These 9 TV villains are terrible people - but we'd still text them 'u up?'

Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen | Image Via: Mappa, Aleksander Morozava in Shadow and Bone | Image Via: Netflix, Negan in The Walking Dead | Image Via: AMC, Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon | Image Via:  Barunson C&C
Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen | Image Via: Mappa, Aleksander Morozava in Shadow and Bone | Image Via: Netflix, Negan in The Walking Dead | Image Via: AMC, Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon | Image Via: Barunson C&C

The magnetic pull towards morally grey characters is always intense. It is a guilty pleasure that we don't readily accept. The allure of a captivating villain is undeniable. These characters often walk off the edge of our sympathies. Their wicked deeds somehow get intertwined with their certain charisma, intelligence, and flickers of vulnerability.

This often makes us overlook their heinous deeds. These characters make elaborate schemes, manipulate, and cause havoc, yet there is intrigue that keeps us glued to our screens when they come on. In this list, we will talk about 9 such characters. These villains have done numerous bad things, yet their charm is undeniable.

These characters in a bizarre alternate universe where morality takes a backseat to intrigue might just make us send them a send or two. It is not that we support their actions. Their villainous activities leave behind heartbreak. Yet what makes these villains so memorable cannot be just described in one word. It might be that sliver of humanity or their intellect or mainly the actors that portray the characters. So, let’s explore the captivating darkness of these nine characters.


1)Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal

Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal | Image Via: NBC
Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal | Image Via: NBC

Hannibal Lecter has an unsettling truth about himself. He is undeniably a monster. He is a cannibalistic serial killer with manipulative techniques that affect other people immensely. Logically, interacting with such a horrifying person is scary in real life.

However, if considered hypothetically, his charismatic personality is hard to overlook. His refined tastes, his intellect, and that almost seductive way of speaking often make the viewers forget the heinous tasks he has done. He is a master manipulator with the ability to understand human psychology. Texting Hannibal Lecter would be a twisted invitation into that dangerous world.

His overall attitude is delivered with such a disturbing elegance that viewers often overlook his actions. His intrigue is mainly because Mads Mikkelson has done a commendable job in portraying his character. Mikkelson’s Hannibal moves with grace and speaks in a manner that shows his intellect.

2)Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen

Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen | Image Via: Mappa
Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen | Image Via: Mappa

Toji Fushiguro might not be a good father to his children, but he definitely is a great villain. He is a man driven by his resentment towards the jujutsu world. In a world where jujutsu sorcerers have immense cursed energy, he doesn't possess any. Despite not having any cursed energy, he has achieved immense strength through intense training.

His brute power is truly admirable. He was able to take on Gojo and Geto with just his brute strength. His appeal lies not just in his strength but in his overall attitude. The hand-to-hand combat scenes involving Toji Fushiguro are incredibly engaging and leave a lasting impression.

He is not just a villain without any story. He has a tragic past, which molded him into the cynical and ruthless individual that he became eventually. So, despite his villainous activities, he seems to have a strong hold on the fans, creating a paradoxical attraction towards himself.

3)Klaus Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries

Klaus Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries | Image Via: The CW
Klaus Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries | Image Via: The CW

Klaus Mikaelson has been one of the most intriguing characters of The Vampire Diaries. Since his arrival in Mystic Falls, he has created enough nuisance for the townspeople to give him the title of a scary villain. He has left a trail of snapped necks and general mayhem in his wake.

This centuries-old vampire is not scared of anyone. So on paper, he is typically the last person you would want to text. However, the allure of this original vampire is undeniable. He is intelligent, a connoisseur of art, and witty as well. However, he is not a one-dimensional bad guy. He has layers of complexity, which adds to the overall intrigue of his character. Joseph Morgan has done a commendable job in portraying the role of Klaus Mikaelson.

4)Aleksander Morozava in Shadow and Bone

Aleksander Morozava in Shadow and Bone | Image Via: Netflix
Aleksander Morozava in Shadow and Bone | Image Via: Netflix

Any character played by the beloved and talented actor Ben Barnes is difficult to hate. Ben Barnes has that appeal that makes any role he does immensely fascinating.

