of the most reviled characters in the series.
Bolton’s insidious actions and unrelenting brutality made him a villain who was not only hated but feared, leaving an indelible mark on the saga of Westeros.
6. Cal Hockley (Titanic)
Cal Hockley epitomized the arrogance and entitlement of the upper class. As Rose’s fiancé, he was controlling and dismissive, viewing her more as property than a partner.
His self-serving nature was evident as he attempted to maintain his status at any cost, even as the Titanic sank. He was willing to sacrifice others to save himself, highlighting his cowardice.
Cal’s willingness to manipulate and deceive to preserve his perceived superiority made him a character easy to despise, embodying the darker side of wealth and privilege.
7. Janice Soprano (The Sopranos)
Janice Soprano brought chaos wherever she went, often stirring up trouble within the family. Her loud personality and self-serving decisions consistently clashed with those around her.
She was a master of manipulation, using her emotional outbursts to gain sympathy and control. Her constant scheming and inability to settle down kept her at odds with her brother Tony.
Despite her flaws, Janice’s complex nature and vulnerability added depth to her character, making her a fascinating yet infuriating presence in the Soprano family drama.
8. Percy Wetmore (The Green Mile)
Percy Wetmore was a cowardly bully who abused his position as a prison guard. His sense of entitlement stemmed from his connections, allowing him to act without fear of repercussions.
He relished in the suffering of others, going out of his way to make life difficult for both inmates and fellow guards. His malicious actions were born of insecurity and a desire to prove himself.
Percy’s eventual downfall was a testament to his character’s lack of empathy and insight, making him a character audiences loved to loathe.
9. Lori Grimes (The Walking Dead)
Lori Grimes often found herself at the center of controversy in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead. Her decisions, often impulsive, led to discord among the group.
Her complicated love triangles and indecisiveness put her at odds with other survivors, making her a polarizing character. Despite her intentions to protect her family, her actions often had unintended consequences.
Lori’s struggle to balance her responsibilities with her personal desires added tension to the narrative, making her a character that audiences had a love-hate relationship with.
10. Bella Swan (Twilight)
Bella Swan’s character was met with mixed reactions from Twilight fans. Her passive demeanor and indecisiveness were frustrating for some viewers who expected a more proactive heroine.
Her relationships with Edward and Jacob highlighted her tendency to be emotionally torn and reliant on others for happiness. Her lack of assertiveness often left fans wanting more depth.
Despite this, Bella’s journey from an ordinary girl to a key figure in a supernatural world offered a unique coming-of-age story, though her character remains divisive.
11. Ross Geller (Friends)
Ross Geller was one of the most polarizing characters on Friends, known for his neurotic and often jealous behavior. His obsession with his ex-wife and later Rachel often led to comedic but cringe-worthy moments.
His constant need for validation and tendency to overthink situations made him relatable yet infuriating. His infamous “We were on a break!” line became a pop culture touchstone.
Despite his flaws, Ross’s earnestness and love for his friends made him endearing, though his quirks ensured he was a constant topic of debate among fans.
12. Commodus (Gladiator)
Commodus was a power-hungry villain with an insatiable thirst for control. His insecurities and need for approval drove him to commit unspeakable acts, including patricide, to seize the throne.
His tyranny and instability as an emperor brought Rome to its knees, while his obsession with the gladiator Maximus made him increasingly unstable.
Commodus’s downfall was as dramatic as his rise, providing a sense of justice for audiences. His character embodied the corruption of absolute power, making him a memorable and detestable antagonist.
13. Piper Chapman (Orange Is the New Black)
Piper Chapman entered prison with a sense of entitlement, believing herself to be above the system. Her self-absorbed nature initially alienated her from fellow inmates.
As the series progressed, her character evolved, navigating complex relationships and personal growth. However, her frequent lapses into privilege and manipulation kept her at odds with viewers.
Piper’s journey highlighted the often-harsh realities of prison life, yet her constant struggle to adapt and assert herself made her a character audiences loved to criticize.
