Highlights
- The Mad Max franchise boasts iconic villains like Rictus Erectus and Master Blaster who amp up the stakes in epic battle scenes.
- Toecutter, Aunty Entity, and Immortan Joe add depth to the Mad Max universe with their cruelty, originality, and political power.
- Scabrous Scrotus and Lord Humungus are formidable and dangerous villains, ready to challenge heroes whenever the chance arises.
Set in an iconic post-apocalyptic world, the Mad Max franchise 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 create greater world immersion and comic books that provide a more in-depth background, it’s easy to see why Mad Max has maintained its first-rate status for over 40 years. Every great narrative comes with its share of legendary villains, and Mad Max has produced some iconic and ruthless antagonists that amp up the stakes in every installment.
7 Rictus Erectus (Mad Max: Fury Road)
A Physically Strong Yet Intellectually Weak Secondary Antagonist
As the son of Immortan Joe, Rictus Erectus is a dangerous and callous secondary villain who appears threatening in all his scenes in Mad 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 the battle scenes in the movie more 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.
6 Master Blaster (Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome)
A Symbiotic Relationship Of Strength And Intelligence
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. The Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome movie might be the lowest rated of the franchise, but it has a couple of the best villains in all of Mad Max.
5 Toecutter (Mad Max)
A Maniacal And Deranged Antagonist That Launched The Franchise
Setting up a great yet morally gray protagonist, the first Mad Max movie 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.
4 Aunty Entity (Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome)
A Ruthless Tyrant And Intellectual Leader With Hopes For A Thriving Society
Although not the best movie in the franchise, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome adds 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 the Mad Max villains, 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 the smartest and most constructive villains of the franchise, seeking to do more than just dominate.
3 Scabrous Scrotus (Mad Max Video Game)
Immortan Joe’s Cruel And Villainous Son
When it comes to the Mad Max games, the 2015 iteration stands out as one of the best 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.
2 Lord Humungus (Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior)
A Bigger, Better, And Scarier Sequel Villain
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 the best action movies of the 80s, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior provided 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 the Mad Max sequel was in evil yet capable hands, even if he’s not the most original villain of the bunch.
1 Immortan Joe (Mad Max: Fury Road – Comic Book & Movie)
A Political And Brutal Villain With A Loyal And Faithful Following
- Comic Name: Mad Max: Fury Road – Max
- Release Date: May 20, 2015
- Writers: George Miller, Mark Sexton, Nico Lathouris
- Genres: Action, Sci-fi
Although the Mad Max universe 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 the Mad Max: Fury Road movie stand out, as he is a prominent factor in establishing the film as one of the best reboots ever made.
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