Every Mission Impossible Villain Ranked From Worst To Best

While some may debate if he falls directly into the villain camp, the British Chief of Intelligence is so downright evil in all his actions that he just had to be included. Brilliantly portrayed by veteran British actor Simon McBurney, Atlee is the type of no good Government official lurking in many a John Grisham or Tom Clancy novel, and is a huge benefit to the film. McBurney brings some weasely mannerisms and an unscrupulous nature to Atlee, displaying no concerns whatsoever with leaving a loyal British agent out in the cold.

Atlee is the official contact for Rebecca Ferguson's agent Isla, whose past indiscretions he uses as a bargaining tool so she will infiltrate Solomon Lane's organisation, an organisation he helped create. Atlee is thankfully not cast as a another corrupt double agent, instead he is just a nasty piece of work who doesn't care what is required to tidy up the mess he has created.

The sanctimonious delivery of his speech to who he assumes is the Prime Minister is great to watch, as he tries to worm his way out of trouble like the most devious of politicians. The moment it is revealed that he has in fact been conned by the IMF team is an enjoyable moment thanks to McBurney's great efforts in creating such a dislikable character.