Collider has published a ranked list of the ten greatest villains in thriller cinema, celebrating characters whose performances left such a lasting impression that they arguably overshadowed the films' heroes. Writer Jeffrey Speicher argues that truly great villains must make audiences eager for their next scene, provoke genuine revulsion at their actions, and remain unforgettable long after the credits roll, with actors like Gary Oldman and Kevin Spacey appearing multiple times across the countdown.

Among the entries revealed are Rosamund Pike's Amy Dunne from David Fincher's Gone Girl (2014) at number 10, praised for her chillingly calculated portrayal of a wife who frames her husband for her own staged disappearance, and Denzel Washington's Oscar-winning turn as corrupt cop Alonzo Harris in Training Day (2001) at number nine, singled out for his unchecked abuse of power opposite Ethan Hawke's rookie partner. The full ranking continues up to the number one spot, though the remaining entries were not included in the available article text.