1. Hannibal Lecter - The Silence of the Lambs
With mention of The Silence of the Lambs, you immediately think of Anthony Hopkins' iconic performance of Hannibal Lecter, and for just reasons, he's one of the greatest and most complex screen villains in history. Opposite him in the 'hero' role is Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Foster gives the performance of her career, but it's still not enough to take the interest away from the enigma that is Lecter. Because of the short screen time Lecter has, people are only more enthralled and intrigued by him and his behaviour. It seems director Jonathan Demme knew exactly what he had on his hands with Lecter and deliberately restricts audience access to him, giving him more power for when he is on screen. Lecter is cruel, cunning and strikingly calm and even with such a great character opposite him in Starling, The Silence of the Lambs is Lecter's show without a doubt.