Gary Oldmanhas turn up himself to be one of the most adaptable actors of his multiplication , with a career that spans decades and includes roles that alter from heroic to genuinely frightening . His power to transform himself has been showcased in leading and supporting roles across many genre . Still , it ’s his portrayal of villains that has had a pregnant impact on audiences . His talent for personify complex , unpredictable , and terrorize antagonistshas solidify his spot as one of Hollywood ’s most olympian part actors . His part demonstrate whythe villain can be the estimable character in the film .

Oldman ’s attainment at becoming genuinely unrecognizable characters set him apart in Hollywood , whether depicting historical figures or entirely fictional villains . His overture , which oftenbrings humankind to even the most despicable characters , afford his performance a depth that is hard for anyone to match . Gary Oldman ’s best moviesand most outstanding villainous part showcase the range and intensity he bring to every antagonist he portrays . From historical drama to animated films , each character illustrate Oldman ’s remarkable power to captivate audiences with his most despicable roles .

10JFK (1991)

Gary Oldman Plays Lee Harvey Oswald

In Oliver Stone’sJFK , Gary Oldman take on the use of Lee Harvey Oswald , the man accuse of assassinate President John F. Kennedy . The movie follows territorial dominion attorney Jim Garrison , portrayed by Kevin Costner , as he turn over into the event surrounding the assassination . Oldman ’s portrayal of Oswald is unsettling and restrained , capturing the enigma and controversy skirt Oswald ’s flaky quality . As the film navigates through confederacy and political hypothesis , Oldman ’s performance stands at the center of it all .

Gary Oldman has been providing versatile functioning in dissimilar film music genre for decades . Here are some of the well entries to his filmography .

Oldman ’s character inJFKis more subdued than his more flamboyant villain , but his quiet loudness makes this performance stand out . His portraying of Oswald evokes a horse sense of malaise that fit a fictitious character surround by historical controversy . While Oswald ’s involvement in the actual character assassination remains a issue of disputation , Oldman ’s understated performance makes the eccentric feel as oracular as the real - aliveness figure he is impersonate .

Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber with a serious expression as he looks at someone off camera in Die Hard

9The Contender (2000)

Gary Oldman Plays Shelly Runyon

InThe Contender , Oldman portrays Sheldon ' Shelly ' Runyon , a power - hungry and remorseless congresswoman ascertain to destroy the nominating address of a distaff vice - presidential candidate , Senator Laine Hanson ( Joan Allen).Runyon delves deep into Hanson ’s past times , purport to break her career through personal attacks , scandal , and half - accuracy . Oldman ’s Runyon is a manipulative and twisted politician , extract strings behind the scenes to maintain his ascendency over Washington .

Gary Oldman has been nominated three sentence for Best Actor , twice for his study inTinker Tailor Solider Spy(2011 ) andMank(2020 ) , and a third time , come through the award for his personation of Winston Churchill inDarkest Hour(2017 ) .

AlthoughThe Contenderis a political drama rather than a traditional honest guy - regretful guy villain story , Oldman ’s delineation of Shelly Runyon is chill in its realness . The lineament embody the brutality of political aspiration , making Runyon one of Oldman ’s more grounded and frighteningly credible characters . His ability to distort moral value to assist his own ends is what spend a penny this carrying into action so compelling . While it does n’t have the animalism or showiness of some of Oldman ’s other roles , his part ’s manipulative nature make him a unequalled and naturalistic antagonist .

Gary Oldman in The Dark Knight and Darkest Hour

8Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

Gary Oldman Voices Lord Shen

Oldman render the articulation for the nefarious Lord Shen , a peacock determined to conquer China using a muscular new weapon that threatens to terminate the kung fu era . Shen is a character driven by greed , fuel by a tragic backstory involve his banishmentand the prognostication of his eventual end . As the film ’s resister , Shen ’s intelligence agency and ruthlessness make him a redoubtable enemy for Po ( voiced by Jack Black ) and the Furious Five .

In most movies , the hero is expected to triumph over the villain , but this can often take a with child helping of luck if the baddie are too smart .

Oldman brings a menacing allurement to Lord Shen , making the character far more compelling than the typical alive baddie . His voice work lift the fibre with a cold , calculating nature , suggest at the deep pain and rejection driving his actions . Shen ’s tragic backstory add an excited layer , making him more than just a distinctive alive villain . Although it ’s an animated role , Oldman ’s performance boosts the film , progress to Shen a memorable and nuanced evil fiber , although obviously less menacing than some of his live - legal action counterparts .

Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses

7Air Force One (1997)

Gary Oldman Plays Ivan Korshunov

InAir Force One , Oldman portrays the ruthless terrorist Ivan Korshunov , who leads a group of militants that hijack the U.S. president ’s Air Force One plane . The picture , a high - bet action thriller , star Harrison Ford as President Marshall and features Oldman ’s character jeopardize both the lives of hostages and the stability of external relationships . Ivan is depicted as a cold , brutal figure willing to sacrifice anythingfor his case , making him the perfect adversary to Ford ’s epic type .

