10 Best Guy Ritchie Movie Villains, Ranked

Guy Ritchie is renowned for creating captivating and original characters, including his villains, who are so delightfully wicked that they’re impossible not to admire. Throughout his filmography, Ritchie has crafted a diverse array of antagonists, each bringing their own unique brand of malevolence to the screen. From the volatile gang boss Hatchet Harry in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to the cunning and ruthless Lenny Cole in RocknRolla, these villains have become iconic figures in the world of crime cinema.

Ritchie’s ability to bestow his antagonists with compelling personalities and memorable quirks has elevated them beyond mere foils for the protagonists, making them integral to the film’s narrative and overall appeal. Ritchie’s villains consistently captivate audiences with their charisma, intelligence, and unapologetic embrace of their own wickedness. Almost every Guy Ritchie movie comes with an interesting villain, and it has become clear that these characters are not only essential to the success of their respective films, but also serve as a testament to the director’s unparalleled skill at creating unforgettable antagonists.

10 Jafar (Marwan Kenzari)

Aladdin (2019)

Jafar from the live-action adaptation of Aladdin possesses cunning manipulation and a relentless pursuit of power, making him one formidable antagonist. The intelligence and magical abilities of this evil Disney villain allow him to stay one step ahead of the heroes, creating a constant sense of tension throughout the film. Marwan Kenzari’s portrayal of Jafar brings a menacing presence to the screen, with his calculated movements and piercing gaze adding depth to the character.

Jafar’s complex relationship with Aladdin, fueled by a mix of envy and disdain, adds an intriguing dynamic to their interactions. Jafar’s ultimate downfall, brought about by his own hubris and desire for absolute control, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition. While effective in his role, Jafar’s characterization in this adaptation lacks some of the iconic flair and memorable moments that would elevate him to the top of the villain rankings.

9 King Vortigern (Jude Law)

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

King Vortigern’s ruthless ambition and calculating nature elevate him above lesser antagonists, as he stops at nothing to maintain his iron grip on Camelot. Jude Law’s chilling performance captures the character’s cold, merciless demeanor, making Vortigern a genuinely intimidating presence throughout the film. His willingness to sacrifice his own family for power adds a layer of depravity to his actions, setting him apart as a particularly heinous adversary.

Vortigern’s cunning plot to lure Arthur into the open demonstrates his strategic mind and ability to manipulate events to his advantage. The character’s determination to eliminate any threat to his rule, coupled with his formidable magical abilities, makes him a force to be reckoned with. Vortigern’s single-minded pursuit of power and the palpable sense of menace he brings to the story solidify his position as a noteworthy antagonist in the Guy Ritchie filmography.

8 Victoria Vinciguerra (Elizabeth Debicki)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Victoria Vinciguerra gives the character a captivating blend of sophistication and malevolence, making her a memorable villain in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Victoria’s icy demeanor and calculated cruelty set her apart from some of Guy Ritchie’s other antagonists, as she orchestrates her nefarious plans with chilling precision. Her fascist ideology and willingness to sacrifice anyone who stands in her way add a layer of depth to her villainous persona.

Victoria’s partnership with her equally ruthless husband, Alexander, creates a dangerous duo that poses a genuine threat to Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. The Vinciguerras’ grand scheme to destroy America and reshape the world according to their twisted beliefs raises the stakes of the narrative, providing a compelling motivation for the unlikely alliance between Solo and Kuryakin. Victoria may not be the most complex villain compared to some of Guy Ritchie’s other villains, but her unapologetic embrace of evil and the palpable sense of danger she brings to the story is hard to ignore.

7 Matthew Berger (Jeremy Strong)

The Gentlemen (2019)

In The Gentlemen, Matthew Berger emerges as a villain whose calculating nature and unscrupulous tactics truly make him stand out in a cinematic world populated by morally ambiguous characters. Exuding an air of entitled arrogance, Berger’s portrayal by Jeremy Strong brings depth to the character, making him a figure that is both loathsome and strangely captivating. The American billionaire’s underhanded schemes to sabotage Micky Pearson’s criminal empire highlight his strategic mindset and willingness to exploit others for personal gain.

Berger’s condescending demeanor and sense of superiority add another dimension to his villainous persona, underscoring the power dynamics at play within London’s criminal underworld. His skill in navigating the complex network of alliances and deceptions showcases his adaptability and keen understanding of the illicit landscape. Though Berger’s understated menace may differ from the more flamboyant villains in Ritchie’s canon, the quiet intensity and genuine sense of threat he poses to Micky’s operation establish him as a significant antagonist.

6 Harry “Hatchet” Lonsdale (P. H. Moriarty)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Hatchet Harry’s explosive temper and predilection for shocking violence establish him as a genuinely terrifying presence in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. P. H. Moriarty’s portrayal imbues the volatile gang boss with a raw, unpredictable intensity that keeps both the protagonists and the audience in a constant state of unease. The character’s readiness to employ extreme tactics, from cheating at poker to brutally beating a subordinate to death, illustrates the depths of his cruelty and the extent of his influence within the criminal underworld.

