Henry Cavill ranks the scariest psychopaths in 1990s movies

Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman in the DC Extended Universe and Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, has recently shared his thoughts on some of the most chilling psychopaths in 1990s cinema. In an interview with Empire Magazine on March 24, 2025, Cavill, a self-professed fan of the thriller and horror genres, ranked his top picks from a decade that produced some of the most iconic and terrifying villains in film history. The 1990s were a golden era for psychopaths on screen, with characters ranging from cunning manipulators to unhinged obsessives, and Cavill’s list reflects the diversity and intensity of these performances, offering insight into what makes these characters so hauntingly memorable.

Topping Cavill’s list is Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Cavill described Hopkins’ performance as “absolutely chilling,” noting how the actor’s ability to blend sophistication with raw menace left a lasting impression. Despite Lecter’s limited screen time, his presence looms large over the film, with Hopkins’ piercing gaze and calm demeanor making every interaction with Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) feel like a psychological chess match. Cavill highlighted the scene where Lecter discusses his cannibalistic tendencies with a disturbing sense of pride, calling it “the kind of performance that makes your skin crawl.” Hopkins’ Oscar-winning role set a benchmark for cinematic villains, and Cavill’s admiration underscores why Lecter remains a cultural touchstone.

Next on Cavill’s list is Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990). Cavill praised Bates for her ability to shift seamlessly between nurturing and unhinged, describing her as “the scariest kind of psychopath because she feels so real.” Bates’ portrayal of a fanatical nurse who holds her favorite author (James Caan) captive is a masterclass in volatility, with her Oscar-winning performance capturing the terror of obsession taken to extremes. Cavill specifically pointed to the infamous sledgehammer scene, where Wilkes breaks Paul Sheldon’s ankles, as a moment that still gives him chills. He noted that the film’s tension, expertly crafted by director Rob Reiner, makes Wilkes’ unpredictability all the more terrifying, cementing her as one of the decade’s most unforgettable villains.

Kevin Spacey’s John Doe in Se7en (1995) came in third on Cavill’s ranking. Cavill called Spacey’s performance “pure evil,” emphasizing how the character’s late introduction in the film only heightens his impact. As a serial killer orchestrating murders based on the seven deadly sins, John Doe’s cold, calculated nature and lack of remorse make him a deeply unsettling figure. Cavill was particularly struck by the film’s climactic scene, where Brad Pitt’s detective is pushed to his breaking point with the infamous “What’s in the box?” line. He credited director David Fincher’s gritty aesthetic and Spacey’s eerie detachment for making John Doe a psychopath who lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Robert De Niro’s Max Cady in Cape Fear (1991) also made Cavill’s list, with the actor describing De Niro’s performance as “deliciously over-the-top yet terrifying.” In Martin Scorsese’s remake, De Niro plays an ex-convict seeking revenge on his former lawyer (Nick Nolte), and his unhinged energy dominates the screen. Cavill noted De Niro’s physical transformation and Southern accent as key elements that made Cady so menacing, adding that his relentless pursuit of Nolte’s family creates a palpable sense of dread. While De Niro’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination, Cavill admitted that Cady’s cartoonish flair made him slightly less scary than the more grounded villains on his list, but no less impactful.

Rounding out Cavill’s top five is Ray Liotta as Officer Pete Davis in Unlawful Entry (1992). Cavill called Liotta’s portrayal of a corrupt cop “underrated,” highlighting how the character’s initial charm makes his descent into violence all the more shocking. Liotta’s ability to turn a seemingly trustworthy officer into a terrifying stalker preying on a married couple (Kurt Russell and Madeleine Stowe) resonated with Cavill, who noted that the film’s “yuppies-in-peril” premise feels all too plausible. He praised Liotta for stealing the show, making Pete Davis a psychopath whose betrayal of trust hits harder than more overtly monstrous villains.

Cavill’s list also included honorable mentions like Jennifer Jason Leigh’s Hedra Carlson in Single White Female (1992), Michael Madsen’s Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Rebecca De Mornay’s Mrs. Mott in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), Dennis Hopper’s Howard Payne in Speed (1994), and Mark Wahlberg’s David McCall in Fear (1996). Each character, Cavill noted, brought a unique flavor of terror to the 1990s, a decade that thrived on exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. His rankings offer a fresh perspective on these iconic roles, reminding fans why these psychopaths continue to haunt our nightmares decades later.