When venturing into the realm of action films, audiences often anticipate a triumphant hero overcoming adversity. However, a select few films defy these expectations by allowing their villains to emerge victorious. Such outcomes—though sometimes thrilling, often leave viewers feeling frustrated. Traditionally, the hero’s journey concludes with success, a familiar trope that resonates through countless cherished action films. Nevertheless, there’s a unique excitement found in stories that let the villains prevail.
Notable examples like Skyfall and Avengers: Infinity War demonstrate how villainous successes can heighten anticipation for sequels within their franchises. In these films, the villains’ victories enrich the narrative and emphasize central themes, as illustrated in Nightcrawler. The reactions to these outcomes vary, as stellar performances sometimes win audience empathy, making the villains’ triumph feel deserved.
Spoiler Alert: The following sections discuss major plot elements from the films featured.
10. Natural Born Killers (1994)
Directed by Oliver Stone
In Natural Born Killers, Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis depict Mickey and Mallory Knox, a couple on a remorseless killing spree. This film critiques the media’s tendency to romanticize such violent acts, a theme that feels increasingly pertinent over time. The controversy surrounding the film stems not merely from the couple’s ability to elude justice, but also from the extreme violence and graphic content that some feel undermines its central message. Despite divided opinions, the film has cultivated a cult following, leaving audiences torn between frustration and fascination as they witness Mickey and Mallory turned into media icons.
9. Watchmen (2009)
Directed by Zack Snyder
Adapted from the iconic graphic novel, Watchmen follows a group of superheroes as they unravel the mystery behind the death of their former comrade, Edward Blake, aka the Comedian. While the film has faced criticism for its perceived lack of depth, it retains many of the dark elements present in the source material. A key revelation occurs when Adrian Veidt, also known as Ozymandias, confesses to various heinous acts, including murder and framing a fellow hero. Despite possessing this truth, the remaining heroes opt to bury Ozymandias’ confession for the greater good, effectively allowing him to triumph.
8. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Directed by Ridley Scott
As a sequel to Prometheus, Alien: Covenant follows its crew as they venture to an uncharted planet. In a twist that contradicts fans’ expectations regarding xenomorph origins, the android David (Michael Fassbender) is unveiled as the creator of these terrifying creatures. Embodying dark existential themes, the film highlights the chilling contrast between David and his counterpart, Walter. The story reaches a harrowing climax when David masquerades as Walter, revealing that the crew faces a new threat as David escalates his experiments in pursuit of creating life.
7. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo
In Avengers: Infinity War, the formidable villain Thanos embarks on a quest to collect the Infinity Stones, aiming to eradicate half of all life across the universe. The film showcases thrilling action as the Avengers unite to thwart his plan. However, the conclusion deviates dramatically from audience anticipations, as Thanos ultimately succeeds in executing his devastating plan, resulting in the disappearance of beloved characters. This shocking and emotional turn not only shocked audiences but also built immense anticipation for the subsequent installment, Avengers: Endgame.
6. Fallen (1998)
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Led by Denzel Washington as Detective John Hobbes, Fallen introduces viewers to a chilling murder investigation involving a demon that possesses individuals to commit heinous acts. Though the detectives initially believe they are pursuing a copycat killer, their understanding shifts as they uncover the supernatural elements at play. Despite fleeting instances of hope for the detectives’ victory, an unexpected twist reveals their futility in overcoming this formidable entity. Though it struggled at the box office, Fallen has gained cult status, celebrated for Washington’s remarkable performance.
5. Skyfall (2012)
Directed by Sam Mendes
In Skyfall, Javier Bardem portrays Raoul Silva, a former MI6 agent seeking vengeance against M, who betrayed him. The film captivates audiences with its blend of thrilling action and emotional stakes as Silva’s revenge unfolds. Although Silva meets his demise before he can achieve a complete victory, he successfully orchestrates M’s death—an event that profoundly impacts James Bond and the narrative arc of the franchise.
4. Nightcrawler (2014)
Directed by Dan Gilroy
In Nightcrawler, Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling performance as Lou Bloom, a man drawn to the world of freelance crime journalism. Recognizing that brutal footage commands high prices from news stations, Lou goes to alarming lengths to fabricate violent scenes for profit. Similar to Natural Born Killers, the film explores the media’s relationship with violence. Lou’s ascent in the cutthroat world of sensational journalism is both troubling and captivating, showcasing his willingness to exploit others’ suffering for his own gain.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
The Dark Knight concludes with a complex moral quandary surrounding the Joker’s antics. His chaos culminates in a twisted moral test involving two ferries, pushing the limits of human decency. Although the Joker is captured, his true victory lies in his manipulation of Harvey Dent, ultimately leading to Dent’s tragic demise at Batman’s hands. The film leaves audiences reflecting on the impact of the Joker’s chaos—not merely through destruction but through his profound influence on Gotham’s hero.
2. Oldboy (2003)
Directed by Park Chan-wook
In the critically acclaimed Korean film Oldboy, the lines between victory and loss blur. After 15 years of imprisonment, Oh Dae-su seeks revenge against Lee Woo-jin, the orchestrator of his confinement. Brutal and psychologically intense, the film explores complex themes of vengeance. Though Dae-su ultimately survives, he is left deeply scarred, achieving a form of defeat that Woo-jin intended, illustrating the haunting nature of revenge.
1. No Country For Old Men (2007)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
No Country for Old Men weaves a tale based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, showcasing interlinked stories of characters Llewelyn Moss, Ed Tom Bell, and Anton Chigurh. Chigurh, the relentless villain, pursues Moss for a briefcase full of stolen money. In a departure from traditional Westerns, the narrative ends without a climactic confrontation. Moss is killed, and Chigurh successfully evades justice while claiming the prize. The film underscores a world where moral ambiguity reigns and the forces of violence and immorality prevail, exemplified through Chigurh’s actions.
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