5. Hannibal Lecter - Anthony Hopkins - Silence Of The Lambs
How does a man eating serial killer become one of the most-loved characters in cinema? Well, he is a extraordinary psychologist so maybe we are all victims enthralled by this sociopath? What other answer is there? We see that Lecter is the victim of the justice system to some degree, which gives us some empathy towards him. To confine a man as intelligent as Lecter in such conditions is akin to emotional torture, whether he earned it or not. As an audience we are sort of thrilled when he escapes his confinement in the goriest possible way. The films even ends on a weirdly upbeat note as Hannibal walks off to kill and eat Chilton, letting us know that our anti-hero is still out there and will no doubt return.
4. Gollum - Andy Serkis - The Lord Of The Rings/The Hobbit
Gollum, the product of a broken mind and a powerful magic ring, is probably one of the best characters in cinema history. He has lived most of his life in defence of the Ring, to the exclusion of all else including sunlight . Until he loses it of course. His character is so miserable and pathetic that you can't help but feel sympathy for him. We witness his internal struggle as he battles his own mind for control. He is capable of so much, but ultimately will always succumb to his desire to be reunited with his
preeeeciousssss.