9 Movies Where John Malkovich Played A Villain

I’ve just finished watching In The Line of Fire where John Malkovich plays an incredible villain, again (I love Con Air where he’s absolutely menacing too). So I wanted to see if he had played a villain in other films too. Of course he has. Here is a list of films I’ve added to my watchlist and descriptions of In the Line of Fire and Con Air if you haven’t seen them already.

In the Line of Fire (1993)

Tagline: A former CIA agent who has one last mission: to kill the President.
For Fans of: The Fugitive, The Silence of the Lambs, Seven, Heat, Taken

John Malkovich earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Mitch Leary, a psychopathic former CIA assassin who becomes obsessed with killing the President. As he taunts a Secret Service agent (Clint Eastwood) still haunted by his failure to save JFK, the film becomes a tense, psychological game of cat and mouse. Malkovich’s chilling performance is a masterclass in quiet, obsessive menace, making him one of cinema’s most memorable villains.

Con Air (1997)

Tagline: Nothing can stop these guys from getting what they want.
For Fans of: The Rock, Face/Off, Die Hard, Speed, Air Force One

Malkovich stars as Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom, a highly intelligent and ruthless criminal mastermind who leads a group of the world’s most dangerous convicts in a daring hijacking of a prison transport plane. The film is a high-octane action thriller, but Malkovich’s calm, menacing villainy elevates it, making him a truly captivating and sinister force against the protagonist, played by Nicolas Cage.

Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Tagline: An epic game of seduction.
For Fans of: The Age of Innocence, Pride & Prejudice, Les Misérables, Barry Lyndon, A Room with a View

In a role that established his reputation for playing sinister characters, Malkovich portrayed Vicomte de Valmont, a manipulative and seductive nobleman. Along with his co-conspirator (Glenn Close), he engages in a cruel game of emotional seduction and revenge against his peers in 18th-century France. His performance is a complex mix of charm and cruelty, showing his complete mastery of manipulation as he pulls the strings behind the film’s tragic events.

Ripley’s Game (2002)

Tagline: He’s back, and this time he’s a murderer.
For Fans of: The Talented Mr. Ripley, The American, The Day of the Jackal, Le Samouraï, No Country for Old Men

In a role that he would later reprise in a TV series, Malkovich took on the role of Tom Ripley, an unscrupulous and murderous anti-hero from the Patricia Highsmith novels. In this film, a now-reclusive Ripley manipulates an unsuspecting Englishman into becoming a professional killer. Malkovich’s portrayal is cold, calculated, and unsettling, showing a man who is both charming and utterly without a conscience.

Jonah Hex (2010)

Tagline: Revenge is a dish best served cold.
For Fans of: Unforgiven, 3:10 to Yuma, The Hateful Eight, Wild Wild West, Mad Max: Fury Road

Malkovich plays Quentin Turnbull, a Confederate military leader who becomes a powerful criminal mastermind. He is the main antagonist who murders the family of the titular character, Jonah Hex, and disfigures him. As Hex seeks revenge, Turnbull uses his immense power to try and stop him. Malkovich’s chilling, over-the-top performance provides a memorable and villainous foil to the film’s anti-hero.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Tagline: The most iconic robots in history are back.
For Fans of: Transformers, The Avengers, Pacific Rim, Iron Man, Jurassic Park

In this installment of the blockbuster franchise, Malkovich had a villainous role as Bruce Brazos, a shady and eccentric boss who conspires with the Decepticons to find a new energy source. While his role is not as central as the main Decepticon leader, Malkovich brings his signature style and oddball energy to the part, making his character a memorable and creepy presence.

Red (2010) & Red 2 (2013)

Tagline: Retirement is a job that kills you.
For Fans of: The Expendables, The Old Guard, Spy, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mission: Impossible

Malkovich plays an explosives expert and former CIA agent who is considered a major threat to the protagonist. While more of a morally ambiguous character than a true villain, his unpredictable nature and explosive personality make him a constant source of both comedic chaos and genuine danger. His performance is a standout, blending his unique brand of eccentricity with a dangerous edge.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

Tagline: Behind every legend lies a secret.
For Fans of: The Three Musketeers, Braveheart, Gladiator, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Kingdom of Heaven

Malkovich played the manipulative and power-hungry King Louis XIV in this film based on the famous Alexandre Dumas novel. He is a tyrannical ruler who imprisons his twin brother to secure his own throne. Malkovich’s commanding and ruthless portrayal provides a perfect villain for the Musketeers to rally against as they try to save the true king.

Penguins of Madagascar (2014)

Tagline: The most powerful penguins in the world are back.
For Fans of: Madagascar, Despicable Me, The Croods, Ice Age, Minions

Malkovich lent his voice to the animated villain Dave, a jealous and vengeful octopus who believes he was abandoned by the zoo system after being overshadowed by the penguins’ cuteness. His comedic yet menacing voice performance provides a great foil for the film’s heroes. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a lighter, family-friendly villain role from the acclaimed actor.

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