This ‘Top 6’ originally was going to be “The Top 6 Movie Villains of All-Time,” but a problem occurred when most of the villains on my list were from 1980’s movies. I may be biased because, in my opinion, the 80’s are the best decade for any genre of movie. To compensate for my prejudice, I limited the scope of the list to 1980’s movie villains.

 Without any further ado, I present to you: The Top 6 1980’s Movie Villains...

#6- The Joker, Batman (1989)

Jack-Freak’n-Nicholson. One-liners such as “this town needs an enema” solidify the Joker’s spot on the list. Taking down the Batwing with a single pistol shot doesn’t hurt either. What held the Joker back from ranking higher on the list is his lack of loyalty. Even before he became the Joker, Jack Napier was banging his boss’s wife. Once he became the Joker, one of his first acts was to kill the boss and take over operations. While some may credit him for his ambition, to me loyalty counts.

 

#5- The Russian Army, Red Dawn (1984)

These bastards had some balls. In the movie Red Dawn, the Russians launched a preemptive attack on US soil and invaded the country. They rounded up Americans and held them in internment camps. The Russian Army could have easily been #1 on this list but they were defeated by Patrick Swayze and a bunch of teenagers.

 

#4- Mr. Joshua, Lethal Weapon (1987)

He was “out there man, like Pluto.” This was the perfect role for Gary Busey: a psychopath. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say half the time he wasn’t even acting. Mr. Joshua was the chief enforcer for a heroine ring. He was loyal and obedient to the boss, as demonstrated in one the movie’s most memorable scenes. In it, Mr. Joshua is ordered to hold his arm to an open flame. He complies; never wavering. The only thing that could stop Mr. Joshua was a bullet from Mel Gibson.

 

#3- Kurgan, Highlander (1986)

This badass walked the streets of New York with a sword, cutting off people’s heads. Oh yeah, he was immortal too. Need further proof of his position on this list? He was one of a select few to kill Sean Connery in a movie.

 

#2- Ivan Drago, Rocky IV (1985)

Apollo Creed was one of the top boxers of all time, until he met Ivan Drago. The result: death. Drago was Communist Russia personified, delivering cold lines like: “If he dies, he dies.” Not only was he a world-class boxer, but Ivan Drago was also a Captain in the Russian Army. His use of anabolic steroids demonstrates his desire to win at all costs. All this, plus the fact he was played by Dolph Lundgren  make Ivan Drago #2 on my list.

 

#1- Hans Gruber, Die Hard (1988)

Most criminals rob a liquor store or a bank. Hans Gruber is the only one baller enough to rob an entire plaza. His thick accent, expensive suits, and well-trimmed beard make him a force to be reckoned with. Having a band of armed thugs to control doesn’t hurt either.  He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty or go undercover from time to time. Besides being Alan Rickman’s greatest role (sorry Harry Potter fanboys), Hans Gruber is also the #1 1980’s Movie Villain.