It has been reported that Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman are licitly hitting each other during their competitiveness scenes inAir Force One .

Oldman ’s portrayal of Korshunov is tearing and unsettling . He embody a methodical terrorist driven by nationalist fanatism and belief in his own ideals . His red outbursts and complete lack of self-reproach for his actions make him a genuinely terrifying antagonist . While Oldman ’s execution is filled with intensity and dangerous intentions , Ivan ’s motive are somewhat one - dimensional compare to Oldman ’s more complex and intriguing villains .

imagery-from–Bram-Stoker’s-Dracula-(1992)-and-Kung-Fu-Panda-2-(2011)

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon

6The Book Of Eli (2010)

Gary Oldman Plays Bill Carnegie

InThe Book of Eli , Oldman play Bill Carnegie , a ego - appoint warlord who govern a desolate townsfolk in a post - apocalyptic America . Carnegie is obsessed with finding a Bible and believes its words will allot him exponent over the remaining survivors in the country . Denzel Washington ’s character , Eli , safeguard the last known Bible and must protect it from descend into the wrong hands , namely , Carnegie ’s . Oldman ’s Carnegie is manipulative and ruthless yet magnetic , embodying the case of leader who flourish in a world with no law .

The 10 Best Gary Oldman Villain Films On This List

IMDb paygrade :

JFK 1991 Gary Oldman as Lee Harvey Oswald with a miscrophone to his side that looks like a gun

Directed by Luc Besson, the 1994 thriller Leon: The Professional tells the story of professional hitman Leon (Jean Reno), who forms a bond with young girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after taking her as a protégée after corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) kills her family.

JFK ( 1991 )

8.0/10

The Contender ( 2000 )

gary-oldman-movies-ranked

6.9/10

Kung Fu Panda 2 ( 2011 )

7.3/10

The Contender (2000) Gary Oldman Plays Shelly Runyon in a courtroom talking into a microphone

Air Force One ( 1997 )

6.5/10

The Book Of Eli ( 2010 )

Lord Shen looking downward with an evil smirk in Kung Fu Panda 2

6.8/10

Bram Stoker ’s Dracula ( 1992 )

7.4/10

Gary Oldman as Ivan  holds Harrison Ford as President Marshall at gunpoint in Air Force One

Hannibal ( 2001 )

The Fifth Element ( 1997 )

7.6/10

Gary Oldman as Carnegie prepares to shoot an off-screen Eli in The Book of Eli.

True Romance ( 1993 )

7.9/10

Léon : The Professional ( 1994 )

Bram Strokers Dracula Gary Oldman as dracula with an unusual haircut and red outfit

8.5/10

Oldman ’s execution inThe Book of Eli(one ofthe best post - apocalyptic films of all time)is particularly compelling , as he merge appeal with malevolence . Carnegie is a human who postulate power yet use his charisma to conceal the true extent of his cruelty if it is ever challenged . The way Oldman balance these traits makes Carnegie a uniquely dangerous character in a world where survival is the most important thing . His operation adds tension to much of the film , and while the moving-picture show ’s post - apocalyptic context is unique , Carnegie ’s motivation and schemes make him a perfectly execute baddie .

5Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Gary Oldman Plays Count Dracula

Oldman transforms into the notorious Count Dracula inBram Stoker ’s Dracula , manoeuvre by Francis Ford Coppola . The story follows Jonathan Harker ( Keanu Reeves ) , who is sent to Dracula ’s castle to assist with genuine estate issues . He discovers that Dracula is a 100 - old vampire determined to relocate to England to seduce Harker ’s fiancée , Mina ( Winona Ryder ) . Oldman ’s Dracula is both terrific and tragic , a haunt creature devastate by miss honey and driven by his need for human blood .

Oldman ’s transformative performance heightened the flick ’s gothic atmosphere , making this one of the most memorable portrayals of the fabled vampire .

Oldman ’s depicting of Dracula is iconic for its portmanteau word of revulsion and vulnerability . He captures the character ’s torment and rage , make Dracula both a menacing force and a deep good-hearted character . Oldman ’s transformative performance heightened the motion picture ’s medieval atm , making this one of the most memorable portrayals of the legendary vampire . His Dracula is more than a villain ; he ’s a tragic design , and Oldman brings so much to the role that elevates the photographic film beyond a wide-eyed horror history .

Hannibal (2001) Gary Oldman as Mason Verger sitting in a bed with horrible injuries/ disfigurements on his face

4Hannibal (2001)

Gary Oldman Plays Mason Verger

The subsequence toThe Silence of the Lambs , Hannibal , in which Oldman play the disfigured and vengeful Mason Verger , a flush baby molester who was one of Hannibal Lecter ’s victims . Lecter mutilated Verger and now seeks revenge , using his wealthiness and influence to lure Lecter into a trap . Oldman ’s carrying out as Verger , hide beneath like an expert crafted , grotesque prosthetics , is cool down as he portrays a Isle of Man consumed by hatred and bitterness , which has destroyed him inwardly and out .

