20 TV Villain Performances That Are Practically Flawless

Of all the characters on this list, I'd make a confident argument that Spike is the most complex and multi-layered, at one point or another playing a villain, a reluctant ally, a romantic lead and finally a hero in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel.

Brought to life by James Marsters for over seven seasons of TV, Spike was a vampire with a passion for torture and killing the Slayers sent to destroy him, and one constantly seeking to hold the power in any situation.

With his bleach blond hair and signature trenchcoat, Marsters stole the show from the off, playing Spike as a formidable opponent, but also one with an endless supply of cool who made everything about him and his various quests for vengeance.

Marsters' performance grew more vulnerable and far deeper as the show slowly turned him into a world-saving champion, but as an all-out villain there was still no one better on either show.