The 25 most memorable fictional political villains

Aladeen is highly entertaining because he's fictional. This childish tyrant from the fake Republic of Wadiya is not particularly high on women, though he hires female bodyguards, and many of his comments are off-color. It might be one of Sacha Baron Cohen's more underrated roles. 

Irishman Jack Gleeson has long been lauded for his portrayal of this boy-like ruler. Joffrey is completely loathsome. He's spoiled and does not treat women well. Joffrey's boyish behavior makes it easy to not take him seriously. Unfortunately, he's got too much power, which makes watching his antics that much more frustrating. 

We start out thinking Coin (Julianne Moore) has the general interest of the rebellion at heart. We find out she's just using the likes of Katniss Everdeen to help elevate her own political whims and wants within Panem. Her stealth and cunning ruthlessness are impressive, Katniss realizes something must be done to stop her quest. 

We've never quite seen a fictional president like the one Mike Judge and Etan Coen created in this lowly intelligent, but larger-than-life figure played well by Terry Crews. President Camacho can be a bit reckless, which is why Joe (Luke Wilson) is needed to save the day in the sci-fi comedy.

A befriender of aliens, nobody said President Deal (Jack Nicholson) was smart. His incompetence essentially resulted in the takeover of the world. His ineptness proved dangerous, and ultimately, he paid for his ignorance and unsophistication.

Vader might be the most legendary fictional villain of all time. Lord Vader (physically played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones) is the high commander of the Galactic Empire and is quite terrifying. From his massive stature, black outfit, and hollow but menacing voice, he remains a frightening presence after all these years.

The Maryland senator (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) is one of those characters who fans should love to hate. Davis is corrupt, welcoming bribes regularly and without thought. Of course, Davis' most endearing quality is his penchant for profanity. 

A nice way to describe Tracy Enid Flick (Reese Witherspoon) as an "overachiever." Others at her high school, most notably Mr. McAllister (Matthew Broderick), might have a less flattering name in mind. Tracy's goal is to be president of her high school's student body, and while she's not necessarily ruthless, she's willing to do a lot to earn that title. It doesn't matter who she has to step on along the way. 

The congressman from Ohio is lewd, crude, and completely inappropriate. His insults to anyone in his vicinity are legendary within the Veep universe. Furlong (Dan Bakkedahl) can be a bit cutthroat, and nobody benefits from being an ally. He's pretty much a buffoon. Even so, we can't stop laughing when Roger starts talking.

The Governor (David Morrissey) is the sinister leader of Woodbury. He's as ruthless. The body count The Governor has compiled is disturbing. However, some of the show's best moments come from his rivalry with the main protagonist Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). The Governor is not someone anybody living — or walking around dead — would want to encounter. 

The year was 1940, to be exact. The great Charlie Chaplin played dueling roles in this political satire. His antagonist Hynkel is a knock-off of Adolf Hitler but dumbed down for theatrical purposes. Fittingly, the "Phooey" (mocking the word "fuhrer") resembling the film's Jewish barber protagonist has his troops turn on him in a comedic way. 

Outside of the Beltway, James (Hugh Laurie) is a popular figure. At times, he's popular with Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Throughout the show's run, we learn a lot about James' political ambition and what he will do to attain it. That comes at Selina's expense, but she ruthlessly makes the best of the situation.

One might not find a more inept or weak TV president than Logan (Gregory Itzin). He goes from vice president to president after a terrorist attack seriously injures president John Keeler. Once in charge, we see Logan's corruptness. He sides against the best interests of the United States because he wants to keep his power. Of course, that won't go over well with Jack Bauer. 

His name is Richard Wilkins III (Harry Groener), but everybody knows him simply as "The Mayor." Early on, he seems like a nice enough guy to serve and protect the residents of Sunnydale. We eventually discover that he might be the most dangerous man in town. "Big Bad" pulls plenty of strings behind the community's supernatural issues and has no problem unleashing those forces. 

There was a time when Senator Paine (Claude Reins) would have been considered an idealist. As the main antagonist in this beloved film, Paine is a rather surly politician who likely once had morals and the best interest of his constituents in mind. However, like many in Washington, he eventually puts his personal desires ahead of anything else. 

The evil leader runs the show for the Galactic Empire. Also known as Darth Sidious, he is in charge of Darth Vader, though not quite as strong as the infamous and most recognizable Star Wars villain. Still, Palpatine is a menacing figure who is not someone we want to mess with.

Arguably the worst mayor in animated history. "Diamond Joe" never does anything wrong in his mind. He's a philanderer and has bought more than one vote during his lengthy time in office. Of course, Quimby (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) might be smarter than we think. The residents of Springfield are just too naive and dense to realize he is a highly entertaining crook.

On the surface, Bob Roberts (Tim Robbins) seems like a nice, wholesome guy. He's self-made and likes to strum his guitar while running for Senate. Listen closely to Bob's lyrics, though, and he's not all that harmless. Bottom line: Bob Roberts seems like a fraud, but a funny one to watch. 

Veteran Glynn Turman is one of the truly underrated gems of Hollywood. He's especially good when playing a villain. As the mayor of Baltimore, Royce is the epitome of a shady, corrupt politician. He's all about himself and the power granted to him. Thus, his reliance on backstabbing and cheating to get what he wants. There are a lot of exceptional characters on The Wire, and Royce needs to be near the top of that list. 

The best way to describe Andrew Shepherd's presidential opponent is being a "blowhard." Rumson is all talk and little action. He's about scare tactics and attacking character. We never really hear any policy issues from the senator, who pretty much admits his game plan in trying to take down one of the most popular fictional U.S. presidents in film history is about questioning the man's morals. 

We're partial to the dysfunctional greatness of Veep. Although Jonah (Timothy Simons) is not as mean or ruthless as other politicians, his lack of intelligence makes him a detriment to those around him. Jonah, who goes from vice presidential aide to presidential candidate, is easy to dislike harmlessly and hilariously.

Dictator, authoritarian, that's President Snow (Donald Sutherland). In district-laden Panem, it's Snow's way or the highway. He controls everything, and essentially everybody, and does not care who stands in his way. He seems to have met his match in Katniss Everdeen. One won't find many dangerous or less remorseful rulers than Snow.  

It's fair to have Primary Colors on this list even though it's based on the novel about Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. Stanton (John Travolta) is a complex character, and some would see him as emphatic. However, Stanton is a politician with secrets and interests, and he puts himself before U.S citizens to get where he wants to be.

Voldemort (portrayed most notably by Ralph Fiennes) and Darth Vader might be the two most sinister and intimidating ruling villains on this list. Those in the Harry Potter universe dare not speak his name, knowing what unleashing his power and fury can do. Voldemort's rivalry with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is one of the great one-on-one battles in fictional literature and film history. 

Summer (Haylie Duff) is not mean, just your stereotypical snobby popular girl who does not think much of those she deems underneath her. However, one of Summer's flaws is that she underestimates her opponent, which could prove costly in the race for class president. Plus, she's not as good a dancer as she thinks. At least not better than Napoleon (Jon Heder).