Be it the rightful heir to the throne of Narnia, which is an immensely positive role, or the Darkling in Shadow and Bone, where he portrays the role of an antagonist, he has a constant appeal. In Shadow and Bone we see his character, Aleksander Morozova’s manipulative techniques and his desire for power. Despite being a negative character, texting Aleksander Morozova can be intriguing.

5)Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon

Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon | Image Via: Barunson C&C
Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon | Image Via: Barunson C&C

Ryu Shi-o in Strong Girl Nam-Soon is a scary villain. He is manipulative and cruel and is capable of hurting anyone without any remorse. His terrifying attributes can be seen throughout the series. However, despite his harmful activities, he has something that makes the viewers pause and think.

It might be because of the actor’s portrayal. Actor Byeon Woo Seok has done a commendable job in portraying the character of Ryu Shi-o. His looks add to the overall charm and charisma of the character. So even when Ryu Shi-o hardly has any redeemable qualities, it makes the viewers drawn to him.

It makes us wonder about his backstory and the reason why he is the way he is. It is a testament to how well-written the character is in the series. As a result, it evokes conflicting responses from the viewers about his villainy. He is the type of antagonist one would love to hate but make one text him as well.

6)Negan in The Walking Dead

Negan in The Walking Dead | Image Via: AMC
Negan in The Walking Dead | Image Via: AMC

Negan is undeniably one of the most terrifying antagonists in The Walking Dead. He wields a barbed wire baseball bat and has a twisted sense of humor. He has caused numerous gut-wrenching moments in the show. Yet he has an undeniable magnetic charm about him.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of Negan is captivating. He has a dangerous charm and a swagger that makes one admire him, albeit grudgingly. Negan is intelligent, witty, and a persona that makes people follow him. This bizarre duality is the reason behind his intrigue.

On the outside one would be reminded of the violence that he is capable of, while on the inside a dark curiosity might just win. Morgan’s compelling performance has made Negan’s character this interesting.

7)Guy of Gisbourne in Robin Hood (BBC)

Guy of Gisbourne in Robin Hood | Image Via: BBC One
Guy of Gisbourne in Robin Hood | Image Via: BBC One

Sir Guy of Gisbourne in the beloved Robin Hood series is a character viewers love to hate but also secretly love. He is brooding, leather-clad, and has intense eyes that are difficult to ignore. Even though he has done some questionable things, there is an undeniable pull towards his characters that many viewers have admitted.

Played by Richard Armitage, a major part of the reason for Guy of Gisbourne’s intrigue is definitely his portrayal. He brings a smoldering intensity to the role. He has made Guy both menacing and vulnerable. A glimpse of Guy’s conflicted soul can be easily seen through his eyes. Beneath the layer of cruelty and ambition lies vulnerability. This makes him more than just a regular villain. Despite his ruthlessness, a twisted sense of intrigue is there for him among the viewers.

8)Grant Ward in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

Grant Ward in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D | Image Via: ABC
Grant Ward in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D | Image Via: ABC

Grant Ward of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is yet another villain who has an intriguing nature about him. Despite causing immense trouble for his team by betraying them and causing the death of a beloved character, logically he might seem like someone you should stay away from.

However, there is an undeniable pull. Brett Dalton brought immense charisma and intensity to the role. Even when Grant does heinous activities, he has a brooding and captivating allure about himself. The appeal might also be because of his backstory. The potential for redemption adds to the magnetic pull he has on his viewers.

9)Captain Hook in Once Upon A Time

Captain Hook in Once Upon A Time | Image Via: ABC
Captain Hook in Once Upon A Time | Image Via: ABC

Captain Hook is undeniably a paradox in Once Upon A Time. He is a villain through and through. He has masterful manipulative skills and has done dark deeds. His schemes and betrayals, we have seen it all. Yet, there is that undeniable charm.

Colin O’Donoghue has brought an intense enigma to the character. He has that roughish, pirate-like appeal, smoldering gaze, and past filled with intriguing storylines. He brings forth a curiosity among the viewers.

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Edited by Ishita Banerjee