Willie Soke – Bad Santa
The fact that he saves a child’s life while remaining a sweary, undignified alcoholic with no self-respect is somehow heartwarming.
—GusCairns
Alex DeLarge – A Clockwork Orange
A murderer, a gleefully sadistic rapist, an unapologetic sociopath who treats people as playthings and threatens every moral value. Yet Malcolm McDowell brings him to life with such flair and fun that he’s irresistibly charming and likable, even during his horrors. You even feel happy for him when he gets away with it all in the end.
—Thecuregalore94
Emily Bennetto – Emily the Criminal
She’s breathtakingly ruthless, but you still cheer her on, especially given some of the awful people she encounters. Then there’s Aubrey Plaza’s truly scary eyes—perhaps the most formidable since Bette Davis.
—FishingGenet
Jules Winnfield – Pulp Fiction
He kills people for a living, yet he still has to deal with life’s everyday irritations and annoying people. Samuel L. Jackson was robbed of an Oscar that year.
—mattyjj
Tommy DeVito – Goodfellas
He’s a completely repellent, vicious thug with just enough charisma to be an incredible screen presence—like watching a hand grenade with a missing pin.
—IscoBusquet
Mark ‘Chopper’ Read – Chopper
Brilliantly played by Eric Bana in a career-high performance. An ever-quotable biopic that tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing like the truth about Mark Brandon Read, who got his nickname from using bolt cutters on people’s toes, among other “scallywag” behavior.
—TonyMansell
Ethan Edwards – The Searchers
John Wayne’s towering performance steals the show. The only downside is John Ford’s tendency toward sentimental endings.
—chelsea17
Lily Powers – Baby Face
A shamelessly self-centered gold digger who literally sleeps her way up the corporate ladder before her inevitable fall.
—finnyfish
Barry Champlain – Talk Radio
He’s abrasive, egotistical, and vain, but he’s also crushed by the weight of society and desperately clawing for affection. A great character in an underappreciated film.
—Glider
Valerie Solanas – I Shot Andy Warhol
Though portraying a real person, Lili Taylor’s depiction of Valerie Solanas is an absolute tour de force. The film is a sadly forgotten ’90s indie gem with great performances all around. Jared Harris’s Warhol is the definitive screen Warhol (sorry, David Bowie), and Stephen Dorff’s Candy Darling shines, but it’s Taylor’s performance that holds it all together. Pre-Sopranos Michael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia also stand out in bit parts, playing completely against their future types (imagine Christopher as a flighty Factory groupie). It’s available on YouTube, though only in 480p.
—Pazuzu
Sebastian Valmont – Dangerous Liaisons
I remember seeing the film in a London cinema when it first came out. When Valmont is killed in a duel, the sound of sobbing from the audience filled the theater. It still gets me every time I watch it.
—Bustopher
Dirk Bogarde – The Servant
Marvelously malevolent yet somehow cheap at the same time. All of Joseph Losey’s collaborations with Harold Pinter are masterpieces.
—Roboxon
John Hammond – Jurassic Park
He’s an enthusiastic, grandfatherly figure to the audience, but his enthusiasm blinds him to the unethical and dangerous work he’s done. Even when things go wrong and employees are killed, he remains deluded, in denial, and enthusiastic that it will all work out and entertain people. The penny drops too late.
—oaktowers
Howard Ratner – Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler’s character is a frantic, risk-obsessed jeweler whose relentless pursuit of the next big score constantly teeters on the edge of disaster.
—APThe entire film explores the nature of destructive addiction and the conflicting sympathies we feel for those caught in its grip. We recognize Howard as a truly awful man, unable to control his harmful urges despite the dangers to himself and others. Yet, we also can’t help but see him as a victim—someone who might have been good, deep down. The ending comes as a relief.
SocksPest
Harriet Potter – Carry On Camping
Appalling, unstoppable, and completely unaware of the impact and fallout from her actions.
vastariner
Withnail – Withnail and I
A cowardly, deluded, drunken failure who was willing to let his best friend be assaulted so he could go on holiday. But… he’s great, isn’t he?
ManicOwl
William ‘D-Fens’ Foster – Falling Down
Michael Douglas’s character in Falling Down has become more relatable to many over time. While some of his frustrations might be understandable, it’s important to remember that he is unquestionably the villain.
arashikage
Quint – Jaws
A combative, loud-mouthed bully with a grudge against nature, but Robert Shaw portrays him with such genuine humanity that you glimpse the wounded person underneath and understand why he is the way he is.
BirdsAreGood
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Compellingly Unlikable Characters in Film
1 What exactly is a compellingly unlikable character
Its a character who is morally flawed unpleasant or even despicable but is written and performed in such a fascinating way that you cant look away You dont root for them but youre deeply interested in why they are the way they are
2 Why do we enjoy watching characters we dont like
These characters often reveal uncomfortable truths about human nature society or ourselves They create intense drama drive complex plots and make us think deeply about morality motivation and the line between good and evil
3 Isnt an unlikable character just a bad character
Not at all A badly written character is boring inconsistent or fails to serve the story A compellingly unlikable character is intentionally crafted to evoke a strong negative reaction that enhances the films themes and emotional impact
4 Can you give me a classic example
Sure Gordon Gekko in Wall Street Hes greedy ruthless and famously declares Greed is good While his actions are deplorable his charisma and sharp critique of corporate culture make him a mesmerizing figure to watch
5 What about a more recent example
Amy Dunne in Gone Girl She is manipulative vengeful and terrifyingly intelligent Her actions are horrific but the films exploration of her perspective and societal pressures makes her a fascinating study in resentment and performance
6 Are these characters always the villains
Not necessarily Sometimes they are the protagonist were forced to follow Think of Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood Hes the main character driven by misanthropy and greed making his journey a gripping if horrifying spectacle
7 What makes a character cross from unlikable into irritating or poorly done
It usually happens when their unpleasant traits feel shallow pointless or inconsistent with the story If their behavior seems to exist just for shock value or doesnt add depth audiences will simply disengage instead of being compelled
