12 Most Terrifying Action Movie Villains

12. Mr Benedict - Last Action Hero

The highlight of 1993's Last Action Hero is arguably the menacing Mr Benedict, played with all manners of eccentric villainy by the talented Charles Dance.

In the film, Benedict is the right-hand man of mobster Tony Vivaldi in the fictional movie world of Jack Slater, but comes into his own as the main antagonist after he makes his way out of the film and into the real world. A capable mastermind, Benedict is brutal and ruthless, and Dance is clearly having fun with the role throughout, acting with maniacal glee at times. That's especially realised in the film's third act, when he taunts protagonists Jack and Danny about bringing more fictional horrors, such as Dracula and Hannibal Lecter, into our realm.

If anything, a villain of his calibre is probably a bit much for what is essentially a kid's film, and there were likely a few children left with nightmares after watching this sinister character.