10 Movies Where “Good Guy” Actors Play the Villain

Redditor u/TXNOGG recently asked for “Movies where an actor that usually plays the good guy/hero plays an absolute piece of garbage?”

Several people agreed Matt Damon was incredible as a villain in The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Informant, and The Departed.

But, the question was for actors who aren't ordinarily bad guys, and clearly, these actors have played a villain on numerous occasions. So, here are ten picks for the best movies where an actor who typically is a good guy becomes the evil villain.

In Knives Out, Chris Evans plays a spoiled, conniving, and heartless Hugh Ransom Drysdale. He's the grandson of the murdered wealthy mystery writer Harlan Thrombe.

Chris Evans: Knives Out (2019)

In The Watcher, Keanu Reeves plays serial killer David Allen Griffin, hunting in Los Angeles, California. Griffin targets and stalks women without family and loved ones, so their absence goes unnoticed. After discovering their routine, he strangles them with a piano wire.

Keanu Reeves: The Watcher (2000)

In The Way Way Back, Steve Carell plays Trent Ramsey, an overprotective man in a relationship with a woman named Pam (Toni Collette). Unfortunately, he's selfish and insensitive and takes issue with her teenage son. Ramsey is also a manipulative cheater who tries to beat up her son.

Steve Carell: The Way Way Back (2013)

In Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler plays scumbag Howard Ratner, a Jewish-American jeweler in New York City's Diamond District. Howard has a severe gambling problem and writes checks he can't cash.

Adam Sandler: Uncut Gems (2019)

In What Lies Beneath, Harrison Ford plays Dr. Norman Spencer, an accomplished scientist, and college professor. Spencer is an unfaithful husband with a deadly secret and stops at nothing to keep it quiet. It’s one of the more bone-chilling experiences with its supernatural twist.

Harrison Ford: What Lies Beneath (2000)

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