Movies are meant to take us away from the reality of life, even if it’s just for a moment.
However, despite this, millions of viewers all over the world can’t help but feel really strong emotions like hate for the fictional characters in their favorite flicks.
This dislike could stem from anything, like hating the way characters like Joffrey Baratheon play their villainous roles too well, or for very flimsy reasons, like hating Ariel for being black.
Here’s a sneak peek at 15 of the most hated TV characters on the big screen and what they did to get fans all riled up.
1. The Governor (The Walking Dead)
Anyone who has seen The Walking Dead knows this guy was pure evil, at his very core. Unlike some of the other villains in the series who had a twisted sense of morality or a goal beyond pure chaos, The Governor was just bad. He was a sadist who saw others as objects and enjoyed inflicting pain.
The Governor’s character wasn’t driven by survival; everything he did was done because he could, and it seemed to give him a sick thrill. Even his love for his daughter was twisted and manipulative. He murdered countless people, including his own, and committed truly horrific acts like decapitating Herschel. He was the embodiment of pure, unadulterated evil, and that’s why he’s so universally despised.
2. Homelander (The Boys)
Homelander is like Superman from an alternate universe who got a copy of his superhero bylaws from Temu. He has all of Krypton’s finest abilities but zero of His morality or Empathy, and all this is clear from episode one. Although at first, his antics may just seem odd and disturbing, soon it’s clear Homelander is an egomaniac with a complete disregard for human life.
His favorite pastime is using his power to bully and humiliate those weaker than him, as shown when he exposes a character’s sexuality without their consent. This utter lack of decency and empathy, coupled with his immense power, makes Homelander a truly terrifying villain and one that’s easy to hate. That being said, Homelanders’ place at the most hated TV characters’ table is incontestable.
3. Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones)
Poor souls who hadn’t read Game of Thrones likely anticipated a steamy romance between Joffrey Baratheon and Sansa as the show kicked off, much to their eventual dismay. Contrary to expectations, Joffrey had other, more sinister plans, which ultimately relegated him to the ever-growing list of the most hated TV characters.
Ned Stark was one of the first few characters to die off in the show, but not before capturing the hearts of millions of GOT fans globally. The fact that Joffrey was the reason for Ned’s untimely passing already put a target on his back. However, his arrogance, insufferable nature, and love for execution are what put the nail in the coffin for the young king. The Joffrey Baratheon hate was so much that it spilled onto the actor, causing him to permanently pursue other ventures outside of acting.
4. Professor Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter)
Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series was so chillingly accurate that the actress herself reportedly faced real-life backlash. Umbridge embodies the worst aspects of authority; unlike the overtly evil Voldemort or Bellatrix, her cruelty is insidious. She revels in her power, tormenting students with petty punishments and maintaining a facade of pleasantness while taking away any sense of joy or freedom.
What makes Umbridge so universally despised is her relatability. She’s a poster of the petty bureaucrat, the vindictive teacher, or the overbearing boss and authority figures we encounter in everyday life. Her actions are driven by a desire for power and a delight in inflicting suffering on those beneath her. This everyday evil is perhaps more terrifying than the fantastical villainy of Voldemort.
5. Ramsay Bolton (Game of Thrones)
Ramsay Bolton is probably who Joffrey Baratheon would be if he’d been allowed to live beyond his teen years. However, unlike Joffrey, Ramsay is a product of a violent upbringing, as the bastard son of Roose Bolton, who was an equally twisted individual.
Ramsay had a flair for flaying his enemies and getting up to no good in his torture dungeon. Then, when viewers think there’s no new low, he commits even more heinous acts, such as feeding a live infant to his dogs. Ramsay had even the most forgiving GOT rooting for his demise just after a few scenes.
6. Kai Winn (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Deep Space Nine’s Kai Winn is infamous for her manipulation and self-serving ambition. While her suffering under Cardassian rule is undeniable, she uses this past to justify her ruthless pursuit of power. Fans despise her condescending tone, constant self-aggrandizement, and the chilling ease with which she betrays those around her.
Winn’s villainy is particularly effective due to her position of religious authority.
Despite her limited screen time, Winn leaves an indelible mark on the series. Her character serves as a stark reminder that even those claiming to act in the name of faith can be deeply corrupt.
7. Caillou (Caillou)
It might be a bit comical to see a little human among the most hated TV characters, but that goes to show how much Adults hate a whiny child. The Caillou hate is a movement with its own dedicated Reddit thread sprinkled with creative ways to send him to somewhere worse than the Phantom Zone.
Perhaps if Caillou were a chubby, cute toddler with a few strands of hair, American mums would be more forgiving of his antics. Instead, they’re convinced Caillou can corrupt their infants with a second of exposure. However, don’t take their word for it; catch a few episodes of Caillou before writing the kid off.
