Sometimes the most compelling character in a movie or TV show is not the hero, but the antihero. Audiences are drawn to figures like Tony Soprano and Walter White not because of their crimes, but because they are complex, deeply developed characters. Writers often use sympathetic backstories to help viewers understand how these characters ended up turning to crime.
Other memorable examples include Nucky Thompson and Dexter Morgan, whose traumatic pasts help shape their actions. As television shifted from episodic storytelling to long-form narratives, criminal characters became more layered and human. Villains were no longer portrayed as purely evil, but as emotionally rich figures with relatable motivations.
Many of television’s most unforgettable criminals are also highly intelligent, often rivaling or outshining their adversaries. Characters like Moriarty and Gus Fring stand out for their brilliance and calculated control. To identify the most memorable TV criminals, 24/7 Tempo reviewed series where criminals played central roles in the story. The final list features 37 iconic characters whose crimes, personalities, and lasting impact made them impossible to forget.
Here are the most unforgettable TV career criminals:
Nina Myers
- Show: 24
- Played by: Sarah Clarke
Nina Myers (Sarah Clarke) stunned viewers at the end of the first season of “24”. Myers was not the respected terrorism-fighter she seemed, but was revealed to be a mole, spying on Jack Bauer and his counterterrorism unit. She was responsible for multiple deaths, including Bauer’s wife.
Constance Langdon
- Show: American Horror Story
- Played by: Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for her role as Constance Langdon in the “Murder House” season of “American Horror Story.” Throughout the series, Langdon’s tragic backstory, filled with criminal acts, was revealed. She was responsible for the murders of her husband, the maid, and one of her sons.
Gyp Rosetti
- Show: Boardwalk Empire
- Played by: Bobby Cannavale
Gyp Rosetti (Bobby Cannavale) was the main antagonist in the third season of “Boardwalk Empire.” Known for his impulsive and violent reactions to perceived disrespect, Rosetti also had a softer side when interacting with women, children, and animals. He was involved in multiple murders and mob-related crimes.
Nucky Thompson
- Show: Boardwalk Empire
- Played by: Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi received a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Nucky Thompson, the complex lead character in “Boardwalk Empire.” Publically, Thompson presented himself as an affable Republican politician, but privately, he operated as a mobster and crime boss. Thompson was implicated in numerous murders, having directly ordered some of the deaths and also personally committing several of them.
The Gravedigger / Heather Taffet
- Show: Bones
- Played by: Deirdre Lovejoy
Another criminal leading a double life, Heather Taffet (Dierdre Lovejoy) initially appeared as a State Attorney assigned to the Gravedigger case. It was eventually revealed that Taffet herself was the Gravedigger, responsible for numerous murders and abductions. She even kidnapped Seeley Booth (David Boreanez), but Booth was rescued and Taffet was convicted for her crimes.
Vinnie O’Neill
- Show: Brassic
- Played by: Joe Gilgun
Vinnie O’Neill (Joe Gilgun) was born into a life of crime, following his father’s footsteps as a safecracker. Despite his illegal activities, O’Neill is the show’s protagonist and anti-hero, earning the sympathy of audiences because of his difficult past, ongoing battle with bipolar disorder, and evident emotional intelligence.
Walter White
- Show: Breaking Bad
- Played by: Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White is considered by many to be the one of the greatest anti-heros of all time. Diagnosed with cancer, the high school chemistry teacher turns to meth production to support his family. As the series progresses, viewers watch White transform into a ruthless criminal.
Gus Fring
- Show: Breaking Bad
- Played by: Giancarlo Esposito
Gustavo “Gus” Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), the owner of Los Pollos Hermanos, doubles as a drug distributor in both “Breaking Bad” and its prequel, “Better Call Saul.” Some think Fring is the ideal villain, seamlessly maintaining his public image while committing ruthless crimes. Fring is the nemesis of Walter White, though the two collaborate occasionally.
Doug Judy
- Show: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Played by: Craig Robinson
Although criminal Doug Judy (Craig Robinson) and Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samburg) are arch-enemies, “frenemies” might be a more fitting term. Judy, an expert Pontiac thief, is relentlessly pursued by Detective Peralta throughout the series. The two characters share comedic misadventures while maintaining a love-hate relationship.
J.R. Ewing
- Show: Dallas
- Played by: Larry Hagman
J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) appeared in every episode of the original “Dallas.” Ewing is viewed as a morally corrupt man, engaging in bribery, blackmail, and manipulation. Despite this, the show presents a duality in Ewing’s character, showing his loyalty to certain family members. By the end of the series, tragedy strikes Ewing, garnering sympathy from some viewers.
Wilson Fisk
- Show: Daredevil
- Played by: Vincent D’Onofrio
Wilson “The Kingpin” Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) is a supervillain and the main antagonist in “Daredevil,” working against Matt Murdoch (Charlie Cox). Among his many crimes, Fisk commits several murders, including killing his own father. Despite his horrible actions, some viewers sympathize with fisk because of his abusive backstory, and early exposure to violence.
