10 Movie Villains Who Actually Got Away With It
When evil prevailed over good.
A compelling villain is often the difference between a good movie and a great one. Black Panther, for instance, wouldn't have been half the film if Ulysses Klaue was its only bad guy. In Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger, the Marvel Cinematic Universe found the relatable antagonist it has long been lacking.
But even villains as fan-pleasing as Killmonger must be brought to justice, as it's a rare film that has the bottle to bring the curtain down with evil triumphing over good. The role of the bad guy is usually to take their medicine in the final act, absorb that knockout blow for the greater good so the story can come together.
It's not often that the antagonist gets away with their crimes scot-free, but it isn't unheard of. Some films end with the bad guy's evildoing leaving a permanent mark on the universe, but a small number of them have dared to explore what would happen if they achieved an unequivocal victory over the forces of good.
A memorable villain is all well and good, but the films where they get away with their crimes can be unforgettable.
10. The Emperor (Revenge Of The Sith)
Emperor Palpatine is a slippery customer, lurking in the shadows in most Star Wars movies as the evil force poisoning the galaxy unseen. In all but one instalment, he gets away with his crimes, most notably in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
In the final chapter in the prequel trilogy, Darth Sidious kills Mace Windu, turns Anakin Skywalker to the Dark Side, founds the evil Galactic Empire and leaves the Jedi Order on the brink of ruin. Yoda attempts to bring him to justice and the pair meet in battle during the final act, but Palpatine pulls off a disappearing trick and gets away.
Although the Emperor's comeuppance later arrives in the shape of an exploding Death Star reactor shaft, Revenge of the Sith goes down as a good example of a movie where the villain wins, and the same can be said of the entire prequel trilogy.