Movies are filled with great and creepy villains. Wicked characters who, even if we cannot root for, we grow fond of. We might be repelled by their moral compass, but their charisma and wit make them a fascinating addition to a movie. However, there is also another archetype that lacks even the twisted allure of a great villain: the coward.
These spineless, self-serving figures crumble under pressure, their cowardice driving them to betray even their closest friends. What makes them so repulsive is that they lack the conviction of a true villain and thus choose to cling to stronger, more imposing figures. Although they do not evoke the same level of interest or fascination as other antagonists, their presence can be just as impactful. Sometimes, their actions, or lack of them, are what trigger the disastrous events that alter a film’s narrative. From sniveling traitors to vain bullies, cinema is filled with examples of dishonest cowards.
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Fredo Corleone
The Godfather
Although the character of Fredo might have initially evoked some sympathy, by the time he meets his fate, he has become one of the most despised figures in The Godfather trilogy. Fredo is portrayed as the weak link in the Corleone family, the less confident and capable brother. However, he had the opportunity to redeem himself and prove he was better than what others gave him credit for. Instead, he succumbed to his insecurity, and his hopeless attempt to combat his unfavorable image ultimately solidified his role as a coward.
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Fredo’s desperate quest for recognition leads to one of the most cowardly and emotionally devastating movie betrayals. Instead of challenging his inferiority complex and vicious jealousy, Michael’s brother chooses to put his family in danger, sealing his tragic fate. Fredo’s lack of fortitude stands out from that of many other vile fictional characters because it feels as though it could have easily been overcome.
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Commodus
Gladiator
Commodus might have been the son of a revered emperor, but he turned out to be nothing more than a weak ruler who craved power more than anything else. Joaquin Phoenix, a brilliant interpreter with a rare depth, portrayed him as an intensely intriguing and complex villain. However, the slimy nature of Maximus’ antagonist is difficult to forgive.
What makes him such a coward, however, is that instead of confronting his demons and insecurities, he allows them to consume him. Commodus viciously murders his father, causes the deaths of countless innocents, and rules as a tyrant. Instead of learning to govern with wisdom and humility like a great leader does, he opts to use fear and violence as a way to maintain his control over the people. Choosing to go down the easier but morally wrong path simply because it is more convenient is the defining characteristic of cowards.
8
Cypher
The Matrix
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There is a type of cowardice that stems not only from fear but also from selfishness, and this is the destructive flaw that defines Cypher from the movie Matrix. This form of spinelessness is arguably one of the worst. What makes Cypher’s lack of moral courage especially despicable is that it was not born from desperation or self-preservation but from simple self-indulgence. He cannot let go of a comfortable delusion.
Due to his inability to face the harsh nature of the real world, he betrays his crew, selling their lives to Agent Smith in exchange for the illusion he had once been trapped in. His selfishness and weakness doom everyone around him. Like most cowards, Cypher chose the easy way out. He sacrifices his companions because he is incapable of confronting the truth, opting for the sweet bliss of an ignorant life.
7
Donald Gennaro
Jurassic Park
Finding yourself on an island full of supposedly extinct dinosaurs must be highly distressing. After all, these prehistoric predators are not exactly suited to co-exist with humans. But Donald Gennaro from Jurassic Park takes this fear to a whole new level. Despite their nervousness, Alan Grant and Ian Malcom do not hesitate to confront these dangerous creatures to rescue John Hammond’s young nephews. In contrast, the paranoid lawyer chooses a cowardly path.
During the island tour, when the T. rex escapes its enclosure, Gennaro ends up being the only supposedly sensible adult in the car with the two children. Nevertheless, overwhelmed by fear, he deserts the vehicle, abandoning the two kids behind and hiding in the bathroom. His actions are not only incredibly cowardly-choosing to save his life with little regard for the safety of others- but also very foolish. He is later devoured by the T.rex while in the toilet.
6
AJ Gilbride
Barbarian
This choice might seem unconventional since there are more traditionally recognized cowardly figures in cinematic history. However, despite being a recently introduced character in a lesser-known horror movie, AJ Gilbride deserves to be remembered as the coward he is. The famous actor embodies a kind of weakness that is deeper and more vile than the typical physical cowardice we often observe in movies, although he also displays that trait as well.
AJ represents an emotional cowardice rooted in self-perception- he is unable to be honest with himself and admit his faults because he fears what he might discover. This leads him to constantly reject any chance he has to become a better man. For instance, he refuses to take responsibility and apologizes for sexually assaulting his co-star. Despite owing his life to Tess, he ultimately sacrifices her to save himself. When confronted, he clings to a weak justification, claiming he had no other choice. His complete lack of accountability and introspection make him one of the biggest movie cowards.
