The greatestsci-fivillain of the 2010s comes from an absolute modern classic of the genre, and they had a big hand in making their film so beloved. Since the genre first started, science fiction has been known for some of the best villains of all time. The list ofthe best sci-fi villains everoften overlaps with the list of the best villains in general, and for good reason. Almost any era of sci-fi is sure to have an absolutely classic villain to tout, but the 2010s had one in particular that became an instant legend.
There were plenty of iconic science fiction villains in the 2010s, so picking the best of them is far from easy. With candidates like Kylo Ren in theStar Warssequel trilogy, the Engineer fromPrometheus, Koba fromDawn of the Planet of the Apes, and several others, the list of sci-fi villains has very good company. However, only one can be considered the best. That honor goes to one of the greatest movies in general of the 2010s, one that resurrected a classic franchise and very nearly redefined both the action and sci-fi genres.
Hugh Keays-Byrne Played Immortan Joe Flawlessly
As far as sci-fi in the 2010s go, there’s really only one villain and one actor who can be considered the best of the decade: Hugh Keays-Byrne as Immortan Joe inMad Max: Fury Road. Immortan Joe himself was one of the greatest villains in sci-fi right from the start. He had an enthralling sense of brutality from the way he treated his people to the way he treated his wives and children, he commanded an amazing post-apocalyptic army, and he has one of the most iconic character designs in sci-fi in general. Immortan Joe was also a big reasonFury Roadearned 97% onRotten Tomatoes.
Immortan Joe & The War Boys In Mad Max Explained
Immortan Joe is one of the most iconic villains in the Mad Max franchise, and here are the origins of the antagonist as well as his loyal War Boys.
Not only was Immortan Joe an incredible villain, he also introduced so many interesting science fiction elements.He made the way he deified water to maintain control over the Citadel, his solution to the water shortage by using breastfeeding mothers, and the technology of his army, like the warboys' thundersticks, the War Rig, and more possible. Any villain who can elevate both the action and sci-fi aspects of a movie is a great character. Hugh Keays-Byrne was also perfectly cast for the role, though, which elevated him further. Keays-Byrne’s voice, expressions, and general aura only added to Immortan Joe’s ability to intimidate others.
Toecutter, Lord Humungus, Aunty Entity, Immortan Joe, & Dementus Are All Great Villains
Immortan Joe wasn’t just an accomplishment for science fiction, though, he also continuedMad Max’s trend of creating incredibly compelling villains.EveryMad MaxandFuriosavillain,from Toecutter (who was also portrayed by Hugh Keays-Byrne) all the way to Dementus, has been an iconic addition to both the franchise and the genre.Mad Max’s villains have almost defined the idea of a post-apocalyptic villain, and for good reason. They’re all dripping with madness, viciousness, and a warped sense of morality that highlights the broken-down state of theworld ofMad Max.
Immortan Joe truly had it all, from an intimidating presence and design to an emotional connection to the protagonists and a real effectiveness in both his villainy and in running the Citadel
Even with such an incredible cast of villains, Immortan Joe still stands above the rest ofMad Max’s antagonists. He essentially used some of the best aspects of every villain who came before and after him, yet left out everything that held them back. Immortan Joe truly had it all, from an intimidating presence and design to an emotional connection to the protagonists and a real effectiveness in both his villainy and in running the Citadel. It’s for those reasons that Immortan Joe is not only the best antagonist inMad Max, but the bestsci-fivillain of the 2010s.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Cast
Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic film set in a desolate desert landscape where society has collapsed. Released in 2015, the story follows two rebels, Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa, as they attempt to survive and bring balance to a world torn by chaos and strife.
