Some villains aren’t as bad as they seem. In fact, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find many movie villains from the 1970s had motives that weren’t all that villainous. Maybe they were misunderstood, or perhaps the hero just got all the good PR. Either way, here are 12 misunderstood movie villains from the 70s that deserve a second look.
1. The Wicked Witch of the West (The Wiz, 1978)
In this 70s twist on the classic story, the Wicked Witch had a lot more flair and personality, but her motivations weren’t pure evil. She was simply a woman trying to hold on to her power and territory. Sometimes, a little attitude gets misinterpreted as villainy.
2. Michael Corleone (The Godfather Part II, 1974)
Sure, Michael is the head of a crime family, but his actions are rooted in loyalty and the drive to protect his family. The world he was born into didn’t leave room for a moral compass. The tragedy of Michael isn’t that he’s a villain but that he’s a man who made impossible choices in a ruthless world.
3. Khan Noonien Singh (Star Trek: The Motion Picture, 1979)
Khan wasn’t just some madman with a grudge. He was a genetically enhanced superhuman who was exiled and betrayed. Stranded on a dying planet, his vendetta against Captain Kirk was less about domination and more about justice for the suffering of his people. Can you really blame him for wanting revenge?
4. Regan MacNeil (The Exorcist, 1973)
Poor Regan. She was just a sweet, innocent girl until a demon decided to take up residence in her body. While she’s technically the “villain” of the story, Regan’s not to blame for the horrors she unleashed. Her plight is more tragic than terrifying when you think about it.
5. The Shark (Jaws, 1975)
It’s easy to hate a giant shark terrorizing a small town, but let’s face it—the shark was just doing what sharks do: eating and surviving. If anything, the humans encroached on its territory. Maybe the real villain here is humanity’s disregard for the natural order.
6. Darth Vader (Star Wars, 1977)
Long before his redemption arc, Vader was the quintessential villain. But even in A New Hope, his motivations were layered. He believed in order and the power of the Empire to bring peace. Yes, his methods were extreme, but his intentions had a twisted sense of logic.
7. Carrie White (Carrie, 1976)
Carrie’s classmates and her own mother tormented her mercilessly. When she finally snapped, it was a mix of pent-up rage and supernatural power she couldn’t fully control. Instead of a villain, Carrie is more of a cautionary tale about bullying and repression.
8. Mr. Han (Enter the Dragon, 1973)
Sure, Mr. Han was running a deadly martial arts tournament and had his hand in some shady dealings, but he was also a man of principle who believed in strength and discipline. His island served as a refuge for the misfits and outcasts of society. Maybe he wasn’t all bad.
9. Count Dracula (Dracula, 1979)
Dracula’s quest for love and immortality often made him the villain of the story, but is wanting eternal love so wrong? Sure, he had a habit of biting necks, but his loneliness and longing were as palpable as his menace. He’s less a monster and more a tragic romantic figure.
10. Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard, 1950 – Re-released in the 70s)
Norma Desmond’s delusions made her seem dangerous, but her story is one of heartbreak and loss. A once-glamorous star, Norma couldn’t cope with being forgotten. Her descent into madness wasn’t villainy—it was a desperate plea for relevance in a world that moved on without her.
11. General Zod (Superman, 1978)
Zod’s demand for control and dominance wasn’t born out of malice but out of a belief in his superiority as a Kryptonian. He was a soldier who believed his way was the best path forward for his people. In his eyes, his actions were justified and even noble.
12. Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1975)
Cold, controlling, and undeniably intimidating, Nurse Ratched is often painted as pure evil. But consider her perspective: she was running a psychiatric ward in an era of chaos and limited resources. Her methods may have been harsh, but she genuinely believed she was helping the patients by maintaining order. Was she power-hungry or just trapped in a broken system?
It’s funny how a little perspective can turn a movie’s scariest villain into someone you might even root for. Who knows? Maybe it’s time to give these misunderstood characters a second chance.
