Despite All Flaws and Atrocities: 5 Movies That Are Too Soft on the Villain

Movies are important for socialization and enculturation, but sometimes movies don't teach people the right things. These five are a prime example of movies that make their villains too redeemable.

Hannibal Rising (2007, 6.1 on IMDb)

The prequel to several critically acclaimed horror thrillers, including The Silence of the Lambs, tells the origin story of Hannibal Lecter, following him from his childhood in Lithuania, where the Nazis brutally killed his family, to his arrival in the U.S., where he has a new chance to start his life over. But despite building a successful career, he can't quell his desire for revenge, and that's how he begins to commit his atrocities.

The problem is that the movie makes Hannibal an overly sympathetic character, giving him some kind of moral high ground.

Dear Evan Hansen (2021, 6.1 on IMDb)

This big-screen adaptation of the eponymous musical stage play centers on Evan Hansen, a typical seventeen-year-old who has severe anxiety and often gets depressed. At his therapist's request, he tries to write himself an encouraging letter, but instead writes one in which he wonders if people would notice if he suddenly disappeared. Evan's classmate reads the letter and commits suicide a few days later, getting Evan into trouble.

While the movie portrays Evan's struggles, it also shows how terrible he can be to people, which is somehow excusable.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019, 6.5 on IMDb)

The ninth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise follows Deckard Shaw as he gradually becomes part of the large team of protagonists during his mission with Luke Hobbs. As the two try to protect Shaw's sister, the man gets some redemption. In addition to the questionable plot of the movie, it makes the audience forgive the character for one good thing he's done despite his past crimes, including numerous murders.

Saw X (2023, 6.6 on IMDb)

Last year's release was perhaps the biggest horror premiere of 2023. The tenth film in the Saw franchise focuses on the infamous villain and murderer John Kramer, who has a terminal form of cancer. As a last resort, he travels to Mexico to try an experimental treatment that turns out to be a scam. Now, John seeks revenge on the people who cheated him out of money and hope the way he always does – by torturing them to death.

Sure, Kramer was wronged, but that doesn't justify the atrocities he commits, contrary to what the movie suggests.

The Nice Guys (2016, 7.4 on IMDb)

This neo-noir action comedy starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling is about two detectives who investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Along the way, they do a lot of dubious things, as their methods are not noble at all. However, the movie turns their actions into a laugh-out-loud farce and makes the audience turn a blind eye to the main characters' crimes.