14. Jenny Curran (Forrest Gump)
Jenny Curran was a character whose actions often left audiences divided. Her turbulent life and repeated rejections of Forrest Gump’s affections made her seem ungrateful.
Many criticized her for taking advantage of Forrest’s unwavering love, yet her troubled past offered a glimpse into her vulnerabilities and motivations.
Jenny’s journey through self-destruction and eventual redemption was both heartbreaking and frustrating, making her a character that evoked strong emotions from viewers, whether in sympathy or frustration.
15. Arturo Román (Money Heist)
Arturo Román was the epitome of a cowardly opportunist in Money Heist. As a hostage, his manipulative behavior often endangered others for his own benefit.
His delusions of grandeur and tendency to act as a self-styled hero only served to complicate the hostage situation further. His frequent betrayals made him a liability.
Despite his flaws, Arturo’s antics added a layer of unpredictability and tension to the narrative, making him a character viewers loved to hate, much to their exasperation.
16. Scrappy-Doo (Scooby-Doo)
Scrappy-Doo was introduced as a fresh addition to the Scooby-Doo gang, but his overconfidence and brash behavior quickly became irritating to fans.
His tendency to rush into situations without thinking often put the team in danger, while his catchphrase “Puppy Power!” grated on viewers.
Despite his intentions to be helpful, Scrappy’s presence felt forced and unnecessary, leading to his eventual removal from the series. He remains a controversial figure, emblematic of unwanted changes in beloved franchises.
17. Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell)
Zack Morris was the charming yet self-serving protagonist of Saved by the Bell. His scheming nature often led him to manipulate friends and situations to his advantage.
Zack’s antics, while entertaining, often crossed ethical lines, leaving others to deal with the consequences. His charisma masked a deeper selfishness that fans couldn’t ignore.
Despite his flaws, Zack’s growth and eventual accountability provided a nuanced look at teenage experiences, though his character remains a study in how charm can both aid and hinder relationships.
18. Dawson Leery (Dawson’s Creek)
Dawson Leery was a dreamer whose idealistic views often clashed with reality. His tendency to overanalyze and dramatize situations made him a complex yet frustrating character.
His relationships suffered due to his self-centered nature, culminating in the infamous crying meme that captured his emotional intensity.
Dawson’s journey from a naive teenager to a more self-aware adult illustrated the pains of growing up, though his character’s melodrama remains a point of contention for fans, making him a character easy to criticize.
19. The Mayor (Jaws)
Mayor Larry Vaughn of Amity Island epitomized the dangers of placing profit over public safety. His decision to keep the beaches open despite warnings led to catastrophic consequences.
His refusal to heed expert advice showcased a reckless disregard for human life, ultimately turning him into a symbol of political incompetence.
The Mayor’s actions and their dire results served as a cautionary tale about the perils of ignoring science, making him a character audiences loved to hate for his shortsightedness.
20. Cousin Oliver (The Brady Bunch)
Cousin Oliver’s arrival on The Brady Bunch was meant to inject new life into the series, but his presence was met with resistance. His “cute” antics felt forced.
As a character, Oliver was often oblivious to the chaos he caused, leading to unintended comedic moments that fans didn’t always appreciate.
His character became a trope for the unwanted addition that disrupts beloved dynamics, making him a symbol of how not to handle cast changes in long-running series.
21. Harry Ellis (Die Hard)
Harry Ellis was the quintessential sleazy businessman in Die Hard. His arrogance and misplaced confidence led him to believe he could negotiate with terrorists.
His selfishness and desire to impress resulted in his own demise, showcasing the folly of overconfidence and misplaced priorities.
Ellis’s actions provided a stark contrast to the heroism of John McClane, highlighting how greed and hubris can cloud judgment, making him a character whose demise audiences found satisfyingly just.
22. Andrea (The Walking Dead)
Andrea faced constant turmoil in The Walking Dead, often making choices that frustrated fans. Her inability to see through the Governor’s manipulations highlighted her naivety.
Despite her intentions to help, Andrea’s actions often led to conflict and mistrust within the group, making her a polarizing figure.