The part of Mason Verger was ab initio intended for Christopher Reeve , who was know for his portraiture of a wheelchair - using police officer in the movieAbove Suspicion(1995 ) . Interestingly , Above Suspicionwas release just six days before the tragical horse - ride accident that result in Reeve ’s substantial - spirit paralysis .

Verger is a compelling villain because of the sheer level of iniquity he substantiate from someone who should be viewed as a victim . Oldman ’s portraiture of Verger as a sadistic , wiped out man determine to act out a gruesome retaliation on Lecter is both unsettling and fascinating . The character ’s disfigurement is a strong-arm manifestation of his home corruptness . Oldman ’s ability to get such a grotesque figure to life without bank on traditional villain tropes makes this performance brook out , even as Anthony Hopkins ' Lecter remains the chief focus , showcasing Oldman ’s power to overlook scenes through his presence .

Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) with the ZF-1 from The Fifth Element

3The Fifth Element (1997)

Gary Oldman Plays Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg

Luc Besson ’s sci - fi epicThe Fifth Elementfeatures Oldman as Jean - Baptiste Emanuel Zorg , a corrupt businessman who collaborates with an ancient malefic strength to bring about Earth ’s demise and wipeout . aureate and nefarious , Zorg see to it vast resources and wields considerable exponent in the cinema ’s futurist landscape painting . Bruce Willis ’s Korben Dallas is tasked with stop Zorg and the at hand desolation to economise humans .

As one of the most announce actors of his generation , Gary Oldman has made more than 100 moving picture over the past four decades , but which is the best ?

Zorg is one of Oldman ’s most iconic , eccentric , and entertaining villain in his calling . His carrying out ooze out vigour , wreak unpredictability to the character , making Zorg simultaneously very risible yet truly terrifying . The character ’s bizarreness absolutely complement the film ’s colored , helter-skelter aesthetic , and Oldman ’s depicting kick upstairs Zorg beyond the essential malefic antagonist . Zorg ’s memorable speeches and typical appearance establish him as one of Oldman ’s most fabled villain , enhancing the film ’s ocular impact .

Drexl Spivey holding chopsticks in True Romance with a quirky attire in a colourful room

2True Romance (1993)

Gary Oldman Plays Drexl Spivey

InTrue Romance , directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino , Oldman takes on the part of Drexl Spivey , a supremely violent , dreadlocked pimp . Drexl becomes a central antagonist in battle with Christian Slater ’s character , Clarence Worley , over the fate of Clarence ’s new married woman , Alabama ( Patricia Arquette ) . The film meld romance , action , and offence , with Oldman ’s Drexl making a solid impression among a diverse cast of colored characters .

Despite comparatively limited screenland time , Oldman deliver a enchanting and terrifying performance , solidifying Drexl ’s enduring front as a standout in Oldman ’s collection of nefarious characters .

Oldman ’s portrayal of Drexl is memorable for its volatility and peeled , puzzling energy . His complete translation into this ominous public figure is so convincing that it ’s hard to conceive it ’s the same actor known for more quiet issue . Drexl ’s compounding of dangerous personal magnetism and unbalanced vehemence cement his status as one of the most memorable villainsin Tarantino ’s ( author ) existence . Despite relatively bound screen time , Oldman delivers a bewitching and terrific performance , solidifying Drexl ’s last bearing as a standout in Oldman ’s collection of villainous characters .

leon poster

Directed by Luc Besson, the 1994 thriller Leon: The Professional tells the story of professional hitman Leon (Jean Reno), who forms a bond with young girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after taking her as a protégée after corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) kills her family.

1Léon: The Professional (1994)

Gary Oldman Plays Norman Stansfield

Léon : The Professional , write and lead by Luc Besson , features Oldman as Norman Stansfield , a corrupt , psychotic , and drug - hook DEA agent who mutilate the crime syndicate of young Mathilda(Natalie Portman ) . Mathilda then teams up with Léon ( Jean Reno ) , a gun , to search revenge . Stansfield is an exceptionally volatile figure , often high on drugs , who manoeuver with reckless abandon and sadistic gloating , stimulate him one of the most compelling baddie in cinematic history .

Gary Oldman has appeared in three time of year of Slow Horses so far , and if the legendary worker gets his fashion , he ’ll be starring in many more .

Oldman ’s portrayal of Stansfield is a Book , iconic . His unpredictable mood lilt , manic energy , and brute tendency make Stansfield a villain as terrific as he is magnetize . Oldman play the role with a startling mix of charisma and gruesomeness , delivering some of the most memorable lines in the film . Stansfield ’s unremitting , deranged outbursts expertly played through Oldman ’s unhinged performance , lift him to the top of this list , pretend Norman Stansfield not onlyGary Oldman ’s upright villain , but one of the outstanding villains in celluloid history .

Headshot Of Jean Reno

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Directed by Luc Besson , the 1994 thriller Leon : The Professional tells the story of professional gunslinger Leon ( Jean Reno ) , who forms a bond with untried young lady Mathilda ( Natalie Portman ) after lease her as a protégée after corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield ( Gary Oldman ) kills her family .

Headshot Of Natalie Portman In The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards

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Gary Oldman