4) Lex Luthor – Gene Hackman, Superman
1978’s Superman’s importance in the superhero movie genre cannot be overstated – thanks to it being a mega hit at the time, it paved the way for every subsequent comic book film. As such, its villain should also be recognized for being the first big-screen DC supervillain.
Starting a long tradition, Superman featured its biggest star – Oscar-winning Gene Hackman – as our hero’s nemesis Lex Luthor. Naturally, he was brilliant. Smug, vain and surrounding himself with dumb henchman, the character could have been a hammy joke but Hackman brings a steely glint to the part.
Though the franchise got worse with each subsequent instalment (and it’s a shame he appeared in the abysmal Superman IV: The Quest for Peace), Hackman’s Luthor still remains one of the most iconic supervillains there is.