Why Do Movie Villains Feel So Relatable?

Why Do We End Up Liking Villains?

Have you ever thought: why do criminals like the Joker have millions of fans? Why do we sympathize with Walter White — the drug lord from Breaking Bad? Or why do we see Darth Vader, who terrified an entire galaxy, as a cinema legend?

To find the answer, we must look into human psychology. After all, shouldn’t we be against evil?

We See a Piece of Ourselves in Evil

Firstly, people often compare themselves to antagonists. If a villain’s personality, struggles, or inner conflicts feel familiar to the viewer, sympathy arises naturally. Some relate to Walter White’s fight for his family, others see their unique mindset in the Joker.

A Safe “Dark Side” in a Fictional World

In real life, being compared to bad people annoys us. But films and series offer a world of imagination. In that realm, our inner anxieties and secret desires find a safe outlet — free from “legal punishment.” Through villains, we can mentally get revenge, gain power, or be unapologetically bold.

More Impactful Alone Than in Public

Studies show people watching movies alone are more likely to feel connected to villains. In solitude, no one will judge your “unusual opinion.” But in public, showing admiration for a villain may be frowned upon.

The Forbidden Attraction Mechanism

Psychologists call it “reactance.” When society or upbringing says, “You can't like people like that,” our subconscious starts wanting to do exactly that. That’s how our interest in villains grows.

Human Side of Villains Matters Too

A character who only does evil is hard to like. But if they’re fighting even worse forces, or acting under pressure, we try to understand them. Take Walter White: at first, his motives were noble, right?

We Judge Characters Through Emotions

If we believe a character is good deep down but trapped in bad circumstances, we may forgive their darkest deeds. Often, viewers are driven more by emotion than by moral standards.

Villains Reflect Human Psychology

They unveil our hidden emotions and challenge societal norms. Instead of judging them, let’s try to understand why these characters resonate with us. After all, every film villain holds secrets about human nature... Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!