Some bad guys just want to collect antiques, or sand down a nice coffee table.
Theyre a worthy foil for the hero (or heroine) of the piece.
So what happens when a villain comes across as, well, just plain nice?
Sure, they may have the henchmen, the money, the gadgets and the guns.
But some villains seem just too easy-going and friendly to be properly intimidating.
This isnt to say the performances are bad; in some cases, theyre scene-stealingly brilliant.
With this in mind, heres our pick of nine affable movie villains… By the time Qualen wails, God damn you Walker!
Affability factor:Off the chart.
Where does he find the time?
he crows about all the time.
Affability factor:Hes a hardened criminal who probably enjoys watchingCountryfileandSongs Of Praiseof a Sunday evening.
Our favorite exchange:
Carver: Mr Jones, are we ready to release our new software?
Jones: Yes, sir.
As requested, its full of bugs, which means people will be forced to upgrade for years.
Affability factor:High.
Lets face it, Carver is probably less cold-hearted and ruthless than the characters on which hes based.
Affability factor:Moderate.
Affability factor:About as intimidating asthe Man from Del Monte.
Through all of it, Vaughn just sort of looks stiffly bemused, like a museum exhibit.
With his precise side-parting and white safari suit, hes a far cry from Gene Hackmans boastful.
Affability factor:Think Tom Jones in Vegas.
Relaxed, twinkly, and as smooth as expensive brandy.
Affability factor:Pretty high.
