10 Times Horror Movie Villains Chose Not To Be Evil

In Thomas Harris' novels and movie adaptations, Hannibal Lecter is renowned for his manipulation skills, his keen insight into the criminal psyche, and obviously his fondness for eating people (before washing it down with a nice chianti).

However, the psychotic psychiatrist is also known for having a deep respect for FBI agent and personal rival, Clarice Starling. Of course, since Hannibal is off his rocker, it's challenging to figure out if his affection for Clarice is genuine, and that he constantly mocks her family and upbringing suggests his so-called love is another elaborate mind-game.

But in 2001's Hannibal, the titular cannibal proves that what he feels for Clarice is more than infatuation. In the final scene, the federal agent handcuffs herself to Lecter just as the authorities are closing in on him. Picking up a cleaver, Hannibal says, “Below or above the wrist?”, suggesting he’s about to slice Clarice’s hand off to escape.

Instead, he hacks his own hand off, allowing him to evade the law once again. Hannibal's fondness for Clarice may be twisted, but his actions here prove his feelings for her are the real deal.