5
Beni Gabor
The Mummy
A few minutes into The Mummy, we are introduced to the pathetic, although comical, figure of Beni Gabor. After swearing to stand by treasure hunter Rick O’Connell before a battle, he immediately abandons him to save himself. Even after reaching safety, he refuses to let Rick into the refuge, too afraid of risking his own life. If that had the potential to be the beginning of a redemption arc, Beni instead fully embraces his cowardice throughout the entire movie.
Not only does he betray everyone around him for his own benefit, but he also makes an alliance with a mummy, believing it to be his best chance. When held accountable for his actions, he weeps, pleading for mercy. Despite putting himself in dangerous situations, his main concern is his survival. And he is prepared. Many will remember when, face to face with Imhotep, he is shown to possess all the necklaces for the different religions, choosing them based on convenience. This scene perfectly encapsulates his personality: he has no ideals, integrity, or loyalty; his only goal is self-preservation.
4
Alfrid Lickspittle
The Hobbit
His cowardice made him such a despicable villain that, according to Reddit, he ended up ruining what could have otherwise been a great movie. Whether the character should hold that much significance is debatable, but without a doubt, Alfrid Lickspittle is one of the most loathsome figures in The Hobbit. His leader, the greedy and power-hungry Master of Lake-town is also no lionhearted hero, but he has fewer occasions to prove it.
During and following the desolation of Smaug, which he inadvertently helped bring about, Alfrid repeatedly demonstrates his lack of bravery. He kicks a desperate villager off a boat to save himself, switches political allegiances to avoid negative repercussions, and disguises himself as a woman to avoid taking part in the battle against the Orcs. When confronted about his actions- after Bard has saved his life-he still tries to flee, proving the depth of his cowardice.
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Yon-suk
Train to Busan
There is a reason why this cowardly businessman is among the most hated movie characters of all time. No one likes a sniveling, self-serving villain, especially one who wields more power than he deserves and contributes to the death of beloved characters. And Yon-suk from Train to Busan embodies this type of antagonist. In a story about a zombie outbreak on a train, the fearful character is a classic. But Yon-suk takes this archetype to a whole new level.
The despicable businessman has absolutely no qualms about harming innocent people to ensure his safety, to the point of carrying out morally reprehensible actions just so he can leave the danger unscathed. He refuses to help the same individuals who aided him for fear of being infected and uses the rest of the passengers as a shield to protect himself, including a little girl.
2
Peter Pettigrew
Harry Potter
There never will be, in the history of literature and cinema, a worse friend than Peter Pettigrew, the vile rat of the Harry Potter saga. With her third book, J. K. Rowling not only delivered one of the most thrilling plot twists of the entire series but also created her most detestable character, rivalled perhaps only by Dolores Umbridge. The movie’s version, played by Timothy Spall, honored the slimy nature of this villain. Pettigrew’s betrayal of James and Lily is one of the most wicked acts in the entire story.
Once a close friend of the Marauders, Wormtail crumbles under the threat of Voldemort and, in exchange for his life and the recognition he has always sought, exposes the Potters’ whereabouts, sealing their fate. His cowardice, however, does not end there—rather than facing the consequences of his actions, Pettigrew fakes his death and frames his former friend, Sirius Black, letting him rot in Azkaban for a decade. Ultimately, Peter did not care about Voldemort’s campaign or ideals-he only sought protection, latching himself to those he deemed stronger.
1
Percy Wetmore
The Green Mile
Of all the vilest, cowardly villains from Stephen King’s multiverse, Percy Wetmore certainly stands out for his absolute lack of moral integrity, empathy, and courage. He is an evil man, an individual who derives pleasure from inflicting harm upon others. However, like many cruel men, his sadistic side is solely reserved for those who cannot defend themselves. True to the nature of the worst cowards in history, he takes out his anger on vulnerable beings, like animals and the inmates of Cold Mountain Penitentiary, where he works as a guard.
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Among the most reprehensible actions he carries out in the movies, he stomps on the pet mouse of Eduard Delacroix (that is fortunately later resurrected) and later jeopardizes the execution of one of the prisoners, forcing the prisoner to undergo an excruciatingly slow, horrifically painful death as revenge. However, beneath his facade, when confronted by someone more powerful and unhinged than him, like Wild Bill, he immediately cowers.
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