Top 10 ‘Spider-Man’ Villain Actors, Ranked by Fans

Recently, Ranker conducted a large survey to determine the best villain performances across all Spider-Man-related movies. This list, counting down from the 10th to the top spot, spans characters from all live-action Spider-Man movies, regardless of the universe they belong to. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into the best Spider-Man villain portrayals!

10. Michael Mando as Mac Gargan / Scorpion (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

You might have overlooked this one, as Mac Gargan didn’t transform into Scorpion in the movie, but fans clearly appreciated the portrayal. Considering the competition, this is a solid choice; while there are some big names on the list, many were limited to cameos, underdeveloped roles, or simply didn’t hit the mark. The Better Call Saul alum delivered a memorable performance that resonated with fans.

9. Jamie Foxx as Max Dillon / Electro (The Amazing Spider-Man 2)

Remember our recent list of the worst superhero performances? Jamie Foxx’s Electro made that list (ranked by fans, not us), and we strongly disagreed. It seems many Spider-Man fans felt the same, as he has now secured a spot in the top 10 best Spider-Man villain performances of all time. While not the franchise’s most iconic villain, his portrayal was solid and intriguing enough to earn recognition.

8. Rhys Ifans as Curt Connors / The Lizard (The Amazing Spider-Man)

Rhys Ifans delivered a captivating performance as Curt Connors, proving to be an excellent choice for the role. Although this version of The Lizard fell short in some areas—such as lacking depth in the writing and a design that could have been improved—Ifans’ strong acting skills brought a valuable dimension to the character. His performance makes this spot on the list well-deserved.

7. James Franco as Harry Osborn / Green Goblin (Spider-Man 3)

Admittedly, this choice feels a bit unusual to us, possibly due to James Franco’s off-screen reputation coloring opinions. Despite that, Franco’s portrayal delivered a solid and nuanced villain, reflecting the series’ buildup over multiple films. While seventh place might seem a bit high, we understand why fans appreciate it and can support this ranking.

6. Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock / Venom (Venom)

This pick is intriguing not because it’s a poor choice, but because this version of Venom is more of an antihero than a traditional villain in his movies. Despite this, Tom Hardy’s performance is outstanding, and his charisma significantly enhances both the role and the films as a whole. This strong portrayal makes the listing well-deserved.

5. Thomas Haden Church as Flint Marko / Sandman (Spider-Man 3)

Haden Church’s portrayal of Sandman is highly emotional and remains one of the most cherished villains in the films. Fans were thrilled to see him return to the role in the MCU, and the character’s depth combined with Church’s strong performance makes this listing entirely justified.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal as Quentin Beck / Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Jake Gyllenhaal is an A-list actor, and his portrayal of Mysterio is no exception to his impressive track record. His performance was outstanding, and in a film that was otherwise underwhelming, Gyllenhaal truly shone, becoming the highlight of the movie. That’s why his portrayal is so highly regarded.

3. Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes / Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Although Tom Holland’s Spider-Man movies may not have reached the heights of their predecessors, the villains were undeniably impressive. Keaton’s portrayal of Adrian Toomes is a prime example, alongside Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio. His performance was brilliant and bold, earning our full support for this ranking.

2. Alfred Molina as Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus (Spider-Man 2)

In our view, this should be number one. While Green Goblin (spoiler alert: #1) is often seen as Spider-Man’s equivalent to the Joker, Doc Ock truly embodies the essence of these movies and stands as the best Spider-Man villain we’ve seen on screen. Alfred Molina’s performance was exceptional, bringing depth and emotion that made the role unforgettable. This portrayal is undoubtedly the finest among Spider-Man villains, and we would have ranked it at the top.

1. Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin (Spider-Man)

If it’s not Doc Ock, then Green Goblin deserves the top spot. Willem Dafoe’s portrayal was outstanding, making him a standout villain in the realm of superhero films. While he may lack the emotional depth of Doc Ock, he is still more than deserving of one of the top two positions, so we’re quite satisfied with this ranking.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!

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