Al Swearengen
- Show: Deadwood
- Played by: Ian McShane
Ian McShane won a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Al Swearengen in “Deadwood.” Swearengen provided viewers a complex and morally questionable character, known for his backstabbing and murderous tendencies, yet remaining loyal to characters who were loyal to him.
Dexter Morgan
- Show: Dexter
- Played by: Michael C. Hall
Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) is seen as an anti-hero TV criminal by many. Morgan methodically hunts down and kills other serial killers, which creates a moral dilemma for audiences. While his actions are definitely criminal, some veiwers believe he is doing more good than harm by eliminating murderers who prey on innocent victims.
The Trinity Killer / Arthur Mitchell
- Show: Dexter
- Played by: John Lithgow
Arthur Mitchell, portrayed by John Lithgow, also known as The Trinity Killer, is one of Dexter’s main antagonistis. Mitchell is a prolific serial killer with dozens of victims over three decades. He led a double life, outwardly appearing as a family man, high school teacher, and church deacon, while secretly committing heinous crimes.
The Master
- Show: Doctor Who
- Played by: Sacha Dhawan
The Master, a character played by numerous actors in different “Doctor Who” seasons, is played by Sacha Dhawan opposite Jodie Whitaker’s Doctor. As a Time Lord, the Master aims to kill the Doctor and take over the world. A worthy adversary of the Doctor, the Master can regenerate after death, reappearing in a new body each time.
Joffrey Baratheon
- Show: Game of Thrones
- Played by: Jack Gleeson
Joffrey Baratheon, played by Jack Gleeson, is a TV villain audiences love to hate. As he develops into a cruel tyrant, it is revealed that he is the product of an incestious relationship between his mother, Cersei Lannister, and her brother Jamie. Joffrey has a penchant for torture and murder, committing increasingly disturbing acts throughout the first four seasons of “Game of Thrones.”
Ramsay Bolton
- Show: Game of Thrones
- Played by: Iwan Rheon
Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) is one of the most horrific TV villians, committing atrocious acts throughout seasons four, five and six of “Game of Thrones.” Rheon’s chilling performance keeps the audience in suspense, wondering what disturbing act Ramsay will commit next. He tortures two long-standing characters, Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen).
Cersei Lannister
- Show: Game of Thrones
- Played by: Lena Headey
Cersei Lannister, portrayed by Lena Headey, divided “Game of Thrones” viewers. Some admired her as an impressive, methodical mastermind, while others disliked her adversarial role. Despite causing suffering for other beloved characters, Cersei garnered sympathy during her humiliating treatment by the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce). Headey’s performance earned her numerous award nominations and several wins.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter
- Show: Hannibal
- Played by: Mads Mikkelsen
Attempting to catch serial killers, criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) partners with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a brilliant psychiatrist specializing in psychopaths. Unbeknownst to Graham, Lecter is a serial killer himself. Lecter’s character demonstrates a moral duality, showing empathy for certain characters while committing brutal murders.
Sylar
- Show: Heroes
- Played by: Zachary Quinto
Sylar (Zachary Quinto) is a formidable antagonist in “Heroes,” a series about ordinary people around the world who suddenly gain superpowers. Sylar hunts and kills these superpowered people, dissecting their brains to absorb their powers. Later in the series, Sylar goes on a redemption arc, leaving viewers with hope that he might change his ways.
Boyd Crowder
- Show: Justified
- Played by: Walton Goggins
At the start of “Justified,” Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) is introduced to viewers as a white supremacist and career criminal specializing in bank robberies. As the series moves along, Crowder adopts various different identities, including a born-again Christian, a self-proclaimed messiah, and a coal miner. Despite all his transformations, Crowder cannot lose his criminal nature and returns to his life of crime.
Nicole Wallace
- Show: Law & Order: Criminal Intent
- Played by: Olivia d’Abo
Nicole Wallace, played by Olivia d’Abo was responsible for over twenty murders during her time on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” She was one of the show’s most notable adversaries, being the only criminal to outsmart Robert Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio).
Benjamin Linus
- Show: Lost
- Played by: Michael Emerson
Benjamin Linus, portrayed by Michael Emerson, emerged as the leader of “the Others,” a mysterious group that terrorized the plane crash survivors in the early seasons of “Lost.” Linus evoked sympathy from viewers as his backstory was revealed, and through his allyship of some fan-favorite characters. Opinions are divided on whether Linus is a true villain or just a tragic character.
Earl Hickey
- Show: My Name Is Earl
- Played by: Jason Lee
Jason Lee’s character, Earl Hickey, is a classic villain-turned-hero. Initially a criminal, Hickey changes into a more respectable character as the series progresses. Motiviated by the idea of Karma, Hickey sets out to make amends to those he has wronged. While the narrative takes a twist in later seasons, many viewers consider Hickey to be one of tv’s most likable criminals.