Harry’s ominous presence and relentless pursuit of the four indebted petty crooks propel the narrative forward, fostering an atmosphere of unrelenting tension and danger. The pervasive fear he engenders in those around him distinguishes him from other antagonists in Guy Ritchie movies. Hatchet Harry’s sheer capacity for intimidation and the tangible sense of menace he brings to the story render him a standout antagonist in the gritty world of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

5 Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson)

RocknRolla (2008)

Tom Wilkinson’s portrayal of Lenny Cole in RocknRolla introduces a villain whose insatiable greed and duplicitous nature allow him to thrive within the tumultuous criminal landscape. One of Guy Ritchie’s best movie characters, Cole’s readiness to betray even his most trusted allies for personal gain distinguishes him from the film’s other morally bankrupt characters, underscoring the depths of his self-serving agenda. The revelation of his role as a police informant adds a layer of complexity to his character, showcasing his shrewd ability to manipulate both the criminal underworld and the law enforcement system to his advantage.

Cole’s penchant for cruelty and his relentless pursuit of power and wealth contribute to the film’s atmosphere of treachery and violence, as he masterfully orchestrates the intricate web of deceit that ensnares the story’s various players. Wilkinson’s skilled performance infuses Cole with an air of quiet menace and calculated brutality, setting him apart from the story’s lesser antagonists. Lenny Cole’s narcissistic nature and his pivotal role in shaping the film’s labyrinthine plot of betrayals and double-crosses establish him as one of the most contemptible and impactful villains in Guy Ritchie’s body of work.

4 Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong)

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Mark Strong gives a chilling performance as Lord Henry Blackwood in Sherlock Holmes, imbuing the character with an aura of menace and mystique. Blackwood’s apparent mastery of the dark arts and his seemingly supernatural ability to cheat death create a sense of unease and foreboding throughout the narrative, challenging even the brilliant detective’s deductive skills. The aristocratic serial killer’s arrogance and egotism make him a despicable figure, but it’s his enigmatic presence and the eerie atmosphere surrounding his crimes that give him the most captivating allure.

Blackwood’s malevolent scheme and the terror he instills in Victorian London society makes him a truly terrifying villain, pushing Sherlock Holmes to the limits of his investigative skills. When it comes to other Guy Ritchie villains, Blackwood surpasses those who lack his air of mystery and ability to unsettle. Strong’s performance and the character’s central role in driving the plot forward establish him as a memorable antagonist.

3 Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta)

Revolver (2005)

Ray Liotta gives one of the most electrifying performances of his career as Dorothy Macha in Revolver. He brings to life a villain whose unhinged brutality and narcissistic obsession with power make him a noteworthy antagonist. Macha’s volatile temper and propensity for explosive violence create a palpable sense of tension whenever he appears on screen, as his fragile ego threatens to erupt at the slightest provocation.

The character’s iron-fisted rule over his criminal empire provides a clear and menacing threat that makes Revolver an interesting film. While the film’s occasional deviations from its central plot may detract from the overall narrative, those flaws are easy to overlook due to Macha’s determination to eliminate Jake and maintain his grip on power. Dorothy Macha’s unrestrained malevolence and the palpable sense of danger he brings to every scene establish him as one of the most compelling and captivating villains Guy Ritchie has crafted.

2 Brick Top (Alan Ford)

Snatch (2000)

Alan Ford delivers a commanding performance as Brick Top in Snatch, portraying a character with an icy exterior that thinly veils the explosive temper simmering underneath. Brick Top’s ruthless tactics and his willingness to go to extreme lengths to maintain his grip on the criminal underworld, such as feeding his enemies to pigs, set him apart as a villain of unparalleled cruelty and calculated malice. The character’s menacing monologues and the fear he instills in those who cross his path contribute to the film’s tense atmosphere.

Brick Top’s central role in the narrative, as multiple characters become entangled in his web of violence and intimidation, solidifies his status as the film’s primary antagonist and showcases his ability to drive the plot forward through sheer force of will. Brick Top’s uncompromising brutality and the pervasive sense of dread he brings to every scene establish him as a villain of unmatched intensity and impact. Therefore, not many can come close to this character’s most memorable and villainous ways.

1 Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Professor Moriarty is one of Sherlock Holmes’ best villains and Jared Harris’s mesmerizing performance in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is no exception. Harris’s commanding screen presence perfectly captures Moriarty’s intellect, creating a villain whose sheer brilliance makes him a worthy adversary for the legendary detective. The character’s intricate scheme, which threatens to plunge the world into chaos and war, demonstrates his unparalleled strategic mind and his ability to manipulate events on a global scale.

The film’s iconic confrontation between Moriarty and Holmes, in which they engage in a battle of wits while simultaneously analyzing each other’s moves, stands as a testament to the professor’s capacity for ruthless violence. This scene alone proves Moriarty is the ultimate villain in Ritchie’s body of work, showcasing the character’s ability to challenge the detective in ways no other adversary has. While previous villains in the director’s filmography have undoubtedly left their mark, Professor Moriarty’s unmatched brilliance, charisma, and the grand scale of his nefarious plans establish him as the quintessential antagonist out of all of Guy Ritchie’s movies.