MCU: Every Phase 3 Main Villain Ranked From Worst To Best

Though Captain America: Civil War centered around the battle between the titular character and Iron Man, with their fellow Avengers taking sides, there was a man behind it all who engineered the downfall of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. What's more, there were no special powers or mind bending abilities involved - Zemo was just a man.

In what was a departure from the comics, the Russo Brothers decided to exclude Zemo's trademark purple hood to maintain the image of a normal man. This showed that even the Avengers are not safe if there is anyone smart enough to expose their weaknesses. In this case, the weakness uncovered was Steve's relationship with Bucky.

Initially Zemo's motivations are kept unclear, leaving audiences guessing as to why he is so hell bent on discovering the mission report from December 16th 1991. It is when we learn the villain's backstory that he becomes so much more than just another bad guy.

He was a loving husband, father, and son, until the Avengers fought Ultron in Sokovia. After finding his family dead after the battle, Zemo aimed his hatred towards Earth's Mightiest Heroes, who all seemingly didn't care what damage they left in their wake. Suddenly, audiences could feel a great deal of sympathy for the antagonist like few before him.