Piper Chapman
- Show: Orange Is The New Black
- Played by: Taylor Schilling
At the beginning of Orange Is The New Black, Piper Chapman, played by Taylor Schilling is portrayed as a nearly innocent woman and an unlikely prison candidate. However, after her ex-girlfriend named her as an accessory to drug smuggling during a plea deal, Chapman ends up in prison. During her incarceration, Chapman becomes increasingly calculating, and cunning.
Black Jack Randall
- Show: Outlander
- Played by: Tobias Menzies
Tobias Menzies plays two characters in “Outlander”: Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) husband Frank Randall, and Frank’s evil ancestor, Black Jack Randall. When Claire travels back in time, she is met with a familiar face, only to realize that he is not her husband, but his tortuous, evil relative. Black Jack Randall commits numerous horrifying crimes, including rape and murder.
Lincoln Burrows
- Show: Prison Break
- Played by: Dominic Purcell
Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell, is framed for the murder of the Vice President’s brother. While Burrows did commit crimes like battery and theft, he is sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. “Prison Break” follows Burrows in his attempts to escape from prison.
Moriarty
- Show: Sherlock
- Played by: Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott’s character, Moriarty, is one of few worthy opponents to challenge Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch). Matching Holmes’ intelligence with his own genius and cunning, Moriarty becomes obsessed with outwitting him. This dynamic leads to a face off between the two. As a consulting criminal, Moriarty helps his clients carry out well planned crimes.
Jax Teller
- Show: Sons Of Anarchy
- Played by: Charlie Hunnam
Between murder, smuggling and gun sales, Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) cannot be thought of as a man of honor. However, his role as the protagonist in “Sons of Anarchy” paints him as an anti-hero. Despite his disturbing actions, many viewers continue to root for him to succeed.
Metatron
- Show: Supernatural
- Played by: Curtis Armstrong
Metatron, portrayed by Curtis Armstrong is a clever antagonist of in “Supernatural,” challenging both the Winchesters (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) and Castiel (Misha Collins). As an evil archangel, Metatron seeks revenge against other angels, hurts Castiel, and starts a civil war among the angels.
Paul Spector
- Show: The Fall
- Played by: Jamie Dornan
Paul Spector, portrayed by Jamie Dornan, is a chilling serial killer that haunts protagonist Stella Gibson, played by Gillian Anderson, in “The Fall.” Though the audience knows about Spector’s murderous ways at the beginning of the series, he maintains outward appearances as a devoted father, family man, and grief counselor.
Tony Soprano
- Show: The Sopranos
- Played by: James Gandolfini
Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, has a complex role of a mobster, a father, a husband, and a therapy patient, making him one of the most iconic TV criminals of all time. Viewers face the ever-morphing moral dilemma of support for Soprano, as they witness his crimes alongside his emotional unraveling during therapy sessions. Gandolfini won a Golden Globe Award, Emmy Awards, and many other awards for his acting in “The Sopranos.”
The Governor
- Show: The Walking Dead
- Played by: David Morrissey
The Governor, played by David Morrissey, is one of Rick Grimes’s (Andrew Lincoln) most unforgettable adversaries on “The Walking Dead.” Notorious for his reign of terror and ruthless killings, he left a trail of destruction in his wake. Like other popular TV criminals, viewers witnessed the Governor’s tragic backstory, forcing them to grapple with feelings of sympathy for his villianous character.
Negan
- Show: The Walking Dead
- Played by: Jeffrey Dean Morgan
For his portrayal of Negan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan has won a Critic’s Choice Award, MTV Movie Award, and Saturn Award. Armed with his infamous weapon, a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire, affectionately named “Lucille,” Negan was the tyrannical leader of the Saviors, antagonists to Rick and his zombie-apocalypse band of survivors in “The Walking Dead.” Over the course of the series, Negan’s character evolves, showing several instances of redemption.
Avon Barksdale
- Show: The Wire
- Played by: Wood Harris
In his role as Avon Barksdale, Wood Harris is a central figure in the drug trafficking world across multiple seasons of “The Wire.” During season one, Barksdale is the primary antagonist, his criminal organization seemingly unstoppable. Barksdale eventually lands in prison, but despite incarceration, Barksdale continues to run his crime group remotely, with the help of Stringer Bell (Idris Elba).
Marlo Stanfield
- Show: The Wire
- Played by: Jamie Hector
Actor Jamie Hector plays Marlo Stanfield as a clever, cold-blooded drug dealer and murderer during seasons three through five of “The Wire.” His crew rises ranks on the street, eventually overtaking Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) for control. Stanfield’s pursuit of power outweighs his desire for profit, and is willing to murder anyone who challenges his dominence.
Neal Caffrey
- Show: White Collar
- Played by: Matt Bomer
Known as one of the world’s greatest con artists, Neal Caffrey, played by Matt Bomer, is loved by fans, who appreciate his clever strategies, sharp wit and charm. After committing an impressive history of crimes, Caffrey is recruited as a consultant for the FBI’s white collar division to help solve complex cases.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Home Box Office (HBO).