15 Movie Villains Who Became Heroes in the Sequel (2023)

Movie villains are often depicted as the ultimate evil force, wreaking havoc and causing destruction in their wake. From their imposing appearance to their devious plans, they are the ones who make us root for the heroes and feel satisfied when they get what's coming to them. However, in some franchises, the villain's story doesn't end with their defeat. They are given a second chance in the form of a sequel, where they are given the opportunity to grow, change, and even become a hero.

This evolution of the villain's character is what makes the sequels so compelling. Their growth arc takes them on a journey of self-discovery, where they come to realize the error of their ways and the impact of their actions. This transformation is not always easy, and the villains often face obstacles and temptations along the way, but their eventual triumph over their inner demons is what makes them so endearing to audiences.

Related: 10 Movie Villains Who Redeemed Themselves

Franchises have always been a staple in the film industry, and sequels have become an integral part of their success. They give audiences the chance to revisit familiar characters and settings, but also offer the opportunity for new and exciting developments. The change in the villain's character is one of the most exciting developments in sequels, and it's what sets them apart from the original film.

The transformation of a movie villain into a hero is not only a captivating story arc, but it also sends a powerful message about redemption and the possibility of change. It reminds us that no one is beyond saving, and that even the most evil of characters can turn their life around and make a positive impact on the world.

The journey of a movie villain from evil to hero is a testament to the power of storytelling and the potential for change. It's a thrilling ride that keeps audiences engaged and invested in the characters, making the sequels a must-see for fans of the franchise. Whether it's through inner growth, self-discovery, or a change of heart, these villains have proven that heroes can come from the most unlikely of places. We’ve brought to you some of the most treacherous villains who get a second chance to flip their stories in the sequel.

15 Deckard Shaw – Fast & Furious Franchise

From his first appearance as the main antagonist in , Deckard Shaw was a force to be reckoned with. With his cunning wit and exceptional combat skills, he quickly became a fan favorite. His mission to avenge his younger brother's death at the hands of Dominic Toretto's crew made him the perfect villain for the franchise.

However, as the franchise progressed, Shaw's character was given a chance to redeem himself. In The Fate of the Furious, he joins forces with the crew to stop a rogue cyberterrorist, marking the beginning of his transformation into a hero. By the time came around, Shaw was a full-fledged member of the team, helping to take down the main villain and save the day.

14 Norman Nordstrom – Don’t Breathe & Don’t Breathe 2

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Norman Nordstrom, the blind veteran in the thriller Don't Breathe, was not just a victim, but a villain as well. He terrorizes the group of robbers who break into his house in search of money, using his heightened senses to turn the tables on them. Despite his villainous actions, audiences couldn't help but feel empathy for the character.

In Don't Breathe 2, Norman is once again the central character. This time, he is tasked with protecting a young girl from a group of criminals. Throughout the film, he transforms from a paranoid, bitter man into a hero, using his skills and resourcefulness to save the day. The film is a testament to the power of redemption and the growth of a character over time.

13 The T-800 – The Terminator Franchise

The T-800, a cyborg assassin sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, was one of the most iconic villains in movie history. With his emotionless demeanor and relentless pursuit of his target, the T-800 became synonymous with the Terminator franchise.

In the sequels, however, the T-800 was given a chance to redeem himself. In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the T-800 was reprogrammed to protect John Connor, marking the beginning of his heroic journey. Throughout the franchise, the T-800 continued to evolve, eventually sacrificing himself to save humanity in Terminator: Dark Fate. The T-800's transformation from villain to hero is a witness to the power of change and the importance of personal growth.

12 Hector Barbossa – Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise

Hector Barbossa, the pirate captain in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, was first introduced as the main antagonist of the first film. With his sharp wit and cunning, he proved to be a formidable foe, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. As the franchise progressed, Barbossa's character evolved into a complex anti-hero, ultimately becoming a key player in the fight against the ultimate evil in the final film.

In the sequels, we see Barbossa's transformation from a ruthless pirate to a more honorable man. He experiences a change of heart, driven by his love for his daughter and his desire for redemption. Throughout the franchise, Barbossa's growth arc is a central theme, as he navigates his loyalty to his crew, his sense of duty to his country, and his quest for redemption.

11 Mystique – X-Men Franchise

Mystique, a shapeshifting mutant, was one of the most feared villains in the X-Men franchise. Her ability to change her appearance and manipulate people made her a formidable opponent for the X-Men. However, in the sequels, Mystique's character was given a new dimension as she began to question her loyalty to Magneto and his extremist views.

Mystique's arc took her on a journey of self-discovery as she realized the true nature of her actions and the impact they had on others. This realization led her to join the X-Men and become an important ally in their fight against evil. Mystique's transformation from a villain to a hero was a testament to the power of change and the importance of second chances.

Related: These Are the Strongest X-Men Characters in the Franchise's Movie History

10 Iago – Aladdin / Return Of Jafar

Iago, the wisecracking parrot from Aladdin, was initially a villain in disguise. He was Jafar's loyal henchman, helping the evil sorcerer in his quest for power. However, in the sequel, Return of Jafar, Iago's character underwent a major transformation. When Jafar returned to seek revenge, Iago was faced with a difficult choice. He could continue serving Jafar or turn against him and join forces with Aladdin and his friends.

Iago chose the latter, and his decision to betray Jafar and help the heroes marked the start of his heroic journey. Iago's redemption arc was a thrilling and emotional journey that showed audiences the power of change and the importance of doing the right thing.

