Everyone loves a good female villain. Sometimes, they’re what makes the show or movie, and you secretly root for them. Female villains are witty and super powerful; they always look great, and sometimes, their motives are low-key valid. Black female villains are our favorite because they always deliver.
After a while, watching the damsel and distress plot gets old and tiring. These notable Black female villains in film and TV show viewers that it’s OK to be unapologetic for being strong and powerful. These women set the bar for villainy, and we love to see it. Here’s our list of dynamic and notable Black female villains in film and TV.
1. Queen Akasha – “Queen of the Damned”
Not only was she sexy and fierce, but Queen Akasha, played by the late Aaliyah, was also a force. She was the mother of all vampires, putting those under her spell or killing those who got in her way. Queen Akaksha was very regal, and the character commanded attention in every scene. The character has become a cult favorite, with many people emulating her infamous costume. Queen Akasha was a character that never backed down and always looked amazing. She may have been a villain, but she is one of our favorites.
2. Drolta- “Castlevania: Nocturne”
Another powerful vampire making our list of notable Black female villains in film and TV is Drolta. Known from Netflix’s popular anime “Castlevania: Nocturne,” Drolta made waves on social media when the show premiered in 2023. The character serves as the vampire queen’s second in command but proves to be more sinister and ruthless than the leader. Not much is known about her past, except that she was a priestess of the ancient Egyptian goddess of war. Drolta stepped onto the scene as a cunning and deceptive adversary and one of the show’s main antagonists. It was so refreshing to see a powerful Black female villain take charge and look good while doing it.
3. Marie Wallace- “Scandal”
“Scandal” was full of villains, mainly the protagonist Olivia Pope’s parents. During Season 3, viewers were introduced to the infamous villainess Marie Wallace, portrayed by Maya Lewis. Wallace, Pope’s estranged mother, always wreaked havoc and destruction when she came around. Fans tuned in weekly to see how Wallace planned to take down the White House. Wallace was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent on the show and knew exactly how to play her cards. She wielded her power in ways that always astounded us. Wallace became one of the most unpredictable villains on “Scandal,” making her one of the most exciting characters in TV history.
4. Jelena Howard- “Hit the Floor”
One of our favorite notable Black female villains on film and TV is Jelena Howard. The “Hit the Floor” character, portrayed by Logan Browning, was the definition of a woman you love to hate. Jelena was the epitome of a mean girl and made being bad look so good. Jelena was tough, savvy, beautiful, and always did what she needed to do to get her way. In every episode, viewers were captivated by Jelena’s ferocity and shocked at how far she went to ensure that things worked out in her favor. Jelena was definitely a character you rooted against and rooted for all at the same time. Her wheels were always turning, and despite Jelena’s evil ways, you still loved her.
5. Maria Mercedes “Fish” Mooney – “Gotham”
Last but certainly not least, we have Jada Pinkett-Smith’s character in “Gotham,” Maria Mercedes “Fish” Mooney. When discussing characters we love to hate, she definitely fits the bill. Mooney is one of Gotham City’s most powerful villains. It was hard not to be obsessed with Mooney’s kick–s femme fatale style and how she continued to dominate in a male-run world. She was always dedicated to forging her own path, choosing to stay a few steps ahead of her opponents. It was exciting to watch Mooney’s character navigate through the dark and twisted streets of Gotham City. She was a character you wanted to succeed no matter how cutthroat she was. Mooney symbolizes a strong and independent woman using all her devices to her advantage.
We love all of these women in their villainous glory. They may not have been the good guys, but they made us secretly root for them anyway. Also, no one keeps you more entertained than a great villain.
Who is your favorite notable Black female villain in film and TV? Comment and let us know!
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