10 Movie Heroes Who Didn’t Know They Were The Villains
5. Anakin Skywalker - Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
When the prequels for the classic Star Wars films were announced, the overarching story of Anakin Skywalker transitioning into the legendary Darth Vader was a highly anticipated moment for many fans to witness.
Teased throughout all three of the prequel films, the rise to Anakin's evil turn had a few bumpy roads and for the first half of The Revenge of the Sith, Anakin is still a hero (albeit one who massacred Tuskan Raiders in the previous film and spouts off a lot about how he supports dictatorships).
What's unique about Anakin's turn to the Dark Side as he slaughters fellow Jedi or force-chokes his own pregnant wife, is that he genuinely believes what he is doing is good.
The hubris of the character is of course enhanced and manipulated by Darth Sidious, but even when he walks in the Youngling chamber or hacks away at the surrendering Separatist Leaders, he doesn't feel flinch or feel guilt whatsoever.
It's strange that for a bulk of his screen-presence as a Jedi in the previous film; he's seen as somewhat heroic and reliable, but a whiff of Sith skills and he betrays everything he stood for.