8. Emily Waltham (Friends)
Emily Waltham’s journey from charming Englishwoman to despised antagonist on “Friends” is a fan-favorite debate. While her controlling behavior after Ross’s wedding day blunder is widely condemned, many argue her initial demands and lack of empathy for Ross’s friends were equally off-putting. Some defend Emily by citing Ross’s betrayal as justification for her actions. However, critics point to her early displays of selfishness and inflexibility.
Regardless of where you stand, Emily remains a pivotal figure in the series. Her arrival shook up the dynamic, leading to Ross’s disastrous marriage and ultimately paving the way for a beloved reunion. Want to witness Emily’s transformation firsthand and see if she deserves a place among the most hated TV characters? Revisit Friends and decide for yourself if her actions were understandable or unforgivable.
9. Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory)
Despite being a rather eccentric physicist, Sheldon Cooper, from The Big Bang Theory, is another character that gets the fans all worked up. It is said that his arrogance and often cruel behavior make him incredibly frustrating to watch. In his defense, Sheldon’s upbringing, featuring overbearing parenting and a lack of social interaction, likely contributed to his problematic personality.
While some viewers find him unbearable, others appreciate his unique quirks. Sheldon’s character, though flawed, provides comedic gold. His interactions with his friends, particularly Leonard, are a source of endless entertainment. If you’re a fan of witty banter, then The Big Bang Theory is a must-watch.
10. Izzie Stephens (Grey’s Anatomy)
Izzie Stevens’s time on Grey’s Anatomy put fans through a roller coaster of intense emotions. Izzie’s character was super impulsive and immature, like when she tampered with Denny Duquette’s LVAD and exhibited erratic behavior after the fact. In addition to Denny’s incident, fans point to her general self-centeredness and manipulative tendencies as one of the top reasons for their dislike.
As always, there are still some who argue her flaws are linked to childhood trauma, which seems to be the case with many of the most hated TV characters. Despite the controversy, Izzie remains a significant figure in Grey’s Anatomy history. Her presence sparked intense debates among fans, highlighting the show’s ability to create fascinating characters.
11. Matt Donovan (Vampire Diaries)
Matt Donovan, the human friend in the supernatural world of The Vampire Diaries, is a character who often leaves fans at a crossroads. While some appreciate his loyalty to his friends and his attempts to protect Mystic Falls, many find him frustrating.
Matt’s constant complaining about vampires and blaming them for his misfortunes while benefiting from their presence is one of the reasons for his unpopularity in the fandom. Plus, his hypocritical behavior, including his treatment of Caroline when the pair were a couple, also contributes to his negative reception. Despite these criticisms, Matt plays a crucial role in the series.
12. Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones)
Cersei Lannister, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, is always in the running for the most hated character of all time, along with her son Joffrey. Her ruthlessness and fierce pursuit of power led her to commit ear-tingling atrocities, like the infamous destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor.
In Cersei’s case, the loophole to excuse her behavior is societal oppression and personal trauma. Born into a world of male dominance, she was constantly underestimated and manipulated. This, coupled with the personal tragedies, fueled her thirst for power and revenge. Lena Headey did a phenomenal job bringing Cersei to life and making her an unforgettable figure.
13. Skyler White (Breaking Bad)
Skyler White, Walt’s wife in Breaking Bad, is a character who often draws strong negative reactions from viewers. Fans of the series find her weakness, complicity in Walt’s crimes, and her affair with Ted to be off-putting.
However, many argue that Skyler is a realistically portrayed character reacting to the toll of immense pressure and difficult choices in a desperate situation. Her journey reflects the psychological impact of living with a dangerous criminal and the struggles of a woman navigating a patriarchal society.
14. Scrappy Doo (Scooby Doo)
Scrappy-Doo, Scooby-Doo’s little nephew, is infamous for being one of the most hated TV characters of all time. No one seems to care that he’s just a cartoon character. Ironically, his debut appearance was a big success, revitalizing the Scooby-Doo franchise and reeling in new viewers. However, this initial success quickly soured as Scrappy’s overexposure began to overshadow the original cast.
Soon, his nagging and high-pitched voice started to grate on viewers’ nerves, leading to widespread backlash from fans.
Though his prominence has since faded, and he shows up only as a special guest appearance, the memory of his reign still lingers. Interestingly, some argue that Velma’s character in recent iterations of the show is starting to rival Scrappy in terms of fan divisiveness.
15. Janice Soprano (The Sopranos)
Janice Soprano is Tony’s sister on the show and a punching bag for fans who throw hate at her as often as possible. In their defense, Janice is a manipulative, scheming, self-serving Karen who exploits others, including Bobby Baccalieri after his wife’s death. However, Janice’s outrageous antics add to the undeniable entertainment.
Aida Turturro portrays this character with the skills of a master, injecting moments of vulnerability that offer a glimpse into the tragic figure beneath the surface. Whether you find her infuriating or deserving of some other complicated sentiment, Janice remains one of the most memorable characters in The Sopranos.
