Summary
Set in an iconic post-apocalyptic world, theMad Maxfranchise can only be described as epic. Starting in 1979 with its first movie, this brutal universe was later expanded in four other movies, including a reboot in 2016 and an upcoming prequel. So, like any beloved lasting franchise, it eventually expanded into other mediums as well.
With ambitious games that creategreater world immersionand comic books that provide a more in-depth background, it’s easy to see whyMad Maxhas maintained its first-rate status for over 40 years. Every great narrative comes with its share of legendary villains, andMad Maxhas produced some iconic and ruthless antagonists that amp up the stakes in every installment.
As the son of Immortan Joe, Rictus Erectus is a dangerous and callous secondary villain who appears threatening in all his scenes inMad Max: Fury Road. Having access to immense physical strength, Rictus is capable of murdering without relying on weapons and has no moral compass to stop him from pursuing a killing spree.
Although he is not the brightest, he makes thebattle scenes in the moviemore epic with his huge physique and never-ending brutality. Shadowed by his father, Rictus makes for a great supporting villain, killing anyone who gets in his way, but he is not smart enough to pose any intellectual or structural threat.
This one villain, Master Blaster, is actually two people, comprised of the brain of the operation, Master, and the muscle, Blaster. This symbiotic relationship, with each compensating for the other’s weakness, allows for both of them to not only stay alive in this world but to thrive, running the energy needs of Bartertown.
As a result, Master Blaster has a balance of strength and cleverness that no other villain in the franchise possesses, even if they are secondary antagonists to Aunty Entity’s brilliant tyranny. TheMad Max Beyond Thunderdomemovie might be the lowest rated of the franchise, but it has a couple of the best villains in all ofMad Max.
Setting up a great yetmorally gray protagonist, the firstMad Maxmovie also established a strong antagonist to match the heroes' righteousness with Toecutter’s cruelty. Although he does not do as much damage as some of the other villains in the franchise, he is definitely deranged, threatening anyone and everyone.
With a name such as his, Toecutter regressed to animal instincts, showing how maniacal one can become with lawlessness. Even though he lacked the mental stability to spread out his cruelty, he managed to impact the protagonist’s story more than any other villain.
A Ruthless Tyrant And Intellectual Leader With Hopes For A Thriving Society
Although not the best movie in the franchise,Mad Max Beyond Thunderdomeadds some pivotal aspects to the series, including iconic wastelands and a unique villain. Aunty Entity is able to bring some malicious intent mixed with high doses of originality, and she is easily a highlight of the movie and the franchise.
This antagonist stands out among theMad Maxvillains, as her intentions are overall good; she is trying to rebuild civilization. In her twisted yet hopeful mission to restore society, however, she leaves a wave of destruction even as her society thrives. That said, no one can deny how much she was able to achieve as one of thesmartest and most constructive villainsof the franchise, seeking to do more than just dominate.
When it comes to theMad Maxgames, the 2015 iteration stands out as one of thebest post-apocalyptic games, setting Max to face one of the best villains in the franchise, Scabrous Scrotus. As the son of Immortan Joe, he poses an immediate threat to the protagonist and the player.
He is as strong as his brother Rictus, yet he is far more dangerous due to his higher intellect. The mix of his raw power, refined skills, and operational knowledge makes Scabrous a cruel yet worthy antagonist. Rumored to be in the upcoming movies, Scabrous definitely deserves more attention, although that might not be the best news for the heroic protagonists.
Nothing screams danger like the leader of a bloodthirsty biker gang in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. Lord Humungus has the physical ability to be feared and the tactics to be revered. Merciless, this villain kills and tortures as he sees fit, having the training and knowledge to command the most ruthless army.
Considered one of thebest action movies of the 80s,Mad Max 2: The Road Warriorprovided an antagonist to match its spectacular and brutal sequences. Building on everything brought by the franchise’s first villain, Toecuttuer, Lord Humungus made sure that theMad Maxsequel was in evil yet capable hands, even if he’s not the most original villain of the bunch.
A Political And Brutal Villain With A Loyal And Faithful Following
Although theMad Maxuniverse created some brutal, clever, and cruel villains, there is no one else other than Immortan Joe who could occupy the spot of best antagonist. In the comics, he receives a complex backstory that not only shows how he became such a prominent figure but also why he deserves to be treated so highly by his followers.
Taking pages from Humungus' book, he was able to create a huge following with the War Boys, yet he went one step further by making himself a divine figure. This god-like antagonist is not only a strong leader but also a divine deity in the eyes of his followers. Immortan Joe’s villainy is definitely what makes theMad Max: Fury Roadmovie stand out, as he is a prominent factor in establishing the film as one of thebest reboots ever made.
