5 Villains That We Were Secretly Rooting For

Heroes are great, don't get us wrong. We all love a good triumph of justice. But every so often, the most interesting characters are the ones we're supposed to hate. The ones that somehow have been labeled as “bad guys” by the production. And the only question we're left with is, did they really expect us to hate them? Or are these characters deep and developed specifically for us to feel all these conflicting emotions?

Either way, backstories of these so-called villains are so rich and their motivations are so relatable that they blur the lines between right and wrong.

Maybe it's their wit, their style, or perhaps their cause isn't as evil as everyone thinks. Whatever the reason, these antagonists have managed to win our hearts despite being on the “wrong” side of things.

Zemo in Captain America: Civil War ( 2016): His Heartbreaking Mission

In Captain America: Civil War, Zemo is probably the most human antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No super-powers and no world domination plans, he's just a man destroyed by grief.

Zemo literally lost everything he loved because some superheroes decided to duke it out above his hometown. His family perished in the Sokovia incident.

His response was a beautifully mastered plan that did what no supervillain could: he broke the Avengers apart from within. And Zemo clearly didn't do it for power. It was out of pure revenge and desire to restore what he thought was justice.

All that is exactly why we found ourselves nodding along with his plans. His whole family died in some superhero battle. And to be honest, who wouldn't want answers after that? Zemo's final moment attempting suicide to reunite with his family is just a devastating proof of all that.

You can revisit Captain America: Civil War on Fandango at Home, Disney+, Amazon Video or Apple TV+.

Sharpay Evans in High School Musical (2006-2008): Misunderstood Theater Kid

Let's talk about Sharpay Evans, the supposed “villain” of East High who was actually just a girl who knew her worth and wasn't afraid to show it.

She was someone who took her craft seriously (okay, maybe too seriously for high school) but can you blame her? Real theater scene is brutal and she was pretty on point when she said that it wouldn't be right to cast people who haven't even done theater before.

Sharpay had been putting in the work for years. And she was right–she EARNED the spotlight! No wonder she was this frustrated. Who wouldn't be?

She even offered summer jobs to her classmates and tried to help Troy get a scholarship. And you're telling us that she was supposed to be the villain? Justice for Sharpay!

If you haven't watched the High School Musical franchise for a long time, you can do so on Disney+.

Lex Luthor in Smallville (2001-2011): The Friend We Wished Superman Could Keep

Smallville's Lex Luthor gave us something very unique: a chance to see one of comics' greatest rivalries be friends.

In Smallville, Lex Luthor is a complex young man struggling against his destiny. Early seasons showed us a Lex who genuinely wanted to be good, who fought against his father's toxic influence, and who saw in Clark Kent a chance at true friendship. Lex’s struggle between his better nature and his darker impulses made him incredibly human.

Growing up with a father like Lionel Luthor would be enough to turn anyone to the dark side, but Smallville's Lex really tried. Watching him attempt to overcome his family legacy made us root for a different ending, even though we knew what was coming.

All seasons of Smallville are available on Hulu. But get ready to be upset at the outcome of Lex Luthor's story once again.

Yzma in Emperor's New Groove (2000): Backbone of an Empire

The Emperor's New Groove gave us Yzma and she had some good points.

After years of loyal service and basically raising Kuzco, all she gets is being called ugly and getting fired just like this? Not cool, Emperor. Not cool at all.

This fashion icon spent years as the royal advisor and chemist, probably keeping the empire running while Kuzco was busy being self-absorbed. Sure, her response might have been a tad extreme, but her dramatic revenge plans and iconic one-liners made her impossible not to love.

Also, anyone who can rock that much purple and make it work deserves some respect.

You can rewatch this classic on Disney+ right now. Pull the lever, Kronk!

Joker in The Dark Knight (2008): Prince of Chaos

Heath Ledger's Joker stole the show. He changed how we view villain origins forever.

This Joker emerged from Gotham's corrupt underbelly, a product of a system that values money over humanity.

He forces all of us to confront the uncomfortable truth about the world. His chaos has a philosophy behind it, and it challenges our assumptions about order and justice in a way that leaves us questioning our own morals, not his.

This Joker is absolutely unforgettable thanks to Ledger's brilliant portrayal and the writing and thought that went behind the character.

You can catch this legendary performance on HBO Max, Fandango at Home, Amazon Video and Apple TV+.