10 Best Sci-Fi TV Show Villains
4. Cancer Man/Cigarette Smoking Man - The X Files
Tipped to be the "Darth Vader" of The X Files, the illusive Cancer Man or Cigarette Smoking Man is the primary antagonist of the cult classic sci-fi series. Created by Chris Carter and portrayed by Canadian actor William B. Davies, he's one of the leading minds behind the Syndicate, a shadow branch of the US government designed to cover up the alien's plans to colonise Earth.
It's the opposite goal to protagonist Mulder, who seeks to reveal the truth. It's a bitter rivalry that persists over a solid portion of the series.
The X Files was already a popular series in its own right, but the Cigarette Smoking Man elevated it to new heights with his ruthless plotting and deadpan mannerisms. His personal motives are mostly kept under wraps as he mainly works in the interest of his employers.
This villain made many appearances throughout the series, beginning with the 1993 pilot episode. As the alien's plans progress, his deadly nature only continues to grow. William Davies was never nominated for any awards for his work on The X Files, but he made an undeniable impact on audiences, getting ranked as one of the nastiest TV villains in the 1990s.