9 Godzilla – Godzilla Franchise

Godzilla, the massive, fire-breathing monster, was one of the most iconic villains in the Godzilla franchise. He was a force of nature, causing destruction and mayhem wherever he went. However, in the sequels, Godzilla's character was given a new dimension. He was no longer just a monster but a protector of the earth, fighting against other creatures that threatened the planet.

Godzilla's transformation from a villain to a hero was a true example of the power of storytelling and the potential for change. This iconic monster's heroic journey was a thrilling and emotional ride that kept audiences engaged and invested in the franchise.

8 Mini-Me – Austin Powers Franchise

In the world of international man of mystery, Austin Powers, Mini-Me is a villain that stands out. This miniature version of Dr. Evil was introduced in the second film of the franchise and quickly became a fan favorite. Mini-Me is a genetically engineered clone of Dr. Evil, created to be his loyal companion. Despite his small stature, Mini-Me is a formidable opponent, using his agility and cunning to outwit Austin at every turn.

However, in the third film, Mini-Me defects from Dr. Evil's side and joins forces with Austin, becoming a key player in the quest to save the world. Mini-Me's transformation from villain to hero is a testament to the power of growth and the potential for change. His heroic arc is a standout moment in the franchise, and fans continue to love Mini-Me for his unique personality and comedic charm.

7 Velociraptors – Jurassic Park Franchise

In the original Jurassic Park film, the velociraptors were depicted as deadly predators, hunting down the park's visitors with deadly precision. These creatures were seen as the ultimate enemy, and their intelligence and cunning made them even more dangerous.

However, in the sequels, the velociraptors are given a new dimension, as they are revealed to have a more complex and sophisticated social structure. They are shown working together as a pack, displaying loyalty and intelligence beyond what was previously thought possible. This change in their characterization has made the velociraptors more than just mindless monsters, and they now serve as a reminder of the intelligence and adaptability of the prehistoric creatures they are based on.

6 Bucky Barnes – Captain America: Civil War

Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, was introduced as a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Trained as a deadly assassin, Bucky was a formidable opponent, and his history with Captain America made their conflict even more personal.

However, in the sequels, Bucky begins to remember his past and the atrocities he committed as the Winter Soldier. He struggles with his guilt and tries to make amends for his past actions, eventually joining forces with the Avengers to protect the world from a greater evil. Bucky's transformation from villain to hero through Captain America: Civil War is a standout moment in the franchise, and his heroic arc has made him one of the most beloved characters in the MCU.

Related: The MCU's Major Villains, Ranked by Level of Villainy

5 Apollo Creed – Rocky series

The Rocky series is one of the most iconic movie franchises in history, and Apollo Creed is one of its most memorable characters. Initially portrayed as the flamboyant and egotistical heavyweight champion of the world, Creed is Rocky's rival and the villain of the first film. However, in the sequels, Creed becomes a mentor, friend, and ally to Rocky, transforming into a hero and one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

The storyline of the Rocky series is centered on the trials and tribulations of a down-on-his-luck boxer, and Creed's character growth is an integral part of this story. From his initial arrogance and self-centeredness, Creed transforms into a true friend and ally, willing to put himself on the line to help Rocky. His heroic arc is one of the most touching and memorable aspects of the franchise, making him a standout villain turned hero in movie history.

4 Nebula – Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is known for its wacky humor and unforgettable characters, and Nebula is no exception. Initially depicted as a ruthless and relentless villain, Nebula's character takes a dramatic turn in the second film when she joins forces with the Guardians to defeat her sister, Gamora. Over the course of the film, Nebula's character arc takes her from a one-dimensional villain to a complex and layered hero.

The storyline of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 is centered on the family drama between Nebula and Gamora, and Nebula's growth as a character is a major part of this story. From her initial hatred and anger, Nebula transforms into a sympathetic and ultimately heroic character, willing to put her life on the line to save her sister.

3 Severus Snape – Harry Potter series

The Harry Potter series follows the journey of young wizard Harry Potter and his friends as they battle the evil Lord Voldemort and his minions. One of the most complex and fascinating characters in the franchise is Severus Snape, a former professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout the series, Snape is depicted as a cruel and aloof character who seems to have it in for Harry. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he has a hidden agenda and a secret allegiance to the Order of the Phoenix.

In the final installment of the series, the true nature of Snape's character is revealed, and he becomes a hero in the eyes of the audience. Through his bravery and selflessness, he sacrifices himself to protect Harry and the wizarding world, becoming a symbol of redemption and hope.

2 Gru – Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 follows the adventures of former villain Gru as he tries to adjust to life as a single dad and anti-hero. Gru, who once terrorized the world with his evil schemes, has changed his ways and is now focused on raising his three daughters. However, his peaceful existence is threatened when he is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to take down a new threat to humanity.

Throughout the film, Gru is put to the test, and he rises to the challenge, using his cunning and intelligence to save the day. He transforms from a bumbling and clueless father to a capable and confident hero, proving that even the most unlikely of characters can make a positive impact.

Related: The Best Villains in Non-Disney Animated Films, Ranked

1 Loki Odinson – Thor: Ragnarok

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki Odinson is the mischievous and unpredictable god of mischief, causing trouble for his brother Thor and the inhabitants of Asgard. In Thor: Ragnarok, Loki is once again up to his old tricks, but this time, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery as he teams up with Thor to save Asgard from destruction.

Throughout the film, Loki goes from being a chaotic force to a key player in the fight against evil, using his wit and cunning to help Thor and his allies. He proves to be a loyal and selfless friend, sacrificing himself for the greater good. By the end of the film, Loki has transformed from a villain to a hero, earning the respect and admiration of the audience.