Her journey from an optimistic survivor to a tragic character illustrated the complexities of trust and leadership in a world where both are scarce, leaving fans divided over her legacy.
23. Newman (Seinfeld)
Newman, Jerry Seinfeld’s nemesis on the iconic sitcom, is the perfect blend of annoyance and hilarity. His schemes to outwit Jerry are often petty, but his persistence is unmatched. He embodies the kind of neighbor everyone dreads.
Though his actions are often underhanded, there’s something endearing about his dedication to being a thorn in Jerry’s side. His over-the-top expressions and timing make him a fan-favorite, despite being utterly infuriating.
Newman’s character adds a dynamic layer to Seinfeld, constantly challenging the protagonist and bringing a unique comedic tension that has kept viewers entertained for decades.
24. Kim Wexler (Better Call Saul)
Kim Wexler was both a grounding force and a source of conflict in Better Call Saul. Her professional demeanor and dedication to her career often clashed with her personal feelings.
Some fans criticized her for being cold and hypocritical, especially as her relationship with Jimmy McGill evolved. Her moral ambiguity added depth but also frustration.
Kim’s journey showcased the struggle between personal ethics and ambition, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating a complex world, making her a character that sparked debate and intrigue.
25. Bill (Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2)
Bill was a charismatic yet cruel character whose actions set the stage for revenge in Kill Bill. His betrayal and manipulation of The Bride revealed his ruthless nature.
His calm demeanor masked a lethal skill set and a willingness to destroy lives for his own gain. Despite his love for The Bride, his actions proved he was a monster.
Bill’s complex relationship with his protégé and his eventual confrontation with her provided a dramatic climax, showcasing his duality as both a lover and a villain.
26. George Costanza (Seinfeld)
George Costanza was the epitome of self-inflicted misery on Seinfeld. His perpetual pettiness and neurotic behavior often led to comedic disasters.
His insecurity and constant scheming made him relatable, yet his inability to learn from his mistakes frustrated viewers. His infamous “shrinkage” moment and other antics became legendary.
George’s character was a masterclass in embracing flaws, offering both laughter and exasperation, cementing his status as a quintessential character that viewers loved to hate.
27. Chet Donnelly (Weird Science)
Chet Donnelly was the quintessential bully in Weird Science, tormenting his younger brother and friend. His overbearing nature and smug attitude made him a character easy to dislike.
Chet’s transformation into a grotesque creature was a fitting comeuppance, offering comedic justice for his relentless bullying. His over-the-top antics provided both humor and a sense of relief.
Despite his unpleasant nature, Chet’s comeuppance was a reminder of the value of kindness, making him a memorable character who was both hated and laughed at.
28. Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
Sheldon Cooper was a genius whose lack of social skills often made him unbearable even to those closest to him. His rigid adherence to logic and routine clashed with human unpredictability.
His insensitivity and inability to read social cues led to constant friction with friends. Despite this, his quirks and intellect made him a beloved yet frustrating character.
Sheldon’s journey toward emotional growth showcased the challenges of understanding and acceptance, making him a character audiences loved to both root for and be exasperated by.
29. Ernie McCracken (Kingpin)
Ernie McCracken was a sleazy, arrogant character in Kingpin whose antics revolved around self-indulgence and showmanship. His ruthless behavior in and out of the bowling alley made him easy to dislike.
His determination to win at any cost showcased his lack of sportsmanship and morality. Ernie’s colorful personality added humor but also a sense of justice when his plans unraveled.
McCracken’s antics served as a comedic foil to the protagonist’s underdog story, highlighting the pitfalls of hubris, making him a character that audiences loved to see fail.
30. The Grand High Witch (The Witches)
The Grand High Witch was a nightmarish villain whose sole purpose was to eradicate children. Her menacing presence and magical prowess made her a terrifying figure.
Her transformation into a grotesque creature was both horrifying and captivating, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Her plans were thwarted by her own arrogance.
The Grand High Witch’s blend of horror and dark humor made her a character that was impossible to ignore, cementing her as a memorable antagonist in the world of witches.